Rating: 
Summary: Reiki....with an agenda
Review: Diane Stein's book is worth having in your Reiki collection but be sure to read it in critical thinking mode. The giving away of the "secret" symbols of 2nd and 3rd degree Reiki certainly increased her audience for the book but the symbols alone aren't enough to make you a Master. The stories of her giving attunements to mass numbers of people without also giving them the background of Reiki doesn't make for the best Reiki practioners. Take the useful information from this book but also try to leave her anger behind.
Rating: 
Summary: To be taken with a grain --of rice?
Review: I purchased this book out of curiosity a few years ago, and it has taken me this long to form a final oppinion of it. Upon reading the auther's introduction, I was at first rather uncomfortable with the justification of giving these "secrets", unchecked, to the masses. I understand Ms. Stein's altruistic intentions, yet I also understand the intentions behind teacher-to-pupil transmission--something which is very important, and carries with it the integrity of proper instruction and understanding, as well as a very important transfer of energy. The pupil is usually progressed through the Reiki ranks as they become ready--and qualified--to do so. The way Reiki is presented in "Essential Reiki," is similar to signing up for a week-long crash course in Karate lessons, and on the seventh day being handed a Black Belt--simply because everyone should have one. Having a Black Belt is a nice idea, but it represents a degree of accompishment, one which the individual can only attain through cultivation of the proper skills and discipline required to handle the rigors of that level of energy. Reiki is similar; it is a powerful method of focussing/channeling energy, and it requires finess, as well as sensativity to the flows of energy both in the practitioner, and the one on the recieving end. You might be able to grasp all that through reading a book, as nothing is impossiblep; however, it is also a good idea to get some immediate feedback and suggestions/recomendations from a qualified, i.e. practiced, Reiki Master as well. Basically, there is a wealth of information in this book, and I believe it may appeal to many people. My advice is to follow up with some real classes.
Rating: 
Summary: Not what I call authentic Reiki
Review: When I began reading, my first experience was an odd sensation that my hands were burning. Then I realized I was feeling the anger of the author. Her anger at the traditional Reiki establishment is misguided, as well intentioned as she may be. Ms. Stein is way off base with her major premise is that the world should be Reiki Masters because we need this wonderful energy. I certainly agree with her that the world should have Reiki. It should be taught in the schools. Yet none of us would want just anyone teaching our children. A "master" is one who has gained mastery. We offer masters programs in our schools, where students work hard to gain a certain level of expertise in a field, and they pay for it. A "Reiki Master" is suposed to be the level of Reiki for teaching . One needs to have adequate training and experience to gain mastery. This is essential to teaching others. It is very sad to me that someone who espouses to fully appreciate what a wonderful gift to the world that Reiki is, has helped to degrade Reiki rather than to elevate and uplift it.
Rating:
Summary: Not what I call authentic Reiki
Review: When I began reading, my first experience was an odd sensation that my hands were burning. Then I realized I was feeling the anger of the author. Her anger at the traditional Reiki establishment is totaly misguided, as well intentioned as she may be. Ms. Stein is totally off base with her major premise that the world should be Reiki Masters (and for free)because the world needs this wonderful energy. I certainly agree the world should have Reiki. It should be taught in the schools as part of the core curriculum. Yet none of us would want just anyone teaching our children. Firstly, what is a "master" if not one who has gained mastery? We have masters degree programs, in which students work hard to achieve a level of expertise in a field. It costs money and aslo a good amount sweat equity. A "Reiki Master" is the level of Reiki reserved for teaching. One needs adequate training and experience to gain mastery. Only then are they fit to teach others. It is very sad to me that someone who espouses to fully appreciate what a wonderful gift to the world that Reiki is, has helped to degrade Reiki rather than uplifted it.
Rating: 
Summary: Essential Reiki
Review: Ms. Stein is the ultimate in getting the Reiki method out. This is one of the most informational books on it. Highly recommend to all from the beginner to the Master!
Rating:
Summary: Misleading
Review: The author makes a sly appeal to spiritual authority by claiming that Jesus Christ used Reiki. Then she states that Reiki in modern practice can only soothe, never heal a disease much less raise someone from the dead. If Jesus was using Reiki, than what of his raising from the dead, restoring sight to the blind, and healing the lame? Instead, her attempt to equate Jesus' God-given healing power with spiritual counterfeits such as Reiki is lame. Then she proceeds to reveal the multitude of symbols and sexual practices required in order to harness and utilize this energy according to the Reiki technique. The author describes the methods to pass attunements, admittedly to the betrayal of her profession [since the secretive knowlegde and energy endowments at Reiki seminars is an extremely lucrative business! I've seen them charge as much as $900 a (one-day) pop!] The subtle yet overt, autoerotic sexuality of many of the rituals were somewhat surprising and, of course, reminiscent of ancient pagan fertility rites. Reiki or not, I was an energy healer for years. I didn't find this book to much enhance the powers of healing I already possessed at the time of owning it. Nevertheless, my ability mysteriously left me when I whole-heartedly gave my life to God. So obviously, some healing power is not divine in origin after all!
Rating: 
Summary: Clouded and misguided
Review: Having read widely on the topic of Reiki, its application and history, I have to say that this book is hard to recommend. Most of the details you need to know are present, but you have to wade through a ton of feminist and new age 'concepts' to get to it. Reiki is not feminist nor new age, so those ideas do not belong in any 'essential' reiki text.
Harder to ignore is the clouded thinking masquerading as fact that leads her to assert, for example, that Jesus was running around India using Reiki for years after the crucifixion. But dig deep, and you will find good information within.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!!! BUY THIS BOOK its money well spent!
Review: This book in combination with steve murray's attunement videos will have you performing healings in no time. Diane's book is a wealth of information, much of which has been kept secret and in some circles still is. I applaud her for her wisdom. Her knowledge in other healing modalities and references to mantak chia's work augments the reiki methods taught. As far as being overly feminist as some reviewers say.. I don't think so.. who cares if she writes she instead of he or they or it or moose. The blessing is in the knowledge and this book is full of great knowledge.
Rating:
Summary: Un-Essential information
Review: An excellent and educational book, if only the author had stayed to the real essentials. Approximately two thirds of the information is unrelated to actual Reiki, but the author seems to find this necessary to enhance her admittedly feminine-chauvinistic style of Reiki.
Rating:
Summary: Reiki Rightly Revealed
Review: Kudos to Diane Stein. The shroud surrounding Reiki has be perpetuated and passed down the lineage of Reiki Practioners and Masters until it seemed more like a secret club with its very costly admission limited to the annointed few. Ms. Stein has written a marvelous guide to and for Reiki Practioners. What The PDR (Physicians Desk Reference) is to doctors the "Essential Reiki: A Complete Guide to an Ancient Healing Art" should be to the Reiki community. Brava Ms. Stein. This book will be a part of all my teaching.
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