Reiki Books

William Rand's "The Reiki Touch" is a fine and practical resource for all Reiki practitioners. This set is elementary, and in my opinion should be used to augment all levels of practice up to and including that of Master.

The set consists of a 100 page workbook, 30 illustrated instructional cards, an audio CD of three guided meditations, a 79 minute music CD, and a 60 minute DVD video featuring instruction on hand positions and more.
Although it claims that it is a complete home learning system, I don't see how the system can stand alone as it provides none of the sacred symbols and presumes a knowledge of them.

Regardless, there may be other similarly situated materials on the market, but this set provides excellent materials for a reasonable price.

Five stars.

JP

As the title says... I'm a beginner, and The Reiki Touch kit seems to be a great introduction so far. I'm pleased with the packaging... everything fits nicely into a sturdy presentation box (what you see in the picture). I've begun reading the workbook, and I'll get further into the study when I have time to look more carefully at the cards. Good so far.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese term.
Rei means something mysterious,miraculous, and sacred.
Ki means the atmosphere or something subtle or the energy of the universe.

The Japanese words Reiki can be defined as a miraculous and sacred energy of the universe, which sustains all life (Reiki is the name, used by Usui Sensei, for the universal/cosmic energy.)

Reiki is Spiritually Guided energy. Reiki is the name of the energy that is used with the System of Reiki. Reiki is the name used by Usui Sensei to the cosmic/universal energy.
-Hyakuten Inamoto Sensei(Founder of Komyo Reiki Kai)
[...]
***The word Reiki is treated as a loan word and therefore written in katakana as the kanji can be deceptive, rei also referring to the spirits of dead people or ghosts. To make things more complicated still, when spoken, the word Reiki may be understood as "cool air".

Rei: Spiritually Guided, God's Love or Light, sacred, miraculous. Rei guides the ki, the second Japanese character in the word Reiki and stands for life energy. The energy that is used to give life to God's creation.

Reiki is a healing technique that utilizes deep relaxation to calm the mind, reduce stress, relax the body, and ease the spirit. Reiki can be combined with other healing modalities.

Benefits of Reiki:
-Stress reduction
-Supports physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual well being
-Promotes qualities of loving,caring,compassion,trusting,peace,serenity
-Ease pain and discomfort
-Strengthens the immune system
-An intelligent energy that goes to the greatest need


*********
William Lee Rand's Reiki Touch includes:

1. DVD Video
* Hand positions for Treating Others
* Hand Positions for Self Treatment
* Byosen Scanning: uses the sensitivity of the palms to discover those areas in need of Reiki
* Gyoshi Ho: Sending Reiki with the eyes.
* Reiki Healing Session

2. Audio CD Meditations/ Music CD

3. 100 page Workbook
5. 30 Illustrated Cards

Comments :-)

***The DVD is OK. For CD, I prefer to use other Reiki Music such as:

1. Feather on the Breath of God (Audio CD) Jacobsen, Erin
2. Reiki Offering (Shastro & Nadama)
3. Garden of the Gods (Deuter)
4. Healing Waters (Dean Everson)
5. Sound Healing (Dean Everson)
6. Reiki Hands of Light (Deuter)
*********

Reiki Facts: (Hyakuten Inamoto Sensei)
This is not included in the workbook.

1. In the Western countries, it's been incorrectly said that Reiki healing method was rediscovered by Usui Sensei (founder of the Reiki Ryoho (Healing Art/Method) after researches in the Buddhist scriptures.

2. In the West, Usui Sensei is said to be a Christian minister and president of Christian based Dashisha University in Kyoto. Usui Sensei was from beginning to end a lay Buddhist.

3. Reiki healing method is to channel the energy of the universe, and an inspired healing art of Usui Sensei, NOT the outcome of his researches, or discovery, or re-discovery.

4. Traditionally there are no set hand positions except some positions on the head.

5. Once you are initiated into Reiki, Reiki healing ability will be all yours for the rest of your life.

6. Reiki energy will flow of its own accord (you cannot direct or manipulate it.)

***Reiki, the love, harmony and power to heal of the universe, does help and guide you to develop your spiritual growth for Reiki Ryoho is a spiritual path and practice.

***It is Reiki that does a fine job of healing, not YOU. (You as a Reiki practitioner do not do any healing. But you are very essential
for Reiki healing. Without you, Reiki cannot work.)

***The farther from the ego, the purer the Reiki channel will be.

***Deeds are the criteria of a good Reiki practitioner and a good Teacher. Your mental, verbal and bodily deeds, i.e., what you think, what you speak and what you do are of greatest importance.

***Komyo Reiki Kai, the system Inamoto Sensei has created, presents Reiki as it was understood and commonly practiced in the 1930's in Japan. This system places emphasis on spiritual enfoldment through the practice of Reiki Ryoho, aiming for "satori" or enlightenment.

Inamoto Sensei learned Reiki from Mrs. Chiyoko Yamaguchi who had trained with Chujiro Hayashi, one of Usui Sensei's original students.

The Reiki Touch by William Rand consists of an instructional workbook, a CD containing three guided meditations, a music CD, a DVD and 30 illustrated Reiki cards. It represents good value for money and is useful, if not always ideal, for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

The Reiki workbook is both original and conventional. It is conventional in that it includes the usual explanation of what Reiki is; a brief summary of its history; an explanation and illustration of the standard Reiki hand positions; and a brief section on how Reiki has been received and accepted by the broader (scientific and medical) community. This is all interesting, if not exceptional. The material covered is a useful summary; but lacks the detail to be much more. It is therefore better suited to a Reiki beginner who hasn't read much on the subject before.

Things are more interesting when Rand deviates from the norm and either discusses his own person experiences with Reiki or illustrates various meditation techniques (most involving visualization) that help deepen your Reiki practice. Due to their more original content, both beginner and experienced practitioner have something to learn.

The 30 Reiki cards are original and useful, albeit more suited to the advanced practitioner - especially those that have practiced not traditional forms of Reiki (for instance, Rand's own Karuna reiki, Shamballa Reiki or the like). The reason for this is that many cards discuss many Reiki symbols that will either be unknown to anyone who has not studied Reiki levels 2 and 3, or unknown to those who have simply studied traditional Usui Reiki (that only contains four symbols).

The idea is for the cards to be used in a similar way to rune or tarot cards, with a practitioner using his or her intuition to choose a card that is meaningful to him or her at that present moment in time.
The cards would be slightly more useful if they were presented in a box of their own. That way they could be more easily carried around in your pocket. As it is, you need to keep them in the Reiki Touch (kit) box which is a good deal bigger than even a large book.

The DVD is more useful to beginners than advanced practitioners as, for the most part, it illustrates the basic hand positions to be used both on yourself and others. That said, most people will find at least one or two new positions that could prove useful. Also, it is interesting to see how an experienced practitioner like Rand works. That should prove useful even to some Reiki Masters.

The music CD is solid, if not exceptional. I wouldn't use it for a Reiki session since the music is a touch (but only a touch) too quick paced and not quite soothing enough; but it would be suitable background music in either a bookstore or home.

The meditation CD is probably the most interesting part of the collection. It contains three guided meditations involving visualization. These meditations involve meeting up with `enlightened beings', however, so if you don't like anything esoteric, then they may not be suitable for you. If you have an open mind, though, they should prove both interesting and useful.

Rand's voice is the spoken equivalent of "elevator music" and his choice of background music for healing is even worse. (At least he can put you to sleep easily.) He presumes throughout that you already have Reiki training and barely mentions Reiki except to mutter about "putting the symbols in your hand". Give it a pass and keep looking - it should NOT be considered a Reiki learning text.
Diane Stein's Reiki Handbook is far more accurate but did not come with an audio when I bought it. It contains some misinformation but does include the symbols - a radical break with other books, Rand's included. Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art
Hopefully the International House of Reiki will come up with an audio. Their podcasts are interesting and their e-newsletters informative. Their books contain the most current Reiki information from Japanese sources. Usui Sensei left a few students around when he died and someone finally bothered to locate them and discover what was actually taught. The Japanese Art of Reiki: A Practical Guide to Self-Healing

The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui is one of the first Reiki books that I bought when I was starting with my Reiki journey.

Reiki is a Japanese term.
Rei means something mysterious,miraculous, and sacred.
Ki means the atmosphere or something subtle or the energy of the universe.

The Japanese words Reiki can be defined as a miraculous and sacred energy of the universe, which sustains all life (Reiki is the name, used by Usui Sensei, for the universal/cosmic energy.)

Frank Arjava Petter is a well respected reasearcher on Reiki not only in the West but also in Japan.

Hyakuten Inamoto Sensei in fact mentioned his name when I was in his Komyo Reiki Kai Shinpiden Training in Toronto, ON.

Komyo Reiki Kai, the system Inamoto Sensei has created, presents Reiki as it was understood and commonly practiced in the 1930's in Japan. This system places emphasis on spiritual enfoldment through the practice of Reiki Ryoho, aiming for "satori" or enlightenment.

Inamoto Sensei learned Reiki from Mrs. Chiyoko Yamaguchi who had trained with Chujiro Hayashi, one of Usui Sensei's original students.

***This is a book worth checking out by a beginning Reiki pratitioner. My only comment is on the title of the book "The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui" It's somewhat misleading, it's probably better if instead of doctor, the word should be Sensei which is a more appropriate title.

It is well known today that Usui Mikao was many things in his life - but a Doctor was not one of his professions. With the title of this book listing Usui Mikao as a Doctor, it casts doubt on the contents if the author did not know this simple fact.

The "Dr." title was a bit of fiction created by the Takata linage of Reiki (Usui Shiki Ryoho)

I give it 3 stars because I really dont know if this is fact or fiction.

I found this book to be incredibly useful in my Reiki practice. Even though I had the manuals from my Reiki Master, this book helped to fill in some of the gaps. I still refer to it from time to time.

I was given this book by my Reiki Master in Level I. This lifestyle has completely transformed my life, while not interfering with my spiritual beliefs. This is a great addition to whatever culture or religion we believe in.

This is a full-colour book that details with photographs the hands positions used in Reiki. It's only 80 pages long, but it's perfect for what it is. It covers all part of the body, including the head, the vertebrae and the kidneys. Essential little reference book if you practice or teach Reiki.

A great book. Simple to follow but with great benefits. I would recommend this to anyone, even if they don't have health problems.

I bought this book to learn more in depth information about the qigong class I am taking. I love the way the material is organized! I read this book slowly and underlined many passages. There are some deep truths here. Whether you are trying to decide to start the practice of qigong or are already enjoying it's myriad benefits, this book will increase your understanding of the mysterious qi. There are qigong exercises presented in the book with lovely drawings, but it is still better to find a class or group to fully understand how to perform the movements properly with the breath. The practice of qigong has improved my life, my health, and my energy, exponentially! May you find great benefit, too!

I don't mean to dampen the enthusiasm other readers have shown. This book is a terrific introduction to the theory and idea of qi and its cultivation and uses. The tone is a bit "New Agey" though, with Stuart Smiley-style affirmations at the end of each chapter ("I create, maximize, and sustain an inner reserve of potential to optimize my health, life, and being.") And in covering a wide swath, Jahnke invariably sacrifices depth for breadth. As one reader noted, the Macrocosmic Orbit, widely considered a key to qi cultivation, is given a very cursory description. If you're new to this stuff, this book is a great overview of the subject, but understand that it is really an orientation, not an adequate how-to manual. And there's the danger that in all the warm and cozy prose, one can lose sight of the fact that the Chinese regard qi gong as a discipline requiring exactitude, discipline and dedication. So buy this or read it if you're looking to get oriented in the subject, then buy one of the clear technical manuals available or, better yet, have the supreme good fortune to find a great teacher.

What a great book! Well written and fascinating to read. I liked the poetic quotes from various Qi masters that introduce each chapter. I had read some other books on energy healing (e.g., "Energy Medicine"), but this book was the one that brought home the general concepts about energy healing while presenting a practice that is easy to follow without being technical (I.e, if you are interested in details about meridians and Chakras, you're better off with different book like "Energy Medicine," which to me was overwheming in its details and techniques.).

"The Healing Promise of Qi" emphasizes the importance of body alignment, breath, and mind and breaks the Qigong/Tai Chi practice down into ten steps:

1. Discover Qi
2. Gaher Qi
3. Circulate Qi
4. Purify Qi
5. Direct Qi
6. Conserve Qi
7. Store Qi
8. Transform Qi
9. Dissolve in Qi
10. Transmit Qi

Approximately 1-3 exercises are presented for each step (total 10-15 exercises) to help you develop the Qi flow.

The book then finishes off in the later chapters with an "owner's manual" or guide for your practice and a discussion on the science of Qi (fields of energy, mind and consciousness, etc.).

I have been following the practice, and the exercises have really helped me relax amid the stress of everyday life. The exercises take less than 10 minutes, plus they help me to meditate more easily.

The author's words ring true and sincere, and he has organized his topics well. I believe in his general message that anyone's health would benefit from following the practice of Qigong/Tai Chi.

After a number of readings, it is clear that this book is both broad and deep. It is very accessible for those just beginning their investigations into Qi, energy and personal cultivation. AND it is among the most penetrating books for those who seek deeper knowledge of wellbeing, energetics and even the eternal nature. There is fact (health, healing, physiology and quantum), theory (Chinese Medicine, Chinese philosophy, Daoism, Buddhism), inspiration (the most profound medicine is within, the eternal radiant spirit can be revealed), story (tales of a probably fictional mountain monastery and probably real Qi masters the author has met and studied with). There is also a profound vision for the potential of the human species as the cultivation of our deeper nature is more widely pursued.

As both a doctor of Chinese medicine and a long time teacher of Qigong and Tai Chi, the author has experience, authority and very alluring language. The book is easy and fun to read. It could be opened anywhere. One endorsement, from the author of Manifesto For A New Medicine, James Gordon MD says "I look forward to referring to -- and using -- this book for years to come." And Joan Borysenko, author of many books on the Mind/Body revolution calls it "A gem that you will treasure for the rest of your life." Deepak Chopra calls Dr Jahnke, "a wise teacher and healer" and his Qigong "simple yet profound".

Nowhere have we seen (and this is mentioned in a number of the Amazon reviews) such a clear map of the territory of Qigong, Tai Chi and the cultivation of personal power and virtue.

I have also appreciated, very much, Dr Jahnke's first book, The Healer Within The Healer Within: Using Traditional Chinese Techniques To Release Your Body's Own Medicine *Movement *Massage *Meditation *Breathing.

These are seminal works in the emerging new Quantum world of energy, empowerment and self-reliance. Qigong, it appears, is an accessible portal to our maximum potential and a method to access our deepest power -- simply yet profoundly.

When it takes the author(s) 72 pages to offer the first real bit of practical advice, you know that something is amiss. They are aware of the potential criticism that we all "know" how to walk, but they do themselves no favours by having so many preliminary chapters which are full of nothing other than platitudes and truisms, combined with a hard-sell of they method they are promoting.

When we get to the actual advice, there are plenty of photographs promoting one idea or another about perfect posture, but for the life of me, some of the points just escape me. For example, we are told to level the pelvis (imagining a basin of water which we must not allow to tilt, thus spilling the liquid) and we see the before and after photographs, emphasing the straight waistline, yet in a following paragraph we are told to lean forward (to use gravity) and the accompanying photo clearly has a tilted pelvis. Go figure.

This book could have been edited down to a fraction of its current length.

excellent book. well written, and instructive without being stiff. It will definitly become a part of my reference library.

Very good book Chi Walking: The Five Mindful Steps for Lifelong Health and Energy

Both Chi Walking & Chi Running have helped me immensely. I no longer have knee pain when I run and walking has felt almost effortless. The body sensing and relaxation techniques have helped so much even if I feel little twinges since the twinges go away. I highly recommend both books for anyone struggling with walking and running hang-ups.

Chi Running is one of my favorite running books because it taught me to run in a way that is effortless and natural. In Chi Walking, running coach Danny Dreyer applies the same principles to walking, but in my experience this does not work. The basic method in both books is to let the body tilt forward slightly so gravity pulls you along. In running this works fine because your feet land more on the toes thus absorbing the weight of the body with no shock. In walking however you land more on the heels or midfoot, so if you are tilted forward falling towards gravity, the full weight of the body slams the knees with each step.

After trying this method of walking for half an hour I was feeling this slamming and tension in my knees, and figured I might be doing it wrong. I carefully reread the instructions and made the forward tilt very slight, tried to land on the midfoot rather than heel, etc., yet still the knees were slammed with each step, and all my back muscles became tense from holding the slight tilt position. After three miles, I stopped because it was quite clear I was forcing my body into an unnatural motion and damaging it.

I looked on Mr. Dreyers blog where he notes that "umpteen" reader have complained that their feet were "slapping the pavement much harder" with this approach. He acknowledges that landing on the heels in this way is indeed "unhealthy for your knees, the slapping can bruise the metatarsal heads." He suggests that a change of technique--landing on the midfoot directly under the body, and twisting the pelvis--will completely eliminate this hazard. In my experience this is simply not true. These corrections slightly soften the bow, but there is still a noticeable shock to the knees on each step (the full weight of the body hits the knees at once instead of rocking onto them).

Mr. Dreyer as pictured in the book is a very light, small-framed person, so he can probably get way with walking like this. A heavier person using this approach regularly will in my opinion almost certainly damage their knees over the long term (or more likely they will stop using it because it feels so jarring and unnatural). The corrections Mr. Dreyer suggests are complex, subtle and insufficient to fully eliminate the increased shock of this method.

In my opinion this is a very risky technique, virtually impossible to use without shocking the legs and knees, hence the one star.

Addendum: The day after my three-mile trial of Chi Walking my knees are aching like I jumped off a ledge. Looking through my racewalking books, all advise upright posture, warning that a forward tilt puts strain on the neck muscles and knees. Ron Laird, who won more national championships than any other racewalker, writes in Fast Walking, "Keep an upright posture with your hips directly underneath you... leaning too far forward from your ankles or waist puts extra pressure on the knee joint."

I think Mr. Dreyer is unwise to assume the many readers who complained are all doing it wrong. They are alerting him that his emphasis on forward leaning is imbalanced and potentially injurious.

I use this book as a guide for my home yoga practice. It is a great resource for understanding and working with the chakras, ie. the blocks that are showing up in your life based and how to release them. So far, this is the most user friendly and detailed book on chakras I've found.

this book really is the aurthority on the chakra systems and a very well organized version of all the cultural information that is out there about them.

This is an excellent introduction to the chakras. It is clear in it's instruction and it is detailed enough that it can be used as an excellent reference book through out your life.

I bought this book , after reading all the reviews written by Yoga teachers on this page. I was kind of disappointed with the quality of information in the book in quite many ways.
This book preaches a lot of good and useful things , right from diet to exercise to visualization. I liked the concept of balancing of chakras for kids and would help guide new or to-be parents. Also the fact presented in the book that women are ignored in most yogic scriptures which explain self realization.

But, there are some major doubts on the main subject being discussed in this book.
1. The author has suggested that use of LSD or Marijuana might be good to get a glimpse of what to expect when higher chakras get excited. There is no mention of which research led her to conclude the same. Please Do not believe this!!
2. For every Chakra the author mentions the Tarot Suit, Sephira, Archangel names. But there is not mention of why is there this association.
3. There is no or very less reference to Kundalini power. I would have expected a chapter dedicated to this with detailed references to the Nadis in the appendix. Any serious book on chakras would do that.
4. Too much visualization and imagery , and a lot less information of
Mantra Yoga ( Chanting Yoga used to steady the mind ).
5. Well , Jogging a aerobic exercises have been suggested to help balance the chakras. I agree , aerobic exercises and weights are excellent workout ( I myself am a kettlebell fan ).But these activities actually
increase excitation and the author seems to have left out important information on Pranayama. Seems strange for a PHD and Yoga teacher.
6. Kapalabhati and Mool Bandha, Ashwini Mudra are for the first 3 chakras, the author mentions them only for the 3rd chakra, and that too with no mention to their sanskrit names or their meanings.

Well, I would suggest anyone who wants to seriously understand chakras , to look elsewhere.There is a wealth of information on the internet.
No book may give you all the knowledge, but atleast take care that it does not give you incorrect information. Every person find's his or her own way to self realization.
I dont believe, that to understand eastern philosophy, the author needs to mix it with western philosophy and vice-versa. They are different schools of thought and both of them can co-exist independently. A person wishing to understand either of them just needs to gain a better understanding of the perception of each philosophy before diving into the details. I am going to go further in my study to understand and realise the chakras, but I am done with this book.

Regards
sachin

I have been using this book as a learning tool in a class that is designed to help me with aligning my Chakra's. I am impressed with the various tools such as exercises, stretching and information. It is full of flowing information and each Chakra lesson fits nicely in with all of the others. My teacher has used this book for many years and hers is full of marked pages. I hope mine will be as lovingly used as I continue with learning about my Chakras.

This a great book for introducing Chi. I felt that there was too much time spent on what it is and not enough of how to work with it.

This is my second book from the author. It is great introductory material on the benefits of Chi. However, it is VERY basic and merely for overview of the benefits of building up your energy system.

In my opinion this book in conjunction with Robert Bruce's 'Energy Work'(The BEST hands on RESULTS oriented book) are an excellent starting point. Also, 'Opening the Energy Gates of the Body' would be a natural companion to these.

I am a long time student of Buddhist and Taoist themes. Recently, because of a cancer diagnosis and resulting bacterial and fungal pneumonia I have had to rebuild my body from the ground up. This book has been an invaluable part of that process.

1. Experience how deeply troubled you are about an unwanted occurrence, emotion, or illness, and become aware of your anger and resentment toward it. Become conscious of your resistance to it. You must experience the feelings about unwanted occurrences or illness in your life, so you can begin to heal. "I have created this hurt and sadness by forgetting my essence".

2. See and realize how you are powerless to change the past or the fact that the unwanted occurrence or illness has occurred. You have pride in your abilities, your achievements, and your power to overcome adversity. Say to yourself, "I maybe powerless to change the past, but I am no longer powerless to change my attitudes, thoughts, and outlook. I am no longer powerless to bring healing from my essence." How does my realization that I'm powerless to change this occurrence make me feel?"

3. Surrender to the fact that the unwanted occurrence or illness is a reality and has occurred. Your mind naturally resists the idea that this unwanted occurrence is a reality. Your mind rejects the acceptance of the this unwanted occurrence and goes automatically to its old, negative, conditioned patterns. It is only by accepting the unwanted realities in life that you can begin to grow and approach your essence. Spend a few minutes feeling the power associated with this thought.

4. Bring to your essence the guilt, anger, and fear, as well as any feelings of unworthiness, which may have contributed to the unwanted occurrence or illness. Say to yourself, "I empower myself to remove the barriers I have created to healing. These barriers block me from knowing the vast power that lies within me."

5. Nurture the realization and experience of the power within your essence. Contemplate that this higher self or power within you has the capacity to bring healing to the situation. The awareness of your essence allows for these unwanted occurrences to be accepted with hope, trust, and understanding. The understanding of your essence will bring you closer to God. It can bring you wisdom and knowledge of universal truths. Once adversity is accepted, you can begin to see the many ways you can transform. Perhaps and adverse occurrence reveals to you that you need to obey your heart more than your mind. Adversity brings a blessing in some form. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God", Romans 8:28.

6. Create a space where you can embrace your soul in trust, so that all necessary lessons can be learned and healing can be given. This process is done in solitude of your own heart through quiet contemplation. You can touch the power and energy of your essence through a quiet mind and an open heart. A quiet mind comes by examining the origin of the thought. "Is my thought about this occurrence based on my essence, or is it just another negative, conditioned thought pattern?" An open heart is reached simply by the intent to touch the source of your compassion. Create an energy bubble of protection.

7. Embody and actualize transformation of your mind and body by deeply feeling your desire for this to occur. "I will continue on the path of transformation. I will do this by living my life with an awareness of who I am. I will endeavor to learn my purpose each day."

I think Mr. Frantzis is a good teacher, but I don't think this is his best book. There's a little too much new age type cheerleading about how this book will start a chi revolution that will improve everything from our health to world peace. It also re-enforces the tired, old stereotype that westerners don't know how to move, stand, relax, or breathe and Asian philosophy has all the necessary remedies.

BTW, did you know that Mr. Frantzis has published books under the names of Kumar Frantzis, B. K. Frantzis and other variations. All of them were reviewed on Amazon's site with a variety of ratings. All of those old reviews have disappeared, and been replaced by 5 star reviews from his fans and students.

I had a mixed reaction to this book, and that was due to the fact that there was plenty of material that resonated well with me, yet there was some material that I found problematic or at least dealt with in an insufficient manner.

On the positive side, much of the book is essentially an affirmation of the mind-body connection and that we can heal ourselves of ailments through (1) restoring a harmonious flow of "energy" in our bodies and/or (2) positive thinking and its beneficial effects. (Conversely it is asserted that ailments in some way disrupt the flow of "energy" in our bodies and that negative thinking has a deleterious effect on us.) One can probably not legitimately deny these claims, and there is much to be gained from what Adam says in this particular regard. He also has some fascinating ideas on the Big Bang theory and how quantum physics help us in some way to understand the "energy" of which he speaks so often throughout the book.

On the negative side, though, there are some weighty considerations that in my mind seriously detract overall from the book's benefits:

(1) He relates the story of how his "powers" originally came to be, namely a "vision" or paranormal experience that led him to travel to Nootka Sound in British Columbia where he encountered a giant black bird in the forest. This bird "downloaded" (infused) information into his mind in an apparently supernatural way. What is missing, though, from his recounting of this event is whether or not he critically evaluated his experience. For instance, he never questions the existence of a crow-like bird that, judging from the picture of it in the book, appears to be larger than a human being. (Does such a creature actually exist in the natural world?) He also never questions how this bird was able to infuse information directly into his mind or where that information came from in the first place. This is disturbing to me, and were it not for the fact that Adam seemed okay with this "download" of information I would be tempted to call the whole event an instance of mental rape. In addition, this occasion played a key role in the development of Adam's psychic abilities which he apparently accepted without question or hesitation. Was that wise?

(2) He experienced other paranormal or psychic activities and (again) did not critically evaluate them: "During our planning for the trip [to Nootka], I noticed that two crows seemed to be always following me. They woke me up every morning and were more or less permanent fixtures in our yard....I didn't spend any time trying to understand their presence." (p. 7) "...I communicated telepathically with a shaman at a Native American healing gathering in which I was participating." (p. 30) "In high school, my pen flew out of my hand many times." (p. 32) "After my vision of the bird, any time a question popped into my head, I was bombarded with vast amounts of information that addressed it." (p. 73)

(3) He proposes a view of human nature and reality that is quite different from the typical Western view, yet he offers no reason why the reader should accept it. Some of his claims include: "A self separate from everyone else is an illusionary concept, created merely for our own purposes of human definition or for convenience." (p. 27) "Our reality is completely subjective." (p. 74) "...every atom, every cell, every subatomic particle in the body has some form of consciousness as a result of connecting to the field [of energy]." (p. 78) "The idea that consciousness is something special, reserved only for humans, is quite arrogant." (p. 89) "Your consciousness, present in every atom and cell, also exists externally of your physical self." (p. 168)

(4) He ascribes intentionality to the field of energy, yet he fails to explain how the field can be purposeful without possessing intelligence or consciousness: "The field responds to our every intention if we make it clear what that is....The field responds to what is asked of it." (pp. 36, 37)

(5) While Adam is clearly concerned with helping people to be healthy (and this is laudable), he is, quite frankly, espousing aspects of Hinduism. In particular, his view of the cosmos is one whereby he claims a universal energy field exists that contains vast amounts of information that can be accessed by anyone anywhere anytime once the discipline to do so has been learned. He further claims that all reality is ultimately one, a monistic world view that lies at the heart of Hinduism. He also devotes a portion of his book to the belief in reincarnation. I fault his approach simply because the core material in his book is specifically religious in nature, yet no formal sanction of religion is made, and the reader may be unaware that he/she is being introduced (even indoctrinated into?) to a definite religious world view.

I think the book has merit because of its power-of-positive-thinking approach, yet it fails because while it is promoted as a book about healing, it is essentially an introduction into a specific religion yet does not acknowledge that fact. That makes it potentially misleading.

I highly recommend all Adam's books for everybody who wants to take charge of their own life and it's quality. Adam's books guide you how to awaken you innate powers to heal yourself and others. They can save you tons of money on medical bills and side effects that conventional medicine brings with its treatments. Adam's stuff works! I use it on myself and on my love ones. It works long distance as well (thousands of miles from the subject).

I've read several negative blogs trashing Adam and am wondering what's the big deal? After reading this book I came to believe that we truly all can heal (ourselves & others), I learned tools that resonated with me, and I tried them and they worked ... for me. This book opened up a whole new world to me and I'm left mystified why someone would trash a person and method that when employed only has positive results? Finally someone in the healing arts comes forward and freely shares the nuts & bolts "how to" of what works for him (and can work for us) & seeks to empower others, not glorify himself or say his is the only modality that works. I love to learn new methods of energy healing but get tired of books leading me to believe they will show me how, yet at their conclusion find I have to sign up for an expensive weekend retreat or series of training classes. I don't want to make a career of this, I have other interests, but I'd like to do my part to help heal our planet and this book greatly empowered my belief that I can make a difference.

This is probably the most comprehensive of Adam's books. Ancient wisdom from such a young man. There is much of value in this book and I would highly recommend it for anyone who works with energy.

The Path of the Dreamhealer is not just remarkably well written, it turns out to be a very penetrating account of the human spirit in relationship to the cosmic whole. Adam guides us with precision ease through the Creation, how our body, mind and spirit integrate into all that is in such an easy to read and grasp format. Its illustrations well enhance the effectiveness of the processes outlined in the book.Though I am aware of other critics' counterclaims on Adam's healing technigues, I agree with Adam that there are no miracles involved here, rather a knowing more of your Self involved here. It is only due to ignorance that things appear or seem miraculous. Adam's honest and refreshing advice has been for everyone to practice, practice, practice! Ability is involved and naturally needs to be cultivated through diligent exercise, which includes feeling your tai chi energy ball, seeking auras, and forming imaginative visualisation skill with the help of the colorful illustrations included. I have come to the conclusion that this outstanding literary offering is an invitation to transcend many of our current healing practices , from psychoanalysis to reiki, without any mind numbing intellectual jargon. More astounding is the realization that this is the work of an extraordinarily bright and gifted teenager. I am giving this book a second readthrough and give it 5 stars.
Charles Wildbank
P.S. After this review was written, I have had the pleasure of meeting Adam at one of his workshops in Toronto. It was well attended, about 500 people. Two healing sessions were given by Adam to entire room. Though I am deaf, I was able to feel the effects of his intention throughout the brief sessions. Most likely, everyone would yield different results or experiences compared to each other, but what I felt was a type of white noise vibration as if my ears would pop. I did have a persistent health issue present, a problem with rotating one of my shoulders as it was painful. Though no healing claims were promised by Adam, I did go through a gradual recovery within a week. The book explains everything.

I really loved this book. :)
I felt more at peace buy just reading this and I can't wait to become one of Laurelle's Reiki students especially taking her Karuna class
MS. AMber

This book is OK. It has some interesting stories. And some limited practical uses.

This is a valuable book for any healer interested in learning more about different types of reiki.

This book is very detailed. I enjoyed the personal stories from the author. There is a lot of information to remember...too much if you're out and about and someone happens to need Karuna energy. You can't just whip this book out and go to work. I take what I need from the book and put it in a handy pocket notebook.

As an Usui Reiki Master I was curious about other types of Reiki, in particular Karuna. I searched the Internet for available information, but what I found didn't adequately answer my questions. I was delighted to find that a book on Karuna Reiki was available from Amazon. Laurelle Shanti Gaia's book has answered all the questions that I had. I found it well written and easy to read. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more about Karuna Reiki.

It is a great benefit to everyone that Ken Cohen has created this great reference work containing many details of every aspect of Qi Gong theory and practice. Most other works are either patchy and incomplete, or in Chinese. Since Mr. Cohen speaks Chinese, and has taught and practiced Qi Gong for most of his life, he is ideally suited to providing this material. It's particularly helpful that he has also presented so much of the material as DVD instruction videos.
However, in many ways, this is a work for the Qi Gong teacher, or at least for committed students of many years. While the material can certainly be used by beginners, it requires more time, effort and money than those who only have a casual curiosity are willing to invest in something they have not experienced.
Each aspect of the learning process is dealt with in great detail, such that the student is never going to say "I'm still not sure what I am supposed to do at this point" (which is a comment I've read about many other qigong and yoga products). But the flip side is that the student needs to commit to investing a large amount of time to this course. For example, many exercises have 10 minutes of introductory explanation of the proper state of mind, prior to 10 minutes of explaining the exercise itself - for something that is going to comprise one or two minutes of your daily practice.
So, for the more casual beginner, which is probably going to be most people, there is a more simple and less costly solution. Get the inexpensive and excellent DVD set "Qigong Beginning Practice" by the Garripolis, which is probably the best instruction video for casual beginners, and then get Ken Cohen's paperback book "The Way of Qigong" which contains all his excellent knowledge and explanations of the theory and significance of Qigong. The cost of both together is less than a third of the cost of this course.

Without a doubt, Mr. Cohen has contributed, and continues to contribute, to the expositon of Eastern philosophy within Western culture. The walls are slowly crumbling and giving way to the world of self-development and personal evolution. There are two things I would have liked to have experienced from this program. The first would be a less affective tone from the narration. In its place, I would have preferred a more vibrant, inspiring, less-coddling tone. There is too much breathiness in the narration that distracts from the presentation of the basics and has the potential of turning away readers with a more energetic vibration in their hearts. Perhaps a discussion of the more aerobic forms of Qi Gong, such as Nei Gong or Nei Jia, would have been appropriate, but the tone would have contradicted the energizing power behind these forms. Let us not forget that first, and foremost, Qi Gong was a martial art practiced by the warrior classes. It eventually evolved as a spiritual monastic practice, but the monks themselves were warriors by default. Under the despotic rule of unenlightened emperors and warlords, China's priests had a need to develop a martial defense system. As a Qi Gong and Tai Chi instructor, I find that it is a constant struggle to explain to students that Qi Gong and Tai Chi are not practices that are limited to senior citizens. Once I demonstrate Nei Gong, and/or Tai Chi fighting form, students do begin to understand what these ancient practices have to offer. The troubling thing is that most people walk about with a misguided representation of Qi Gong before they are illuminated otherwise. The second experience I would have enjoyed would have been a more global discussion of Qi Gong history and its evolution. Mr. Cohen presents his style without mentioning that there are thousands of different forms of Qi Gong in existence today. To his credit, Mr. Cohen does recognize this fact elsewhere, but not within the scope of this program. That's fine, not a problem, but the consumer can easily walk away thinking that there is only one style of Qi Gong...Cohen Qi Gong. The reader should also note that some of the exercises are incomplete and only offer an introductory sampling of the tip of the iceberg that is Qi Gong. It is understandable that there is a general, economical need to appeal to a wide audience, but the narration and title should explicitly state that all chapters are simply introductory. Nevertheless, there is much merit and reward to be garnished from Mr. Cohen's work. Practice his way and the reader will definitely see an improvement in health, strength and vitality over time. Although not a seminal opus, this product is the culmination of a highly important, and sorely needed, educational service. I encourage all teachers, readers, students and practitioners to allow this introductory work to be a guide towards a deeper practice.

This set is the best compilation of beginner exercises and meditations I have seen yet. He combines instruction with information to help you learn as you practice. Definitely worth the buy.

Ken Cohen is clear in his descriptions - knowledgable of the material - useful in the information and exercises he describes and practices and models in the CD's, DVD's and book. The practice of qigong can be learned well through this material. He is down to earth in his explanations and demontrations, making understanding very accessible.

I bought this thinking that it was a workout DVD set. I was initially disappointed that it wasn't, but as I watched the DVDs, listened to the CDs, and read the enclosed booklet, I was pleasantly surprised. This was actually so much more. The instruction is more detailed than you will ever get on an exercise DVD. It answers a lot of the questions that have been turning over in my mind. I didn't know it ahead of time, but it was just what I needed.

I found this book to be excellent for those who are struggling with their own losses and are looking for a book that will comfort them and give them a glimpse of that light in the tunnel no matter how little it may be.

There is nothing outright terrible about this book.. It just was not what I was looking for.. I was hoping for a book of women who would share their stories, talk about their emotions, make me feel normal.. Instead, its more of an instruction guide on how to get through it.. I didn't get the book til I was 3+ months past my last miscarriage.. And, since it was my 2nd.. I feel like i already KNOW how to get through it.. I felt that the authors were sort of telling me what I should do, how i should feel.. where i was looking for people to tell me how THEY felt..

I was amazed how very few choices you have if you are looking for books to help with emotional support during such a lose. I found Grieving the Child I never Knew much better since I was looking for something in a Christian format.

A lot of the info is pretty basic, however she presents it in a way that applies it specifically to a still-birth or miscarriage.
I have had two miscarriages both early in pregnancy and I found this book very helpful. I have started to read 5 different books and this is the only one that really helped me through it.

Only those who have been through a loss like this know the pain and can relate. Unfortunately there are not a lot of people close to me that I can lean on for support that have had this experience. Friends and family offer great support at first but eventually everyone feels you need to "just move on and get over it." Until you have walked in these shoes, you will never know how impossible that is to do.

I was doing some research on down to earth books that not only I could relate to about this subject, but also would help heal my heart and also give me hope and inspiration. This book was such a great comfort to me that I could never put into words it's power. I weeped over similar stories, but also found hope and strength in them. Above all, I was relieved to know that I was not alone in my feelings of anger, jealousy and pain.

When nobody else was there for me, and when people were tired of me rehashing my pain and experience....this book was there to help me pick up the pieces. I would suggest this book to ANYONE who has gone through the loss of a baby. You will not regret this purchase.