Product Description

This text explains the basic and practical principles of using reiki as a simple healing technique, as well as its more deeply spiritual aspects as a tool for personal growth and self-awareness.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #392205 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

About the Author
David Vennells (Manchester, England) is a Reiki practitioner and a teacher. He first experienced Reiki after suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for four years. In a very short time Reiki greatly improved his mental and physical condition and general quality of life. It was this experience that encouraged him to learn this wonderful healing technique so that he might share it with others.On his path to learning the Reiki technique, David received instructions from three well known Reiki Masters and spent most of his time researching and trying to understand the origins of Reiki from both a practical and spiritual view point. Through Reiki, David says he has become aware that there was a deeply spiritual aspect to all living beings. To better understand this aspect of himself in the light of Reiki, he studied Buddhism and eventually became Buddhist. It wasn't long before he realized that Buddhism and Reiki complement each other greatly. But, as David points out, you don't have to be a Buddhist to practice Reiki.

Customer Reviews

Reiki for Beginners
Reiki practitioner David F. Vennells wrote Reiki for Beginners: Mastering Natural Healing Techniques out of a wish "to share the good health, sense of personal fulfillment, and deeper appreciation of life that I have gained from Reiki." Vennells starts with the story of how his years of suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome were ended with Reiki treatments.

He then explains that "Reiki is the name given to a simple yet profound system of natural healing for body and mind." The name means "life force energy" in Japanese. Although he is a Buddhist, he emphasizes that "there are no belief systems or dogma attached to Reiki." It's a tool that can be used for physical healing, or spiritual growth, depending upon individual needs.

Vennells describes how Reiki was introduced to the Western world, offering brief biographies of the key Masters. He then explains how people can learn Reiki--it's taught personally by a Master to students--focusing on First Degree Reiki. This is the beginning level, and can be quickly learned. Those with First Degree certificates are able to use Reiki for self-treatment and basic healing of others.

He offers numerous suggestions in which Reiki may be used in healing. The twelve basic positions for the hands are described and illustrated. He also explains how Reiki may be used for healing at a distance. Additionally, Vennells provides guidelines for those who plan to go into professional practice.

As well as the actual physical aspects of Reiki, Vennells discusses the five principles, which include "be grateful today" and "be kind to others today," and how to integrate them into daily practice. He talks about the causes and nature of disease, including karma. One chapter includes stories from other practitioners about how they've used Reiki to heal themselves, friends, and clients. He finishes with meditations and visualizations.

An appendix lists sources for finding a Master and various Reiki groups. While Vennells offers tips for preparing to become attuned to practice Reiki and provides guidelines for using it after attunement, people can only obtain their attunement and certificates from a Reiki master, not from his book.

Vennells says that "whatever your spiritual path, or path of personal growth, Reiki can enrich it and bring you closer to your full potential as a human being." Beginners Guide to Reiki is an excellent reference for anyone interested in hands-on healing.

Good introduction to Reiki
When I was introduced to Reiki last year, I found this book helpful and insightful. I am currently Reiki II and will be taking the Master class this weekend. I have given this book to others as a general introduction to reiki.

Thank you Mr. Vennells. May everything be auspicious!

A Complete Reiki Guide For Beginners
I'm not sure why this book isn't more popular. It's a thorough and kind introduction to Reiki that is the perfect introduction for beginners. As a Reiki master, I encourage my students to keep this book handy as they learn and practice. David Vennells also offers a nice chapter on Reiki meditations that is a good guide for infusing Reiki into your meditation practices. There's a nice emphasis on self-healing (sadly missing in many Reiki books today)and a caring chapter on the 5 Reiki precepts. A good solid introduction for anyone learning -- or interested in learning -- the healing art of Reiki.