Hawaiin Shamanism and Huna
Waiho wale kahiko
Old secrets are now revealed
Shamanism is a practice found all over the world. Whilst the word shaman is derived from the Tungusic language of Siberia, different cultures have their own term in their own language. In Hawaiian it is Kupua.
The Hawaiians have an extremely rich spiritual, cultural and psychological heritage. The ancient esoteric wisdom of Polynesia is called Ka Huna. A master of this esoteric wisdom is a Kahuna. (The word Kahuna is in fact applied to an expert in any field, for example there would be a Kahuna of carpentry or bricklaying.)
Traditionally, Polynesian shaman are trained in seven areas as healers : as a psychic, a shapechanger, a releaser of physical and mental blocks, as a manifestor of events, as a peacemaker, a teacher and as an adventurer. The most important focus is to emphasise self esteem, inner authority, the power of words and mind, and imagery- creating beliefs and using the power of the mind to heal –self, others and situations.
As with all things Hawaiian, there are different lineages and schools of teaching through which the ancient wisdom is handed down through the generations. In the lineage in which I have been trained , which embraces the ‘way of the adventurer’, a shaman is a healer of relationships :- between people, circumstances, nature, mind, body and spirit.
Shamanism is a distinct form of healing, with the bent being toward social and environmental benefit as a distinguishing feature. It is often a shamans view of reality that sets them apart from other healers.
A ‘ohe pau ka ‘ike I ka halau ho’okahi
All knowledge is not taught in the same school
Some shaman traditions are unwilling to share the knowledge and want to keep things secret, for fear of misuse or retribution from a heirarchy which gave an order not to let things be known, or perhaps simply to have power over others. A true shaman, however keeps no secrets about knowledge that can help and heal. This is certainly an attitude which is much needed on the planet at this time. The more information people have on how to heal themselves and situations, the more healing globally can take place. Misuse comes from a lack of knowledge. The more knowledge people have, the less likelihood of misuse. Shared knowledge is more powerful and effective than secrets locked away and not used. Information and knowledge that is kept secret is about as useful as an umbrella in a sandstorm. Shaman do not recognise authority or heirarchy in relation to matters of the mind. They really follow a system of spiritual democracy. Shaman do not teach intuition, they assume it.
The Whole Point of Healing is to Get Healthy, Not to Prove a Method.
Use Whatever Works for You.
All shaman are healers, however many follow the ‘way of the warrior’, which tends to embody fear, power and control. An ‘adventurer shaman’ by contrast, which many Hawaiians follow, deals in developing skills of love, harmony and cooperation. A basic example of the differences would be a ‘warrior shaman’ might build a psychic shield to protect themselves from another persons negative thoughts or energies. The adventurer shaman however, would harmonise the energy and stay calm and even assist in being a source of healing for the other person. Both forms certainly have relevance and practical application. The reason I walk the path of the ‘adventurer shaman’ is because it is practical, beneficial to all people, the planet and is easily applied and available to all. The important thing with Hawaiian Shamanism or Huna is it’s practicality, which really is embodied in the seven principles of Huna.
The Seven Principles
IKE – THE WORLD IS WHAT YOU THINK IT IS – You create your own reality, so be aware of your thoughts and beliefs.
KALA – THERE ARE NO LIMITS – Anything is possible. The Universe is infinite and abundant. All is connected.
MAKIA- ENERGY FLOWS WHERE ATTENTION GOES – so be focussed on what you want because you get what you focus on. Everything is energy.
MANAWA – NOW IS THE MOMENT OF POWER – so be here in the present and increase your energy. Now is where life happens.
ALOHA- TO LOVE IS TO BE HAPPY WITH – Love increases as judgement decreases, so be happy and bless the present. Everything is alive, aware and responsive.
MANA- ALL POWER COMES FROM WITHIN - . Be empowered, trust yourself and be confident.
PONO – EFFECTIVENESS IS THE MEASURE OF TRUTH- so be good at what you do and expect the best. There is always another way to do anything. If it works it’s true. Seven principles, Serge Kahili King 1994
In Hawaiian the word ‘Aloha’ has a much deeper meaning than the hello or goodbye that we generally think of. It means ‘the joyful (oha) sharing (alo) of life energy (ha) in the present (alo). As you share this energy you become more attuned the Divine Power, the Mana. The loving use of this Power is the simple secret for attaining true health, happiness, prosperity and success. This simple secret is: Bless everyone and everything that represents what you want! Yes, that’s it. To bless something means to give recognition to a positive , characteristic or condition, with the intent that what you bless will increase, last or be manifested. It is as with anything of a shaman nature, the intent that is important. Blessing is effective in changing your life or manifesting what you want as firstly, the positive focus of your mind draws in the positive, creative force of the Universe, the mana. Secondly, it expands your own energy and thirdly, when blessing for the benefit of others instead of directly for yourself, you bypass the subconscious negativity or resistance that may be there. The focus on the blessing acts to increase the same good in your life. One of the beautiful things about this is that the blessing you do for others helps them as well as you. Some simple examples of blessing are admiration -e.g” I like your new car”; “you’re so much fun”, affirmation- e.g “ I bless the beauty of this tree” , appreciation e.g “thankyou for helping me”, ‘ I give thanks for the rain”, anticipation e.g ‘ thank you for my perfect partner”, “ I bless your increased income”, “it’s going to be great surfing today”. Bless all areas of your life – health, happiness, prosperity, success, confidence, love, friendship, inner peace and spiritual growth. To really embrace this philosophy, and gain the most from blessing, you will need to also eradicate from your thoughts and vocabulary criticism, blame, judgement, doubt and worry.
“The principles of Huna are easy to understand, little one,” the Kahuna said. “Do what you do. If you feel it will hurt no other person. This principle should be burned into your mind - do what you want, hurt no other kind. “- The Huna of Taneo Sands Kumalae
From the Hawaiian perspective, there is only one ‘sin’ and that is to harm someone intentionally, either physically, mentally emotionally or spiritually. Once again it is the intent which is important. However, an integral aspect of this that the injured forgive the offender if forgiveness was requested. One of the most powerful healing tools used by the Hawaiians is Ho’oponopono.. This is the code of forgiveness used by Hawaiians to make amends, resolve conflict and heal relationships with family (ohana), those departed and all people and situations. It literally means to make (ho’o) right (pono). The objective is to release and cut all connections with disharmonious and negative situations, to achieve harmony, balance and peace of mind. Remember too, that when we forgive others, we are really forgiving ourselves.
Obviously there are thousands of shaman techniques you can learn to assist in making your world a more harmonious place to live. We have touched on only a few here. The path of the Huna Kupua Adventurer is a path with heart (pu’uwai). It is a path of Love, the greatest power on Earth. Your mind, your thoughts and your heart are your most powerful tools – use them.
BLESS THE PRESENT ~ TRUST YOURSELF ~ & EXPECT THE BEST
*With thanks and acknowledgement to Serge Kahili King & Aloha International
