The Five Reiki Principles (Gokai)
Usui’s tradition includes what are often called the “Gokai,” or five Reiki principles (sometimes framed as “precepts” or “pledges”). They’re traditionally recited each morning and evening by students, but they’re also meant as simple reminders for daily living. Below is each principle, a literal translation, and a “decoding” for everyday life.
Just for today, do not anger.
Literal root: (今日だけは 怒るな, Kyo dake wa, ikaruna).
What it means: Instead of letting lingering resentment, irritation, or rage build up, focus on noticing when anger arises and letting it go.
Layperson decoding:
Notice the little sparks of annoyance (traffic jams, snippy emails, personal slights).
When you catch yourself getting heated, take a breath. This doesn’t mean suppressing natural feelings, but rather choosing not to stew in reactive anger all day.
A practical habit: When something small sets you off, pause for a second—identify the thought (“I’m furious because…”), then let it rest rather than letting it dictate the rest of your day.
2. Just for today, do not worry.
Literal root: (今日だけは 心配すな, Kyo dake wa, shinpai suna).
What it means: Worrying about tomorrow’s “what-ifs” or yesterday’s “what-ifs” is unnecessary mental clutter. Stay present.
Layperson decoding:
We all ruminate—“What if that meeting goes badly? What if I run into that health issue again?”
Instead of rehearsing worst-case scenarios, ask yourself: “What can I do right now?” If you can’t do anything about it right now, give it a parking spot in your mind.
A practical habit: If worries creep in, try a simple mantra—“I am OK in this moment”—and pivot attention to a single concrete task (e.g., breathing for 30 seconds, drinking water, checking off a to-do).
3. Just for today, be grateful.
Literal root: (今日だけは 感謝して, Kyo dake wa, kansha shite).
What it means: Cultivating gratitude shifts your mindset from scarcity (“I don’t have enough”) to abundance (“I notice what I do have”).
Layperson decoding:
Every morning or evening, pause and name at least one thing you appreciate—big or small (a hot coffee, a supportive friend, a roof overhead).
Even on a tough day, there’s usually something to be grateful for: a breath, a bird’s song, the fact that your phone still works, or a random act of kindness you witnessed.
A practical habit: Keep a tiny “gratitude jar” or note on your phone. Write down one sentence each day—“Today I am grateful for…”
4. Just for today, work with diligence.
Literal root: (今日だけは 一所懸命働け, Kyo dake wa, isshokenmei hatarake).
What it means: Bring your full attention and best effort to whatever you’re doing—whether that’s an email, washing dishes, or a crucial presentation.
Layperson decoding:
Multitasking tends to scatter your focus. “Diligence” here means giving 100 percent of your attention to the task in front of you, however small or large.
It’s less about grinding yourself to exhaustion and more about mindful engagement: being fully “present” and honest in your work.
A practical habit: Set a timer for 20 minutes and work on one thing without interruption (no phone, no email). Notice what changes when you zero in on one task.
5. Just for today, be kind to every living thing.
Literal root: (今日だけは 人や生き物に親切に, Kyo dake wa hitoya ikimono ni shinsetsu ni).
What it means: Extend compassion, empathy, and kindness not only to people but to animals and even plants (e.g., caring for the environment).
Layperson decoding:
The “every living thing” clause is famously broad: notice not just fellow humans, but stray animals, insects, plants, ecosystems.
Small acts add up: hold the door for someone, let someone merge in traffic, avoid plastic when possible, or simply speak gently to the barista.
A practical habit: Each morning, ask: “Who or what can I show kindness to today?” It might be a phone call to an elderly relative, picking up trash on a walk, or simply smiling at a neighbor.
Why These Principles Matter (Even If You’re Skeptical)
Foundational Mindset Shifts
You don’t have to believe in “energy lines” to find value here. Each principle is effectively a concrete prompt for healthier thinking or behavior: “Let go of anger,” “Invite gratitude,” “Stop excessive worry,” “Work with presence,” “Practice kindness.” Those five reminders parallel countless modern self-help mantras — so whether you view Reiki as “energy healing” or simply as a set of daily mental cues, the principles can be helpful.
Repetition Builds Habit
In traditional Reiki schools, students recite the principles morning and evening. Over time, repeating “Just for today, be grateful” can actually rewire your default outlook. If you’re checking your phone constantly, a five-second pause to mentally recite “Just for today, do not worry” can interrupt a downward spiral.
Bringing Mindfulness to the Forefront
Modern neuroscience calls it “mindfulness” or “present-moment awareness.” Reiki’s five principles are basically a short “mindfulness practice” you can carry anywhere — no mat, no fancy app required.
Community and Connection
Many people find the sense of belonging to a Reiki community uplifting. Even if you never do hands-on sessions, aligning with a small group of people who live by these principles can reinforce positive habits.
