If you're exploring Reiki healing, it’s impossible not to be touched by the story of Mikao Usui, the founder of the Usui Reiki system. His journey is a powerful reminder of how spiritual awakening, perseverance, and compassion can transform the world.

In the early 1900s, Mikao Usui—scholar, seeker, and spiritual practitioner—set out on a lifelong quest to understand the nature of healing and human wellbeing. Facing personal struggles and deep spiritual questions, he travelled, studied, and meditated to uncover a path that could help people reconnect with inner balance.

According to Reiki tradition, Usui’s breakthrough came during a 21‑day meditation and fasting retreat on Mount Kurama, a sacred mountain near Kyoto. On the final morning, a brilliant light descended upon him, filling him with clarity and a profound sense of connection to what he understood as universal life‑force energy.

This moment marked the birth of Usui Reiki Ryōhō, the natural healing method now practiced worldwide.

After descending the mountain, Usui realised he could channel this healing energy through his hands. He began teaching others, opening clinics, and developing the Five Reiki Principles—guidelines for living with awareness, kindness, and emotional balance.

Today, Mikao Usui’s legacy lives on in millions of Reiki practitioners who continue to share his teachings of healing, mindfulness, and compassion.

The Reiki principles (also called the Reiki precepts or Reiki ideals) are five simple guidelines introduced by Mikao Usui, the founder of Usui Reiki. They’re traditionally recited as a daily reflection, often

 beginning with the phrase “Just for today”, to encourage presence and mindful living.

The Five Reiki Principles:

Just for today I will not worry

This principle reminds us to stay present rather than becoming consumed by anxiety about the future or regrets about the past. It emphasizes calmness and trust in the present moment.

Just for today I will not be angry

Rather than suppressing anger, this principle encourages awareness and letting go of reactive emotions, choosing compassion and clarity instead. 

Just for today I will be grateful

Gratitude is seen as a foundation for emotional and spiritual balance—appreciating both challenges and blessings in daily life.

Just for today I will do my work honestly

This refers to living with integrity, being fully present in your responsibilities, and acting sincerely in your work and actions.

Just for today I will be kind to every living thing

Kindness and compassion toward others, nature, and oneself are central to Reiki philosophy, reflecting the flow of harmonious energy. 

Why “Just for today” matters

The phrase “just for today” is key—it makes the principles approachable and practical. Rather than striving for lifelong perfection, Reiki encourages focusing on how you choose to live today