Aloha and The Heart of Huna

Living part time in Hawaii is one of great joys of my life and it's not just the beauty of a tropical paradise or the magical sunsets.

For me, it's the aloha! Aloha means hello and good-bye.

It also means love and blessings.

But it's not just the word and it's meanings, it's that when the Hawaiian's say aloha, they mean it, from their hearts.

The Hawaiian people live by their ancient tradition known as Huna. Huna means "secret spiritual teachings." Huna is an intelligent system of spiritual psychology, sacred initiation, meditation, chanting, advanced healing, creating and manifesting practices-Hawaiian Shamanism.

At the heart of these teachings is love and aloha, the spirit of Hawaii and the wisdom of Huna. Huna teaches how to experience and share, more love, compassion, acceptance and true forgiveness. How to create more harmony and "right" relationship, both inside and out! Aloha is the heart of Huna.

WHO WERE THE KAHUNA?

Adapted from an article written by the great Kahuna, David Kaonohiokala Bray.

In ancient Hawaii a Kahuna was a priest or priestess, a spiritual teacher. Kahunas acted as human bridges between the spiritual world and its laws, and the material world. There were kahuna of healing, (both physical and psychological), herbalists, prayer specialists, chant and the Hula dance. The Kahuna were persons of real ability. They were the power behind the chief.

Kahuna is a compound word from kahu, meaning an honored or high servant who has or takes charge of persons or property, and na, meaning calmness and freedom from passions. Kahuna also equals ka, standing for the, and huna, meaning concealed knowledge or wisdom protected and defended like a treasure. Huna is the mystery and the key to something hidden.

A kahuna was thus a priest who achieved calmness and dignity in character so that the gods trusted him to keep the secrets of nature protected while using wisdom in helping mankind. The kahuna in ancient Hawaii was a essential part of the native life and social structure. The Hawaiians depended upon him for advice in matters important to their welfare.

THE REAL ALOHA

To be a kahuna, a person has to know what harmony and unity is within himself, god and humankind. He must live according to the secret meaning of Aloha.

A, ala, watchful alertness

L, lokahi, working with unity

O, oiaio, truthful honesty

H, haahaa, humility

A, ahonui, patient perseverance

Aloha to the Hawaiian of old is god within us. It means, "come forward, be in unity and harmony with your real self, god, and mankind. Be honest, truthful, patient, kind to all forms of life, and humble."

Kahunas saw beauty, but others created suffering in their hearts and called life sinful. Sin is self made law, not gods law. As a result the Kahuna was also a healer of guilt and sin, not just in his ability to heal negative emotions, but through sharing the wisdom, to those who were ready, and shining the light and love of aloha. A kahuna was and is a living example of aloha.

By Kawika David Blaikie