The Precepts in Practice

A simple and clear vision of the role of the Precepts in giving Reiki to both myself and others became clear to me the other day.

I often find that I realize what it is I have been doing is whatever I just realized it is after I have been doing it for a while. Enlightenment comes, and I see the perfection of practice revealed in deeper insights and understandings from simply having done the thing for a while without realizing what it is I have been doing! So, if I have not thoroughly confused you so far, for every one of us seeking deeper wisdom and understanding, flow with your practice as it develops. Be diligent. Practice. For me, the doing of the practice has been a major element in developing deeper understanding. I am always happy when I do, because it means I have something new to share!

Today’s pearl; I realized anew – and forgive me if this is old for you – how completely essential the precepts are in performing Reiki, both for yourself and and very much when working with others. In his book, Foundations of Reiki Ryoho, A Manual of Shoden and Okuden by Nicholas Pearson, he talks about creating a ritual for yourself as you begin practice. This is something I always present options for to my Shoden students, encouraging them to play with various techniques taught in level one to develop their own personal approach to beginning a Reiki meditation or session.

We also talk about how the practitioner’s practice is affected by their state of being, a common theme in Reiki training. To be come a clear channel for Reiki, what is the path? What ritual do we use to intentionally actualize the flow of Reiki when beginning a session for a friend or client, or any sentient being, living thing or situation? Enter my new realization; The precepts are the path to becoming that clear channel for Reiki to flow. They prepare us for practice.

My ah-ha moment was when I realized I have been using them this way without consciously thinking of them, as I approach each Reiki session. This is the perfection of practice, where we are doing and being without thinking about it.  Just as we train our physical bodies to respond instinctively with well toned muscles through learned pathways without conscious direction, we train ourselves to become the precepts as we offer Reiki.

Here is the “formula” so to speak:

Kyo dake wa: First, as we approach practice, we need to be in the now of this moment of practice. Just for today begins that process.

Ikaru na: How do we get clear and here? We release all anger, irritation, bitterness and upset through the first precept.

Shinpai su na: Next, we release all worry, fear, anxiety – about ourselves, our practice, or any other daily thing, through the second precept. Now we are clearly here and present, which is the way to approach practice.

Kansha shite: In that place of being present with no anger or fear we experience a sense of humility and gratitude for simply being here, now, released and free. This activates the connection and Reiki flows.

Then we are able to fully Gyo wo hage me: be diligent in our practice, or practice diligently, being honest and true to our way and our being, becoming one with, as we channel the beautiful energy of Reiki love.

Hito ni shinsetsu ni: And finally, the fifth precept fills our spaciousness with compassion as the Reiki flows. Compassion is a verb, an action word for the present. It is the active expression of our being present in the non-duality of our true self.

In a clearer way than before, I have become aware of the underlying activity of the precepts in giving Reiki, both to oneself and to others. And simple as this is, seeing it hidden in my practice has once again affirmed for me the value of practice as a means of opening understanding. The embodiment of the precepts creates the path for the clear flow of Reiki. Every time we intentionally “do Reiki” or become Reiki, we are living the precepts. Settling into the precepts, whether consciously or unconsciously, prepares us for practice.

I hope this little look at my new realization may help shed a little light on the beautiful way your own daily practice is teaching and deepening you in all things Reiki.

Namasté