Book Reviews

 

In this page, one will find web reviews from various online locations for Jessica Miller's book "Reiki's Birthplace."

Feel free to browse the reviews to form a better idea of the book's contents and overall tone.

All reviews can be read, untruncated, at the proviced web addresses.

 

Amazon Reviews

The following reviews can be read in full at Amazon.com.

 

All Reiki Practitioners & Interested in Japan Culture.. get this book, May 27, 2007
By Jessica Miller, Sierra Madre, CA United States

(This review was submitted to the author's website: ReikiMastery.com by a friend in Japan who asked me to post it here. The website has a free e-newsletter, Reiki class schedule, articles and more on Kurama & Reiki)

Heartful, beautifully designed, illustrated & bound, this is the result of thorough research and personal experience gained on 100+ pilgrimages to Mount Kurama, just north of Kyoto City. Kurama is in many ways like hundreds or thousands of others in Japan- studded with little shrines and temples, a popular outing for city dwellers and the site of a festival of regional fame. From this modest introduction, the author proceeds to show the reader how and why this place captures her and why it holds an important place the hearts of Japanese and visitors, whether they are interested in its many spiritual traditions (Reiki being only one), or simply wanting a getaway from the urban buzz. ...

 

Reiki Must Have!, March 4, 2010
By Suzanna Drozd Kowalski

I purchased this book for my first trip to Japan. I was going to visit my stepdaughter who was working there for 3 weeks. She was in Nagoya and not far from Kyoto and Mt. Kurama the birthplace of Reiki. In a land were one can read a few signs it's a treasure trove of knowledge. Especially the one that warns of poisonious snakes on the rock pile! Very helpful to know. On my second trip to Kyoto in Nov./Dec. 09 I packed it along again. This time with it in tow I took a walk on the "wild" side of the mountain, unfortunately I dropped it in a mud puddle but quickly wiped it off. It's a little warn but when I go back for a third time it Will Be the First thing packed in my luggage. Thank you Jessica for all your hard work in putting together this priceless guide to Mt. Kurama & Kyoto.

 

A lovely gift, November 23, 2009
By Pearlz (Perth, Australia)

I ordered this as a gift for a Reiki practioner who visited Japan a few years ago. It's a beautifully produced edition with many photos and a great deal of information.

Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip or as a memoir of a visit to Kurama Mountain.

 

Outstanding Book, September 23, 2009
By S. Starman (Pekin, IL)

I am thoroughly enjoying your book! At first I thought it would be fast reading. Not so! I am getting lost into it's spell. As I read (with the help of the fine photographs) I am transported to the mountain. I love it!

I am a lay Buddhist (Soto Zen) and a Reiki practioner versed in both Usui Reiki and Reiki Tummo. I certainly appreciate the content of this well written book.

 

A fun guide for all, August 25, 2008
By Nicholas Pearson (Orlando, FL)

I am very grateful for such a guidebook to Kurama mountain. The entire book is richly illustrated with photographs, and it is brimming with great cultural and historical information to enrich any Reiki practice. Although what we can piece together about Usui-sensei is largely speculative, it is easy to get a feel for the inception and formalization of Usui Reiki Ryoho from an adventure on Kurama.

As a travel guide, the book is very specific in blazing the path, and it contains many tips for both the lay traveler and the Reiki practitioner. Dotted throughout are "ki notes" that indicate changes in energy, sacred spaces, and places for connecting with Spirit. ...

 

Wondrous, Informational, Dreamy and Practical, August 18, 2007
By Indiefilm (Los Angeles)

I've been fortunate enough to have Jessica Miller as a Reiki teacher for the last couple of years and I'm delighted that she has written this amazing book for the masses. Not only is it wonderful introduction to Reiki, it's also a wonderful historical document about Kurama Mountain. Not only do you learn about the history of Kurama Mountain and the energy points on the mountain, you learn about the temples, the Deities, as well as basic travel information such as train schedules, food, amenities and other important practical information for the first time traveler to Kurama Mountain.

...

Buy this book, you won't be disappointed.

 

 

A delightful tribute to Kurama, 12 Aug 2008
By Stuart Mealing "Reiki master/teacher" (England)

Having recently discovered for myself the beauty and magic of Mount Kurama on a day trip from Kyoto I became determined to return for a longer period. It was fortuitous therefore, shortly after making my decision, to discover this book by Jessica Miller which will now inform my second visit to the mountain. It proves to be informative, comprehensive and entertaining, but above all it carries the strong personal imprint of the author and her enthusiasm. The volume itself feels good in the hand with its semi-rigid cover and fern-patterned endpapers which provide a design theme running through the book and it is printed on good quality glossy paper which supports the many colour photographs. The slightly whimsical layout adds to the sense of it being a loving construction rather than just a hard-nosed guide book but without detracting at all from its content.

...

I am delighted to have found this book and to recommend it both to those interested in Reiki and to all others seeking an inspiring place to visit near Kyoto. Also note that the author can be found in a number of short internet videos on YouTube, one of which talks about the mountain and the book.


 

Reikiwebstore.com

 

Laurelle Shanti Gaia
Founder, Infinite Light Healing Studies Center, Sedona, AZ

“When I journeyed to Japan in 1997 to research the history of Reiki I would have loved to have had a guidebook like this. Not only is this a great guide for those planning a visit to the mountain, it is an excellent educational resource for anyone interested in Reiki, and a lovely way to sense the essence of Kurama Mountain.”

 

Mari Hall
Founder and Direction of International Association of Reiki

“It reads like a travel guide and yet when you have dreamed, as I have, of retracing the steps of Usui and touching the birthplace of Reiki, you are transported to Kurama Mountain through words and beautiful photos. The bonus is that you are also given such wonderful tidbits of wisdom along the way. Ancient spiritual traditions, Usui’s experiences and modern understanding are blended together and our hearts and souls are richer for reading it. Well Done!

 

Hyakuten Inamoto
Komyo Reiki Ka

“I am a native of Kyoto, the ancient capital city of Japan, founder of Komyo Reiki and a Buddhist monk. I have guided many tours of Kurama-yama for Reiki people from around the world. Now, at long last, we Reiki people are fortunate to have an in-depth book on Kurama yama, the birthplace of Reiki, thanks to the time-consuming work of Jessica. I trust this book will take you to the very original place of Reiki and make you feel you are back home with the founder, Usui Sensei. This book is an informative even to the Japanese people. I do hope there will be a Japanese version of the book in the future.”

Also see Hyakuten Inamoto's blog entry at: http://infinitelight.com/infinite/?p=31

 

William Lee Rand
Jerusalem, March 2006

...

To my knowledge, this is the first book written by a Reiki teacher in honor of the birthplace of Reiki that provides such a thorough description of its history, legends, and cultural background. It is a wonderful preparatory guide for those wanting to journey to this sacred mountain and gives those unable to go a thorough understanding of the importance of this magical place. Certainly it will help ground the reality of Reiki in the location of its origin and assist those devoted to Reiki to more completely embrace the source of the healing energy that flows through them.

This entire review can be read at reikiwebstore.com.

 

Reiki-light.org

Mount Kurama, also known as Kurama Yama, is the sacred mountain in Japan where Mikao Usui, the founder of Usui Reiki, first encountered Reiki. Reiki is a spiritual energy that has evolved into a healing art and is practiced by millions worldwide. Reiki is rapidly gaining acceptance in the traditional medical community, as well as among practitioners of Complementary healing modalities.

Heartful, beautifully designed, illustrated & bound, this is the result of thorough research and personal experience gained on 100+ pilgrimages to Mount Kurama, just north of Kyoto City. Kurama is in many ways like hundreds or thousands of others in Japan- studded with little shrines and temples, a popular outing for city dwellers and the site of a festival of regional fame. From this modest introduction, the author proceeds to show the reader how and why this place captures her and why it holds an important place the hearts of Japanese and visitors, whether they are interested in its many spiritual traditions (Reiki being only one), or simply wanting a getaway from the urban buzz.

Jessica is Kisma Reidling's Reiki Master / Teacher. This book is highly recommended.

 

Mountainskyreiki.com

Book Review written by Jennifer Thibodeau for the Canadian Reiki Association Newsletter

Finally, we have a comprehensive book dedicated solely to Mt. Kurama and Reiki healing! Jessica Miller's first book is an absolute treasure - adorned with countless photographs, Miller's vast knowledge of this special mountain spills out on every page. Reiki's Birthplace fits many moulds - it is a Reiki book, a travel book, a picture book and a history book all in one. The five chapters explore themes such as the history of Mt. Kurama, a guide to the energetic power spots on the mountain, information about the Buddhist and Shinto Deities featured in the temples and shrines, a practical guide for first-time visitors to Japan (including vital information on public toilets!), and most importantly, a step-by-step site guide for each point of interest on Mt. Kurama.

...

See Mountainskyreiki.com for the full review.

 

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Other Reviews

Reiki's Birthplace: A Book Review
By Marianne Streich
http://www.reikiforliving.com/pdfdownloads/Reiki'sBirthplace.pdf