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Reiki for Beginners

© Rev. T. Darlene Cheek, CHt., RMT

There are many of you out there who are surfing the net trying to find information on what Reiki is and where to get started. This article is for you. I've been reading the book Reiki for Beginners by David F. Vennells. Regardless of what system of Reiki you practice, this is a great book for the level one practitioner.

David Vennells has written his Reiki book based on his own experience, love, and reverence for Reiki. He first used Reiki in his life to help recover from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, so his knowledge of Reiki's healing benefits comes first hand. He is now a Reiki teacher. Mr. Vennells is also a Buddhist, and he offers enlightening perspective from his spiritual practice.

It made sense to me that since Reiki comes from a mostly Buddhist culture, Buddhism would come to play in helping to understand Reiki, and the people who brought it to us, more fully. One of the first things that stood out in this book was the detail of the Reiki story itself. Though I've heard the story and told it a thousand times, I enjoyed reading it in David Vennells' words and learned a couple of things myself.

Reiki for Beginners does talk about each level of Reiki, but its main focus is on the first degree. Vennells writes all about how to use Reiki to heal our self and others, as well as how to help with problem situations. The book contains pictures of hand positions, lessons on intent, scanning, and the aura, as well as thankfulness and continuing healing.

Chapter 7 is one of my favorites, as it discusses the Reiki principles in detail. Vennells says, "If we use Reiki in accordance with the five principles, our motivation will naturally be correct and the results of our actions will always be for the greatest good." I couldn't agree more!

This book also discusses the nature of illness and disease itself. Vennells covers great information on karma, again from a Buddhist perspective. He wrote this subject in a way that is easy to follow and understand.

There is also a section in Chapter 8 that lists all the hand positions and the holistic healing properties associated with each. This is an invaluable tool!

Reiki for Beginners also contains what I consider a "bonus" section, as it covers meditation and visualization with Reiki. Vennells says we can use the techniques to "help us deepen our Reiki practice, learn to relax more easily, and create more positive states of mind which in turn will benefit all those we come into contact with, especially if that is our conscious intention." I've tried a couple of these meditations so far myself, and I love them! I can't wait to try them all!

The copyright of the article Reiki for Beginners in Reiki Therapy is owned by T. Darlene Cheek. Permission to republish Reiki for Beginners in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.