Page 15 - Perceptions papers
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HAWAIIAN SPIRITUALITY
M. Kauila Clark
The daily practice and behavior is in ALOHA. In traditional times, ancient Hawaiians lived
by the Law of ALOHA.
Forgiveness was not a concept practiced until western Christian religions came to Hawaii.
The actions of forgiveness places people in a superior/inferior relationship to make amends.
Hawaiian practice was to achieve pono. This was accomplished by each coming together at the
same level to make amends with I’o, which completes the pono. This approach is a mutual
assessment trance that both parties were right and they were both wrong. Pono is to approach
Kuleana which is the adherence to god’s law or the natural law. It is I’o that brings the people
in conflict in a common energy that recognizes the hewa (wrong and reconciliation to make
amends). It is dependent on the recognition of your respect and of all things honor to correct
behaviors.
The act of humility guides the process. We humble ourselves so we may be open to learning
god’s way. I’o’s way is one of harmony and unity through diversity. That is the action of pono.
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