What are the 5 Reiki Principles | Just For Today Mantra

Reiki is an energy healing practice. It is based on the concept that we all have energy centers inside our bodies that connect us to our subtle bodies and the universal energy of all that is. It was discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui along with five founding principles.

What are the original reiki principles?

The principles of reiki are like a set of guidelines on how to live and practice Reiki compassionately. They are a set of core concepts or dogmas that were created by Mikao Usui, a theologist who promoted the teachings and benefits of Reiki. Dr. Usui designed the five reiki ideals as a way to help practitioners connect with their reiki energy to boost one’s own well-being and that of others.

5 Reiki mantra just for today

The five Reiki principles were originally Japanese. The start of the principles is the phrase; “kyo da kawe” which is translated into; “just for today”. This reminds us to live in the present moment within our everyday life and that our personal growth depends on taking each day as it comes. Below are the five Reiki principles every reiki practitioner should incorporate into their Reiki training or spiritual practices.

Just for today, I will not worry

• “Kyo dake wa, Okolu-na”.

What does this reiki principle mean?

This principle when directly translated means, do not worry. Our daily lives are filled to the brim with all sorts of things to worry about. This is not conducive to your personal growth or general physical, mental and emotional health – high stress is never a good thing. This principle reminds us to make acts of self-care so that we can forgive the past ad forget the future and live in the now.

How to use this reiki mantra

There is no right or wrong way to use these reiki principles as mantras. They are malleable to morning affirmation or any meditation throughout the day. This mantra is particularly perfect in the morning before you start your day and are faced with undesired news. You can do this during meditation or by looking into the mirror and repeating the mantra three times. Be sure to set your intention before you start.

Just for today, I will not be angry

• “Kyo dake wa, Shinpai suna”

What does this reiki principle mean?

This precept when directly translated means; “do not anger”. There is a bad stigma on the emotion, anger, when it is not a bad thing at all, only a natural human feeling. We should not be so judgmental  What really matters is how you react to that anger. This principle reminds us to not react with anger but rather to channel it into something beneficial. You might think this is bottling up your emotions but if you introspect on what could be the cause it will help you feel less anger.

How to use this reiki mantra

Whenever you approach a seemingly high-stress environment that might trigger you it is a good time to do a quick meditation on this mantra. Repeat it out loud or in your head three times and visualize a white light of serenity surrounding you.

Just for today, I will be grateful

• “Kyo dake wa, kansha shite”.

What does this reiki principle mean?

This precept means; ” I will give thanks for my many blessings”. It means to be grateful and appreciative of everything you have and everyone in your life that most of us take for granted. We all have those desires in our lives and dreams for our futures it is hard to not feel disappointed when things don’t go according to plan. This reiki principle reminds us to practice mindfulness over greed – to take a moment and appreciate what we already have.

How to use this reiki mantra

This mantra is perfect for those moments of pure disappointment where you might feel like you failed at something or upset over an outcome. Repeat the phrase three times in your head or out loud whilst focusing your attention on everything you can be grateful for.

Just for today, I will do my work honestly

• “Kyo dake wa, goo hage me”.

What does this reiki principle mean?

This principle means to be honest and authentic. This is easier said than done but extremely beneficial to your life force. We are all influenced to some degree by modern-day society and what the media says is how we should be. If you start living your own truth will add meaning to your work, if not for others for yourself. You will be more passionate about your work because it’s something that interests you.

How to use this reiki mantra

This principle is perfect for whenever you are feeling insecure about what your course of action should be. You might start looking for advice from others that doesn’t resonate with you. Focus your attention introspectively on your gut feeling, or voice, whilst repeating this mantra three times.

Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing

• “Kyo dake wa, Hito ni Shingetsu ni”.

What does this reiki principle mean?

This principle means to be compassionate and practice mindfulness. It reminds us that karma is ever-present and whatever we put out into the world we receive back 10 times. If you are unkind towards someone or something you will not receive kindness from the universe in return, in fact, the opposite.

How to use this reiki mantra

You can do this during meditation or by looking into the mirror and repeating the mantra three times. Be sure to set your intention before you start.

Understanding Reiki: Energy Healing and Spiritual Alignment

Reiki is a holistic healing practice that channels universal life force energy, known as chi, to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Chi is the vital energy that flows through all living beings, maintaining balance and health. In Reiki, practitioners use their hands to direct this healing energy to the recipient, helping to restore the natural flow of chi when it is blocked or disrupted.

By focusing on intention and specific hand positions, Reiki aims to realign the body’s energy centers, or chakras, supporting emotional balance, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. As the energy flows, the recipient may experience sensations like warmth or tingling, which reflect the body’s response to the healing process.

Reiki is not just about physical healing—it also encourages spiritual alignment and emotional healing. The practice fosters deep relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of connection to the universe’s energy. Whether used to address specific ailments or for general wellness, Reiki helps maintain a balanced energy flow, preventing future imbalances and promoting overall health.

This gentle, non-invasive practice offers a powerful way to restore harmony and support the body’s natural healing abilities.

Applying Reiki and Mantra Techniques: Practical Steps for Healing

To effectively apply Reiki and mantra techniques in your practice, incorporating a few simple but powerful methods can deepen the experience and enhance the healing process. Here’s how to integrate these principles into your daily routine:

1. Deep Breathing: Begin by taking slow, deep breaths to calm your mind and body. Focus on the inhale and exhale, imagining you are drawing in healing energy with each breath and releasing tension with every exhale. This sets a foundation of relaxation, making it easier for energy to flow.

2. Visualization: Visualize a bright light or energy flowing through your body as you practice Reiki. Imagine this light moving through your chakras, clearing blockages and restoring balance. You can also visualize the energy flowing from your hands to the recipient, seeing it as a healing light that brings comfort and wellness.

3. Hand Positions: During a Reiki session, gently place your hands on the recipient’s body or above their energy centers. Start at the head and move down toward the feet, pausing at each chakra to allow the energy to flow. Focus on your intention to heal and restore balance at each area.

4. Mantra Repetition: Use specific mantras to amplify the energy flow. For example, chant “Om” or “So Hum” to align your mind with universal energy. Repeating a mantra can deepen focus and help integrate healing energy into the body and spirit.

By combining these techniques, you can create a powerful healing practice that aligns the body, mind, and spirit with the energy flow of Reiki and mantras.

The Spiritual and Emotional Impact of Reiki

Reiki has a powerful emotional and spiritual impact, helping people release negative emotions like anger and fear, and replace them with feelings of peace, love, and gratitude. This shift fosters inner balance and healing, allowing individuals to move past emotional blockages and embrace more positive states of mind.

Spiritually, Reiki helps people connect with universal energy, aligning them with a higher purpose. As practitioners restore balance within themselves, they often gain a clearer sense of direction and purpose in their spiritual journey. Reiki encourages mindfulness, presence, and emotional resilience, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.

Ultimately, Reiki supports emotional healing and strengthens spiritual growth, promoting peace, clarity, and a deeper connection to both oneself and the world.

Practical Examples for Consistent Reiki Practice

To implement Reiki more consistently in daily life, try incorporating these simple rituals:

1. Morning Energy Alignment: Upon waking, take a few minutes to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and visualize healing energy flowing through your body, clearing any blockages and balancing your chakras.

2. Self-Reiki: Place your hands on different areas of your body, such as your head, heart, or abdomen, and channel energy for a few minutes, focusing on relaxation and healing.

3. Gratitude Mantra: Repeat a simple mantra, such as “I am healed, I am whole,” while focusing on feelings of gratitude, to set a positive intention for your day.

4. Evening Reflection: Before bed, spend a few minutes in quiet meditation, reflecting on your day and offering healing energy to any areas of stress or tension.

These small, daily rituals help keep Reiki practices integrated into your routine, supporting ongoing healing and spiritual growth.

Key takeaways on the 5 Reiki principles

What is reiki and how is it used to benefit us? Each of these Japanese reiki principles, created by dr. Mikao Usui can be used at a beginner’s reiki level and are perfect to incorporate into your reiki practices. Even though they are useful individually, according to your daily situations, they are most powerful when used altogether. Start your day of by repeating each principle one after the other, three times. This can be done before, during, and after meditation. 

There is more information to be found – specifically about reiki symbols and their power, in other areas of our blog!