From the Publisher
Many years ago, Llewellyn published a magazine called "Gnostica." In one issue, we presented over 100 names for the Universal Life Energy. Because that energy is so plastic and malleable, I was convinced then, and remain convinced now, that we have barely scratched the surface of what that energy can do.
Reiki is a relatively new system for working with the Universal Life Energy. David F. Vennels' book,
Reiki for Beginners, reveals the history and techniques of this system in a clear and easy to understand manner. Of course, the question we need to ask is, "Does it work?"
David included many stories from people involved in Reiki. But I wanted to share another story with you. It comes from a Llewellyn author, Donald Michael Kraig. He told me this about five years ago.
"I had been having a great deal of trouble with my neck and would need to twist or shake my head ten times a day or more to get corrections so I wasn't in pain. At that time, I was sharing my home with a woman who had received her 1st Reiki Empowerment. She asked if she could help me and I agreed.
"She had me sit in a chair and relax. She moved behind me and placed her hands on my upper shoulders. In minutes I could feel the area getting hot. I broke into perspiration. After some time the heat went away and she concluded the attunement.
"A few days later she repeated the treatment with similar results. Also, I noticed that I wasn't having as many problems with my neck. She gave me one more treatment, and for years my neck has been fine."
This type of healing ability can be yours. The book explains how. The rest is up to you.
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.
