Phyllis, René and Lightman David
For some months now we have known that Phyllis Lei Furumoto is facing the end of her life. On March 31st she passed away. May she rest in peace.
René und Mischa Vögtli
Meeting Phyllis
Phyllis was probably the most influential master of modern times and was regarded by many as grandmaster and lineage bearer in Takata’s heritage. Our two sons, then boys, met her in 1996 at one of her presentations in Zurich. Two decades later, one of them was to meet her again in the role as my cameraman.
In 2016 I realized an interview-documentary with Phyllis about conciliation in the Reiki world. With an admirable openness she answered the questions of many protagonists from different countries and times. In the resulting film she asks the Reiki community for forgiveness for dissonances she had caused.
After the filming, Phyllis asked me if I wanted to participate in a think tank. It was about the question what succession fundamentally is and about her own succession. It’s typical that she invited me, even though – or just because – I honour a Reiki tradition that does not cultivate grandmastery and the concept of lineage bearer.
In order to give her further insight into my thoughts, I visited her in February of this year at her bedside in Arizona. I met a woman who was free from the expectation of receiving an answer from us, the Reiki community. I found that admirable and it remains inspiring. For ourselves and for future generations, I wish that the reconciliation process continues and that we grant Phyllis what she asked.
Namaste.
René
This article has been translated; the original is in German. DeepL.com/Translator