Recommended Reiki Books 'Reiki and Japan'
Recommended Reiki Book Reading Series Introduction
So in this series, I offer a short concise view of some recommended books on the topic of Reiki. I thought it would be helpful as I get asked the question as to what Reiki books I would recommend on the topic. These are the books I recommend Reiki students read after taking Reiki courses. They can be interesting to those looking into Reiki, however, my view is more to read Reiki articles, to get an idea if it is something you would like to try or to take training in, then book a Reiki treatment to experience it, or attend Reiki training courses, then read Reiki books. As you tend to be able to understand the content in a deeper way having had Reiki training, or at least experienced it, so being introduced to topics that tend to be covered in the books.
Reiki and Japan (2017)
by Masaki Nishina
The Author
This book is written by Mr. Masaki Nishina who is a senior Jikiden Reiki teacher in Japan, who has an interest in Reiki history and being Japanese and has been interested in the cultural interpretations of Reiki in Japan and in the West. This book was published recently in 2017.
It also has the benefit of being edited by Amanda Jayne, for those who do not know her, is a senior Jikiden Reiki teacher here in the UK, who spent some time in Japan and has a good understanding of the culture, which is great, because we can minimize any misunderstandings in the translation of the book into English and also in the understanding of the subject, as both the author and the editor are trained in and indeed teach authentic Japanese Usui Reiki.
So What’s It About?
This book is focused on our understanding of Reiki, going into what it is, how Reiki history shaped its direction, and how Japanese culture and thinking influenced how it was practiced. The book draws on how something is viewed with a Western mind and we see this in Western approaches to Reiki, compared to the Japanese mind, and how that influences approaches to Reiki. A wide range of Reiki topics is discussed in this 200-page book. Some of the other Reiki books I recommend have chapters devoted to Japanese culture, however, this book hones in on Japanese culture and its influence on Reiki and widely comments on differences in the way Western and Japanese people view things around Reiki specifically.
My View of The Book
In my view, this book is a must for anyone who practices Reiki, who is not Japanese. I teach original Japanese Usui Reiki, and although I continue to deeper my understanding of Japanese Reiki, with my primary Reiki teacher being Tadao Yamaguchi himself, along with taking Reiki training from various others with insight into Japanese culture, I am not Japanese. my brain is a Western brain in conditioning and culture. Yes, the technical training of Reiki in Jikiden Reiki is authentic Japanese Reiki training and we do explain a lot about Japanese culture, history, and its influence on Reiki, in our formal Jikiden Reiki training, however with growing up in a Western mind we can sometimes see the same thing, yet take a very different meaning from it. This is where I find this book a nice read.
Additionally, it constantly draws comparisons between a Japanese view of Reiki and Western approaches, mainly in thinking about Reiki. This can be helpful to those of us with Western Reiki training, as an understanding of Japanese culture is absent from such teachings, so can deepen our understanding of Reiki. In my view, this is a supportive book for your study of Reiki. I think it will make the most sense after having taken Reiki training. I think it’s still a useful read if you have not taken Jikiden Reiki training as well. In terms of the order, I would first study the core Reiki books I recommend: ‘This is Reiki’ and Light on the Origin of Reiki’ as your foundation, then approach this book. I found it a helpful and interesting read as a logically mined Reiki teacher. You can order the book below.
Where can I buy a copy of the book?
You can find a purchase link for this book and view my other recommended Reiki book titles here.
Shaun Mckeown specialises in authentic Japanese Reiki. Delivering Jikiden Reiki treatments and teaching authentic Japanese Jikiden Reiki in the UK. Shaun also supports Jikiden Reiki students and professionals. A strategic, creative problem solver with over 20 years of professional coaching experience helping people with health and well-being The last 12 + years specialising in Reiki. He has a BSc.(Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science so has both science and holistic perspectives. learn more about Shaun at: www.shaunmckeown.com
The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Shaun Mckeown, disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.