Book Review: The Reiki Manual
A Training Guide for Reiki Students, Practitioners, and Masters
Author: Penelope Quest and Kathy Roberts
Publisher: Tarcher/Penguin
Book Publication: 2011
The energy healing practice of Reiki (originating in Japan in the 1920s and most often translated as ‘universal life-force energy’), received some noteworthy support when renowned cardiovascular surgeon, and one of America’s most popular television talk show hosts, Dr. Mehmet Oz, recently commented it was a “favourite treatment that could change the future of medicine forever.”
For those intrigued by this endorsement and wanting to learn more about the healing system known as Reiki, either to help themselves, or to become a professional practitioner, Reiki Master Penelope Quest’s The Reiki Manual would make an excellent addition to their library.
Quest has been a Reiki Master and teacher since 1994, and was involved in the writing of a set of National Occupational Standards for Reiki in Britain. Upon completion, she decided to support that work with a comprehensive book on the subject; the result – The Reiki Manual: A Training Guide for Reiki Students, Practitioners, and Masters.
The Reiki Manual is very detailed and thorough with a vast array of information included within its pages. Quest and her daughter, teacher Kathy Roberts who helped co-write the book, keep the prose simple, with a nice flow, easy to read and follow, but without talking down to the reader.
For those new to Reiki, The Reiki Manual provides a summary of the history, origins, theory and practice of Reiki, along with line drawings and instructions on the hand positions for basic Reiki treatments.
If you are thinking of becoming a practitioner, Quest’s work imparts an abundance of information on best practice standards such as: the legal and ethical requirements of running a practice, how to set up and run that business safely and professionally, some valuable tips on communicating with clients, and how to go about continuing and enhancing your professional development.
A caveat here – much of the legal information is only applicable in Britain. Readers would have to do more research to discover the specific guidelines pertaining to their own country and/or province.
And because it gives all the essentials of Reiki in a succinct yet comprehensive style, Reiki Masters and teachers can use The Reiki Manual as a course text.
You won’t want to skip the forty-odd pages of appendices either. They cover a wide range of useful and interesting topics such as: the many different styles of Reiki, the science of energy, Reiki Level 2 symbols, answers to the revision questions supplied at the end of each chapter, and practical sample forms like treatment journals and record sheets.
It has been a number of years since I had a Reiki treatment – a truly wonderful experience. Reading The Reiki Manual gave me some new insight into what transpired during that treatment – the preparation and physical work involved, the training required, and a deeper understanding of the art and science behind the Reiki ideals of letting go of anger and worry, counting your many blessings, working honestly and being kind to every living creature. A must have for any Reiki enthusiast.
