The Reiki principles are a set of guidelines that a Reiki practitioner needs to follow on a daily basis.  It is important to realize that these are guidelines , not rules .  If you look at the principles and think, 'there is no way I could ever come even close to doing this', it isn't a reason not to become a Reiki practitioner.  For one thing, the attunement itself aids in the observance of the principles.  For another, this is a way, a path, not a static state.  It is a way to strive to live, not a method of achieving perfection.

The principles were adapted by Mikao Usui, rediscoverer of Reiki, from the spiritual principles observed daily by the Meiji Emperor of Japan (r. 1868 - 1912).  Proper observation of the principles requires an honest effort to live by the principles.

Just for today..
I will live the attitude of gratitude
Just for today..
I will not worry
Just for today..
I will not get angry
Just for today..
I will improve myself spiritually
Just for today..
I will show love and respect for every living thing.

So what should an observer of these principles do if they get angry in a day, or fail to give proper thanks for that which is?  Just note what led to the anger, or the lack of gratitude, and find a new path to avoid the anger, or the lack of gratitude.  One must make sure one's mind and one's spirit are aware of the problem; and then let it go .  Don't worry about it; that's central to the principles.  Worrying about it will get a person into a never ending circle:

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Last updated: Saturday, May 16, 2009