The IN and YO of the Precepts

IN and YO are concepts of duality in Japanese energy and Reiki study. They are similar to the more familiar Chinese concepts of YANG and YIN – which we see as something having a feminine or masculine nature or attributes. In Japanese understanding of duality however, everything has both. IN and YO are two sides of the same coin, more like inner and outer or right and left. We often want to believe they are two different “things” when in truth there is one orginal energy. Electricity is electricity. It has both a positive and negative charge, but the two together are electricity. There is only one energy. Similarly there is IN and YO to everything. Light and dark, hot and cold are two examples of common dualities found in nature. Let’s look at the Reiki Precepts to see how this understanding works in them.

There are many versions and renditions of the precepts floating around in the Reiki world today.

When teaching them to a student, I have found myself pausing to try to explain the confusion this may cause, often referring to the many nuances of translation found in bringing the energy of Japanese Kanji (word picture writing) to life.

This is all very true, and the study of the precepts is deep with layers of meaning and healing, especially as they unfold in each individual’s life through their practice and growth.

Yet there is one more layer of the practice of the precepts that revealed itself to me in contemplation recently, one that I will use in my teachings from now on. It is for me a level two perception for the student and works with the IN and YO of the practice of the Precepts.

The translation of Usui’s teachings on the precepts begin with a very concise version of them:

For Today only
Do not Anger
Do not worry
Be Humble
Be Kind to yourself and others

Then we have what I call “expanded” versions, or paraphrased versions as we have all tried to soften this a bit and make it more “doable” achievable, understandable, or more acceptable, easier. We talk about releasing anger, worry and fear, letting go of it, we speak in opposites – for today only I will be peaceful, calm and clear rather than do not anger or worry. IHR gives us an expanded version that works more closely with the original meanings of the oirignal Kanji used to write the precepts and seeks to portray a deeper vision and understanding of them:

For Today Only
Do not anger, for anger is illusion
Do not worry, fear is a distraction
Be grateful for your many blessings
Be true to your Way and your Being
Show Compassion to yourself and others
For this is the center of Buddhahood

The resolution of these differences is not as complex as we make it in our struggle to find a rendition of the precepts we are at home within our practice. We may even use two or three different versions of them during our meditation time.

The precepts have an outward and inward application, known in traditional Eastern Teaching as IN and YO.

The IN of the precepts is our inward practice – the “female” application of the precepts to our inward state of being. This essence is often found in the “expanded” versions of the precepts. The ones that delve into our inner workings.

This is where we release, let go, seek authenticity, and imbue ourselves with compassion.

This is where we do the inner work of self-examination, cathartic healing and release, struggle and balance and re-orienting. This is our inner life, and it is hallmarked by the realization of illusion and distraction, the need and yearning and stiving toward authenticity and to see our own light, the struggle with self-compassion and our inner sight and wisdom. The agony of gratitude in the bitterness of soul. The IN of the precepts works with our spirits to make us whole. Of one piece, flowing gently from one precept to the other like worn prayer beads, gentle river rocks and soft streams.

The YO of the precepts is in our relationship with others. Our outward life and the struggles we encounter in bringing the precepts forward into daily interaction. Our code, our ethics, our standard of conduct and behavior in the world, in relationship with others, in business and service and community.

It is more easily seen in the concise version of the precepts. The simple do or do not action steps they present. Do not Anger…. Do not Worry.

Although the inner and outer may seem to flow from each other, there is struggle in bringing the precepts to life in each area of our lives.

Recognizing and utilizing the understanding of IN and YO in the precepts

The understanding of and working with these two aspects of the precepts is the Daikomyo of their practice, the Oneness of the Precepts. As we learn in Level 3, the fouth Reiki symbol, DKO includes The Moon and Sun, the Inner Knowing and Outer Going of the non-duality of our True Nature.

As with our studies in Level two, it is important to acknowledge and work with each area, inner and outer. To fully embrace the duality of the processes of both perception and action in our journey toward the fullness of the precepts just as we practice to balance the energies of heaven and earth in level two Reiki practice. Balance, congruence, even flow in the inward state of being and outward state of action brings oneness, non-duality. In this state, the Light shines clearly throughout. There is harmony and resonance in the inner and outer being. As we clear our inner debris with the precepts and strive to practice them in our daily lives, we embody them and the world experiences them because the two have become one.

This is the goal, the ultimate, the enlightened “Buddhahood” state of Reiki practice. Consciously working with the Precepts around the understanding of the energies of IN and YO develops and brings the light of non-duality in our practice, our lives and the world around us.

Want to learn more or deepen your practice? Individual Reiki Training or Refresher courses open inner doors of wisdom and light to guide you on your way. See my Classes and Teaching page.