20. Mother’s Reiki, Her Disapproval, Choice and Influence

Alice Takata Furumoto, who had received 1st degree from Chujiro Hayashi, was not happy with the way Reiki was taught by her mother and her daughter.

We were trying to figure out the psychology of what was happening and were astonished that it worked… this was sacrilegious, anti-Reiki so to speak.

Although Alice understands that Reiki was Takta’s destiny, their relationship is difficult. Alice makes a sacrifice not to pursue Reiki but to dedicate herself to being a mother. Towards the end of her life, Alice gives hands-on treatments to Phyllis but never accepts treatment from her daughter.

Towards the end of her life Takata lives near her daughter Alice, who becomes increasingly protective of her mother. They receive visitors and discuss their potential. Alice prefers the humble students who report regularly to Takata and pushes her own daughter as successor.

My mother, even when I was there would say, “It’s Phyllis, look at Phyllis, she is your perfect person!” And I would go: „No! I’m not your perfect person.“

With the death of her mother, Phyllis is free to decide what will be public. Hawayo Takatas deserves her due place in the history books of Reiki. Mementos and documents should find an appropriate and accessible home, preferably a museum.

... to be held as a whole person, not just a Reiki person, but as a Japanese-American woman who did this amazing thing and dedicated her life and has touched the lives of people all over the world.