The Proof is in the Pudding

What is in essence the system of Reiki? The essence is the embodiment of the precepts. They are:

Just for today
Do not anger
Do not worry
Be grateful
Be true to your way and your being
Show compassion to yourself and others

Many teachers and practitioners now teach and talk about “being Reiki”, but what does that really mean? In reality it means that we are embodying the precepts in all we do. This is of course not an easy task, as we all know. Some times may be easier than others, some times much more challenging. 

But as teachers and practitioners we can hold a mirror in front of our ourselves, be brutally honest, and see how we are really embodying the precepts in our daily life.

I love the saying, “the proof is in the pudding” and this is true within the system of Reiki; the proof of our daily practice is reflected in our daily life! This is what “just for today” means in the precepts!

So we can look honestly in the mirror of our mind/heart and reflect on questions like these: do we as a teacher or practitioner stay angry if someone says something to us which we do not like? Do we stay worried if something unexpected or unwanted happens, or if things don’t go according to plan? Are we really grateful for all that is happening to us, whether we may see it as “good” or “bad”? Can we be true to our way and our being in our daily life? And can we be compassionate to ourselves and others? Or – and here comes the big question – are we just pretending, acting at being Reiki while in fact underneath that act we are not being Reiki at all? 

Think about that. In fact, maybe even read that paragraph again and really think. Since we are human, the answer to all of these questions likely may be “sometimes yes, sometimes no”.

But as teachers or practitioners, when we notice that we are in fact not embodying the precepts in our daily life, when we notice that the proof is not in the pudding, we should not be discouraged! In fact, it is good to notice this because only then can we start to do something about it! What can we do? You can do this: sit on your butt! Sit more in meditation; practice, practice, practice, your daily meditation practices. 

Because we can all pretend to be Reiki; that is very easy. But if we are just pretending, then the world will not become a better place. But if we all are following the precepts, being our true selves, shining our bright lights, it can become a better place! The proof of our daily meditation practice needs to shine through into our daily life. If it doesn’t, then we need to look more honestly at our practice and look more honestly into the mirror of our daily self-reflection. The proof will be there, in the pudding of that honesty and that truth.

Frans Stiene

Based in Holland, Frans Stiene teaches in North America, Europe, UK, Australia and Asia.
Frans is also the author of Reiki Insights, it is the continuation of his previous book The Inner Heart of Reiki, taking your personal practice and understanding of the system of Reiki yet another step deeper.

ihreiki.com/about/reiki_teachers/frans_stiene/