Reiki Books

I have purchased a little set of the "Morning Cup" books. Each one is a description of exercises with an enclosed CD. Never doing any type of tai chi before, I decided to read the book first. The next day I attempted the exercises from the CD. I must say that I was very intrigued by the routine, as well as relaxed. I've done the routine a couple more times, and would like to learn more.

It is very good, but it goes a little too repetitious for me...and the exercises are a little too slow, it takes more than 15 min to develope them, but they are great.

My wife has health problems but was looking for a low impact form of exercise. This is it. She enjoys doing this.

I found this book very easy to follow and enjoyed it right from the start. I find the instructions very easy to follow

I've tried 'regular' Tai Chi and understand and respect it, but this is a form that can be done right away and is easily remembered. I'm using it with my senior fitness classes and they love it!

The book has no practical facts, and author is self-contradictive. Author must have lots of good friends to help with these good reviews. Don't recommend it.

This is the fourth book by Robert Bruce that I've purchased and I've been extremely impressed with each one. This book, like the previous books, is well researched, well written, amply illustrated, and filled with exercises and detail that teaches the reader not only why it works but how to do it.

this is an excellent book for those interested in building energy for healing or whatever else

ROBERT IS REAL AND THE BOOK IS GREAT IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ENERGY HEALING

Over the years, I have worked with many systems that aim to develop one's energy body, including yoga, Tai-Chi, breathing-based and other techniques. I have found that Robert Bruce's Energy Work methods are by far the most direct and effective in stimulating and developing your energy body. You can feel the results within 2-3 minutes of doing these exercises. Thank you for this gift, Mr. Bruce!

This book is SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST REIKI... It is a blessing to all of us teaching Reiki... No secrets. Written with True Unconditional Love.
www.ancientwiz.com

I must admit that I already was a fan of the 'Everything Books' before I ordered this one. I first fell in love with the "The Everything Christmas Book". So, I knew that I would would be completely satisfied with "The Everything Reiki Book" as well and I was.

I love this quick reference book. You can just open a page and learn something. Her writting is very knowledable and unbias. I recommend this book to my reiki students and it's on my reading requirements for my classes at Boise State University. Reiki has come along way! Let's continue to make it a household healing modality.

Namaste
Jacqueline Kennedy
Facets of Healing
Reiki Energy Healing Center
717 Vista Ave
Boise, ID 83705
208-429-9999

I had put this book on my wishlist, and I got it for Christmas this year, and I have read a significant amount of the book and I have to say it is a disappointment. It is mostly about being new age, and not enough about Reiki, which makes the title misleading. Besides that, it seems as though the author got paid by the page, so she wrote page after page of new age vagueness. I have perused reiki books at the bookstore which were much more informative than this, and some were much smaller. I am not proud of being critical, and even less so of making assumptions about the book or author, but this book really has been a big disappointment to me. I read and read and kept wishing for my fears to be that the author was only warming up, but in reality, up to where I am in the book, and as for each page ahead which I have scanned, it is filled with vagueness and so far I don't see much practical use in this book. Perhaps I am writing this review as a warning because I put this book on my wishlist after reading the warm reviews and I feel let down very much.

This book is a pretty good introduction, but it seems more geared for someone who wishes to become a practioner. From the review I read, I thought it would be ok for a general overview of Reiki. Not terrific for the purposes I was looking for.

If you have a basic understanding of other five element practices, this book is a great resource to round out understanding from the Tibetan Bon teaching. It also covers what in TCM are the Jing, Qi and Shen levels of the Bon approach. Very clearly and openly. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style and felt the generousity of spirit in his writing. But remember that information does not make a practice, only a practice makes a practice.

The title is not a put-down of books like "Rainbow of Liberated Energy" or "The Five Wisdom Energies". They do particular justice to the subject of the five 'elements'. The point that I want to make is that I liked this one best, not just because of the friendly and precise writing style, but because this one goes to the roots of the system - the primordial basis of Tibetan metaphysics.

Rimpoche, rather that relying on abstraction and theoretical discourse, covers the subject in a way that is so jam-packed with teaching I had to stop every few pages to make sure I hadn't read a hundred. For me, that is real praise, because I tend to skim for the interesting points and ignore repitition and redundancy etc. I couldn't find anything to ignore in this book.

This is not a treatment of the jungwa as a topic - it is a workbook; a training manual on approaching meditation/tantra/shamanic practice from the standpoint of balancing and harmonizing the workings of the five elements in the physical body. It's a field guide to working with the Panchamahabhutas, or five great states, in a simple and practical way. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Tibetan mystical practices, Yoga, Asian spirituality, Tantra, or Alchemy - it's a good way to get started on a path that will take you where you want to go.

If you have a shamanistic bent this book is jam packed with the kind of useful information that usually requires an apprenticeship to acquire. It is one of the three most practical books I've encountered. If you play around with the practices and hints in this book you will experience amazing wonders in a very short time. Through two practices in particular you might even recognize the basis of your mind or be visited by deities. Don't think for one more minute, just buy the book and do the practices for the ride of your life.

Forgive me if I respond first to the review below that said "watch out! This isn't Buddhism!" What that person doesn't know is Tenzin Rinpoche's books are usually prefaced by the Dalai Lama--that's how accepted this is as a legitimate spiritual pathway. This isn't like western religions where diversity means you have to burn somebody at the stake. Everybody is openly accepted for what of value they can offer and Bon has a very alive dzogchen transmission that is second to none. Sorry for this digression.

Anyway, what I liked about his book--other than the fact that Tenzin Wangyal is tops in the Tibetan community in his ability to communicate clearly with westerners (you'll be amazed)is the fact that this book is kind of a lesson in how Tibetans think--which is not required certainly, but if you are studying Tibetan spirituality and are really serious it's something you will find helpful.

LIke his book on Dream Yoga it is extremely readable and is something you can digest with no forehead massaging. I have met Tenzin Wangyal and he is a really good person and nice guy and I always remember in the sleepy period after lunch him chuckling looking out at the sleepy group and saying, "It's earth-element time."

This is a painless way to fill in a gap in your attempts to understand the culture and spirituality of Tibet.

As the teachings of Buddhism cross the pacific ocean, it is very difficult to know what is true and what is false. this is false teachings. We here in the United States think that we live in a world that there are many choices and that we can pick and choose.
Our deluded thinking that we have the ability to choose what is best is absolutely wrong.

this book steals from Vajrayana Buddhism but is aligned with Bonpo. All buddhist and those that are trying to learn about Vajrayana Buddhism, just do not buy. Look to the sacred text of true Vajrayana teachers such as Padmasambava, Patrul Rinpoche, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Dudjom Rinpoche, Thinley Norbu.

In Tibet, only those that are regarded a true teachers have the right to teach and be a guide. Beware of those that come with nice sounding words but have not wisdom.

You want to follow Bonpo, then buy this book as well as those from Namkai Norbu. But for the rest, those that seek full awakening through the path of Vajrayana buddhism, this book will only lead you astray.

I am a HUGE fan of this book. Perhaps because it illustrates the forgiveness work I needed to go through. I have found it very easy to read and follow. The concepts make sense and the healing processes (though tough) are so amazingly freeing. I cannot say enough good things about this book. If I had to say anything negative, it would be that I wish the Author had included some tips about what would happen to you after you heal each Chakra. I didn't know what to expect and sometimes was a bit concerned. So, that would have been nice. I have found however that after each healing and cleansing, new pathways to understanding open up and I can feel my body/mind vibration rising with each cleansing. Before reading this book, I didn't know much about Chakras and to be honest, I was a skeptical, but I'm NOT anymore. If you're looking for a book on Chakra healing/cleansing/balancing, THIS IS A MUST HAVE.

I like the organization of the book, the explanations of each Chakra and the meditations/exercises at the end of each chapter. I do wish there were a CD of the meditations to accompany the book rather than the suggestion to record the meditations on a tape to play back...who wants to listen to their own voice!!! This is a nice primer for anyone who is new to Chakras and energy work. It's a nice addition to my library.

This is by far the best chakra book I have read. She not only goes into detail about how each chakra effects you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, but it's filled with exercises. Being an intuitive empath, my favorite exercises are tuning down your chakra exercises to keep negative influences from affecting you. I do that every morning after doing Doreen Virtue's chakra clearing exercise and I feel fantastic all day, but if not, I feel lousy.

This is one of the first books I purchased that was strictly on Chakras. Her views and style of writting was OK at the time but since then I have found other Authors that are alot better. I read this book in less then 1 week so it an easy read and doesn't delve very deep. She also devotes a Chapter to each Chakra, and gives a fair overview, correspondences, the rest of it is exercises like meditations and jounaling questions. If you purchase this book you must get the companion book the workbook- the workbook is great, it doesn't really add anythng new, but it better explains the meditations and you can use it for your jounal. I would give the Workbook a higher rating the the actual book! Also most of the information find in this book can be found on the information/correspondences page of the workbook just in less detail. She definetly has her view of Chakras, and through study I just don't mesh well with her views.

If you are already familiar with chakras then this book probably is not the one for you; however, if you are looking for an introduction to chakras then this book is a good start. The author takes the time, a whole chapter's worth of time, to devote to each chakra giving you a very clear background and understanding. The exercises are very accurate and easy to do from the first time around. Definately a good starter book :)

Bottom Line: Buy It
Great resource! It spelled out a lot about why perhaps, certain people make you feel certain ways (some you like to be around and feel happy and good, others seem to make you tired). The author also gave examples of cases, where she helped people who were being drained (in most cases completely unaware of it) and lists what exercises she had them do to protect themselves.
The book is also filled with exercises you can do to help clear, strengthen and protect your energy. Fantastic exercises to do, no matter how you feel, but especially great to do when you feel tired or rundown in anyway (even better if you notice it right after socializing or being around particular people).
I didn't find it religious, which was nice..meaning when you do the exercises you could insert your own particular beliefs (i.e. the white light could be Jesus for you, or whomever).
My one complaint, is I wished the exercises were printed in a way you could easily make a copy (for your personal reference when attempting each exercise) or better yet on tear out cards.
Would also recommend Energy Medicine by Donna Eden, as it has numerous exercises for strengthening, and correcting energy flows.

I found this book extremely interesting, especially the introduction. Even though there are some exercises that I wouldn't do myself, that involve rituals, but the mental exercises were extremely efficient.

I also loved the case studies, which explained a lot of behaviors/traits that others possess and certain cases that I could use and benefit greatly if I was ever in that particular situation, especially when it comes to pressure in the workplace.

This is, without a doubt, one of the most useful books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It offers techniques to help guard yourself from energy predators-- draining, toxic presences that come to us in the form of, say, an abusive spouse or annoying neighbor. It has helped me in interpersonal struggles where psychology has fallen short.

I have come in for a lot of ribbing for buying this book, even from people who unequivocally believe some other people are out to bleed you dry. I think the defensive shield-raising exercises are as good as anything else around, but I don't think aura-viewing is something everyone can develop as easily as the author suggests. I'm going to lend it to my metaphysically-inclined friend who had never heard of grounding and centering and shielding.

This book describes will how moral choices can save us from victimization. The parts about holiness or "positive energy" as a defense against people who would use us through physical means is also good advice. The thoughts on how to achieve a state of holiness are crude to non existent. The book also neglects to show us the very phenomena that the book's title advertises.
If you are looking for a book that tells you instances of people avoiding physical threats, the you will appreciate parts of this book. However, many authors have illustrated adequately these situations and in my opinion in much more completely and appropriately. As for the phenomena of psychic vampirism, the subject is not adequately addressed.

I LOVE this book! I bought it on the recommendation of some close friends who said it was a must read, and I have to say they were 100% on the mark. Because of the "Essence of Tantric Sexuality," I have a whole new outlook on sex and sexuality (not to mention better and more sensual sex!), plus I was able to teach my mate some new tricks (though to be honest I'm still perfecting those :)

I was a bit concerned before reading the book that a lot of what it has to say would be beyond my understanding, as I was a total novice to tantra. But I soon found I was mistaken. The book is so well written - the authors use simple to understand language to make otherwise complex ideas easy to digest - and I was astonished at how quickly I moved through the chapters and how much of it I retained.

If you're looking for a great book on tantra this is the one. A++++!

"Tantra uses touch as the primary sensory avenue for the focusing of the mind and when sexual sensation expresses itself in orgasm, the bursting or climax, we achieve a state of yoga, or union."

Those looking for a general introduction to Tantric Yoga will find this an invaluable and informative book.

Based on the lectures given by Dr Jonn Mumford (aka Swamiji, or Swami Anandakapila) and developed further by the authors, Essence gives an insight into the practical exercises and techniques available for the western Tantrika (practitioner), as well as a greatly expounded explanation for those unfamiliar with Tantric sexuality.

Rudimentary instructions begin with some basics: the use of yantras, or symbols, for visualization techniques; and mudras, hand gestures or body positions, used for creating psychophysical change.

Following these lessons, the authors then delve into various sexual aspects, reminding the reader that it is the process of getting to an orgasm that is more important than the actual climax itself. Essence deals with various exercises and rituals in order for men and women, individually or as a couple, to make that journey more fun, more rewarding, and more fulfilling so that the climax becomes the culmination of an already-exciting discovery process, ultimately a meeting with the divine.

They deal with sexuality in a straightforward, very matter-of-fact, and graphic manner.

Those willing to approach with an open mind and a teachable spirit will find a lot of material here to help understand many aspects of sexual pleasure, not only between two people, but also individually.

The authors cover many different areas of inducing pleasure, including masturbation, sexual fantasies, the use of perfumes and massage, and an in-depth look at the erogenous zones in men and women (and, yes, there are more than two!).

Later in the book, similarities are drawn between the symbology of Tantra and other religions and beliefs, including the Catholic Mass.

If you can handle the graphic sexual descriptions and illustrations, this is indeed a book with information worth perusing, studying, and practicing.

It says in the book these two people are students of Jonn Mumford. This comes off sounding like a tape recording of Jonn Mumford rambling on the same subjects that are covered in his other books. The paragraphs are too long and rambling. There are no good illustrations of any methods you would find helpful. There are no exercises clearly set apart and easily dileneated much less something you could look back at for future reference.

In short, this book seems amateurish, and worse than that, just plain boring. I found it hard to get through and not very helpful.

I suppose they had all their pals get on here and write these glowing reviews.

The book/s by bodhi avinasha are superior in every way (especially one called "Jewel in the Lotus" and I would just look that one up on amazon if I were you. It's a much more helpful book if you actually want to learn how to practice this.

Best of luck.

I feel extremely fortunate to have come upon this book. The wisdom and insight into the Human Being's relationship with his/her own sexual energy is absolutely priceless. If this book were priced at 100 times what it actually costs, it would still be a steal. The personal empowerment I've experienced in every aspect of my life since beginning to digest this book, has me convinced that I have tapped into an understanding of what Human existence was meant to be.

Whether you are simply curious about Tantra, already know something about it, or are already knowledgeable, this is the book for you. The authors studied with the individual most responsible for bringing Tantric practices to the West, and they artfully, seriously and delightfully pass along what they have learned in this slim volume. "How to" manual, history book, explanation of Eastern philosophy: it is all here.

There is a huge pile of Tantra books available,trying to take advantage of the fact that sex sells. Many of them are exploitive and ignorant. This one is the real deal: expert, wise and loving.

This book is highly recommended. It contains information on the etheric non-world, turbo thoughts, invisibility and much much more. Lots to learn from this one.

I enjoyed this book immensely. What really captured my attention were the experiential exercises Mr. Wilde use throughout the book. In using these methods myself, a significant shift took place in my awareness. While the author does not use the word Toltec anywhere in his book, attributing these practices instead to occult bodies in European mystery schools, I see no significant differences between these practices and those offered in Toltec philosophy found in the work of Castaneda, Eagle Feather, and Mares, to name a few. It would be interesting to get the authors view on this confluence between apparently different systems which produce similar existential states of awareness in those who use these methods.

These types of spiritual development books (for the lack of a better word) may be shifting human consciousness in untold ways. Wilde, for example, often uses the concept of detachment as a method of spiritual awareness, i.e., not being hooked into some one else's drama. In Toltec philosophy the same concept is called, "losing self-importance."

For anyone attempting to grow spiritually and shift the dream, I highly recommend this book. Don't get too encumbered by the concepts which are difficult to follow or to substantiate via reason; the aim is to engage the practices and see where they take you. Herein the purpose of the book methinks.

The book speaks for itself. You don't have to understand it. It's not a tragedy if one does not. However, when one indicts Mr. Wilde for using pseudoscience when referring to the earth's resonating frequency, well--for that reviewer, please look up the term SCHUMANN RESONANCE. It is a defined construct of physics. It's funny that when some nit wit doesn't understand the world, that nit wit makes fun of somebody who does. So, in that sense, in terms of the intellectual underpinnings of that reviewer's critique--"garbage in, garbage out."

As another reviewer noted, one oughtn't place too much stock in Stuie's scientific claims--but of course after a some time on the "spiritual path" one finds that science is merely another religion, so what's the difference? All that aside, the reader will find a wealth of great advice for day to day living and aetheric adventures, as well as a number of amusing anecdotes all in the author's characteristically bombastic style. There are many practical exercises for building aetheric skills. Mr. Wilde has lived a fascinating life and has done a marvellous job seeing the infinite shine through his experiences. My rating lacks a star only because he seems to approach immortality in the usual, worn-out, after-death fashion, despite his extraordinary approach to other areas of existence. Open your eyes, Stuart! Any road, buy this book! It's one of my favourite SW works, and I have six!

I think everyone should have a copy of this book. Considering the changes and personal evolution you may be experiencing, having brought you to the presence of this review, I must say that this book is essential and will provide much empathy and answer many questions. It's a quick read and keeps you entranced the whole way through. My Wiccan elder priestess recommended it to me.. it's not necessarily Pagan, but certainly embodies concepts, philosophies and realizations encompassing all positive spiritual paths. Take my word for it!
Blessings,
OakRaven

This book is an easy read. It is not a detailed instruction manual on Reiki, in fact it doesn't give too much information away at all. The book talks about what Reiki is and, what surprised me, is how much the practice is utilized in human medicine, hospice etc... I had no idea how main stream the practice has become. The book packed with anecdotal support for the healing benefits of Reiki. The contents are well organized and she makes her points quickly. I picked up the book because I was taking Libby Barnett's Reiki level 1 and 2 courses and wanted to familiarize myself with her and her book. If you need further convincing that Reiki has a place in human medicine and supportive care pick up this book. After taking her course I'll be using Reiki on my small animal patients.

Reiki Energy Medicine is a motivator to learn Reiki, which is a Great thing because I can honestly say from my own personal experience, now that I have received attunement, that it WORKS. The authors write with the "Spirit" which just corroborates to me that Reiki is Holy and altogether Powerful. I am a Christian and love and celebrate Jesus every day of my life. Furthermore I have always been a woman of prayer. Reiki brings my faith full circle because it is tangible proof to my heart and soul that God's unconditional love can heal you if you will receive it. What is so awesome about Reiki is that it works regardless of your beliefs! No religious belief is required to receive Reiki healing.
One of the best things about Reiki that I learned from this book is that "The Reiki process hightlights the truth about healing: that the power and the responsibility for healing lie within the individual. The Reiki practitioner brings intention and commitment to the process, acting as a compassionate conduit for the universal life force, but the practitioner does not DO the healing for the client. The healing happens as a result of the relationship between the receiver's energy field and the universal energy field, mediated through the cellular consciousness of the receiver. Reiki enpowers the receiver to do the healing that needs to be done on all levels of being."
The chapters included are: 1 Universal Life Force: The Fundamental Principle of Health, 2 The Unique Power of Reiki, 3 Self-Reiki: Caring for the Caregiver, 4 A Progressive Approach to Wellness, 5 Visions for the Future: Reiki and the Partnership Model of Care. Also included are appendixes with diagrams for self treatment and treatment upon others.
Important note: You really need to look into this book but I would recommend getting an attunement first of which are available at amazon in the form of vhs and dvds. Then you can add to what you've already learned, thus fully enjoy and understand this book. The information here is NOT going to teach you Reiki if you first haven't been attuned. I give this book five stars because it mentions this fact in the text early on.
Closing quote: "Reiki meets us where we are and gently moves us forward, providing support for doing the work we were born to do. Reiki helps us know our purpose and manifest it with strength, vitality and ease. o8E
Soar!

After reading Reiki Energy Medicine, this reader finds writing this review quite difficult. It is quite tempting to lose any measure of objective distance and launch into the most effusive praise of this delightful book. At 120 pages, including notes and index, this book manages to say in a straightforward, concise, and simple way what so many other books three times the length or more are unable to communicate.

Without wasting too much time, the authors define and delineate with ease the nature of that universal healing life force that we know as reiki and its efficacy as a complement to traditional allopathic medicine. They neatly outline protocols that they, themselves, have used to integrate reiki into various health care environments from the emergency room to the hospital to the hospice. They discuss the success of programs they have developed and taught to other health care professionals, who have then enthusiastically integrated reiki healing into their health care practices. Reiki, as seen by the authors, is a cost-effective means of providing additional care and support to patients encountering what has so often been the impersonal and technical face of modern medicine. It re-integrates compassion and care back into the caregiver-patient/recipient relationship. Much anecdotal evidence is supplied in this book to demonstrate the extent to which this return of the compassionate relationship alone can drastically reduce the cost and length of recovery.

In the hospice setting where recovery is not an option, Reiki can transform what, under modern conditions, has become a degrading or frightening decline to death into a healing transition. Besides its utility as a palliative measure to treat even the worst pain, Reiki is a gentle guide to ease the patient's concerns and to assist them in their journey out of this life. Remarkably, reiki has also proven quite healing in the relationships of the hospice client with their survivors. In a word, Reiki can assist in cleaning out so much of the emotional unfinished "business" of the client. The authors supply anecdotes supporting this concept and discuss protocols as to how to apply and integrate reiki in the hospice setting.

I am reminded of an article, "Reiki in Hospice Care: Miranda's Story," by John Mramor(Massage & BodyWork Magazine, Feb/Mar 2004 issue) that eloquently affirms the principles that Ms. Barnett and Ms. Chambers have discussed. The client, Miranda, was a single mother of two in her early forties dying from cancer. After a traumatic and highly dysfunctional life, it didn't appear that she would find any healing, peace, or resolution as she approached the end of her life. Nonetheless, through the persistent yet ever so gentle efforts of Mr. Mramor, Miranda was able to find not only some measure of relief from her severe pain, but also to find the healing and resolution of life issues to continue her journey from this life to the next. I feel blessed by the serendipity to have read this article at the same time I was reading Reiki Energy Medicine.

Equally important to discussing the use of reiki in the modern healthcare facility was the emphasis placed by the authors upon the need for caregivers to take care of themselves. The importance of self-Reiki can not be repeated too often. Self-Reiki is vital to maintaining the energy and health of caregivers and to reducing their burdens of dis-ease and stress. As in their discussion regarding hospital and hospice protocols, the authors outline at length the importance of self-care for caregivers and conclude with their vision of a healthcare facility where reiki is fully integrated into the course of healing modalities for both the caregivers and the care-recipients.

In conclusion, Reiki Energy Medicine is quite simply a must-have text for reiki professionals, especially those who are integrating its caring principles and healing practices with other health modalities. I would also highly recommend it for reiki practitioners in general for its value in bringing home the profound, yet gentle realization that reiki can be integrated into every aspect of life to detoxify, heal, and raise the energy of any person and any situation.

This review was first printed in Reiki Magic newsletter(Twin Falls, April 2004). Copyright 2004 Brian S. Melton(aka Friskybearman): no part of this article may be reproduced in any manner without my express consent.

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

(2). Molecules Of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine by Candace B. Pert

(3). Energy Medicine by Donna Eden, David Feinstein, Brooks Garten, Caroline Myss

(4). Reiki Energy Medicine: Bringing the Healing Touch into Home, Hospital and Hospice by Libby Barnett, Maggie Chambers, Susan Davidson

(5). A Practical Guide to Vibrational Medicine : Energy Healing and Spiritual Transformation by Richard Gerber

Reiki is a form of Energy Medicine. The Japanese compound word Reiki means Universal Energy and is equivalent to the Chi of Chinese and the Prana of Indians. In this book, "Reiki Energy Medicine Bringing Healing Touch into Home, Hospital and Hospice", the authors Libby Barnett and Maggie Chambers, Reiki Masters, give us a number of areas where the Reiki healing touch can be applied with advantage. They give a good number of case studies and examples from their extensive health-related professional experience spread over years. Libby is a Medical Social Worker and Maggie is an artist who works with handicapped children. Both found Reiki to be useful in a number of situations. In collaboration with Susan Davidson, who helped the book to be edited into a highly readable account of Reiki, they succeed in getting the message through that Reiki as an adjunt to all other medical systems can improve the healing process effectively. Reiki is intelligent and it is the receipient who receives as much or as little as one needs and uses it for the highest good. Thus, it is not to be construed as a panacea, but it should be offered with unconditional love. I especially liked their comment that Reiki is not only Universal Energy but is also Universal / unconditional love. They also bring out an important point that Reiki should be welcomed by all other medical systems and the insurance firms since it doesn't interfere with their working and helps in bringing down the medicare costs.

The book gives a short introduction to Reiki but concentrates more on the applications of Reiki in the health field. The emphasis through out is on touch. The Appendices give the hand positions for self Reiki and for giving Reiki to others. The other aspects of Reiki which enable distance healing, programming etc., which do not involve touch have not been covered.

I recommend this book to all those who are interested in the use of Reiki in the health field.

S.V.Swamy,
Reiki Master and Holistic Healer
Author, Editor and Reviewer

Prior to reading "Unmasking the Rose," I knew very little about kundalini. My understanding was a remote recollection of a snake lying at the base of the spine. However, after reading Dr. Walter's superb autobiography, I am convinced that kundalini awakening (k.a.) is very important in terms of our shared spiritual destiny. It may very be the universal cornerstone of mysticism.

What makes Dr. Walter's book so helpful and inspiring is her approach, which is very honest and down to Earth. K.A., traditionally reserved for the select few (living in monasteries and caves) has now been made accessible to a much larger audience. Dr. Walter's is a modern day mystic, with one foot in the material world and the other in eternity.

Furthermore, I truly believe in the authenticity of her awakening. Why? Because of the setting, Dr Walters has spent most of her life living and working in the Midwest. This region is not very well versed in any spiritual discipline but traditional Christianity. Yet, despite the dearth of information or encouragement, Dr. Walters found herself immersed in a classical k.a. It is clear that to accomplish this it was necessary for her to connect with an inner guide.

Before concluding, I wish to mention Dr. Walter's wonderful anthology of poetry, "Marrow of Flame." It is a perfect complement to her autobiography. Both books are an expression of her depth and honesty.

In "Unmasking The Rose," Dorothy Walters has indeed given us a gem - a modern-day spiritual classic that describes, in all of its subtle and shattering detail, the process of Kundalini Awakening as it occurred within her "own" bodymind. Like so much great mystical writing, "Unmasking The Rose" is both deeply personal and transcendent; It describes not only the events in the life of a 53-year-old American woman, but also an evolutionary process unfolding now, for all of humanity. If you appreciate accounts of rapidly-expanding consciousness, spiritual awakening within the energetic matrix of the body, or just how life can present us with the most unexpected and delicious gifts ... then I highly recommend picking up a copy of "Unmasking The Rose." It is a treasure not to be missed!

I found this book most helpful in understanding my own awakening. Walters entries reflect the wonder and confusion of this universally known experience.Although she uses some Hindu terminlogy I found the writing
easy to follow. On such a difficult complex subject this is quite an accomplishment. Thank you Dorothy Walters for putting into words this
overwhelming experience. Indeed, it is refreshing to find something on this subject that comes out of an ordinary life instead of the countless pages written by gurus who perhaps have not even had the experience themselves

Dorothy Walter's book is a beautiful, honest, and unpretentious description of the transformative process of kundalini awakening. This isn't a story of Himalayan caves or remote monasteries; Dorothy Walters presents herself as she is: a university professor who leads a relatively quiet life. She strives, sometimes struggles, to balance the mundane details of life with this deep spiritual opening. And she describes it honestly, day-to-day, largely free from the technical jargon of many spiritual books. This book is so profound precisely because hers is a life you or I could be leading. Fascinating reading!

It's hard to put into words how helpful I found this book to be. Dorothy Walter's way of describing her personal kundalini awakening makes this often nebulous phenonmenon accessible and understandable to novices and experienced practitioners alike. Too often such mystical experiences are presented in ways that tend to make one feel these are mountain-top moments not meant for the so-called average person. I mean we aren't all Ram Dass or St. John of the Cross or some guru living in an ashram in India. We are folks who go to work, clean our homes, raise our children, shop in grocery stores, drive cars on the freeway, get angry when someone tailgates us too close. I mean, we're simply human.

Well, Dorothy Walters is human too, yet she has experienced the highest form of spiritual arousal not once, not twice, but on a regular basis for decades. It happens when she slows down, tunes out and quiets herself. That makes sense. Everything she says makes sense.

Of all the many--countless, actually--spiritual books I've read, "Unmasking the Rose" comes the closest to the Truth. The truth that spiritual experiences are not for the already-enlightened, but for everyone. Everyone who is willing to open that door and walk through it, that is. Not that we will all experience kundalini in either its blissful or painful aspects, but that we all have the POTENTIAL to do so.

I thank Dorothy Walters for telling her story so we will have the courage to LIVE our stories, wherever they might lead us.