Reviews of Reiki Jin Kei Do:
The Way of Compassion & Wisdom
I was very impressed by this book, which has clearly been very well researched. It is easy to read and would be highly appropriate to either the Reiki student or the individual who knows nothing about Reiki but who has the desire to learn more outside of a classroom situation.
This book is divided into easy to read chapters, and could be dipped into if the reader only has short spurts of time available.
Steve Gooch starts out by explaining Reiki and the Attunement process and what they both are. He then spends a number of chapters attempting to make sense of the history of the Reiki Jin Kei Do branch of Reiki, starting from Mikao Usui through to his Reiki Masters, Gordon and Dorothy Bell by way of Churijo Hayashi, Sensei Takeuchi, Seiji Takamori and Ranga Premaratna. Gooch attempts to make sense of the many histories that abound relating to Dr Usui. After discussing the history of RKJD, the author discusses the spiritual aspects of Reiki and how this can bring peace to our lives through changing our thought processes (mindfulness).
Rosie Langdale-King
Network Review
(Scientific & Medical Network)
An introduction to the history and practice of Reiki, the book gives a thorough overview, including the philosophy, guiding principles and sections on meditation, energy, symbols and therapeutics. There is also a bibliography and an international contact directory of masters in this particular tradition.
David Lorimer
There are many branches or ‘lineages’ of the Reiki system, and as a Reiki practitioner in one of the Takata styles of Reiki, I was very interested in discovering more about a lesser known lineage, this being Jin Kei Do. This book is the first of its kind in Reiki in that it explores and challenges the origins and history of this therapy, and it would be a good read for both the beginner and the more accomplished Reiki Master.
There is a very detailed section exploring the history of this method, and I discovered a great deal, even though I thought I knew a lot about the origins. This then follows on with how the lineage developed and how it has got to where it’s at today. Steve talks about the philosophy of RJKD and gives information about what happens during an attunement process (the process by which one opens up to channel the Reiki energy).
I was particularly interested in reading about the meditation side of things, which is an integral part of this practice. Overall this was a book I couldn’t put down, and I think even those that don’t feel a strong interest in Reiki itself would find this an interesting and informative read.
I met Steve myself once I’d heard about the book and he definitely knows his stuff, but he would probably say that like most Reiki practitioners, that he is always learning!
Elaine Adams, Reiki Master
Whatever ones views on the origins of Reiki Jin Kei Do and the Buddho system, the essential message of Steve’s book is clear and it is supported by information that we have about Mikao Usui’s original practises. The underlying and ultimate purpose of Reiki is to benefit all beings in their spiritual growth. It is to promote compassion through the alleviation of suffering and wisdom through meditation and through the acceptance of any practises that GENUINELY and EFFECTIVELY promote these spiritually universal principles. Steve Gooch has written one of the, if not the, most erudite texts not just about Reiki (of which there is plenty of nonsense written) but more importantly about its psycho-spiritual basis. Please let’s see more.
Tony Birdfield, Reiki Master-Teacher / Buddho Teacher
This book provides thorough exploration of a rare lineage of Usui Reiki. I am already recommending this book to students in my Reiki classes!
Christine Radice, Reiki Master-Teacher
AltMedZine
Author Steve Gooch has beautifully written what is the first book on the Jin Kei Do system of Reiki (RJKD). Based on Mikao Usui’s (the founder of Reiki) early approach, the Jin Kei Do system is heavily influenced by early Buddhist teachings. These teachings, focused around compassion and wisdom, in the Jin Kei Do tradition are now known as Buddo-EnerSense.
This exciting new book commences with a very good description of Reiki along with the universal energy field and perhaps the most important part of one's journey with Reiki, the path to know oneself.
Detailing the history of the Reiki tradition, from the Tendai Buddhist founder, Mikao Usui to the present-day lineage head of the RJKD system, Dr. Ranga Premaratna, this book gives a good description of how Reiki has evolved and has been passed on to more recent masters. Steve also elaborates on lineage and its importance within Reiki.
The philosophy of RJKD, being based on the Buddhist perspective of compassion and wisdom is both simple and beautiful. To know and to have compassion in your heart is not enough, one must act upon it in order to help another’s suffering, thus to have compassion is to be engaged in an active and dynamic process.
The three degrees of Reiki and their acquisition is discussed in-depth, emphasizing that the approach is very much based on the individual and that completing the third level of ‘master’ does not necessarily mean mastery. The attunement process has also been well explained along with its effects on the whole being including the chakras.
What seems to be quite unique about the Jin Kei Do system of Reiki is the Buddho-EnerSense meditations that amplify the natural healing mechanisms of the body. The system also teaches its students Chi Nadi exercises to improve the physical health of the body and to aid in the practice of mindfulness. In this book, the author has given a good overview of the disciplines of energy cultivation, meditation, and mantras.
This very interesting and informative new book is a must-have for anyone not only interested or involved in Reiki but also those who work with or have an interest in energy, meditation, and Buddhist philosophy.
Stephen West
Cygnus Books
Revealing the Vajrayana and Tantric Buddhist origins of Reiki for the first time, this book will broaden the way you view Reiki, explaining it not simply as a healing system, but as a way of self-prefection and liberation which did not suddenly appear in the 19th century, but has a far older lineage.
I just read Reiki Jin Kei Do by Steve Gooch and I love it! After 25 years of teaching Reiki, I’m finally recommending a Reiki book to all of my students (shocking for those who know me). It is a good book with a good history of Usui and in-depth information about the Principles of RJKD and Buddho-EnerSense. Steve is a very down to earth Reiki Master and I have great respect for him. The book gives “seekers” a practical guide to the essence of this lineage.
Patricia Warren, Reiki Master-Teacher / Buddho Teacher
Reiki Jin Kei Do: The Way of Compassion & Wisdom, WOW what a book! I was told about this book from my Reiki master and bought it when it came out. This book speaks volumes to me not only on Jin Kei Do but on Reiki itself. At last !!! A book that talks about Reiki in a way that we can all relate to within our own experiences; attunements, Reiki Jin Kei Do, Reiki itself etc…..too much to mention! I’m nearly finished with the book and all I can say is it is well worth it for any Reiki practitioner/teacher and anyone feeling drawn to Reiki and Jin Kei Do. An excellent read in my opinion for anyone interested in the Reiki path.
Andre Rogerson, Reiki practitioner
At last a book that clearly demonstrates why I am an avid supporter of Reiki Jin Kei Do. I have trained in both Western and Eastern Reiki, but Reiki Jin Kei Do is where I have found my answers. I enjoy the way that Steve writes and teaches. I also know him well and the passion, energy and time that he has devoted to Reiki and this book in particular. Read it and learn it like I did. This book will help you expand your understanding of the core philosophies of Reiki and develop a deeper awareness and perception of yourself.
Judy Cabral, Reiki Master-Teacher