The Reiki Cafe 

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- anyone read this recent book tri-authored by Lubeck, Petter, and Rand??

- any thoughts on it?

- I have looked at much (not all) of it and was, frankly, somewhat disappointed.

- structurally, too, there is no Index (amazing) although there is a pronounciation guide for Japanese terms

- not surprisingly there does not appear to be any discussion or description of the attunement process or Rei-ju (at least that I can see so far) - though for many this is as it ought to be

>:-}}

- I did notice that in the short section on distance healing that permission before "sending" energy is recommended

>:-}}

- it was also mentioned that Usui Sensei really enjoyed distance energy work - I had not heard that claim stated so clearly before

- in my estimation, there was not much new here and most topics were dealt with somewhat cursorily.

- the book reads, to me, as an introduction to Reiki for those who know little about energy work in general and reiki in particular but does provide some practical information (excercises) for Level 1 and some Level 2 practitioners who are new in Reiki

- some of what is in the book is easily found on the internet such as Hayashi Sensei's Techniques, etc.

- as I finish this Post the thought has occured to me that I might easily send the book back to Amazon (as it seems to be adding little to my library or practices)

- I will be interested in how others review it

- take care.

Reiki all around,

all blessings,

Firekeeper

Hi
I have had the book for quite some time now.
I hanvn't read it all, but have tried.
I personally find the 3 different authors styles to different to make sense in one book. One minute you are reading what William Rand has written, next minute Walter Lubeck. Their individual approach to reiki seems very different

There is some good infomation in there that I have not seen elsewhere

I am glad that I do have it on my bookshelf.
It is one of the few reiki books that I dip into from time to time, if only for the few bits of new stuff in it.

Having said that, I do think that it is one of the better reiki books to be published

Namaste

Rob

Firekeeper, I kind of understand what you are saying. I would say the book is a bit "choppy". Although I am only personally interested in a third of its contents, the historical validation and review was exceptional. Just for the historical accuracy, the book is worth keeping and sharing. They followed up on various Takata "said" "facts" and objectively verified them or not. For example, Usui never went to Chicago University (copy of letter from university is in book)and was Buddhist not Christian. In the big picture, these are minor points, but it is nice to be accurate. I also liked the scientific energy chapter explanation. I just loaned the book (yesterday) to my reiki student. Namaste always, Palaka

Palaka,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- what I found as well were statements that seem to perpetuate some notions about energy work and Reiki that, based on my own lengthening experience in Reiki and other energy traditions, the reports of others, and other ancient Teachings about "energy", really are quite questionable

- two I will mention right now: one, though I do not fully quote exaclty, stated it is a "silly idea" that personal energy would get into reiki practices (or that this would matter)

>:-}}

- the other is stating rather flatly that reiki energy "knows where to go" (essentially without discussion) - but perhaps that is the value of place such as The Cafe

>:-}}

- also what was not mentioned was anything about Intent of practitioner. Rather it appears the authors might be boosting the notion that Intent really is irrelevant (an idea rather contradicted by other olde (and esoteric) traditions

- in addition I found a distinct omission in discussion of the role of the Mindfulness and Intent of the Recipient in receiving and using the energy

>:-}}

- I feel that is so becaus by omitting this issue the authors also add to the perpertuation of the above mentioned idea that reiki has "intelligence" (at least an "intelligence" that we can understand if it has such at all)

- so, there is a useful attempt to codify reiki teachings and practices (once attuned) - but there seems to be little discussion of the nature of attunements - one wonders why?

>:-}}

- anyhow, that I might not find it a particularly useful reference (the translation guide excepted perhaps) does not of course, mean others will not get a lot out of it.

>:-}}

- take care,

- reiki all around,

all blessings,

Firekeeper

Namaste Firekeeper,

I'm reading the book now, not quite through with it. I agree with Rob and Palaka that it is definitely a book for keeping, not least as a reference.

I sense you find the gentlemen too matter-of-fact, unbiased? I sense that too and I am very glad for that! Sometimes it's good with a sober attitude and I've felt that in another book by William Lee Rand.
I agree that the book turns to many readers: newbies and those who know nothing about Reiki. But also to experienced healers with all those descriptions of various techniques. No wonder they can't reveal everything, especially about the attunement.

About intent. I assumed that THEY assume that intent goes without saying. If you are interested in healing and have gone so far as to getting attuned to Reiki, then surely you have an intent? Anyway, that's how I thought they reasoned.

A curiosity: Not only are the three Gentlemen representing three different "tastes" of Reiki, they come from different countries. William Rand is from US, Arjava Petter were born and raised in Germany (having stayed long in both Japan and US he must surely be very international!) and finally Walter Lübeck is from Germany. This means that the way they practise English is different. For example, I can see Walter Lübeck's German very clear in the book. (My copy is translated from English to Swedish and WL's contributions were originally written in German!)
What I want to say is that there is also a slight cultural difference as to how we approach the subject and the words we use to describe it.

Compromises are by nature not complete. Maybe that's why you feel you miss some parts?
Myself, I especially liked the part about the shaman bringing rain in the Reiki syllabe!

Love and Light
Brit

Brit,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- despite all the years accumulated by the authors it read and feels written by "western minds"

- Usui Sensei was of "Eastern Mind"

- I do not feel the "Eastern" roots of this practice were captured

>:-}}

- yes, we all have Intent. This is good. But the range, complexity, and content of human Intent can be a problem.

- lack of Mindfulness during energy work can result in Intentions being included in Reiki practices; thoughts and Intentions that might better have been "screened" out (one of the values of Mindfulness - not addressed much I would say).

- so, what do you think is going on when, during reiki practices, someone begins to worry whether his or her hands are hot enough?? or whether recipient is "feeling anything"?? Or, is the reiki really flowing?

- such anxieties and preoccupations not only occur (read any number of posts here and elsewhere) but involve no-telling what sort of "energy" (thought-forms include energy and not necessarily energy we need to share with others)

- yes, it was the shamans that were doing energy work before recorded history - and still do so in some traditions today. I think that is neat. Nothing wrong with preserving and fostering that knowledge. But these shamans are not "western minds" either.

>:-}}

- anyhow, I still have my copy and likely will not send it back

- my cat jumped up into my lap while I was reading it and "dog-eared" the cover.

bagl, bagl, bagl

- take care and good reading

Reiki all around,

all blessings,

Firekeeper

Otoharo!

Firekeeper, I appreciate your review of this book. I also think it is western minds that NEED a great deal of attention paid to mindfulness and intent.

finality

finality,

- most kind.

- yes, I feel these are Key issues and sadly not much attended to in the book.

- take care,

Reiki all around,

all blessings,

Firekeeper

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.

Brit,

/*\ Namsate :-}}

- yes, how often do we interpret things (the bible, or a state constitution, for example) to fit our Ego. If you like, read a little about Judge Roy Moore being removed from the Alabama Supreme Court yesterday (a decision I support) - he was the Chief Justice of that judicial body

>:-}}

- I would offer that Intent is not "automatic" (regardless whether it is easier to think so or not)

>:-}}

- I say this simply based on my own experiences, observations, and the reports of others (some here at The Cafe about themselves or orthers) indicating how often energy work, including reiki, is done rather un-Mindfully

>:-}}

- yes, Namaste is more than a word. For myself, I use it as Mindfullly as I am able. To paraphrase our good friend Vinny: "Be Namaste "

>:-}}

- Hi Vinny.

- Intent of Recipient is, as far as I can tell, ignored altogether. I feel this feeds the notion that one may do reiki without permission because recipient has little to do with the process (a gross mis-interpretation, in my view - how the energy is received and used is one of the Hearts of the process)

>:-}}

Sat Nam.

>:-}}

Reiki all around,

all blessings,

Firekeeper

Hello Firekeeper

Your cat sounds to be very wise (eheheh)
I have been mulling over in my mind recently the intent and mindfullness side of things .

Personally I have come to the conclussion that the reiki principles explain the mindfullness side perfectly.

The main problem here in the west is understanding ( or trying to) an eastern concept.
In the past I have read a few books on buddism.
The ones writtain by people from India etc, have for me, been a bit difficult to fully undersatnd, but when I found a book written by a western Lama, everything became a lot clearer.

Intent is an harder one, but also a lot easier at the same time and is something that I don't remember being covered well in any thing Reiki, that I have read (apart from on this website).
Any healing (of any form) will be more effective if all parties involved in the healing , have their intent set on the healing being effective. You can't help heal someone who dosn't want or desire (the healing process starting within the person concerned).

It does strike me that together we who, contribute to this website, can probally write a better book that this one.
Providing we could put our ego's to one side long enpugh to totally agree with each other (eheheheh)

Namaste

Rob

Rob,

/*\ Namaste :-}}

- my cat is very wise

>:-}}

- as long as she behaves herself

bagl, bagl, bagl

- to totally agree with one another??\

>:-}}

- Hmmmmmmmm, interesting notion

>:-}}

- might mean we would all need to be "enLIGHTened" to the nature of Existence simulataneously (resolve Humanity's Collective Karma)

??>:-}}

- given the nature of Karma and our various abilities and drive to resolve said Karma I am not going to hold my breath

bagl

- oh yes, Intent is rife in Reiki principles

>:{0}

- however Intent without Mindfullness is simply sloppy and offers fertile grounds for personal "stuff", ego for example, to sneak in from the "Shadows"

>:-}}

- "can't heal someone who doesn't want it or desire it"??

- I would agree -

- and, if this is so?? what is going on with those who send energy without permission??

>:-}}

- let alone sending energy unMindfully when permission is given??

>:-}}

- write a book??

- how about: A Cafe at in Heart of the Universe (??)

- a bit grandiose??

- Ok, how about: The Little Cafe that Could (and did)

>:-}}

- take care,

Reiki all around,

all blessings,

Firekeeper

How about..... The Little Cafe that IS!

With light and love,
Featherpoint

Well yes I like that one
We could call the first book
"The Little Cafe that IS"
"All about Reiki"

Now if we are to include everyones views, we should get a very comprehensive book, and also very a very big book, so we will need an editor.
Of course we will need to pick our subjects to be covered and then get our infomation together.

So do we have a go on this??

Namaste

Rob

Well, we can also catalogue some of the interesting Reiki related discussions. Or like a "Reiki references and links to the worldwide internet contribution". I would read that.
I like to read old posts. :)

we can have co-editors. Active participation and response as part of the book reviews. Where the readers and reviewers were the posts' repliers! Therefore we are all active in the making and supporting of the book.

Just a thought. I'm willing to be a supporting "eye witness" to the great work of the writers!

Hope I made some sense!

starjasmine,

Hi.

How about?: The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

Cheers,

RC