A translation of the above reads as follows:

The secret method of inviting happiness

The wonderful medicine for all diseases (of the body and the soul)

Just for today

• Do not get angry

• Do not worry

• Show appreciation

• Work hard (on yourself)

• Be kind to others

Mornings and evenings, sit in the Gassho position and repeat these words out loud and in your heart. (For the) improvement of body and soul, Usui Reiki Ryoho Usui Spiritual Energy Healing Method Chosso Usui Mikao The founder, Mikao Usui

With Reiki comes spiritual awakening. Healing involves the mind as well as the body. Self-healing is very much a part of the practice and reflecting on the five Reiki Principles allows us to work with the conscious and sub-conscious mind.

There is no self-punishment attached to the principles. Just for today – don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow. Concentrate on the present.

Repetition on a daily basis allows the principles to become ‘second nature’. Reflecting or meditating on the principles gives us a chance to think them through. We can invite happiness into our lives, for example, by having gratitude. Take a look in any bookshop at the self-help section. These principles are represented in many of the books on display in one way or another. Over the next few days, I’ll be looking at each principle in turn.