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Reiki for Life: The Complete Guide to Reiki Practice for Levels 1, 2 & 3
The must-have guide to self-healing and treating others with Reiki.
An exciting and comprehensive handbook, Reiki for Life contains everything readers need to know about the healing art of Reiki. This practical guide covers all basic routines, details about the power and potential of each level, special techniques for enhancing Reiki practice, and helpful direction on the use of Reiki toward spiritual growth. Penelope Quest also compares the origins and development of Reiki in the West and the East, revealing methods specific to the original Japanese Reiki tradition. Suitable for beginners, experienced practitioners, and teachers alike, this
*explains what Reiki is and how it works;
*gives detailed instruction in First and Second Degree techniques;
*illustrates how to perform Reiki on yourself, as well as others;
*advises on how to become a Reiki Master/teacher; and
*includes special advanced methods for working with Reiki.
Complete with illustrations and a useful section of resources, Reiki for Life is a must-have for the tens of thousands of Western seekers anxious to learn about this fast-growing healing practice.
An exciting and comprehensive handbook, Reiki for Life contains everything readers need to know about the healing art of Reiki. This practical guide covers all basic routines, details about the power and potential of each level, special techniques for enhancing Reiki practice, and helpful direction on the use of Reiki toward spiritual growth. Penelope Quest also compares the origins and development of Reiki in the West and the East, revealing methods specific to the original Japanese Reiki tradition. Suitable for beginners, experienced practitioners, and teachers alike, this
*explains what Reiki is and how it works;
*gives detailed instruction in First and Second Degree techniques;
*illustrates how to perform Reiki on yourself, as well as others;
*advises on how to become a Reiki Master/teacher; and
*includes special advanced methods for working with Reiki.
Complete with illustrations and a useful section of resources, Reiki for Life is a must-have for the tens of thousands of Western seekers anxious to learn about this fast-growing healing practice.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2002
380 people are currently reading
1438 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Quest
19 books52 followersPenelope Quest, MSc, BA, Cert.Ed, is one of the UK's leading Reiki Masters with an international reputation based on 22 years' experience in the practice and teaching of Reiki and other mind/body healing and spiritual development techniques. She is a Master/Teacher Member and former Vice-Chairman and Education Co-ordinator of the UK Reiki Federation, and she was involved with the Reiki Regulatory Working Group (RRWG - now called The Reiki Council) during the process of formulating the new guidelines for professional Reiki practice. She has also been a consultant on Reiki for both the NHS and the Open University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 16, 2015
As far as energy-healing systems and techniques go, Reiki is my first love.
I decided to re-read this book on Reiki to see if I came across any fresh insights. Having done so, I am really happy to include the book in our Recommended Read blog series. :)
Starting with a definition of Reiki, Penelope Quest offers a detailed account of how this energy technique was discovered, and how Reiki as a holistic system became as popular and accessible as it is today. She also discusses the electromagnetic spectrum, vibration, and frequency, and explains that Reiki (Rei-Ki) is a specific band of Ki (life-force energy/prana/qi), which is why the ability to open to Reiki energy in particular is normally through an ‘attunement’ or an ‘empowerment’’.
There is a detailed and graphically-illustrated section on treating yourself and others with standard hand positions after Reiki First Degree. Later chapters offer a variety of ways to apply the Second and Third Degree symbols and energies. Quest makes it clear that Reiki works intelligently, and that it assists with improving balance, harmony and wellbeing on the spiritual and mental/emotional levels as well as the physical. Healing can be about so much more than relieving a cramped muscle or toothache - and indeed, it often is!
I particularly like the creative uses of the symbols, as I like to work with intent and to see what my imagination and intuition can come up with. Reiki is pure energy, and intent, as always, is the key! (No doubt you can see where a lot of the concepts integrated into The Cordello Quest and Mosaic of Light come from!)
As you’d expect (if you are familiar with healing work) there is also guidance on both self-healing and on working with others both in-person and remotely (“distance healing”). Additional suggestions are offered for self-cleansing. The importance of spiritual development is also highlighted.
This is a practical, informative, and useful guide for those learning to work with the Reiki energy and its techniques, including advice for readers who are setting up as practitioners. It’s one I shall refer to time and time again as my experience develops and my healing requirements change!
I decided to re-read this book on Reiki to see if I came across any fresh insights. Having done so, I am really happy to include the book in our Recommended Read blog series. :)
Starting with a definition of Reiki, Penelope Quest offers a detailed account of how this energy technique was discovered, and how Reiki as a holistic system became as popular and accessible as it is today. She also discusses the electromagnetic spectrum, vibration, and frequency, and explains that Reiki (Rei-Ki) is a specific band of Ki (life-force energy/prana/qi), which is why the ability to open to Reiki energy in particular is normally through an ‘attunement’ or an ‘empowerment’’.
There is a detailed and graphically-illustrated section on treating yourself and others with standard hand positions after Reiki First Degree. Later chapters offer a variety of ways to apply the Second and Third Degree symbols and energies. Quest makes it clear that Reiki works intelligently, and that it assists with improving balance, harmony and wellbeing on the spiritual and mental/emotional levels as well as the physical. Healing can be about so much more than relieving a cramped muscle or toothache - and indeed, it often is!
I particularly like the creative uses of the symbols, as I like to work with intent and to see what my imagination and intuition can come up with. Reiki is pure energy, and intent, as always, is the key! (No doubt you can see where a lot of the concepts integrated into The Cordello Quest and Mosaic of Light come from!)
As you’d expect (if you are familiar with healing work) there is also guidance on both self-healing and on working with others both in-person and remotely (“distance healing”). Additional suggestions are offered for self-cleansing. The importance of spiritual development is also highlighted.
This is a practical, informative, and useful guide for those learning to work with the Reiki energy and its techniques, including advice for readers who are setting up as practitioners. It’s one I shall refer to time and time again as my experience develops and my healing requirements change!
August 6, 2009
This is a fantastic book. If you are looking to find out more about Reiki, or to learn Reiki for yourself then I believe this is a must read. You will still need to complete a Reiki course for the attunement, and then you can continue to use the book as a reference guide. The book provides some great guidelines and questions to ask when looking for the appropriate Reiki master to train you. Great stuff.
March 31, 2012
pretty good, might use as text for class
October 11, 2011
Great book. I have learnt a lot from it. Have bought the books she recommended. Still learning about the cause of the ilnesses and how to heal.
April 1, 2018
Great explanation as to what to expect for the Reiki experience.
June 21, 2021
Overall it's great. There is a lot of boring parts, at least to me. Will keep on my shelf to come back to when needed. Just wasn't as exciting to turn the pages as I hoped it to be.
February 13, 2019
Отлична книга за Рейки, с енциклопедична стойност. Хареса ми, че се придържа към основното учение на д-р Усуи. Много подробно и точно описва практиките и е подходяща настолна книга за всеки практикуващ.
February 8, 2009
Great Cleansing techniques for the practitioner in here...Good for reference
November 16, 2009
This is a wonderful book offering methods of using Reiki (especially good for those like me who wonder about the "how" of using Reiki).
June 10, 2011
This would probably be a higher rated book for people who've taken at least one reiki class. The second half of the book is pretty useless for anyone who hasn't. Lot's of good info though!
December 21, 2013
This was a very informative book and if I ever want to do reiki I know where to turn to remember all the information I need!
April 23, 2019
A useful book, and although it was published over ten years ago, still feels relevant in terms of reiki and self-care. Easy to read.
September 26, 2022
I am taking level one reiki in a week so this book gave me a great background on what reiki is and how to use it.
August 12, 2016
An amazing guide; I'll have to come back to it if I do Level 2
July 16, 2018
Great introduction and detailed overview of the self healing therapy that originates from Japan. I have been intrigued by reiki since I began seeing a practitioner a couple months ago due to stress. I wish more people would take ownership over the stress in their lives and do the self reflection it takes to figure out how to live more honest and meaningful lives. I think we would have world peace if everyone just calmed down!
“There is an old Zen Buddhist saying: ‘Before enlightenment chop wood, carry water; after enlightenment chop wood, carry water.’ No matter how spiritual your life may become, you will still need to work in some manner to feed yourself, clothe yourself, keep yourself warm and live comfortably. Doing your work honestly also means being honest with yourself, as well as with others— it means accepting yourself for who you are. So just for today do your work honestly. Use Reiki and meditation to discover your life’s purpose, so that you can LIVE what you LOVE.”
“There is an old Zen Buddhist saying: ‘Before enlightenment chop wood, carry water; after enlightenment chop wood, carry water.’ No matter how spiritual your life may become, you will still need to work in some manner to feed yourself, clothe yourself, keep yourself warm and live comfortably. Doing your work honestly also means being honest with yourself, as well as with others— it means accepting yourself for who you are. So just for today do your work honestly. Use Reiki and meditation to discover your life’s purpose, so that you can LIVE what you LOVE.”
August 31, 2021
Healing ❤️🩹
My first read on Reiki and I found it very useful information, I’m looking forward to reading the authors self healing one now, as this book being very helpful did have information in for being a practitioner of reiki, like the business side and I wasn’t that interested in the symbols or later levels.
It’s helped me a great deal doing the reiki on my head and I’m grateful for this information coming to me.
My first read on Reiki and I found it very useful information, I’m looking forward to reading the authors self healing one now, as this book being very helpful did have information in for being a practitioner of reiki, like the business side and I wasn’t that interested in the symbols or later levels.
It’s helped me a great deal doing the reiki on my head and I’m grateful for this information coming to me.
December 28, 2023
This book is well-written and inclusive of the various reiki lineages. It also honors the Japanese traditions, an important detail. Some of the additional techniques, while explained in full, may be difficult for novice practitioners to understand and incorporate; thus the downfall of a book that covers so much terrain. Yet, I believe there is useful guidance in these pages for anyone open to receiving.
April 18, 2025
While there were good/helpful tidbits of information throughout, they certainly weren’t worth the 300 pages of essentially an ad saying to take a class instead of reading the book. Not sure who the intended audience was as it obviously wasn’t written for those who haven’t taken a course from a reiki master, but it doesn’t seem to be written to those who have either. Maybe for those trying to prepare for a course? I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone, there have to be better options
September 24, 2018
Filled in the gaps that my reiki course left out
July 3, 2019
An excellent history and manual.
April 5, 2023
Very insightful, and helpful. Easy to read and great to refresh up with.
April 24, 2023
Very informative and well written!
May 31, 2024
Brilliant book
Ideal for people not yet taking reiki this will guide you to the right corse and teacher. I am still on my 21 day reike and I found this book very informative.
Ideal for people not yet taking reiki this will guide you to the right corse and teacher. I am still on my 21 day reike and I found this book very informative.
hibernating
October 31, 2024Read Parts 1 & 2. Will resume after 11/17/2024
January 10, 2026
As someone who is certified in Reiki, I found this book to describe in greater detail what I was taught although it seems that there are a lot of words to say something simple.
April 16, 2019
This is a library book but I think I'll have to buy it. It's a great reference.
December 30, 2024
A wholesome book that holds a lot of inspiring and informational texts, summaries, guidelines and also a bit of research that has been conducted on energymedicine. Here reiki is combined with physics, a bit of psychology, spirituality and wellness in general.
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Being a reikipracticioner myself, even if it's been a few years since I was active, this was so inspiring and a great place for me to restart and rebalance my spirituality and energyjourney, even if it's only for myself at this stage.
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Some things in this book would speak to those not so much into these things, but the majority of the book would not. If you are into these things, this is an incredible work and really a complete guide to what Reiki is, the various levels, the japanese grandmasters, history and traditions, how reiki can be used and how to be aware of your energy, spirituality and serenity, and maybe how energymedicine and spirituality could take a bigger part on your life.
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The author takes a clear stand too on western medicine being the major part in treating any kind of illness, sickness, etc. Even if she is an advocate of using energymedicine and eastern traditions as a compliment to the western medicine.
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I'd recommend this book if you are interested to know more about reiki, or if you are a practitioner and want a reminder of a good place to restart, like I did.
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"The soul is spiritual energy, and just as everything else in the universe is energy, once that energy has been created it can only be transformed, not destroyed. Therefore the soul energy, which is the core of our being, is eternal, and it grows and develops through its experience."
.
"Just for today I will let go of anger.
Just for today I will let go of worry.
Today I will count my many blessings.
Today I will do my work honestly.
Today I will be kind to every living creature."
.
Being a reikipracticioner myself, even if it's been a few years since I was active, this was so inspiring and a great place for me to restart and rebalance my spirituality and energyjourney, even if it's only for myself at this stage.
.
Some things in this book would speak to those not so much into these things, but the majority of the book would not. If you are into these things, this is an incredible work and really a complete guide to what Reiki is, the various levels, the japanese grandmasters, history and traditions, how reiki can be used and how to be aware of your energy, spirituality and serenity, and maybe how energymedicine and spirituality could take a bigger part on your life.
.
The author takes a clear stand too on western medicine being the major part in treating any kind of illness, sickness, etc. Even if she is an advocate of using energymedicine and eastern traditions as a compliment to the western medicine.
.
I'd recommend this book if you are interested to know more about reiki, or if you are a practitioner and want a reminder of a good place to restart, like I did.
.
"The soul is spiritual energy, and just as everything else in the universe is energy, once that energy has been created it can only be transformed, not destroyed. Therefore the soul energy, which is the core of our being, is eternal, and it grows and develops through its experience."
.
"Just for today I will let go of anger.
Just for today I will let go of worry.
Today I will count my many blessings.
Today I will do my work honestly.
Today I will be kind to every living creature."
June 4, 2013
Penelope Quest goes through the ins and outs of reiki, attunements, philosophy, and setting up your own practice. I intend to buy this book for my permanent shelf when I become attuned.
That being said, I only gave this book 4 stars. If I could give a further half star I would for the quality of the content as well as the direct approach to reiki. There is little fluff in this book which makes for an almost text book like read for those who are serious about the study and eventual practice of energy medicine. Unfortunately without being attuned and educated on symbols for reiki, one can only appreciate half of the book. Full practitioners will likely get more out of its later chapters and the setting up a business practice process. One of my few qualms about the book is that I feel there was more of a metaphysical bent to the text than I had imagined. Other than that, it was great.
I am personally using and abusing the ideas contained within for my own energy work, so I think for others interested in auras and similar laying on hands work, this is a useful and educational read if you can subtract the thought of "reiki only".
That being said, I only gave this book 4 stars. If I could give a further half star I would for the quality of the content as well as the direct approach to reiki. There is little fluff in this book which makes for an almost text book like read for those who are serious about the study and eventual practice of energy medicine. Unfortunately without being attuned and educated on symbols for reiki, one can only appreciate half of the book. Full practitioners will likely get more out of its later chapters and the setting up a business practice process. One of my few qualms about the book is that I feel there was more of a metaphysical bent to the text than I had imagined. Other than that, it was great.
I am personally using and abusing the ideas contained within for my own energy work, so I think for others interested in auras and similar laying on hands work, this is a useful and educational read if you can subtract the thought of "reiki only".
Read
July 23, 2021A very patient and pervasive analysis and detailing of Reiki in all its aspects. The writer has embodied Reiki entirely in her lifestyle, but while she is not only writing for that reader, she's very much writing from the perspective. The quantum mechanics doesn't get complicated, there's no pages upon pages of graphs of variations in vibrational frequencies. Only several customs go unpondered among others that are more fully considered and more often etymologized so to speak. Options and preferences are major aspects featured among her presentation of Reiki as practice.
Considering there's only 3 levels of Reiki, and I've read about the first 2 and am not quite half through the book, I'll have to refer back to the table of contents for what's useful through level 2. However, it's a delight to encounter most pages, and besides being very informative, the writer has very much dispensed the most healthful aptitudes of her practice in very recurring tones throughout. Reiki is embedded in the very reading!
Considering there's only 3 levels of Reiki, and I've read about the first 2 and am not quite half through the book, I'll have to refer back to the table of contents for what's useful through level 2. However, it's a delight to encounter most pages, and besides being very informative, the writer has very much dispensed the most healthful aptitudes of her practice in very recurring tones throughout. Reiki is embedded in the very reading!
April 25, 2011
This was perhaps a good read to read about the process of being "initiated" as a Reiki professional, but as far as learning how exactly to use / do Reiki without being inititated, it is not so good for that. I am not going to criticize it for such a superficial reason as that, seeing as there was a enough information to digest unbeknown to myself. In fact, it is probably something great to recommend to souls out there who want to be enlightened to this relatively new practice and discipline.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews