The similarity between the Reiki Precepts and the Eight Fold Path although striking, is not surprising. Usui Sensei studied Buddhism and Reiki was born of Buddhist practice.
Reiki is both learned and experienced. You cannot become a Reiki practitioner just by reading a book. The same is true for Buddhism: reading the suttas and actually practising the teachings (Dhamma) is the only way.

In the next few weeks we’ll explore the Eight Fold Path. First  step is to accept The Four Noble Truths (of Buddhism). The Four Noble Truths are:
All life is suffering. The cause of suffering is craving. The end of suffering comes with the release from craving. Release comes from following the Eight Fold Path.

Extract from the Saccavibhanga Suuta:
“And what friends is right view? Knowledge of suffering, knowledge of the origin of suffering, knowledge of the cessation of suffering, and knowledge of the way leading to the cessation of suffering – this is called right view.”

In this sutta Budha is telling us our first step is to accept the Four Noble Truths. Once we have accepted them, we need to work on the cessation of suffering. This we can begin to do by changing our perspective, our view.

Buddha tells us we achieve this by “the giving up, relinquishing, letting go and rejecting of craving.” We need to view all life as an observer; viewing all experiences without judgement or expectation.

What judgements and expectations do you need to release? They may be connected to thoughts about yourself, your body, other people, beliefs, material belongings. Sit for a while and contemplate this.