Reiki Fire

Rating:
Summary: Another Fabricated Story
Review: Frank Arjava Petter has, in a rather small book answered a lot of big questions. Many of us in the Reiki community have always doubted much of the 'myth' of this almost etherial Mikao Usui. Petter's passion, not only for Reiki, but also for truth, comes across very well. His grasp on the culture and mind-set of Japan and the Japanese, from his European viewpoint is a perspective we rarely get to understand in the West. There will be those that have trotted out the unsubstantiated and untrue myths for so long that they will undoubtedly feel threatened by the compelling revelations concerning Usui's Buddhist background and practice. The 'Truth will out' they say, and Frank's brave position in producing such a book is commendable. His easy style and experience of Reiki comes across in the form of friendly counsel,instead of dogmatic teaching. Frank Arjava Petter has done a tremendous service for those in Reiki, that seek the truth of their heritage and wish to teach from a position of integrity. He is a valid and credible messenger in times of change. I recommend this book to all serious Reiki practitioners.

Rating:
Summary: Reiki Fire. An illuminating Flame
Review: Frank Arjava Petter has, in a rather small book answered a lot of big questions. Many of us in the Reiki community have always doubted much of the 'myth' of this almost etherial Mikao Usui. Petter's passion, not only for Reiki, but also for truth, comes across very well. His grasp on the culture and mind-set of Japan and the Japanese, from his European viewpoint is a perspective we rarely get to understand in the West. There will be those that have trotted out the unsubstantiated and untrue myths for so long that they will undoubtedly feel threatened by the compelling revelations concerning Usui's Buddhist background and practice. The 'Truth will out' they say, and Frank's brave position in producing such a book is commendable. His easy style and experience of Reiki comes across in the form of friendly counsel,instead of dogmatic teaching. Frank Arjava Petter has done a tremendous service for those in Reiki, that seek the truth of their heritage and wish to teach from a position of integrity. He is a valid and credible messenger in times of change. I recommend this book to all serious Reiki practitioners.

Rating:
Summary: USUI kept part of buddha teachings and built a new system
Review: Hello, i am a tibetan lama practising ReiKi ( transmissions FREE ) in Luxembourg ( Europe ) FAPetter book is good for it gives Usui postures for healing. FAPetter and Lama Yeshe have opposition on Mikao Usui sources : Heart Sutra or Lightning Flash Tantra ? In fact, i think both are true but if you really want to understant how ReiKi does to heal and what is the meaning of symbols : learn Kalaçakra tradition. All ReiKi is explained in it and symbols are japaneese deformations of sanscrit letters joined with 4 çakras of navel, heart, throat and front as that HRI : Amida-Amitabha, HOUNG : Kannon-Avalokiteshwara, AH : Bishamon-ten/Vaishravana, OM : Mao-son/Mahathamaprapta. All thesse bla-bla about ReiKi and all litterature of New Age are REALLY REALLY stupid ! Please don't be silly, learn Buddhism with budhist masters ...Tashi delek. Lama Kunzang, Luxbg

Rating:
Summary: Not the most accurate book on Reiki available...
Review: I am a traditionally trained Reiki Master Teacher. I read Petter's book with an open mind, and while I feel his heart is in the right place, his book has a number of inaccuracies which made it not one I would recommend to anyone seeking to learn more about Reiki.

For example:

- On page 15, Petter states: "Technically speaking, Reiki is one of many methods that are part of the Chinese family of Qigong..."

This is COMPLETELY incorrect. Reiki is not Qigong, and Qigong is not Reiki. Both are forms of energy, true, but they are completely distinct from each other.

- On page 71, Petter states: "I have repeatedly stated that Reiki is energy pure and simple. It has nothing to do with religion, astrology, New Age, psychology, personal growth, channeling, bodywork, or even healing for that matter."

This is also wrong. Reiki is ALL about healing! It is also about personal growth. Reiki exists for us to heal ourselves and others, it enables us to grow and help others grow. I don't understand his stance here at all.

This being said, the book contains some interesting information, and some nice exercises. I do appreciate that fact that Petter reiterates that Reiki must be learned from a teacher (one simply cannot learn it from a book, video, or over the internet) and that attunements (initiations) must be done in person.

The bottom line is, if you are interested in learning more about Reiki, find a Master/Teacher near you with which to work. Or, try the following books:

Reiki - Universal Life Energy Bodo Baginski and Shalila Sharamon ISBN 0-940795-02-7

Reiki - Hawayo Takata's Story Helen J. Haberly ISBN: 0-944135-06-4

Living Reiki - Takata's Teachings Fran Brown ISBN: 0-940795-10-8

Rating:
Summary: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Review: I participate in many Reiki newsgroups, and mailing lists, and this book was recommended to me. I wish I had kept my money. It is a pathetic waste that paper and ink were used on drivel like this.

Now to back up the statements above.

Page 17. "Generaly speaking there are five different streams of Chinese Qigong that have traveled throughout the world."

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Qigong. I have practised Qigong for years. but this is supposed to be a book about Reiki. A "Japanese" healing modality.

Page 56. Hand positions 2 and 4 are inappropriate. A Reiki practitioner should never touch the breasts or genitals.

Page 79. "Chinese sources speak of 12 major energy channels called meridians and 8 minor ones"

Here the author delves into Qigong again, and not only that supplies wrong information. There are twelve primary meridians, and hundreds of smaller meridians. the Baihui vital point on the crown of the head is a meeting point of 100 or more meridians. I guess "the 8 minor ones" the author is referring to are the 8 Qi vessels. Qi vessels and meridians are not the same thing.

The information regarding the chakras on pages 101 and 102 is incorrect. Most notably where the author links the Pineal gland with the 7th chakra. The Pituitary gland should be associated with the 7th chakra because the Pituitary gland releases hormones during your life that regulates all of the other glands in the endocrine system. The pineal should be associated with the 6th chakra (the third eye).

It really grates on my nerves when I see someone try to speak with authority when it is patently obvious (to someone that has been there and done that) they do not know what they are talking about.

I am a Master/Teacher of three forms of Reiki, a master of Seventh Facet Seichim, and a lifelong student.

Please E-mail me if you have comments or questions about this review. Two Bears.

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

Rating:
Summary: Very good source and a fresh new look at Reiki
Review: I would highly recommend any of Petters books. Though I cannot say that I always agree with his opinions, I can say that what
he comments on is accurate information on reiki.

I am a reiki master / teacher and have been involved with Esoteric Buddhism and the orient for more than 2 decades. I
specialize in healing modalities from the orient - ayurveda, acupressure/puncture, reiki, jin shin, ect. I know my way around
healing modalities because it is my love.

I can say that another reviewers comments on the inaccuracies are inaccurate in themself......

1) reiki is based on healing modalities that were transmitted to Japan through China from India. This is called the "silk road". A
lot of information and culture was transmitted from one country to another - especially in the care of Buddhism which did in fact
spread and carry with it many things from various cultures to new lands - Japan. If the reviewer knew the history of the East,
this would not be a question.

2) Inappropriate hand positioning - if we look at other healing modalities from the east in comparison, are they? For example,
review the Ohashi Shiatsu manual. Also, the hand positions shown are done on self, not on another person. Review "Essential
Reiki" by Stien - she has lots of similar material contained within.

3) The standard meridian systems for several healing modalities from China do in fact concentrate on 12 major and 8 minor meridians. For example, in the text "The Book of Shiatsu" by Lundberg pg.22 "The 12 main, or primary channels, are dominated by...." - enough said.

I agree that a little knowledge is dangerous - especially if your waving that thing in someone elses direction, especially to put someone down.

And another reviewers comments on learning Buddhism from a "real teacher" - whats that about? Though, through my own research, I do agree that Reiki was transmitted by Buddhism - it itself is not Buddhism. Case in point - read "Kaji - empowerment and healing in esoteric buddhism" by Oda. This is Buddhist "Reiki" - similar but not the same.

I agree with Petter in that there are many factions, splits, and wars raging on between reiki practitioners and teachers
themselves. I agree that it is a sad state of affairs. Reiki is supposed to teach us to put the ego-self aside and do the greatest good - as practitioners and teachers, I wish we could see that.

If you'd like to get a book that contains solid information from a person that does practice reiki as much as he talks reiki, I
would recommend Reiki Fire.

Peace,
Aireon

Rating:
Summary: Amazing new information
Review: Reiki Fire offers exciting new perspectives and insights into the history, origins, and practices of Reiki that are long overdue. Petter has done the whole growing Reiki community a tremendous service by going back to original sources and doing original research. This is extremely important in an age when many claims about healing techniques go untested and unchallenged. Petter combines the work of a scholar with the insights of a practitioner.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book for beginners and those experienced in Reiki
Review: This is one of the best books on Reiki I have read. Some past reviewers have given negative reviews for reasons that are not true. Recent research has dispelled the traditional history Takata spread about Usui being a Christian and other myths. Frank Arjava Petter was one of the forerunners in seeking the true historical background behind Reiki. This book gives an authentic portrayal of Reiki, its history, and its healing capabilities. Useful techniques are given beyond the average Reiki book. While Reiki is not Qigong per say, it resembles it in many ways and indeed could be termed a "lazy man's Qigong" as the author states. This is one of the most real authors I have ever read on Reiki who says it like it is. He shows himself to be as human as the rest of us and ever striving in spiritual aspiration. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Reiki and as a perfect supplement for those starting with this wonderful healing modality. Coming from a skeptic, Reiki does work and this book will add much richness to your Reiki experience. Wish I could give it more than five stars!

Rating:
Summary: The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui
Review: Understanding and development of unity in Reiki is available now! After years of research and work, F. Arjava Petter and his wife Chetna (Kobayashi) have completed the translation of the Original Handbook written by Dr. Usui used in training students.

There have been so many myths and legends born from this source that is it a real treasure to find actual documentation, a validity in the word form. What a wonderful Makana Kalikimaka or "Christmas gift".

This for me was very much a confirmation of "Reiki IS for everyone". The Reiki a technique developed by Usui that echoes many sources; confirming that there is one source. We ARE all one in Mind and Spirit. The body individual is the learning and experiencing tool, seeking its own expression and so celebrates the different forms/types of Reiki. An Obvious example of this is a technique I find I use. In Arjava's book is identified as "The Byosen Technique". This technique is identified in Native American Healing as well as Pranic Healing. Many other cultures use a similiar type of sensitivity to determine problem areas in order to better work with situations. I was delighted to see it identified and recognized in Japanese Reiki.

The things I had questioned in my mind and felt a need to know were included. There are techniques that relate to specific problems such as Obesity and Gallstones and many others. Sometimes herbs are mentioned as well as diet and exercize. Reiki feels more complete with this kind of new information.

Quoted from the book "Intuitive Reiki by Dr. Usui is different: It asks that we free ourselves of the rules. Rules are meant to give us support." ..."Many of you have cerainly worked in an intuitive manner for a long time. I am happy for you--and with you--That we now have the "Official" permission from Dr. Usui to do this!"

Teaching Reiki to Nurses and the Medical community, I was delighted to see the statement that Reiki was to assist or complement and not replace medical attention from the traditional sources. Also references to the vertebrae, specific organs and glands make this book more in tune with the teaching needs of the medical community. The Original Reiki Handbook with it's clear photographs and explanations are a perfect complement to my Reiki Classes at San Antonio Community College, Continuing Nursing Education and I will be integrating the new information as well as offering the book to new students.

Rating:
Summary: This is a very good book and worth the time/money
Review: `Reiki Fire' is a classic amongst Reiki books. Most people read it early on in their Reiki journey, and I was no exception...Knowing little about the subject, I found it engrossing, inspiring and pleasantly down to earth. Frank Arjava Petter writes with an affable enthusiasm for his subject, drawing on his own life experiences to demonstrate the power that Reiki can have in your life, if you let go and allow it to work.

So, several years down the line, I find myself buying and reading it again (my own copy having disappeared on a very longterm, probably permanent, loan). I'm delighted to say that it still inspires me. The `fire' that Petter predicted has certainly spread throughout the world, and along with it a plethora of genres of Reiki and associated books.

What I really like about `Reiki Fire' is the lack of self absorbed pseudo-spirituality which pervades so many New Age and alternative books. Reiki is actually very straightforward - certainly it can be dressed up in all sorts of ways - but Arjava describes it in its pure form. His research into its history is legendary. Before `Reiki Fire' all sorts of outlandish folklore was rife (and accepted) as to how Reiki was re-discovered. Petter's very thorough research in Japan blew many of these myths out of the water, much to the chagrin of some steadfast upholders of the `old' stories. Well you can't please all the people...

So whether you're just setting out on your own Reiki adventure, or, like me, you've been treading the path for a while, I'd thoroughly recommend `Reiki Fire' as an essential text. Trust me though - put your name in it.