Betrayal, money, transgression. This is part of Reiki’s history, with the other side of the coin being regrets, apologies, forgiving and legacy. A saga of three generations of women at the origin of Reiki’s contemporary evolution.
…it reads like an advertisement for a TV series and exactly like TV the “video archive” contains it all. Only it is a documentary report, not fiction. It contains the American internment camps for the Japanese during World War II and how Hawayo Takata brought Reiki from the Japanese culture into the West. This is the start of the success story of Reiki as we know it today.
The renaissance of “Japan-Reiki”(the tradition of the masters after Usui and alongside Haysashi) is catalysed by the dissonances amongst Takata’s successors after her death in 1980. In the centre stood her granddaughter Phyllis Furumoto. The role of the 2nd generation, Alice Takata (†2013), is presented in a thus far little known light.
Disagreements accumulated in the 90’s with a battle around trademarking. To this day discord echoes. Many people recognise Phyllis Furumoto as the spiritual lineage holder and Grand Master. Many do not.
These and many more topics will be found by the curious – whether with Reiki or on another path. You can access our “video archive” here.
These 66 Videos are a true treasure trove. As its importance calls out for translation into other languages, we hope to add German subtitles by this summer. We also plan to produce a USB-Stick for those who are reluctant to access the archive via Vimeo. (Please address enquiries to office@reiki-conciliation.org.)
A single video costs US$ 3.80 and the package containing all 66 videos costs $ 38. (Payable in your own currency). With your purchase you ensure the continuation of this project. Thank you.
This Trailer has German subtitles (click on CC)
Our Debut Feature
I did not know Phyllis Furumoto when, in 2015, I suggested my idea to her, ie. to film a interview-documentary. To emphasize my impartiality I made it a condition that the film would only be produced if I could acquire sponsors of diverse Reiki origins.
In preparation for my conversation with Phyllis Furumoto, I also spoke with protagonists who have opposing opinions to hers.
In the fall of 2015 we filmed in Berlin and in spring of 2016 in Arizona, totalling about 15 hours of footage. From this we edited “RECONCILIATION – Along the Path of Mastery” (50 minutes, access here – CC for English and German subtitles). My team and I are proud of and take joy in this debut.
Editing means to choose and to cut. By definition this process alters or emphasises the reality; in this case that which was actually said. We trust that we managed this balancing act well, that we presented Phyllis’ apology, the heart of the film, in an appropriate and dignified way.
If you would like to delve deeper into the statements made in the film or if you just want to see the un-edited, full version of what Phyllis Furumoto has said, the “video archive” offers you the opportunity to form your own opinion. For example, you might want to watch the entire, uncut sequence in which she asks for forgiving (Film 59, “Apology”, here).
René Vögtli