Reiki is not only a hands-on practice; it is also a way of living. At its heart are five short principles known in Japanese as the Gokai (五戒), meaning “five precepts.” Mikao Usui taught them as a daily guide for the mind, and many practitioners recite them every morning and evening.
This article explains the Reiki Gokai meaning, each of the five principles and simple ways to practise them in daily life.
What Is Gokai?
The Gokai are five ethical and mindful guidelines at the foundation of Usui Reiki. Usui described them as a method for inviting happiness into one’s life. What makes the Gokai special is their opening phrase: “Just for today.” Instead of asking you to be perfect forever, they invite you to practise one day at a time.
The Five Reiki Principles in Japanese and English
| Japanese (romanised) | Common English translation |
|---|---|
| Kyō dake wa |
Just for today |
| Ikaru na (or Okoru na) | Do not anger |
| Shinpai suna | Do not worry |
| Kansha shite | Be grateful |
| Gyō wo hage me | Work diligently (on yourself) |
| Hito ni shinsetsu ni | Be kind to others |
The Five Principles Explained
1. Just for Today, Do Not Anger
This principle does not ask you to suppress anger. It asks you to notice anger, understand its cause and avoid being ruled by it.
Daily practice: When irritation rises, pause and take three slow breaths before responding.
2. Just for Today, Do Not Worry
Worry pulls attention into an imagined future. This principle encourages trust and presence.
Daily practice: Write down what worries you. Separate what you can act on today from what you cannot control, and take one small action on the first list.
3. Just for Today, Be Grateful
Gratitude shifts attention from what is missing to what is present.
Daily practice: Before sleep, name three things you are grateful for—people, moments or small comforts.
4. Just for Today, Work Diligently
Often translated as “do your work honestly,” this principle speaks to integrity and to working sincerely on yourself, including your spiritual practice.
Daily practice: Give full attention to one task at a time, and do your daily self-Reiki even when you feel busy.
5. Just for Today, Be Kind to Others
Kindness extends Reiki beyond your hands into how you treat people—and yourself.
Daily practice: Offer one intentional act of kindness each day, and notice how you speak to yourself.
From Hardik’s practice: Before any training or healing session at The Golden Lotus, we begin by reciting the Gokai in quiet Gassho meditation. It reminds us that authentic spiritual power does not begin with complex techniques, but with how mindfully we live each ordinary day.
Deepen Your Reiki Practice
The five principles are a foundation of Reiki practice. Learn them in context in the Reiki Level 1 & 2 Course, and continue through the Reiki Level 3 Course and the Reiki Master Teacher Course (Level 4–5).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Gokai mean?
Gokai means “five precepts” in Japanese—the five guiding principles of Usui Reiki.
Why do the Reiki principles start with “just for today”?
It makes the principles achievable. Instead of aiming for lifelong perfection, you commit to living them for one day at a time.
Disclaimer: Reiki and related spiritual practices are complementary practices. They are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or mental-health care.
Have Questions About This Practice?
Whether you want to learn Reiki, explore Mesmerism, or book a 1-on-1 private energy alignment session, we welcome your questions.
