Confession -- Reiki Precepts

[ [ C O N F E S S I O N ] ]

 

(written May 2, 2017)

Until yesterday, I didn't feel much of a connection with the Reiki precepts.

That's kind of a big deal because I'm a Reiki practitioner!! And I love Reiki!!

A lot of Reiki teachers and practitioners emphasize the importance of verbally affirming the Reiki precepts daily (in English or in Japanese), and I often felt like an odd duck for not having a deep connection with the precepts. 😬 🦆 I just felt a much stronger connection with actually working with Reiki energy.

Here's one common way of phrasing the precepts in English: "Just for today: do not get angry, do not worry, be grateful, work hard, be kind to others."

While I appreciated the general ideas presented by the precepts, some of the phrasing felt limiting to me. For example: Shouldn't I acknowledge anger as it arises, rather than not feeling it? What if anger acts as an indicator that I must be an ACTIVE PARTICIPANT in the world? (I'm not saying that a person should necessarily have angry actions, but that anger can be an indicator of a deep drive to help the world become a better place.) And besides, shouldn't I be affirmed what I want to work toward, rather than saying, "Don't do this"?

After hearing Frans Stiene from International House of Reiki speak at the 5th annual Celebration of Reiki Conference yesterday, I have much greater appreciation for, connection with, and understanding of the Reiki precepts.

I now truly and deeply feel that the Reiki precepts encourage self-awareness, compassion, and staying in the present moment.

I now see the Reiki precepts as encouraging and empowering. They provide a basis from which a person can make healthy and informed decisions in life. They are loving and ask you to be your best self.

As Frans said, I now believe the precepts encourage us by what the words imply:

✨ Step into the fullness of your being! Shine the light that inherently resides within you! ✨

🦉 💚 Bonus: Frans suggested chanting the precepts in Japanese, rather than just saying the words. Wow, it makes a difference to chant them in Japanese!

KYO DAKEWA

IKARU NA

SHINPAI SUNA

KANSHA SHITE

GYO O HAGAME

HITO NI SHINSETSU NI.

💚🦉💚

Had you ever heard of the Reiki precepts? If you're a Reiki practitioner, did you always feel connected with the precepts?

If you are not a Reiki practitioner, what is your initial impression of the precepts? 

Other questions and thoughts? Comment below :)