Practical Reiki ... Rooted in the Earth
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Reiki Precepts
kanji for reiki precepts

 

Just for today do not anger
Honor your parents, teachers and elders
Earn your living honestly
Show gratitude to every living thing.


These precepts are the foundation of all types of Reiki. Credited to Dr. Usui, they form a wonderful base for living with this art. We're lucky (and somewhat cursed) in the West to have many different 'flavors' to study, but regardless of which one you choose, these principles are at the core of each of them. The universal nature of the thoughts help Reiki concepts span the gap between Eastern and Western spirituality.

There are many translations around the world, I encourage anyone curious to research the precepts for themselves. Google is a good place to start. To the best of my knowledge, the image above is a copy of a document written and, signed by Usui. There are more details at this site. (This is where I got the precepts kanji image above, for credit.)

What Reiki Is
Reiki is a system of healing using the Universal Life Force to re-establish the natural balance of your body’s energy system. Using the natural manner of laying on hands in traditional hand postures, Reiki helps to transfer energy through the body to bring the body back to a balanced state where it can best take care of itself. The energy goes where it needs to, and is not directed by the practitioner. In this way it is the receiver of Reiki who is in control of their healing.

Reiki is a path toward personal spiritual development. As you proceed through the levels (1, 2, 3, toward teaching,) you will move deeper toward your own core truths. This happens automatically, because the Reiki attunements gradually, gently open your system and clear it of anything that blocks your being a channel for the Universal Energy.

Reiki is a way to come to help yourself, your family and friends and eventually perhaps serve humanity.

Other thoughts... During a Reiki session people often mention feeling heat, or sensations of movement in their body, emotions coming to the surface, or simply a feeling of relaxation. Quite often people fall asleep! To me, the goal of sharing Reiki is to create a state of optimum health for the body, mind and spirit, and to help maintain it on a daily basis.

Whenever Reiki is mentioned, the topic of symbols comes up. What are they and when are they used? Symbols are used by higher-level Reiki practitioners to introduce types or flavours of energy into the body. Symbols are also used in the attunement process, again to bring in a particular type of energy. In the past, these symbols were kept a highly guarded secret. Now they are published by some, protected by others. When learning Reiki, the symbols are taught beginning at level 2.

What Reiki Isn't

Reiki is not a skill that belongs to a few. Everyone is able to practice Reiki, if they choose to remember...

Reiki is not a quick fix, or a replacement for medical therapy for those who really need it. It is part of a process, beginning with relaxation and a desire to discover more about the self, that often leads to becoming of service to friends, loved ones and your community through Reiki practice.

Reiki is not learned in a weekend. I facilitate weekend Reiki classes, but I follow up with support for my students, via monthly gatherings to practice and share experiences. 'Dirt time' is essential to really integrate Reiki into your life, and to discover what it means to you.

Reiki Classes
Level 1, 2 and 3 classes available in Poughkeepsie and the surrounding area.

Specialized classes available for Families and Martial Artists.

Hudson Valley Reiki Community
Meet practitioners in your area at gatherings and Reiki Circles.