The Reiki Precepts
February 2008 | Filed under Level I Reiki
As previously mentioned, the Reiki precepts are the heart of all Usui Reiki teachings. How these precepts came to be, and what they have to do with healing requires us to step outside of the boundaries of what is being taught as “Traditional Reiki” in the West and explore the Universal Laws that govern all creation.
One can only speculate as to why this topic is not taught in [Western] Traditional Reiki teachings as there is no doubt that Usui would have had a complete understanding of Universal Laws, and sub-laws. He was well versed in Buddhist philosophy and the Second Noble Truth - the direct causes of suffering are desire or craving, and ignorance. So long as people remain ignorant of things about the world in which they live, they suffer from all kinds of misunderstandings and delusions. (See: Appendix C in the Level I Manual)
By learning to work with the Natural Laws and Principles of the Universe you will be able to work with the Reiki energy to a much fuller extent. When one works within Universal Law they often find that their lives are more fulfilling, more abundant, more prosperous, and more balanced. Lao Tzu makes the same point several times in the Tao Te Ching when he recommends wu-wei, which means “non-doing” - doing by not doing. This is a central concept in The Tao – go with the flow. Wu-wei also implies action that is spontaneous, natural, and effortless.
What are Natural Laws?
These are principles that operate in the outer universe, discoverable by scientists. There are also subtler laws (or conditions) that govern the hidden spiritual planes and the inner realm of consciousness. The true nature of matter is contained within these laws. Usui taught the importance of meditation and “mindfulness.” Knowledge of these laws (staying in full mindfulness of the application of these laws as related to self and to others) has a profound effect on healing mind, body and soul.
Our ancient ancestors sensed and observed these laws at work in their lives just as we do today. Many of our ancestors have tried to clearly define these unseen laws (and sub-laws) or forces at work through holy texts and scriptures. Among these great teachers were Buddha, Jesus, Moses, Gandhi, Baha’u’lah, and even Usui Sensei. There were also great philosophers and inventors such as Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, and Einstein.
All of these individuals have something in common: they all either taught, or were searching for, a definition of the Laws that govern all of life, and all were very “human,” just as we are. Their bodies died just as ours will also die. None of these people ever claimed to possess any power beyond that of any other human, and all taught that we too can do as they did… we can all be “Christ-like” in our healing work.
These laws and principles, just like the Reiki energy itself, operate whether you are aware of them or not…whether you use/follow them or not. They exist and are in motion for everyone, regardless of whether or not you believe in them. Therefore, you should become aware of these Universal Laws, so that you can better take control of certain situations in your life.
The Level I Manual goes into greater detail on the Precepts and Universal Laws