Japanese Reiki vs. Western Reiki
Reiki, originally from Japan, has naturally evolved in different ways as it spread across the world. In the West, Reiki has beautifully integrated into local cultures and is often practiced as a complementary healing method. Western-style Reiki focuses on supporting physical well-being and is even used in clinical settings to enhance patients’ quality of life—with many positive outcomes.
Traditional Japanese Reiki, on the other hand, places greater emphasis on personal development, inner peace, and living in harmony with one’s true self. An individual begins by learning the Five Precepts (Gokai) shared by founder Mikao Usui—simple yet profound principles for daily living.
Beginners start their journey with daily self-practice, along with offering Reiki sessions to others. Through this process, the individual nurtures a calm and balanced mind, purifies the body and spirit, and gradually raises their vibration.
Daily Reiki self-practice, including hand placement, is training to deepen your resonance with Reiki energy.
As the practice deepens, it becomes a path to discovering one’s life purpose and cultivating lasting happiness. This way of living is known as the path to Anshin Ritsumei—a state of deep peace, where the mind is unshaken and one lives in alignment with their true calling.
Japanese Reiki Matters More Than Ever
The true purpose of Reiki, which originated by Mikao Usui in Japan, is to live our lives in a state of deep peace while fulfilling our unique, lifelong purpose. Regardless of the circumstances we face or the challenges that arise, we are encouraged to maintain a calm and joyful mind, stay undisturbed by external chaos, discover our purpose, and live in alignment with it.
We often find ourselves overwhelmed by fear, stress, anger, and sadness. But why is that? Is it because of the people around us? Jobs? Politics? Family? While many external factors seem to play a role, the deeper cause may not lie outside of us—but rather, in how we respond to the events unfolding before us. Does reacting emotionally truly improve the situation? We cannot control what happens around us, nor can we change others. The only thing we can truly change is ourselves.
In Japanese Reiki, the path is about cultivating our happiness while fulfilling our purpose.
Ultimately, life is meant to be lived with joy, contentment, and a deep sense of fulfillment.
The Gokai - The core teachings of Japanese Reiki
At the heart of both Japanese Usui Reiki and Gendai Reiki Ho—an authentic lineage of Usui Reiki Ryoho—is the powerful teaching of the Gokai (Five Precepts). These timeless principles were shared by Mikao Usui, the founder of Usui Reiki Ryoho. The Gokai offers a clear path to health, happiness, and a deeper connection to the Reiki journey.
The Gokai isn't just a set of guidelines—it's a way of living. It opens the door to Reiki practice, helping you embrace the purpose and goals of your journey. By following the Gokai, you learn how to live fully, mindfully, and in harmony every single day.
The Gokai - Five Precepts -
Just for today,
• Do not be angry
• Do not worry
• Be grateful
• Do what you are meant to do
• Be kind to others
Anshin Ritsumei - the Goal of Japanese Reiki
Anshin Ritsumei 安心立命 is the ability to stay calm, peaceful, and fulfilled, no matter what’s happening around you. It’s about living with clarity and purpose, untouched by the chaos of the outside world. Imagine feeling deeply secure, knowing you are exactly where you’re meant to be. That is the heart of Reiki.
Usui Mikao concluded that the purpose of life is to achieve Anshin Ritsumei. This is achieved by understanding the truth that "all humans are beings chosen by the universe to live." Furthermore, Usui realized that "the universe, which gives life to humans, would never wish for misfortune. By trusting the universe and fulfilling one’s role without being disturbed, no matter what happens in life, one can maintain a peaceful heart."
Through conscious daily Reiki practice, the goal is to enhance the resonance with Reiki, ultimately reaching a point where Reiki naturally resonates even without conscious effort. There is no other path to Anshin Ritsumei than living in accordance with the laws of the universe. When all aspects of daily life resonate with Reiki, a truly healthy and peaceful life will be realized.