The

Original
Reiki Principles?

[ Part 1 ]

by

James Deacon

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 THE ORIGINAL REIKI PRINCIPLES ?
[Copyright © 2010 James Deacon]

The gokai (五戒) - the Five Reiki Principles/Precepts1 - are, as we all know, at the
very core of the Usui Reiki system.

There are many English renditions of the gokai, e.g.:

Even if only for today:

I will let go of anger
I will not become anxious
I will be grateful and give thanks for my blessings
I will give due consideration to my work
And be kind to every living thing

Some renditions – like the one above are an attempt to convey the sentiment behind
the words – the “essential spirit” of the gokai.

While others – such as the one below - are simply attempts at literal translation of the
Japanese words themselves:

Just for today Kyō dake wa

(1) Don't get angry Ikaru2 na
(2) Don't worry In Japanese: Shimpai su na
(3) Be grateful Kansha shi-te
(4) Work hard Gyō wo hageme
(5) Be kind to people Hito ni shinsetsu ni

Yet however they are phrased, we can still recognise the statements as the Five
Principles.

And while possibly the majority of Reiki Practitioners can not actually read the Five
Principles as written in Japanese characters, most have at least seen various
depictions of them.
For example:

fig.1

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[ The Japanese words above are written using a combination of kanji (Chinese-
derived characters, representing ideas) and hiragana (phonetic characters,
representing sounds). ]

Traditionally, Japanese is written in vertical columns, from right to left, so the

Japanese text above might also appear in this format:

fig.2

Probably the most common depictions of the Principles in Japanese tend to use
layouts similar to the one shown here:

fig.3

The highlighted wording in the two columns to the right of the Principles themselves
is commonly translated along the lines of:
"The secret method of inviting blessings, the spiritual medicine of many illnesses”

and the wording to the left:

“Mornings and evenings sit in the gassho position and repeat these words out loud

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and in your heart. For the improvement of mind and body. Usui Spiritual 3 Healing
Method. The founder, Mikao Usui.”

This format (with the principles and the accompanying text) is said to be close to the
original format of the gokai as composed by Usui-sensei.

* * * * * * *

The first (verified) appearance of the following hand-written version of the Principles
was in a Reiki article in a Japanese magazine: "The Twilight Zone", and various
people have suggested that this might possibly be the original, written by Usui-sensei
himself.

The article was first published in 1986.

fig.4

* * * * * * *

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A somewhat similar version of the gokai appeared in the Japanese-language Reiki
book: Iyashi no Te (Healing Hands) by Toshitaka Mochizuki, in 1995.

For this version, Mochizuki apparently did the hand-written calligraphy himself - as a
'reconstruction' or 'artists impression' of the original.
Though it appears that when westerners first discovered the book there may have
been some confusion. It seems several people were under the impression that this
depiction of the gokai in Mochizuki's book was a facsimile copy of the original; that it
was in fact Usui-sensei's own handwriting.4
[However, not long after this misunderstanding had been cleared up, other, western,
sources claimed (some might say, all too conveniently) to have been granted the
opportunity to view the original gokai - not just a copy, but the actual original
document - in Usui-sensei's own handwriting...]

* * * * * * *

Around about the same time, another, typeset version made its way into the public
arena. This version, below, comes from the Reiki Ryoho Hikkei (Reiki Treatment
Companion).
We are told that the 'Hikkei' was originally compiled (from previously separate
sources) in the 1970's by Kimiko Koyama, sixth kaicho (president / chairman) of the
Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai.5

fig.5

In this version, the words: “For the improvement of mind and body. Usui Spiritual
Healing Method.” (which appear in the third column from the left in fig.3) have been
placed at the beginning (right hand side) of the text6 ; and the words “The founder,
Mikao Usui.” (first two columns in fig.3) do not appear at all.

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Yet, while between fig.3 and fig.5, there may be differences in the format used, and
in the ordering of the surrounding text; in both of these versions, the actual wording
of the central principles themselves (i.e. the specific kanji and hiragana characters
used) is the same, and is believed to be exactly as originally composed by Usui-
sensei.

* * * * * * *

There has been some discussion as to whether the first line (Just for today) is really
something separate, or whether it actually forms part of the first Principle, i.e:
“Just for today, don't worry”:

fig.6

Yet, whether it is part of the first Principle or not, we still have the gokai:
Five Principles.

However, one Reiki practitioner (Dave King) claims he was taught that the number is
not five, but three.
And that they should be referred to as gainen (概念) i.e. 'concepts', not gokai.

It is claimed that we should read “Just for today, don't get angry, don't worry” as a
single statement.

Likewise, that the principles commonly translated as “Be grateful” and “Work hard”
should be read together as something along the lines of: “Do your work with
appreciation”; while ”Be kind to people” remains unchanged:

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 fig.7

Most people would probably agree that merging the first two principles in the way
suggested here does not really impact on the essential message of the gokai.
However, I am sure I am not alone in believing that the merging of the “Be grateful”
and “Work hard” principles into "Do your work with appreciation" or some similar
phrasing, does result in quite a significant change to essential message of the gokai.
[A topic to pursue further at another time, I think.]

Unfortunately, due to the almost total lack of verifiable documentary evidence

pertaining to the origins and early years of Reiki, claims such as these concerning
the original naming (gokai or gainen) and number of the ”statements” ( 5 or 3)7 are
always problematic.
However, we do have concrete proof that in 1927, the term gokai (五戒 ) was was
well-known to Usui-sensei's students, and that the gokai were indeed considered to
be five in number.

Well, I say 'concrete' proof - I should perhaps rephrase that to: 'stone' proof.

The Usui Memorial, erected in February 1927 at the site of the Usui family tomb in
the graveyard at the Saihoji Temple, Tokyo, uses the term gokai and clearly identifies
five of them.

So far in this article, all the depictions of the gokai we have looked at have been
written using a combination of kanji (Chinese-derived characters, representing ideas)
and hiragana (phonetic characters, representing sounds).

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This is how the gokai are commonly written. This is how you will see them depicted in
books, magazines, on the internet, etc., etc. -

However, just to complicate matters slightly, as well as hiragana the Japanese

language also makes use of a second system of phonetic characters known as
katakana.

While there are certain rules concerning when and where to use hiragana rather than
katakana (and vice versa), at a basic level, the only real difference between the two
phonetic systems is the shape of the characters used.
Each system has different-characters representing the same sounds.
You need to know this simply because, the image below (fig.8) shows the Five
Principles as depicted on the Memorial Monument.
They are written using kanji and katakana.
[on the actual monument stone itself , the gokai are written in one continuous line
spread over two long columns, however, in this image they have been split into five
short columns, purely due to considerations of space]

fig.8
The highlighted words at the top of each column:

fig.9

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do not actually constitute a part of the gokai, they are simply a way of separating and
introducing each principle.

Reading from the right, the words at the top of the first column may be translated as
“Firstly we say”. The words at the top of the second column - “Secondly we say”. The
words at the top of the third column - “Thirdly we say” - and so on.

So clearly, the authors of the inscription understood the gokai – as this name implies
– to be five in number.

Now, let us return for a moment to one of the formats of the gokai we have already
looked at:

fig.6

and let us compare it to the gokai as depicted on the memorial stone.

However, as already stated, all the depictions of the gokai we have looked at have
been written using a combination of kanji and hiragana8 .

The gokai as depicted on the memorial stone has been written using a combination
of kanji and katakana. therefore, to make the comparison a little easier, here is an
alternative version of fig.6.
In this version, the hiragana have been replaced with their katakana counterparts:

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 fig.6a

So, the gokai in fig.6a are written with kanji and katakana, and the gokai in fig.10 are
written with kanji and katakana. So they should be the same, right?

fig.10

Well, even allowing for the less-than-perfect quality of fig.10, you do not need to be
able to read and understand Japanese to see that there are clearly differences
between the two.

Here is the Memorial-stone version of the gokai in a clearer format:

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 fig.11

So, instead of the more commonly known wording of the gokai:

Kyō dake wa ikaru2 na

Shimpai su na
Kansha shi te
Gyō wo hage me
Hito ni shinsetsu ni

In the1927 version from the Memorial we seem to have:

Kyō ikaru nakare
Yū9 furu nakare
Kansha seyo
Gyō wo hage me10
Hito ni shinsetsu nareto

The Memorial tells us that the inscription was composed by Masayuki Okada
(a Doctor of Literature) and that the actual calligraphy [from which the unnamed
stonemason/engraver worked?] was by Juzaburo Ushida (who was President
/Chairman of the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai at the time )

Now it seems there has been some speculation as to whether or not Masayuki
Okada was actually a member of the Gakkai (or even involved with Reiki at all) - it
has been suggested that he was simply a scholar with a flair for memorial work, who
been commissioned to compose the inscription.

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So, could Okada have possibly made a major error in his composition? Could he
somehow have mis-worded the gokai?

This seems most unlikely, as Ushida was responsible for the actual calligraphy (and,
as Gakkai President, would have had the final say on important details such as the
correct wording of the gokai).

In fact, for both of these men, it would have been a matter of honour to get the details
right.

Therefore it is perhaps somewhat significant that the wording of what is arguably the
core element of Usui-sensei's teachings, as presented in this inscription from 1927,
actually differs from the version we have far more latterly become accustomed to: the
version we have commonly come to believe to be Usui-sensei's own words – albeit a
version which the Reiki Community in general only really became aware some time
after its appearance in a magazine article in the mid 1980's?

Interestingly, the memorial inscription mentions how Usui-sensei had created a

method for the "improvement of mind and body". How he had named his teachings:
"Shôfuku no hihô, Manbyo no rei yaku" - "The secret method of inviting blessings, the
spiritual medicine of many illnesses".

It also talks about sitting with hands in the gassho position and chanting the gokai
"mornings and evenings".

Yet, when it comes to the precise words to chant...

Now admittedly, while there are indeed differences when it comes to the Japanese
characters (and therefore, the words) used, in terms of the essential meaning, there
is no significant difference between the version of the gokai as depicted on the
memorial stone, and the more commonly-depicted version.

However:
It is believed by many Reiki practitioners that Usui-sensei worded the gokai in a very
specific way, in keeping with the principles of the spiritual discipline of kotadama11 (a
spiritual science of the power inherent in words ) and that the specific wording of the
gokai (both as written, and spoken) actually holds a particular "spiritual resonance".
Alter some of the words (whether the vocalised sounds, or the specific characters
used to write the words), and the specific "spiritual resonance" of the whole is also
altered...

Many of us are acutely aware that so much about Reiki - so many elements and
aspects of the teachings, and practice - have changed over the years . We only have
to look at the different styles of Reiki to see how it has evolved, been reworked,
taking on many new and diverse forms and expressions.

So perhaps we must ask the question:

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The version written on paper, or the version written in stone - which (if either) is
actually the 'true' version of the gokai: the verbatim wording as penned by Usui-
sensei himself ?

[And by extension - if we adhere to the kotodama-related belief mentioned above –

which therefore holds the true 'spiritual resonance' as intended by Usui-sensei?.]

Dare we consider the possibility that the more familiar version of the gokai is not
actually the 'true' one, but rather, a product of the same spirit of change and evolution
that has affected so many areas of Reiki?12

We know with certainty that the version of the gokai written in stone on the memorial
was in existence a year after Usui-sensei's passing - we cannot say the same for the
other version which, as mentioned really only came to public awareness in the mid
1980's.

Though let's be clear, I'm not attempting to suggest that the more familiar version of
the gokai is some sort of modern-day 'reconstruction' – as, for example, some have
made attempts at creating "authentic reconstructions" of the “original teachings” of
Mikao Usui.

Although it is something that has generally been taken for granted, due to the lack of
documentary evidence concerning the early days of Reiki, we have no clear
supporting evidence that the wording of the gokai - as written on paper (and
circulated in books, magazines,and on the internet), rather than the wording of the
gokai – as written in stone, is actually the 'true' version.

Yes we have had claims by some Reiki practitioners that they have been granted
access to the “genuine original principles in Usui-sensei's own handwriting”, hidden
away in some secret shrine; and we have also had second-hand tales concerning
people supposedly witnessing Usui-sensei actually write the principles down for the
very first time...

And while some might cite as evidence the picture shown below – in which an image
of the more familiar version has been superimposed on a photo (which may or may
not actually be) of Usui-sensei, we really have no way of knowing precisely when the
gokai image and the original photo were first combined13.

Of course there is the possibility that they were combined during Usui-sensei's
lifetime; on the other hand, they could have been combined many years later, we just
cannot say for sure.

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 fig.12

Now changing track somewhat form this "either or" approach:

Can we perhaps consider the possibility that both versions were actually worded by
Usui-sensei?

And that it be that the familiar wording was perhaps the original version after all?

"Original", that is, in the sense of being a first draft - for what would eventually
become the final version, "written in stone for all time", on the memorial?

Are we to automatically assume that Usui-sensei simply sat down one day and, at
the very first attempt, composed the Five Principles - the essential distillation of his
teachings - in their 'never-to-be-refined-or improved-on' final form?

Perhaps he did. Though, it as has been suggested by various sources that Usui-
sensei's teachings did not remain 'static', but rather - as a living, breathing, vital
expression of his own understanding of the phenomenon that is Reiki - evolved
through several developmental 'stages'. If this is correct, then we must consider the
possibility that as part of this development, the gokai themselves may have
undergone some degree of transformation, (no matter how subtle) to reflect this
evolution.

Also, it has been pointed out by several people that, in developing the gokai - his
Five Principles - Usui-sensei may have been quite strongly inspired and influenced
by the thoughts and writings of a man named Bizan Suzuki.

In 1914, Dr. Suzuki had published a book: kenzen no genri [健全の原理] i.e.
"Principles of Health".

On the opening page of that book there appeared a short passage (or poem, if you
prefer) entitled:

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 "The Path to Health" [健全の道]

fig.13

Bizan Suzuki's words read:

Kyō dake wa ikara-zu,
Osore-zu,
Shōjiki ni,
Shokumu wo hage mi,
Hito ni shinsetsu

An English translation might be:

Today only do not anger14

Do not be afraid
Be honest15
Be diligent in your (professional) duties
Be kind to people

Now, going back to the belief (as mentioned above,) that Usui-sensei applied
kotodama principles to his wording of the gokai.

Can we perhaps - by also applying some of the principles of the 'science of

kotodama' [kotodama gaku] - arrive at an understanding why, having been at least
partly inspired by Dr Suzuki's:

Kyō dake wa ikara-zu,

Osore-zu,
Shōjiki ni,
Shokumu wo hage mi,
Hito ni shinsetsu

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to compose this first version of the gokai:

Kyō dake wa ikaru na

Shimpai su na
Kansha shi te
Gyō wo hage me
Hito ni shinsetsu ni

Usui-sensei might have decided to modify and evolve the initial wording (perhaps
through several drafts?), finally arriving at the version written in stone on the
memorial monument:

Kyō ikaru nakare

Yū furu nakare
Kansha seyo
Gyō wo hage me
Hito ni shinsetsu nareto

* * * * * * *

Part 2
of this article
will be published on James Deacon's REIKI PAGES in due course.

In the mean time, you might like to read the article:

“Mantra, Jumon and Kotodama”

[ http://www.aetw.org/reiki_mantra_jumon_kotodama.html ]

which looks at various elements of the “science of kotodama”

________
NOTES:

1. Although we speak of the Reiki 'principles', or 'precepts', or even sometimes 'ideals', the Japanese
character 戒 (kai) commonly refers to an admonition, commandment, or remonstrance.

2. Some people say 'okoru' - some people say 'ikaru '. Both are technically correct as the Japanese character: 怒
can be read as either 'ika' or 'oko'.However, it been suggested that 'ikaru' may have been the more usual
pronunciation during Usui-sensei's lifetime.
3. While at a very basic level, the Japanese word 'Reiki' can be understood to refer to 'energy', it can
also mean: 'aura', 'spiritual essence', 'spiritual influence', 'spiritual feeling', and, as an adjective, can
simply translate as: 'Spiritual'

4. There is perhaps a certain irony to this.

While the word gokai (五戒 ) refers to the Five Reiki Precepts (and also to the Five Buddhist Precepts),
there is another Japanese word pronounced: gokai ( 誤解 ) which means: misunderstanding !

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5. Some have claimed that the Usui Reiki Ryoho Hikkei is a facsimile of an original given by Usui-
sensei to his students. This, we can be certain, is not the case. Why? Because the Usui Reiki Ryoho
Hikkei is written using the modern simplified form of Japanese, which came into about 20 years after
Usui-sensei's passing.
(After WWII, there was a reform of the Japanese writing system and many of the kanji characters were
simplified).
6. And two additional kanji (教義) meaning: [moral] 'Doctrine' have been added below them
7. Or, for that matter, just what Usui-sensei's handwriting actually looked like!
8. And though the layouts may differ slightly, in each case the wording of the actual principles
themselves is precisely the same.

9. Or perhaps: Ure furu nakare

10. In this particular instance, the kanji character: 励 used in the memorial version of the gokai has the
same pronunciation [hage] as the two hiragana characters: は [ha] げ [ge] used in the more common
version.

11. Many Reiki practitioners incorrectly use the term 'kotodama' to indicate either the jumon (mantras)
associated with the Reiki Symbols, or alternatively, to indicate certain simplified forms of these jumon.
However, the term 'kotodama' does not refer to specific words or vocalised sounds, but rather, to the
'spiritual effect' resulting from particular application of words - in both their verbalised and written forms.

12. And yes, it is equally possible that it could be the memorial stone version that is the product (albeit a
very early one) of the spirit of change and evolution.

13. The practice of combining images in this way has of course been popular since the early days of
photography - long before the invention of Digital Editing Software!

14. some say: "do not anger others''

15. or: 'have integrity'

* * * * * * *

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 USE OF MATERIALS

You may freely publish the material contained in this e-book on your own website,
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( - you may also translate it into other languages )
providing you publish it in its entirety
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and:

If used on a website, you provide a live link back

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as the source of the material.

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_______
If you simply wish to quote extracts from this material,
please make it obvious that they ARE extracts - i.e. use quotation marks
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Please do not use quotes out of context.

THANK YOU

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