Paying Homage to Phyllis Lei Furumoto
Phyllis’ new Buddhist name on a blessing card with photos and flowers.
On November 24th, 2019 I attended the burial and spreading of ashes of Phyllis Lei Furumoto, Grandmaster and Lineage Bearer of Usui Shiki Ryoho. The services took place in Kauai, Hawaii with Reiki Masters and practitioners, as well as members of Phyllis’ and her widow Joyce Winough’s families. Reiki colleagues traveled from 17 countries, from as far as Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Israel, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Kyoto, the UK, and the closest the United States.
We gathered at Phyllis’s memorial stone where her siblings and Joyce interred her ashes beneath a beautiful hand-carved stone which reads “Usui Shiki Ryoho” in Japanese kanji. A Japanese Buddhist monk read poetry and prayers and blessed Phyllis with a Japanese Buddhist name Sho-Yo Rei Kai Zenjoni. One by one each attendee was given some time to express or love for phyllis at her alter with pictures of her as an adult and child, among flowers and incense, as well as at her grave stone. It was sad to loose such a powerful, dedicated, and loving GrandMaster, many tears, were shed, hugs were exchanged, hands were held, reiki was given, and the global reiki community was felt as we said our farewells.
The next day we gathered at Lydgate Beach Park for a joyous day of song, dance, sharing and feasting. My Reiki Master Brian Brunius made a guest book filled with photos from Phyllis’s life traveling all over the world for people to express their love to phyllis and fondest memories. Each attendee was greeted with a vibrant purple orchid lei. Diane Domondon also made a memorial program for the day including a souvenir collage of photos of Phyllis and an Irish blessing selected by Joyce.
The hand-carved stone reads “Usui Shiki Ryoho”.
The program included Taiko drums to invite the gods to our celebration, and traditional hula in honor of loved ones and the cycle of life. Many stories and laughs were shared in an open mic detailing Phyllis’ teachings, travels and her love of delicious food. Newly-called spiritual Lineage Bearer of Usui Shiki Ryoho Johannes Reindl shared a story of a meal Phyllis cooked for him. Joyce brought a suitcase of Phyllis’ clothes and attendees rummaged through colorful piles of scarves, tunics and sweaters. Dried flowers from their home in Arizona were also distributed. Dinner, drinks and more dancing followed as the sun set on a heart-full day.
I am grateful to have met Phyllis Furumoto in 2014. Although our time together was short, only five years she came to the bay area four times. Phyllis presence will be missed and I know she is always with us in our hearts. We are in good hands with our new spiritual lineage bearer Johannes Reindl. I hope to host him in the Bay Area in the next two years.