I say in every first degree class, “Reiki flows through the lineage.” Literally, I connect to the energy of Reiki through the teachers who came before me. I accomplish this by teaching and initiating my students precisely as I was taught by my teachers, and as I teach all of my Master students. Face to face, hand to hand, in-person from teacher to student.
Photo of Reiki Grandmaster Phyllis Lei Furumoto and her wife Joyce Winough in Hawaii in 2016.
In November 2018, NYC Reiki Center hosted Phyllis Lei Furumoto, spiritual lineage bearer of our practice Usui Shiki Ryoho and granddaughter of Hawayo Takata, in her final public teachings before her transition in March 2019. I thought several years ago to invite her, as every time I sat with her I felt my connection to Reiki expand, and I wanted to offer this rare opportunity to my students. She is not in our initiating lineage, but Phyllis, who we honor as our “Spiritual Lineage Bearer,” came to New York City and generously made herself available to teach our students and connect us to Reiki.
As her 71st birthday approached last week, August 22, Phyllis presented herself more and more in my memories, thoughts, and even mystically, like Phyllis herself, through my dreams. I tried to think of ways to commemorate her in our community, but all ideas felt flat in celebrating our vibrant leader until the right path emerged.
Phyllis Lei Furumoto’s ashes will be interred on November 24, 2019 at the Kapaa-Kealia Cemetery on Kauai. Hawaii.
In late November, I will close the Center and travel to Kauai, Hawaii to be with Phyllis’ wife Joyce Winough, her chosen successor Johannes Reindl, and Reiki Masters and students from all over the world. We’ll gather to celebrate her life, affirm her place in our lineage and teaching, and for the inurnment of Phyllis’ ashes in the Kapaa-Kealia Cemetery on Kauai.
Her wife Joyce struggled with the countless expenses related to Phyllis’ transition, cremation, and memorial. Many of you met Joyce at the events last Fall and contacted her with very generous donations to help with the expenses. I am very grateful for your generosity, and Joyce also expressed her surprise at the many gifts she received. Thanks to all in our amazing NYC Reiki Center student community!
~ Brian Brunius, NYC Reiki Center
