Book review: Essential Reiki by Diane Stein

Diane Stein's 'Essential Reiki: A complete guide to an ancient healing art' is not a new book, since it was first published in 1995, and being a Reiki book that published the sacred symbols used within the attunements, it was also considerably controversial for its time. However, I consider this book to be an excellent and valuable resource on Reiki and one that anyone who is interested in Reiki healing should read.

Stein is not a stickler for tradition and to be honest, as we're living in a modern world, I don't blame her. She believes that Reiki is something everyone can do with the right training, and not a 'power' that is to be bestowed upon only the special. The book is both an introduction and a wonderful and inspiring insight into this ancient healing art, as well as a guide to practising it. 

I read this book before I had my Reiki Level I attunement and found that it really revved up my excitement about what I was about to enter into. I just couldn't wait, and Stein clearly is so incredibly committed to healing that you can't help but absorb her energy from the pages.

If Reiki healers are truly concerned with healing they will see the book for what it is worth, if they are concerned with preciousness about their work or are too attached to their ego, then they will be irritated by it.

Essential Reiki: A complete guide to an ancient healing art' by Diane Stein is published by Ten Speed Press in paperback, 156 pages.