Customer Reviews

The Reiki Sourcebook

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Since I've worked with Reiki, I have not come across a book that is so well researched and put together and which remains unbiased. My first impression of the book was that the authors had done such a good job of explaining the history of Reiki and its offshoots. It is much more detailed than some of the other books I've seen and though I have found books which go into the differences between Japanese Reiki techniques and Western techniques, this book does not advocate any one system over the other.

One of the major drawbacks to many Reiki books that are in print now is that the authors are very opinionated about how Reiki should be taught and what is "true" Reiki and what is not. I love this book because when you look at all of the directions that Reiki has taken, you see that there is NO TRUE Reiki. The energy belongs to the universe and various Reiki Masters have adapted certain techniques to activate and harness this energy. This book shows how even amoung Usui's students and his students students, you get various differences in the applications of Reiki and that Usui taught differently based on the background of his students (some were taught symbols, some were taught mantras, some were only taught meditations, and some were taught symbols and mantras). I think this is very significant in a time when many Reiki pratictioners feel the need to compete with one another and fight over issues of effectiveness, authenticity, and whether or not to share Reiki information with the general public.

I will say that the authors could have given more detail in the section at the end which covers the "new age" branches of Reiki. This is the only section which I feel contains any kind of bias. I'll admit that some of the explanations given by various masters for their techniques may seem a little out there, but each version of Reiki is right for SOMEBODY. During my own research, I have read about some of these branches and I know that there is more to them than the descriptions offered in this book can explain. So, I would highly suggest if you are interested in any of the new age branches of reiki, you should investigate on the internet and do your own research rather than solely relying on the material given in this book. The authors do give addresses or ways to contact the organizations which founded the newer techniques, but there are a few which do not have an address or website listed. In those cases, the internet is a valuable resource for finding more information.

Overall, this book is fabulous and a terrific resource for Reiki classes or for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of Reiki.

If you teach Reiki, are a Reiki practitioner or are just plain interested in Reiki itself, then this book will take your knowledge of Reiki to a whole new level!

Written by Bronwen and Frans Stiene, The Reiki Sourcebook is the ultimate in up-to-date information on everything Reiki. It is unbiased and clears up a lot of the conflicting stories you often hear about Reiki.

My favorite part of the book is the section on Western and Japanese techniques. There is so much detailed information in this book that I know I will have it by my side constantly so I can easily refer to it.

If you are a teacher of Reiki then you simply must have this book in order to share the best information possible with your students! If you are a Reiki practitioner this book will expand your knowledge and help you to understand this wonderful system of healing and where it came from and where it is today. If you are not yet attuned to Reiki but are thinking of becoming involved then this book will answer any questions you may have about the the what's, why's and how's of Reiki.

Namaste,
Maureen Oliver
(...)

I recently purchased Bronwen and Frans Stienes book `The Reiki Sourcebook' and have only put it down to sleep (actually it fell out of my hands when I couldn't fight it any more).
I am a Reiki Teacher with both Western and Japanese lineages, and I'm so thrilled with this book, I just can't stand it. ALL of the info on ALL of the branches and every method, technique, website, association, newsletter and more! All served up with no prejudice, ego or slant whatsoever.
The Stienes have tirelessly researched, interviewed and documented to be able to give us "everything we ever wanted to know about Reiki but all of the answers were never in one place...until now!" (which I think should be the sub-title of the book).
This book is my new best friend and I'm sure will be the most used reference book in my library. In fact, I can probably donate 20 or so of the other books I have on Reiki as all of the info is in one place now.
Thank you Bronwen and Frans!
The Reiki world owes you many gasshos.

Lisa Chapman-Sorci
(...)

There are books which pretend to be a reference point, and there are those which not only are, but also exceed readers' expectations. « The Reiki Sourcebook » is certainly one of the second category.

The book starts with a study of the origin of the word Reiki. Right at the beginning we then discover that no stone was left unturned. The history of Reiki is introduced with many details, including among others, a detailed diagram (p42-43) showing the links between the different lineages from the founder (Mikao Usui) up to now. A chronology is also there.

A chapter is dedicated to the original teaching of Mikao Usui. The basic precepts are introduced as well as their origin. Others subjects, like the relationship between the Reiki and the Waka poetry, or the hands positions, are also described. A section is devoted to the mantras - with an amazing chart of symbols.

There is a review of Reiki as it is practiced in Japan since the death of Mikao Usui. The contact and the transfer of his teaching to the west is also tackled. We even find some explanations on Japanese customs! Thus the reader will more easily understand in which cultural context the traditional Reiki evolves. A review of Reiki as it is practiced in the west has of course been done.

The characteristics of the different branches, Japanese and western are explored in details. A summary of each with their link to the founder, the number of levels taught and the approach taken are completed with contact details. This will most certainly be of interest for those who want to explore the Reiki at its Japanese source. Many other references are available, such as associations, newsletters and internet websites. Also, the complete translation of the memorial stone of Mikao Usui can be found.

But even more amazing, we can find a compendium of scientific studies undertaken on Reiki. Beware skepticals ! The references of the medical studies extracted from medical journals are provided.

A glossary as well as an index will delight the researchers. Similarly to an academic book, the footnotes abound across all chapters. This will ease any further study by the reader. And for the most perspicacious, the bibliography is rich of over a hundred references...

Whether you are serious about learning on Reiki, or you are just curious, this book will satisfy you. To the first ones it will provide the detailed knowledge they are seeking, and to the other ones it will provide the most appropriate ground to enter into the Reiki world - beyond the ongoing myths and prejudices which usually surround the Reiki in too many books. This one surpasses them easily, by the scale of its content as well as by the rigour in which such content is delivered. It was about time that such book be written!

I highly recommend this exceptional book which for sure will make its mark.

There are books which pretend to be a reference point, and there are those which not only are, but also exceed readers' expectations. These are some of those! Read them twice and heal the universe. A library worth having for every healer.

(1). Reiki The Ultimate Guide Learn Sacred Symbols & Attunements by Steve Murray

(2). The Power of Divine: A Healer's Guide - Tapping into the Miracle by Tiffany Snow

(3). The Reiki Sourcebook by Bronwen & Frans Stiene

(4). Reiki: The Healing Touch by William Lee Rand

(5). The Healing Energy of Your Hands by Michael Bradford

I must say that after finding this book, I can honestly recommend this read - with a certain amount of caution. Even though the book does a good job of describing what Usui taught and what Traditional Reiki is, and how it differs from Western Reiki, it is still written by Westerns trying to conceptualize Eastern thought.

Before going on, please let me comment on my background. I am a Nationally Certified Bodyworker and Massage Therapist. I am an Usui Reiki Ryoho Shihan (teacher) of the Taketomi linage (not through H. Doi). I am a (non-practicing) Usui Shiki Ryoho master/teacher as well. I have been involved with Alternative Therapies for well over 20 years - of which I have always focused on Eastern thought and practice. Lastly, I am a practicing Shingon (Japanese Esoteric) Buddhist - and have been for about 25 years.

As the Buddha said: `I do not talk out about happiness because happiness is not the problem'. So too is it with this book. I can list a ton of good things about it, however, I will let you read it for yourself. I would however like to point out a few major flaws with the information, if I may.



The Stienes explain that there are different Japanese scripts and then again translate 'Reiki' by using the new Kanji definition - as does 99.99% of all Reiki books / sources out there today. Unfortunately, Usui did not use New Kanji. He used old Kanji - which translates slightly different. In old Kanji, 'Rei' would be translated as Spiritual while 'Ki' would be translated as essence. The Stienes however translate Ki as 'energy'. While energy is one manifestation of Ki, it is not the only. Essence would more accurately describe Ki when associated with matters of the Spirit. (for more info on this, please read 'A Brief History of QI' - excellent book that really describes that Ki or Chi is more than a one word translation.)

Another thing that I was disappointed with was that the Stienes did a good amount of research, yet, throw in important bits of mis-information. The most glaring example would be the Stienes claiming that Usui was related to Shugendo / was a practicing Shugensa. What was their source for this? There are several facts that would cast some major doubt on this assertion - the first being that Shugendo was outlawed in Japan during that time and that this esoteric branch was forced to register with Buddhist temples - forcing them to assimulated into Buddhism. It may be said that Usuis practice could have been influenced by Shugendo - but to say that his practice was shugendo / he was Shugensa is incorrect.

Another assertion that the Stiens make was that Usui somehow condensed Esoteric Buddhism / mystic practices into the path that he taught. Reiki is not Buddhist nor is it mentioned in any Buddhist Text (something else the Stienes claim?) - this is because Reiki does not support the 3 Dharma Seals. If a Teaching does not support this basic structure, it cannot be considered Buddhist. Furthermore, the practices of both Tendai and Shingon Buddhism take a considerable amount of time and practice to develop and advance through. It is almost absurd to suggest that Usui somehow cut through all this and was able to teach this abbreviate version to others. The Path of Buddhism is about the experience of, not trying to find the cliff notes to, life.

Usui tried very hard to Teach his path as a philosophy - not a religion. His practice was even registered with the Department of Education in Japan and can still be traced today. This is because non-sanctioned religion was outlawed. Religion during Usui's time was State run and was very Nationalistic - something that eventually led to Japan entering WW2. Buddhism and Shinto - which were combined before Usui's time, was now illegal to combine. Buddhism was relegated, while Shinto was placed as the country's main religion - called State Shinto.

The history in this book is a bit off. The Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai was formed AFTER Usui's death in 1926. This again can be proved by researching documents filed with the Dept of Education in Japan. Usui did not form the Gakkai. He was made the first president, posthumously, out of respect and admiration by its founding members, who included Eguchi and the Navy Admirals.

Another thing, the Stienes claim that Usui taught Reiki 3 different ways. They claim that one way was used to teach people who were Shinto. Another way was used to teach people who were Buddhist. Lastly, Usui taught the Navy Admirals yet another style of Reiki. This is poor understanding of the Japanese culture. There is a common saying in Japanese that "the Japanese are born Shinto and die Buddhist". The greatest Majority of Japanese are BOTH Shinto and Buddhist. Again, Buddhism and Shinto were even combined for a long period of time throughout Japanese history. Most Japanese homes have both a Buddhist and a Shinto altar / shrine. The Navy Admirals would also be both Buddhist and Shinto. Though it can be said that what Usui taught evolved over time, it is puzzling as to why this comment was made.

It seems that the Stienes also rely on H. Doi as a major source of info. Several who have sat in on Doi's workshops have suggested that what Doi presents is a lot like Western teachings and not necessarily Japanese Reiki. In other words, Doi's info should be taken very lightly and not relied on. Doi has trained extensively with Usui Shiki Ryoho masters from what I have understood.

The other thing that is kind of disturbing is that when reading that 'energy' practices in this book, the exercises say to lift your hands up in the air to make a connection with the Reiki source. This is Western ideaology. It contradicts what Usui himself said on his memorial 'Reiki can be used by anyone, because it comes from within you'. The idea that there is this 'Reiki source' omnipotent and omnipresent is more in line with Judeo-Christian thought and philosophy rather than Japanese Shinto beliefs of Animism.

When talking about Reiki the Stienes go on to say that the linage of Reiki should be traced back to Usui - who created Reiki. This, again, is not true / accurate. Reiki was alive and well in Japan before Usui's name was connected with it. There was even a book written about Reiki in the year 1919 describing 'Reiki'. Then then go on to list Reiki linages, leaving the reader the idea that these are the ONLY linages of these branches. Not true.

It is also interesting to note that palm healing was always a part of Japanese history, going back at least 2000 years. Palm healing was not, however called Reiki. It was either called Teate or Tenohira. Note that the word Ki is not present in either of these 2 Japanese words. Palm healing is different than Reiki. Usui Reiki contained palm healing, though Reiki itself is NOT palm healing.

And the list goes on and on and on.

However, it does correct a lot of misinformation out there on Reiki - that its from Tibet or outer-space - or that it is somehow related to a foreign energy concept like the Chakra system from India.



I do not agree that this book proves that there is no correct Reiki practice. On the contrary, I believe it supports the idea that like most things Japanese - Usui Reiki Ryoho is a Japanese path and a TRADITION that should be respected and handled as such. After reading the various additions, subtractions, amalgamations, combinations, degradations, subjugations, relegations, exacerbations, obliterations, and misrepresentations that Usui Reiki Ryoho has undergone since its introduction to the West since Takatas time, it only solidifies in my mind why I would want to practice the teachings of Traditional Japanese Reiki vs. some Western form of Reiki.

All in all, this is the very best book on Reiki that you can get. Just keep in mind that it is not entirely accurate - though it is more accurate than 99% of the other books out there today.


Good reading and be well on your journey.

I am so thrilled that a Reiki book of this calibre has finally been published! At last we have a thorough and honest account of the history and various methodologies of Reiki. A huge amount of research must have gone into this masterpiece.

This is an essential handbook for any student or practitioner who wishes to find out the history or their particular lineage, details of Mikao Usui's life, an insight into Japanese culture and philosophy and so many other amazing pieces of information.

I particularly love the practical section which gives step by step instructions on performing both Japanese and Western techniques. This is a marvellous tool for anyone who wishes to empower themselves by trying out different exercises.

We should all be very grateful to Bronwen and Frans for offering us such a wonderful gift!

The author's have done excellent research into the history and other aspects of the Reiki system. This book distinguishes between traditional and non-traditional information taught in Reiki classes. The author's have even noted the origins of much of the non-traditional Reiki information taught in the world. This book is very densely packed with information. It takes some time to read through it, but it is well worth the effort for those who really want to know as much information about the Reiki system as possible. Thank you Frans and Bronwen for citing your research! :) (...)

This is an outstanding piece of work and should be read by everyone with an interest in REIKI, regardless of lineage.

It contains detailed information that is referenced throughout so that you can easily see the source of the material (a feature usually lacking in most writings on REIKI). It provides the reader with interesting and up-to-date, unbiased information on REIKI, where it came from and where it is at now.

There is the usual introduction to REIKI, followed by extensive information on the history of REIKI (both in Japan and in the West) and a directory of branches, schools and associations.

My personal favourite is the 65 page section of collated REIKI techniques (both Japanese and Western). The techniques are clearly explained, so that anyone can try them out. There is also information on where the techniques came from, what level they are taught in and which branches use the techniques.

This wonderful text is a credit to its authors. I value this work even more highly than the popular writings of more well known REIKI authors like W L Rand, F A Petter and W Lubeck.

An authoritative, insightful and respectful read. I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read my favourite sections again.

Bronwen and Frans Stiene wrote an intriguing work entitled "The Reiki Sourcebook," which consist roughly 350 pages and four parts and appendices. The authors did a wonderful research into the history of Reiki as well the Western and Japanese Reiki techniques. Not only that, they also discerned and discussed the difference between traditional (Usui Method) and non-traditional knowledge of Reiki, and touched upon the origins of each.

I found this book to be strongly resourceful and insightful on the subject of Reiki. Personally, I had never taken a Reiki class and only heard of the term in passing. I came upon this book as both curiosity and of possible interest in pursuing this teaching. Of this book, I found it to be strongly helpful for a beginner of Reiki or just someone (such as myself) who seek to know more about the Reiki system.

This book is well worth the effort and worth the read as it is literally packed with information on the subject, and I found it to be quite informative.