Reiki for Life: The Complete Guide to Reiki Practice for Levels 1, 2 & 3 Hot

This is a pretty straight forward and inclusive book on reiki. The author relates the history and meaning of concepts relating to the human energy system, and which impact on one's understanding and use of reiki.

For those unfamiliar with the topic, reiki is a form of energy practice based on a set of specific symbols and sounds in addition to the usual Eastern model of chakras and meridians of energy flow in the human body and the field it generates. It is traditionally passed down in the Asian tradition of secrecy from Master to student, although there exists considerable controversy in the West about that part of the practice.

The book is divided into sections dealing with the basic concepts, the First and Second degrees, and other topics in the field. It is well written, even-handed, and honest in dealing with the controversies and in-fighting in the reiki community. She does shy away from discussing the huge amount of money some Masters require for the Master attunement, however, although she does mention it.

There are many line diagrams of hand positions for healing and a great deal of practical information about reiki, its use, and energy work in general. It is a very good reference book for reiki practitioners, and might make a good text for those learning reiki.

While generally being very balanced in dealing with the current state of the reiki community, the author does make it clear that she leans toward the more traditional approach, and in so doing, does not reveal the symbols or mantras involved. These things have been published by other authors, in books, on DVDs and on the web. She doesn't believe in the efficacy of initiation, or "attunement" as its called in reiki, by any means other than direct physical presence of the Master.

Since I have personally experienced the attunements from Steve Murray's DVDs, I have to take exception with her attitude on this. I have found them effective, and given that we are speaking of an energy-based practice, there is no rational reason why DVDs would not work to transmit the attunement. Time and space should not be a limitation if the practice and the energy are real. However, this in no way detracts from the immense value and practical information in the book, and is a side consideration at best.

This is a very good book, and I heartily recommend it to practitioners and beginners alike.