Hawaiian Spirituality: Ancient Teachings for a Healthier, Happier You
These teachings were not only true in ancient times, but are also true now and are used by many Hawaiians today, even though they may not be aware of the source. Most Hawaiians live western lives and culture, and sadly are unaware of their marvellous heritage. However, there is a growing resurgence, and these teachings are growing stronger after a long dormant period., to come back to help us all to live our lives more easily. Some would say that in order to even read this you probably have a past life in Hawai’i.
The Huna system of healing, spirit and wisdom is as complete as any other system on the planet. We share with you today a small part of the ancient traditions of Hawai’i, and the respect we have for the culture, for the wisdom of the elders and our ancestors. We share from an unbroken lineage stretching back thousands of years. Some say 35,000 years, from before Atlantis and before even Lemuria.
Lineage is very important, and I am delighted to be able to pass this on to you. All wisdom is from my teachers, and all mistakes are my own. From Tad & Matt James, and ‘Uncle’ George Lanakilakeikiahiali’I Naope, Kahuna Po’o O ka Hula, and Hula Masters Etua Lopes of Kona, and John Ka’imikaua of Molaka’i, with additional teachings from Serge Kahili King of Kau’i.
This is why Huna has correspondences with most other systems: guardian spirit – native American; 4/5 elements – alchemy, hermetic, celtic, Egyptian; Dream-time – maori, aborigine, native American; spell-casting – wicca; ho’omanaloa energy healing –Philippines, Reiki; herbal healing and astrology – most systems; and many more.
The principles of Huna are powerfully simple: if something increases your life force energy, then do more of it and if something decreases your life force energy, then do less of it. So just for a moment go ahead and fully consider, how easily you can change your life to follow this timeless advice?
Each island, and even each family, had its own traditions, so you may see variations on the teachings given here. This does not make one better or worse, only different. Like a new overcoat, try on each idea. Some will fit straight away, some you will grow into with practice. Do not do these because I say so, try them because they work for you.
You are in good company. Millions all over the world are awakening to the great joy and resurgence in these most ancient teachings. I’m sure you’ve noticed more and more people are tuning in, connecting and paying attention to the usefulness of these ancient timeless truths in these high-stress, over-busy, fast-paced modern times.
Unfortunately when the missionaries arrived, they did not understand what they found, and sadly these teachings were banned in the ‘land of the free’ until 1989, so this may well be your first discovery of these powerful and uplifting teachings.
The Kahuna or specialist experts/Professors, knew that although we are one holistic whole, it is extremely useful to understand ourselves as having 3 minds, each with differing roles. Very briefly:
Firstly there is your conscious mind, that you are thinking with right now. This is where you direct your life, make decisions and understand concepts.
Secondly, you have an unconscious mind, which runs your body, maintains your habits, values and beliefs, stores your memories and is the seat of your emotions and feelings.
Thirdly your higher conscious mind or higher self. This is your connection to the infinite universal energy, or God as some call it, sometimes called higher spirit, holy spirit, guardian spirit or guardian angel.
However, one mind may not tell another what to do, which is why you can’t just tell yourself to quit smoking or lose weight instantly.
We are fortunate to be able to teach a most beautiful ceremony in our classes where most students are able to easily connect with their higher self, a very powerful and uplifting experience.
However, for many of us in the west, we are so caught up in conscious mind activities such as work, computers, TV or reading that we create blockages to our unconscious self. This means that we are less in touch with our inner feelings and emotions, and so we feel unhappy but don’t know why, or we do things we regret later. Huna teaches you how to easily clear these blockages to live a simpler, happier, less anxious and less angry and more fulfilled life.
The Hawaiians didn’t stop there, but invented numerous ceremonies and techniques to enhance their life force energy, including breathing, meditation and Hulahula.
Hula isn’t just about grass-skirted dancers in Elvis Presley movies, although it can be. This style is called ‘Hula Mele’ and is considered akin to our pop music.
Hula Kahiko is the more ancient style, and is more chant-based, similar to our hymns, although with dancing and music is a lot more lively and fun! These dances, singing and chants are considered a ‘body-prayer’, an offering of fun, light-heartedness to the ‘goddess’ Laka, spirit of the Hula.
Once again, the missionaries misunderstood the Hawaiians who appeared to revere carved wooden poles, one for each spirit. In fact, the Hawaiians believe that we are all part of one whole, unifying and connected universal energy, of which there are many aspects, and therefore many ‘gods’.
Each place has its own spirit, and each wind, each rain, each tree, each rock, each animal and each human. So we humans and the land are one indivisible whole. Humans are not superior to any part of nature, and the Hawaiians go to great lengths to always give back, whenever they take anything from nature, often giving gifts or offerings of flowers or chants to the spirits of the ancestors.
In a way, we do this too, naming mountains and lakes as well as hurricanes (eg Katrina).
At the deepest and highest levels, the universe consists of a pure potentiality of both everything and nothing. A dichotomy known as IO. This splits into the greater male energy, known as the creator-god Kane, representing form, action, and structure, whilst the feminine aspect of the universe is called Na Wahine, representing pure energy, the spark to ignite Kane into action.
There are many gods and goddesses, or aspects to spirit in the Hawaiian system. Probably the best known is Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. The Hawaiian islands have all been created by volcanic action, and Pele is still active in the south of the Big Island of Hawai’i, spewing out molten lava and creating new land mass as the lava cools.
Having walked through the Kilauea crater, it is hard to overestimate the power of Pele, and settlers who get too close have seen their houses go up in flames as the lave changes direction. Each year, tons of volcanic rocks are returned by mail to the Park Rangers as tourists have found the fast transformational energy of cooled lava to be too much upheaval for them. One lady who planted lava rock all around her garden, and was then surprised when her house caught on fire!
In such a short space it is not possible to give you a full flavour of the power and depth of the healing and spirit of the Hawaiian traditions. I have seen a paralysed man regain full use of his arm and leg in an hour, arthritis and rheumatism reduced and IBS and many other ailments cleared in just minutes.
Everyone who experiences Higher-Self Connection finds it to be a deeply touching and uplifting experience to literally touch the face of Spirit.
The best way to learn Huna is to do it. Either an introductory workshop, or even better, a spiritual retreat in Hawaii itself, as the energy there is fabulous!
Mahalo, thank you for reading, if you would like to improve your relationships, your health or your wealth, I would love to hear from you!
By Gary Plunkett © 2007
Student and Certified Teacher of Hawaiian Huna, 0800 458 56799
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