Reiki first was introduced as a “Way of Living” by its founder Dr. Mikao Usui. The official name of Usui Sensei’s method in Japanese was Shin-Shin Kaizen, which means “Improvement of Mind and Body”. During treating people, Dr. Usui realized that the way people think and behave towards their life has a direct connection with how long they stay healthy physically and mentally after their Reiki treatments. So Usui Sensei created Gokai, the Five Precepts or Five Principles as a simple yet practical guideline that his clients can easily follow and help them maintain the health of their mind and body once their Reiki treatment is done. The connection that Dr. Usui made 100 years ago between mind and body is truly remarkable.

Later on, Dr. Usui recommended Gokai to everyone, be it the recipient, the Reiki practitioner or anyone else. Since Gokai is simply addressing the basic requirements of how to be happy in our daily life, everyone can relate to it and benefit from it. As humans, we cannot expect to be perfect all the time, so each precept starts with “Just for today” to remind us that with no pressure and not holding a big promise that cannot be kept, and just by focusing on the moment we are in, we can be mindful of ourselves and little by little make changes that can improve our daily life; and if we slip today, we can always try it again tomorrow. In addition, because Gokai is not complicated and non-judgmental, it can easily lead us to a mindset that could positively affect our physical health and make us a happier and healthier person.

Usui Sensei advised to recite the Gokai aloud twice daily with joined hands in prayer position and focusing deeply in the heart. Affirming them aloud makes us hear it with more focus and holding our hands in the prayer position would help us say it more truthfully. Practicing them daily will eventually engrave them to our subconscious mind until they become part of who we are; an emotionally balanced person with a healthy body and a clear mind.