I have read several books on reiki in the last year, most were full of western added fluff, and had taken out most of the essential teachings of Reiki's founder Usui - Sensei.
I have read this book 3 times now, and i have no doubt i will read it again and again. (Why are there not more books following the orignal system?). It has become my bible on Reiki, with the founder being the source. I have much respect for Usui - Sensei, that is why i see it as of great importance to practice and teach Reiki in its original form.
Being a Reiki practitioner, it is a source of un-measureable knowledge of the original and natural healing system - Reiki, as taught by the founder Usui - Sensei.
I have been taught with accordance to the original teachings, and found it very difficult to find books that follow Usui - Sensei's teachings as they were meant to be. I know it is of great importance that Reiki is taught in its original format, as Usui intended, there was no need for the west to add to the system, it was perfect, complete and powerful in the first place.
For example, some reiki books claim that the symbols are not important, and are purley a means of focus for students to use until they grow out of it. This goes completley against Usui - Sensei's teachings, as the 4 symbols are a means of accessing universal energy of specific frequecy, to use to work on any area of the mind, body and soul. The symbols have an energy based on their sacred geometry. These symbols were given to Usui - Sensei during his 21 retreat: fasting, meditating, chanting and praying at Mount Kurama.
In japanese culture, 3 ideas have great meaning.. 'Shapes have power' (Shirushi), 'Words carry spirit' (Jumon), and 'Sounds invoke universal frequencies' (Kotodama). So the importance of these 4 specific symbols is great, their shape, word and sound dictate the frequency.
Andy and Dawn's knowledge on the original healing system is immense, their research over the years to find out fact from fiction is in depth. This book is a delight to read! it gives step my step detail on Reiki techniques, and the tone is humble and written with love, with a true purpose to help others find the path of Reiki and all the beautiful delights that come with it.
Andy and Dawn have restored in this book the original goals and ideals of Sensei Mikao Usui. While also going into detail of the levels of Reiki, its history, types of Reiki, atunements, self healing, hand postitions, and the science behind it (for all you sceptics) and much more!
I hope Andy and Dawn will write another book soon.
This book is invaluable to all interested in learning the ORIGINAL SYSTEM of Reiki, for all current Reiki practitioners and teachers, for hands on healers, and anyone with an interest in this beautiful and life changing system....i know my life has been forever changed.
Peace and Reiki love.
jennifer