After his initial development of Reiki, Dr Usui took his teachings into the ghetto of Kyoto, Japan, in order to train students and spread the message of Reiki.

His experiences here led him to create the "Reiki principles", the five guidelines which Dr Usui wrote after learning the important lesson of not teaching gratitude to those who he treated and taught. He learned the hard way that we can only be grateful for those things which we place some sort of value on and for which we have respect. This is why Reiki practioners insist that some form of renumeration takes place in exchange for Reiki treatment.

From that point on he followed and also taught along these guidelines in order to ensure that his pupils took responsibility for themselves and for others.

Dr Usui's original writings read, in Japanese Shoufuku no hihoo Manbyo no ley-yaku Kyo dake wa Okolu-na Shinpai suna Kansha shite Goo hage me Hito ni shinsetsu ni Asa yuu gassho shite kokoro ni neji kuchi ni tonaeyo Shin shin kaizen, Usui Reiki Ryoho Chosso Usui Mikao

The meanings behind these are normally summarised in modern English as follows :-  "Just for today, do not anger" "Just for today, do not worry" "Honour your parents, teachers and elders" "Earn your, living honestly" "Show gratitude, to every living thing"

The first part which says "Just for Today" is pronounced: Kyo dake wa. The next part says "Don't get angry" and is pronounced: Okolu-na. The next part says "Don't worry" and is pronounced: Shinpai suna. The next part is "Be Grateful" and is pronounced: Kansha shite. The next part is "Work hard" and is pronounced: Goo hage me. The next part is "Be kind to others" and is pronounced: Hito ni shinsetsu ni.

Kyo dake wa Okolu-na Shinpai suna Kansha shite Goo hage me Hito ni shinsetsu ni