Anjin Ritsumei——Achieving Inner Peace and Enlightenment in Japanese Reiki Tradition

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I'm Neu, and I offer traditional Reiki training and courses at Kurama Mountain, Kyoto, where Reiki originated. Through these courses, I also share insights into traditional Japanese philosophy and ways of living.

At the heart of a Reiki healer's practice lies the state of “Anshin Ritsumei” (also sometimes read as Anjin Ritsumei or Anjin Ryumei), the ultimate spiritual condition they strive to attain.

Usui Mikao, the founder of Usui Reiki Ryoho, is said to have stated that “the ultimate goal of Reiki practice is to achieve Anshin Ritsumei.”

However, depending on the school of Reiki, this concept is rarely explained in detail. It is a state that can seem easy to understand at first, yet its depth often remains elusive. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Anshin Ritsumei from multiple perspectives.

【Index】

• The Origins of the word “Anshin Ritsumei”

• The Relationship Between Anshin Ritsumei, Zen (Buddhism), and Confucianism

• The Connection Between Anshin Ritsumei and the Five Precepts

• Attaining Anshin Ritsumei

• In Conclusion

The Origins of the word “Anshin Ritsumei”

The term “Anshin Ritsumei” was not coined by Usui Mikao himself. Its exact origins are unclear, but some suggest it may be found in China’s Jingde Chuandeng Lu or in the Confucian concept of Anshin Ritsumei.

In Japan, the term appears to have been widely used in philosophical and Zen-related writings at least as far back as the Meiji and Taisho periods.

Even in “Yamaoka Tesshu no Bushidō”, a compilation of discussions on Bushidō by Yamaoka Tesshu*, it is written:

"If one does not cultivate the Buddha-nature born within and teach the Ten Good Precepts outwardly, one cannot distinguish oneself from mere beasts. In such a state, how could one seek the foundation of Anshin Ritsumei?"

In this way, Anshin Ritsumei has long been a concept intertwined with Bushidō, Zen, and broader philosophical ways of being.

*Yamaoka Tesshu is known as a master of swordsmanship, Zen, and calligraphy, who played an important role in the bloodless surrender of Edo Castle during the Bakumatsu period and the early Meiji Restoration.

The Relationship Between Anshin Ritsumei, Zen (Buddhism), and Confucianism

When read as Anjin, “Anshin” does not simply mean a sense of inner peace. In Buddhist teachings, it refers to a state in which the mind remains focused and undisturbed through faith. The Kōjien dictionary defines it in this way, and the Encyclopedia of Japan describes it as “a mind that has reached ultimate tranquility, that is, the state of Nirvana.”

In other words, the term “Anshin” or “Anjin” carries a deep Buddhist significance, guiding one toward an unshakable, steady mind. It is a serene state where the heart is calm, and external phenomena do not disturb the mind.

On the other hand, “Ritsumei” is said to derive from a passage in Confucian texts, such as Mencius:
"The span of life granted to each person is determined by Heaven, and therefore, during one’s lifetime, one should cultivate oneself and patiently wait for Heaven’s mandate; this is the fundamental duty of being human."

The Neo-Confucian scholar Yasuoka Masahiro wrote in “Asa no Rongo” (Morning Analects) that the “Mandate of Heaven” (known as Tenmei in Japanese) represents the absolute workings of creation, and that we are merely a part of it. Understanding one’s inherent talents and abilities is called Chimei (“knowing one’s fate”), and fully utilizing them through autonomous action is Ritsumei.

Considering these rich layers of meaning, Anshin Ritsumei can be defined as a state of equanimity in which one has done all that is humanly possible and then calmly awaits the outcome determined by Heaven, remaining unmoved by any circumstance.

It is said that Usui Mikao once taught that “the greatest happiness is a state in which the mind remains unshaken, full of peace and joy, at all times. As long as one bases happiness on wealth, status, honor, or satisfaction, Anshin Ritsumei cannot be achieved. After your effort, trust the universe and leave everything in its hands.”

This teaching aligns closely with the spiritual philosophy of Reiki, which seeks harmony and unity with the universal life force.。

The Connection Between Anshin Ritsumei and the Five Precepts

One way to understand whether a Reiki practitioner truly inherits the philosophy of Usui Mikao is by examining whether the Five Precepts (Gokai) are placed at the center of their practice.

The Five Precepts are five guiding principles that Reiki practitioners are encouraged to follow in their daily lives:

• Just for today, do not anger.

• Just for today, do not worry.

• Be grateful.

• Work diligently.

• Be kind to others.

Usui Mikao instructed his students at the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai to recite these Five Precepts together in morning and evening meditation.

This simple yet profound set of principles is intended to help align the mind, body, and spirit, supporting the cultivation of Anshin Ritsumei (also spelled Anjin Ritsumei or Anjin Ryumei)—the enlightened state of inner peace and equanimity.

Through the practice of the Five Precepts, Reiki students learn not only to refine their own spiritual and moral character but also to maintain physical and emotional well-being, ultimately experiencing happiness and fulfillment in life. In this way, the essence of Usui Reiki—the art of living in Anshin Ritsumei—is concentrated in these concise, timeless teachings.

Attaining Anshin Ritsumei

Since ancient times, those who have pursued Zen or the path of the “Way” (Dō) have sought the enlightened state known as Anshin Ritsumei, a state of inner peace and equanimity.

Achieving this state requires daily self-reflection and diligent self-cultivation. It is not something that can be obtained instantly or simply by following a single method. Rather, it is through a steady commitment to personal growth, continuous refinement of one’s character, and cultivation of one’s spiritual capacities that one gradually approaches Anshin Ritsumei.

Here are a few guiding principles that may serve as signposts on this path—though they are not the only way, they can provide helpful insights into living with inner stability and mindfulness.

1. Reduce attachment to possessions and social status (“Chisoku”: knowing contentment)
Traditional Japanese sensibility teaches that everything we have in life—our bodies, wealth, family, and social position—is only temporarily borrowed from the universe. Recognizing that nothing is truly “ours” naturally reduces attachment, and even if we lose something, our hearts are less disturbed. Knowing that all things are impermanent (mujo) also allows us to cultivate gratitude for everything present in our lives.

2. Trust in the greater workings of the universe
The Great Spirit of the universe—the life energy that sustains us—works to support our growth, evolution, and flourishing, rather than to hinder or stagnate us. By trusting deeply in the benevolent nature of the universe, we can view all events in life as ultimately for our benefit. Even experiences that appear challenging can be seen as opportunities for learning and personal growth (日日是好日 which is a Zen word that means “every day is a good day”).

3. Do your best in human affairs, then await the fulfillment of destiny
After sincerely performing one’s duties and responsibilities with effort and dedication, it is important to release attachment to outcomes and allow life to unfold according to destiny. If we try to control everything by our own will, it only produces anxiety and further attachment. True balance comes from doing one’s best while entrusting the results to the universe. This harmony is essential for living a fulfilling life while cultivating Anshin Ritsumei.

In Conclusion

Anshin Ritsumei, the state that Reiki healers strive to attain, is deeply connected with Buddhist and Confucian teachings and represents a profound state of enlightenment.

Sometime described as great enlightenment (大悟), “Anshin Ritsumei” is not something that can be achieved overnight. Rather, it is a state reached gradually through consistent self-reflection, personal cultivation, self-discipline, and the continuous process of developing one’s inner capacity and refining one’s spirit.

Perfection is not required. What matters most is the commitment to continue striving toward this state. In traditional Japanese teachings, the term Dō (the Way) is attached to such practices because the cultivation of spirit and character is a lifelong path.

Through “Traditional Reiki Dō,” our small school “Soul & Self” wishes to convey the beauty and value of living while embracing life as it is—imperfect and naturally fluctuating. Here, the fluctuations refer to the heart and mind not being in a perfectly calm or static state at all times, but gently swaying at times, like the ebb and flow of life. It is a state of acceptance that incorporates both light and shadow, the pure and the impure—echoing the Japanese concept of seidaku-awase-nomu (清濁併せ呑む), the art of embracing the whole spectrum of life.

May this article serve as a small light within you, offering guidance for discovering peace of mind in your daily life. And may you find joy in walking, even one step at a time, along the path toward the enduring and tranquil state of Anshin Ritsumei.

At Soul & Self, our intimate learning space, we guide students in cultivating a resilient and serene mind, enabling peaceful daily living. Our curriculum integrates traditional Japanese Reiki healing, spiritual cultivation through Reiki-do, and psychology based on the autonomic nervous system, providing a holistic approach to mind-body wellness.

Through Reiki, Japan’s renowned hands-on healing method, you can learn to channel healing energy with your hands, nurture your inner awareness, and explore Zen-inspired mindfulness and spiritual growth. Our Traditional Reiki-do training program offers the opportunity to deepen your understanding of Reiki philosophy, meditation, and Japanese spirituality, while developing practical skills as a certified Reiki healer.

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