Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art

by Diane Stein

Reiki is an ancient and profoundly simple system of "laying on of hands" healing derived from Tibetan Buddhism. In the West, Reiki has been kept highly secret for many years. ESSENTIAL REIKI presents full information on all three degrees of this healing system, most of it in print for the first time. Teaching from the perspective that Reiki healing belongs to all people, Diane Stein breaks new ground in her classic guide to this ancient practice. While no book can replace the directly received Reiki "attunements," ESSENTIAL REIKI provides everything else that the healer, practitioner, and teacher of this system needs.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Health, Reference, Self Help, New Age, Metaphysics

168 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

About the author

Diane Stein (1948 - Present) is a natural healer and teacher of women's spirituality for thirty years. She is the author of thirty-three books on healing, natural remedies, metaphysics, women's spirituality, and the Goddess. Diane lives in Florida with her dogs. You may also find her at: Facebook.com/DianeSteinAuthor

Reviews

[Gaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diane Stein is one of my favorite authors and this is a good starting place to learn about Reiki. She got a lot of flack from the Reiki community when she published this book because she published the secret Reiki symbols that no other Reiki master had ever revealed publicly. But Diane's perspective is that Reiki is such an important tool for the transformation of all the beings of Earth and for Mother Earth Herself, that it needs to be shared with as many people as possible and a person's wealth or ability to pay for expensive Reiki training should not be an issue. The mainstream Reiki teachers have kept things secret and charged a pretty penny for the privilege of learning the system and it's various symbols.

Even though Diane writes as though she is always speaking to women, open-minded men may also enjoy reading her books. She doesn't seem like a man basher, but rather a very gentle woman focused woman.

[Lynne Austin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am a Reiki master, and can follow my lineage of master teachers. I am 5th in line after Usui, the originator of Reiki. In our area, we have found Reiki to be taught wrong by others who claim to have the knowlegde. Our issue is to please pass on the information correctly. I am very saddened from reading this book. Stein's representation of some of the symbols is incorrect and her method of initiation keeps me wondering. It is everyone's right to express themselves, but I do not find this book as helpful as it could be. All of this aside, there are those who do not need Reiki to offer healing. Their connection with Spirit and their intentions offered are full of love, so much so, that the energy flows into their hands so they may offer it to themselves and others.

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. As a non-traditional Reiki student who is fighting for Reiki to be free and available to everyone and all creatures, I really vibe with everything that Diane teaches in this book. It has exposed truths to me that I have known since I was a child and forgotten. Not only is it beautifully written, but Diane is an amazing, brave soul for writing it. I have had no traditional or conventional Reiki training yet as soon as I began to read this book I started to practice Reiki effectively. I practice every day, still, and hope to become a teacher soon. Some people say that Reiki cannot be learned from a book and I completely disagree. I and others have found my Reiki to be no less effective than any other persons, trained traditionally or not. This is an excellent book for any devout and eager student who believes that all creatures have a right to this amazing gift.

[Seon Ji (Dawn) · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part it is a very good book. Informative with wonderful detail about the historical background of Mr. Usui. Clearly the author is very knowledgeable. It was also well written, well organized and easy to follow.

The lowered rating is due to my personal complaints and disagreements to what the author says in certain areas. I suppose we all have our individual beliefs and experiences so I did my best to set aside my prejudices and allow the author her beliefs so I could continue.

The one thing I could not agree to at all,was the author's referral of God, Spirit, Universe etc as "she", "her" "Goddess." It was off putting. Seemed biased and left me putting the book down several times and walking away. Gender should not be forced down the readers throat nor should it matter.

It is my belief and understanding that energy is both male and female and are of equal importance.

I am at the point in my research to say that taking bits and pieces from several people are ok, but I am staying with how my Reiki Master taught me for the most part.

Keep it simple.

[Naji AlBarri · Rating 3 out of 5]

الكتاب جميل بالمجمل، فهو يبدأ بسرد تاريخي سريع ومبسط عن الريكي، ويستعرض أهم الفروقات بين المدرسة التقليدية والمدارس الحديثة، ويستعرض بتفصيل جيد درجات الريكي والفروقات بينها.

بالرغم من كون الكتاب مترجماً إلا أن لغته سهلة وغير مملة كما هو معتاد مع الكتب المترجمة، ومن الواضح أن بعض العبارات لم تكون مترجمة حرفياً بالشكل الذي يخل بالمعنى.

ينقص الكتاب التوسع في الإستعراض العلمي لهذا الفن، فكل ما يطرح من دورات وورش هي لتعليم التقنيات وليست للإستعراض العلمي، وهذا مما يعيب التعاطي مع هذه الفنون، فليس من السهل الحصول على مصادر يمكن معها التعلم بشكل علمي مدروس.

لم تدخر الكاتبة جهداً في توضيح وشرح بعض الأمور التي صارت مثل الأسرار المقدسة التي لا يجوز البوح بها، حتى أنها تذكر بعض التجارب الشخصية التي مرت بها.

الكتاب به الكثير من التكرار والسرد المطول غير المفيد.. لكنه بالمجمل جيد كأحد المراجع.. التي هي أصلاً قليلة

[Marnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is very opinion based and left me with more questions than answers. The opinions given are not always relevant to Reiki which can just confuse the reader. There was a lot of worthwhile information but nothing that is not available through other sources. I know it is usually looked upon as the 'go to' Reiki handbook but it would not be what I would recommend.

[Kipahni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not a reiki practitioner. I was curious about the concept and what it was and my friend is a level 2 and said this would be a good introduction into reiki.Here are the things I question:
1st part of the book the author states that humans did not evolve but are decedents of other planetary beings and that reiki was brought from them. As of yet we have not found evidence of life on other planets and even if we did, I would highly doubt we would share the same DNA/chemical make-up as their solar system and life forms may not be carbon based like our, but rely on some other element.

2nd: the only other book I have ever read that has mention Jesus going to India was Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal which was hilarious and cheeky but totally not historical. Jesus using reiki? I just don't see the connection. Also about Essene's being Buddhist, what little writing there is on the Essene are rarely trustworthy and are scanty, colored and unreliable.

3rd: There are numerous studies about placebo effect and the benefits of belief, which is what I have come to the conclusion the majority of reiki is, positive belief. This is why when I give a pain medication to a patient IV I always say in a calming voice, you should start feeling pain relief very shortly. Then I fluff their pillow, give them a sip of water, offer to put on some soothing music and follow up shortly with "feel better yes?" and 9 out of 10 will say their pain has decreased- even though I know that IV pain medication takes at least 10-15 minutes to begin to metabolize. That is because Humans are conditioned to expect relief when administered pain meds, and the expectations of relief release endorphin's in the brain which are the bodies own natural pain relievers.
I am not saying reiki is bunko, placebos have there place in medicine. And I get that people are able generate energy(static electricity, piezoelectricity) I just don't buy into all of the metaphysical connections with it.

[Wanda-mae · Rating 1 out of 5]

I personally didnt like this book or DVD. It really didnt teach much except that Diane herself is wonderful. She talks about herself constantly of how wonderful she is ..

[~☆~Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own this book which is lost somewhere in the basement. I sure would like to read it again. I believe about 20 years ago it was banned.

[Ajith Ashokkumar (WordShaker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reiki is a practice of energy healing which heals our physical as well as mental system.
Reiki is not a magic, there is an energy within every organisms in this world. Humans only have the capabilty to realise and make use of that energy. In Reiki, we are initiating this power within ourselves using some sacred symbols and methods. In this book, the author clearly explains the entire things which we need to know about Reiki.

“Reiki is love, life opens up in so many different ways when your energy has been awakened”.

[Casey Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book at the library long before my sister recommended I read it!

Throughout this book I learned the art of Reiki and healing touch natural therapy at a time when I was able to incorporate what I read into practical application. By no means am I a master and I probably learned just enough to show me that I wanted to learn more; however, I was certainly able to provide my ailing Father with comfort and loving touch in the days leading up to his death from Alzheimer's.

Since that time, I have found more and more caregivers are becoming aware of Reiki and are using it in the treatment of a wide variety of ailments. This book is a great first entry into this wonderful alternative healing art!

[Car · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! She's a total pioneer in Reiki. Interesting read. Also goes against what I have learned (sharing symbols prior to attunements). However, I like her philosphy of giving everyone healing and attunements, regardless of whether they can afford it. Controversial for sure, bold and I love it.

[Kiyoshi Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art by Diane Stein is a must-have for any Reiki or reiki practitioner. Diane's book is the first Reiki book to "break the secrecy" behind the powerful Reiki Symbols, which previously cost the average Reiki Master $10,000 -- the equivalent of $56,100 in 2012 -- to learn.

Diane's presentation of Reiki information is 100% accurate for the time it was written in, and therefore represents a significant turning-point in Reiki History. You may or may not agree with some things that are said in the book, but it accurately reflects the way Reiki used to be taught.

Historical significance aside, the book also contains many useful exercises to help a person become more psychically aware of spiritual energies within themselves, and their environment.

I highly recommend Diane Stein's book Essential Reiki, and hold a tremendous amount of respect towards her as an author.

[Sharonk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been mentioned to me and I have seen it cited in other books so I decided to read it. Unfortunately it left me with mixed feelings. While there is some useful information, parts of the book are speculative and Stein seems to want to marry Jesus and Reiki to Buddhism. In parts of the books Stein comes off as a bit of a loose cannon. Some of her advice makes you wonder. For example there is a table for emotional sources of disease and for migraines the source is "anger and perfectionism, frustration" and under it advises "masturbate to stop." I believe that Stein's heart is in the right place and she is well meaning, but I take this book as her personal journey and the advice with a grain of salt. I think of it as a supplemental guide with some useful parts, but I wouldn't want to use it as a teaching guide nor would I say it lives up to the its title as a complete guide.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually started this book in December of 2021 when I started on my Reiki attunement journey. I held each section until I had completed the attunement, then read it after. It's a solid primer and Stein gives a lot of food for thought - some of which I'm definitely incorporating, some of which I'm likely not, but she actually encourages each healer to find her own way so that seems like a quality approach.

Anyway, if you are interested in contemporary Reiki healing or are already on the journey of attunement, this book is basically a must-have. It's not a difficult read and the information is great.

2023 - reread

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading this off and on for the past 3 years, so I can't claim it's a fast read (for me), but I found the material very useful. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Reiki, even if it is mostly written for women. What I need to reconcile going forward is whether her system of one attunement fits all is the approach for me, and which versions of the symbols - particularly her radically different dai-ko-myo - strike a chord with me. One small complaint is the certainty or near-certainty with which she addresses certain things, such as Jesus having been to India or Tibet.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fiercely feminist, and with techniques that deviate greatly from traditional reiki, this book should be read as a supplement to your education, not as an original source. She angered a great deal of people when she printed the symbols, and some people refused to teach her because of this and also how she changed Usui reiki into something that is similar, but maybe not quite reiki.

She also goes quite woo-woo at times, e.g., speculating on how reiki might have come from another planet, which makes it very hard to take the book itself seriously.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book did have some good tips about Reiki and using the symbols, but there is something about the book I don't like all that much. I'm not sure what it is exactly, except maybe that much of it is opinion-based, and I don't necessarily agree with that opinion. I think a book that delves deeper in to the origin of Reiki is what I need.

[Rift Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I re-read this book every couple years. I am a Reiki 1, and an atheist, so much of this book does not apply or interest me. But I do need a reminder as to why I do Reiki, and Diane Stein is a very passionate lady. :)

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good beginning for anyone interested in learning about Reiki

[Amy Cohen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This i book is more for practitioners. I was hoping is was a book that explained the process.

[Nada | ندى · Rating 3 out of 5]

احب توسيع معرفتي لتشمل مجالات الحياة المختلفة،
هناك الكثير من الكلام حول هذا الموضوع ومن الجيد قراء كتاب ليوسع معرفتي.

[Lauren Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regardless of the author's teachings - whether her methods are "right" or "wrong" - I believe that author Diane Stein has an important perspective in the field of energy healing and alternative modalities. Reiki training in the 90s (when this book was published) was inaccessible to many because of high prices for training ($10,000 to become a Reiki Master). She continually advocates for sliding scale fees and scholarships. She also relates the following story:

"In Traditional circles, the certification and lineage have become status symbols. ... I once went to a Traditional Reiki Share. Several people there were quite wealthy... They did healings for each other as a social event, but when I mentioned AIDS [hospital/hospice] healing work, they all moved away me and left me sitting alone on the couch. A certificate doesn't make a healer; a healer is someone who actually does healing."

As the wellness, healing, and holistic health industry has grown exponentially since the 90s, this perspective remains relevant. Many healing modalities remain inaccessible to the people that need them the most. Trainings, certifications, healing sessions, coaching, and workshops can run from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Diane Stein says, "I felt that my job as a writer and healer was (and is) to teach any method and give any information on healing that I had available to me. Cost or compensation is not primary, and to me any cost that puts the information out of reach is immoral." That's a good center for one's moral compass as a teacher and healer.

Anyway, that's my main takeaway from this book over any techniques or technical information being offered.

Over the past 20 years, its been good to see healing information become more readily available, Reiki training become more reasonably priced, and see more teachers and healers that offer sliding scale and scholarships.

[Suzanne Thackston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is still on my shelf, a couple of decades after being the first reiki book suggested to me and studied by me. I rarely practice my reiki (a pity) and haven't referred to it in years, so I'm going off old memory, but I remember it as being clear, practical and readable. If I riffle through it again any time soon (and now I want to) I'll adjust the stars if necessary. But I've never read one I liked better.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed her writing style for the most part but some things just really didn’t work for me. I recently became a Level II practitioner and I kept seeing this book as recommended so I gave it a go. I’ll keep this as a reference guide but I will stick with Rand’s Reiki The Healing Touch as primary

[Roy Madrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good preamble to prepare you for attending a Reiki workshop. The book is an excellent guide that introduces you to all the major concepts, symbols, and background you’d need to be successful. Unfortunately, it is only an introductory guide that emphasizes the need to go to a retreat to be able to use the techniques (which makes perfect sense).

I guess I have some unfair expectations when it comes to these kinds of healing practices since the scientific literature is nonexistent with them. I will say that I do fear a lot of the impact could be placebo, but I’d have to attend a retreat just to make sure haha.

[Ivana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cual si estuviese dictando una clase en persona, la autora expone su método sobre esta herramienta de la que aparentemente, está al alcance de todos. La explicación es tan cercana y sencilla que a pesar de que al finalizar se sospecha que va a requerir releerse en un futuro, la perspectiva queda considerablemente ensanchada incluso si no se estaba familiarizado con el tema.

El libro habla de una peregrinación concebida de pruebas donde por el contrario de cumplir pautas preestablecidas, se ve una gran flexibilidad de seleccionar lo que realmente sirve, sin darle demasiada importancia a su proveniencia. Aunque no por ello se desechan las otras opciones o se descalifican, si no que se consideran las alternativas igual de válidas y se invita al inexperto a que también las pruebe para determinar su manera más óptima.

"Quien tiene la intención, recibe cuanta ayuda pueda necesitar, tú limítate a hacer lo mejor que puedas con los recursos que tienes."
Cito esto por ser lo que más disfruté de todo este viaje donde se nos cuenta experiencias directas, reflexiones, crecimiento, apuntes y sugerencias para su enseñanza, sensaciones, trabajo e investigación como asi una introducción a los posibles orígenes del reiki; e invita a hacer lo que se pueda hacer mediante una intención sincera y benévola porque es en la acción donde se aprende, ahuyentando asi posibles miedos y a la vez advierte de estar atentos al proceso.

Es un libro muy corto para abarcar tanto, y algunos términos tuve que buscarlos aparte para poder seguir con el hilo de la explicación, lo cual fue beneficioso también ya que no tenía muy claro datos sobre la existencia los cuerpos etéreos y energía telúrica. A la vez, el libro explica sobre las escuelas budistas tántricas, mahayana y vajrayana, el hatha yoga pero en especial el kundalini yoga. Creo que es un libro tanto para los reikistas, como para el que quiera introducirse, o simplemente tomarlo como un libro de espiritualidad.

Otras citas que me gustaron:

*Cada tránsito vital comprende una serie de cosas que aprender.

*A veces se desarrolla un malestar como manera de accede a una enseñanza necesaria.

*Tendremos en cuenta la posibilidad de rechazo y nos conformaremos con hacer lo que esté en nuestras manos.

*Principios del reiki:
-Solo por hoy no hay ira.
-Solo por hoy no hay preocupación.
-Agradeceremos nuestras bendiciones y honraremos a nuestro progenitor, nuestros maestros, prójimo y alimentos.
-Vive en la honestidad.
-Vive en la piedad ante todo lo que tiene vida.

*En todo momento, la compasión es indispensable.

*Conectar con un dolor, lo suficiente para procesarlo y desprenderse de él.

*Todo momento presente era futuro hasta que alcanzó el ahora e inmediatamente quedó relegado al pasado.

*Adagio de Dion Fortune: 'magia es el acto que consiste en modificar la conciencia a voluntad.'

*El Sermón de Benarés pronunciado por Buda contiene la esencia de la doctrina budista. Este documento contiene las "cuatro verdades
excelentes". La primera dice: "Toda existencia es dolor» La segunda: "La causa del dolor son
nuestras pasíones.» La tercera: "Las pasiones pueden ser vencidas." La cuarta verdad es la Vía de
los Ocho buenos caminos, que hace posible la superación de las pasiones, y que son: 1) rectitud del
entendimiento; 2) rectitud de propósito, o de intenciones; 3) rectitud de la palabra, 4) rectitud de
conducta; 5) rectitud de la vocación; 6) rectitud del esfuerzo; 7) rectitud de la atención; y 8) rectitud
de la concentración."

[Luminea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very courageous book for Diane Stein to write and publish at the time. Although I am skeptical about the channelled information that she presents regarding the origins and history of Reiki, her passion and dedication to Reiki is clear. (The verifiable facts of what we do presently know about Mikao Usui and how he created the Reiki system can be found in the works of Bronwen and Frans Stiene.)

I learned some interesting things in this book that were not shared with me by either of the Reiki masters that I studied with, and I certainly value the new insight that I have gained from this book. I agree completely with Diane that Reiki should be accessible and affordable to all.

When I began my Reiki training I was motivated by a strong desire to heal myself and others, including animals. This book has encouraged and inspired me to consider becoming a Reiki teacher as well. I am grateful to Diane for publishing this book!

[Sherry J · Rating 4 out of 5]

a wonderful book explaining not only the history of Reiki the author also shares here personal experience and philosophy with regards to using and sharing the healing method. Those interested in learning more about Reiki and/or expanding your personal healing skill set reading this book is a great place to start.

It's a wonderful book explaining not only the history of Reiki the author also shares her personal experience and philosophy with regards to using and sharing this healing method. Those interested in learning more about Reiki and/or expanding your personal healing skills reading this book is a great start.

[Ron Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stein's book I find to be very helpful in understand some of the history of Reiki and in the Reiki Symbols. It is with this book that I started by 5 years of studying Reiki.

Most of my issue's with Stein's book is her philosophy of both Reiki and of the process of Healing. Although there is much in the way of positive information in the book, Stein does need to take a share of the responsibility in how Reiki has been so commercialized over the last decade or so.