Namaste Firekeeper,
It's fantastic how different we humans can interpret what someone has written (or said). I think the bible is the perfect example. People have over the years made totally contradictory interpretations from the very same words.
Now, I don't have the same feelings about "The Spirit of Reiki" as you have. I read and interpreted it in another way. For example, my interpretation of how the book brings up the subject of intent. No, they don't say it straight out, or stress it especially. They don't have to. It's already in the concept. The first words in the chapter of how to make a full body treatment is (at least in my Swedish edition) "Tune in....." . It is then followed by instructions for the Ghasso meditation which you should do before starting the treatment. For me this is crystal clear. Mindful intent! The treatment wouldn't be full without it.
It also simplifies to bear in mind that Japanese people have courtesy in their backbones and how they regard people. I don't think Usui Sensei felt the need for special explanations there. After all, his Reiki was originally developed for Japan.
This is mentioned in the chapter about Japanese culture. (Arjava Petter goes deeper into the subject in his workhop video about Japanese Reiki techniques (two videos also well worth having))
I don't really read the book as a "How to.."- book. I read it as an "About.." book. I learn more and I enjoy myself immensely.
Love and Light
Brit
PS. Have you thought of the word "namaste" - a lot of mindful intent there.
