The Five Reiki Precepts & How to Live Them Daily
- Brenda Dulin
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
At the heart of every authentic Reiki practice lie the Five Reiki Precepts, or Gokai, as taught by Reiki’s founder, Mikao Usui. More than just guiding principles, these precepts are a gentle yet powerful invitation to live with awareness, compassion, and grace. They form the spiritual foundation of Reiki—not just something we recite, but something we embody.
The Five Reiki Precepts
Just for today:
Do not anger.
Do not worry.
Be grateful.
Work diligently.
Be kind to others.
Let’s explore each one and how you can begin to integrate them into your daily life:
1. Just for today, do not anger.
Anger is a natural emotion, but when held onto, it becomes toxic—impacting our energy field, relationships, and health. This precept doesn’t ask us to deny anger, but to pause, breathe, and choose how we respond.
Daily practice tip: When anger rises, place your hands over your heart and take five deep breaths. Repeat silently: Just for today, I release my anger.
2. Just for today, do not worry.
Worry pulls us into the future, often into imagined fears or outcomes we cannot control. Reiki teaches presence. By surrendering worry, we return to trust—trust in life, in timing, in the flow of energy.
Daily practice tip: Start your morning with this affirmation: I am grounded in the present moment. All is well, and I trust the unfolding of my life.
3. Just for today, be grateful.
Gratitude is the antidote to lack. When we focus on what is working, even in the smallest ways, we shift our vibration to one of abundance and joy. This precept reminds us to celebrate life as it is, not just when it’s perfect.
Daily practice tip: Keep a gratitude journal. Each evening, write down 3 things you're grateful for, no matter how small.
4. Just for today, work diligently.
Also translated as be honest in your work or live with integrity, this precept encourages commitment—to our healing, our responsibilities, and our spiritual path. It’s about showing up fully, even when things are hard.
Daily practice tip: Ask yourself each morning, Where can I show up with integrity today? Then set one clear, kind intention.
5. Just for today, be kind to others.
Kindness is Reiki in action. It's the energetic thread that connects us all. By offering compassion to others, we ripple healing into the collective field.
Daily practice tip: Practice a simple act of kindness each day. Smile at a stranger, send a loving text, or offer a compliment.
Living the Precepts: A Spiritual Reset Each Day
Usui recommended repeating these precepts aloud morning and evening, hands in Gassho (prayer position), while breathing slowly and deeply. Over time, they become more than words—they become your way of being.
You don’t need to be a Reiki practitioner to live the precepts. You just need the willingness to begin again—just for today.
Ready to Embody the Reiki Precepts in Your Life?
If you feel called to deepen your connection to these beautiful teachings and begin your journey into energy healing, I invite you to join my First Degree Reiki class. This foundational training offers a powerful introduction to Reiki, self-healing techniques, and the spiritual principles that support everyday balance and well-being.
Private, One-on-One Training. Begin your healing journey today.
If you decide this is your time, I look forward to walking this path with you.
