Energy Healing Information portal

Insight into the Original Teachings. 2008-02-18

Reviewer: C. DeGetmon

This book provides a depth of insight on the original Reiki Teachings. The author presents his views by distinguishing clear differences between Western Reiki and Reiki as taught in Japan. In this sense, the author is not engaged in a polemic nor can one find negative judgment for the direction Reiki has taken in the West. In fact, Vennells goes out of his way to suggest this may be the Spirit of Reiki at work to diseminate its wisdom to the world.

The referrences to Karma do not specifically resonate with my understanding of the ineffable that the author provides. Notwithstanding, I found his book to be forthright and meaningful for expanding on the history or Reiki and the founders life. Also interesting are the insights on the depth or Reiki presented in Japan and its sacred unfolding for initiates of the system. While the Western appalletion provides swiftness to the Master Levels, Vennells reminds us not to diminish the sacred quality of the knowledge.

Vennells also constantly returns to the importance of grounding our practice in medatation and incorporating the 5 Reiki principles as an experiential guide to engaging our own spiritual core. I found this book to be inspiring and relevent for our contemporary moment. I believe a timely wake up call to embody our best actions in a world growing more dysfunctional with the values of consumption, greed, hatred, and shallowness.

Excellent book. 2006-09-04

Reviewer: Wilma D. Ocasio

This book will take you to the journey of Reiki and it is easy to follow and understand. It is an Instructor must have. It will take you to really specifics and will help you on your Reiki Healing Journey. He will actually tell you in the book that some things might not be for you so you can take with you what works for you.

Buddhist coloring on a non-religious system 2005-11-23

Reviewer: GixxxerKim

I was very disappointed with this book. Though he warns you in the intro, the whole book is colored with Buddhist teachings. He says they apply today as they have thousands of years ago, but it doesn't feel right. Reiki, though it was re-discovered in Japan is a universal energy to be used by all. No religious practice is solely linked with it. Therefore putting limitations from a religious point of view onto it is pretty sad.

Another thing that turned me off is his interpretation of karma. (Though I don't know much about Hinduism) Apparently to him, you are born with a "karma meter" and if you use reiki to help you out, you are using up all your good karma. If you continue to do this you will be left with a crappy life to live. I for one couldn't swallow that garbage.

Seems that the author is another "soul searching" white guy who has found himself through reading/practicing eastern teachings. This is just my opinion, but cultures create religions because they are born of that culture. Though the ultimate truths are all the same, you can agree that religions still differ very much between eachother. To immerse yourself in an alien religion is setting yourself up for a ton of misunderstandings. Religions/a way of life is born of your blood, and supportive of your people/culture. This way it flows more easily and feels more natural. Because it is.

Back to Reiki. . . To interpret a "correct" way to live life through reiki is silly. (This is what the author reccomends/advises through his Buddhist point of view). It is a universal energy to be used by everyone, no matter how hard, or easy your life is. No matter what your religion may be. Reiki can only do good. . . Remember that from your first reiki class? So how can it be interpretted any differently?

(Get the book from the library, but don't waste your money.)

Easy to Read, Easy to UNderstand 2005-08-29

Reviewer: D. Dinshaw

This is one of the best books I have read on Reiki. I have been practicing and teaching Reiki for a while and it was wonderful to read a book that I could recommend. I recommend it to all my Reiki level II students because David Vennells has written exactly what I would have said if I had written a book:) It is an easy read - like he is talking to you face to face - and answers many questions you may have thought of but but were afraid to ask. What I appreciate about the author is that he is not judgemental in any way and from the begining states that the reader should accept only what makes sense to them.