The Kahuna sat on a tall stool in the room with the lights turned down a little, and her students sat looking up at her in expectation of what was to come. They were a small group of enthusiastic beginners who’d heard stories about Hawaiian Huna and were keen to learn more.
“Aloha!” she began, which means welcome, share my breath[ha], share my space.
We’re going to explore some of the ancient teachings of old Hawaii – get our hands into some real hands on concepts you can take away and use after this week. We’re going to be talking about Spiritual growth, healing and psychology in an art that was rich in language, song and legends. Now Huna’s not for everyone – some people see it and are turned off by the “s” word – spirituality. So it can be a tricky subject to look at. I’d like to show you some ancient ways that I’ve looked into and I’ve certainly had my horizons expanded as a result, and I hope you’ll have the same insights.
These concepts are easy to learn, and easy to use in daily life. There are some gems here that you’ll find nowhere else. So lets begin, and the best way to begin is to begin at the beginning…. And so let’s begin in the ancient way with a chant. In Hawaii the highest compliment you can pay someone is to write a song for someone, or better, sing a song to them…. This is a traditional chant to the goddess Laka, and it says:
Oh goddess Laka
0 wildwood bouquet, 0 Laka
0 Laka, queen of the voice
0 Laka, giver of gifts
0 Laka, giver of bounty
0 Laka, giver of all things
I greet you with love.
The Initiation Chant: “E Laka E”
E Laka e
Pupu we'uwe'u, e Laka e
E Laka i ka leo
E Laka i ka loa'a
E Laka i ka wai wai
E Laka i na mea a pau
Ano ai ke aloha e
…and with that, they’d begun.
Max Doubt says: Oh here we go – a happy clappy new age meeting! Room full of saddos who need to get out more. And to think they’re actually paying for this!
For starters, we’re not Hawaiian, so who cares? Give me some fags, Big Brother and a Saturday night out and I’m a happy man. I mean, what else is there?
Spiritual growth? I’ll show you a 50 year old malt whiskey – now that’s spiritual growth! Listen, here’s the deal - you’re born, you work hard and if you’re lucky you get a watch, then you die. End of. Nothing more to it. No afterlife, no higher power – you’re just gone. Game over. El deleto.
All of this pseudo-religious stuff is just a fall back option for folk who need propping up. Life’s hard – live with it. We’ve all got battle scars, and it toughens you up. Life’s really simple – learn your craft, work hard, save the pennies and hope for the best, because that’s all there is. And if you’re lucky you make it to the end with all your faculties. Some poor buggers don’t – they get kept in the basement for 20 years, or gassed by their suicidal Dad’s exhaust fumes. That’s them, not me. Nothing I can do about it.
And there’s the kicker – a Hawaiian chant?! I’ve always been a good wee chanter myself! But C’mon, what’s that all about? GET A LIFE!
Your turn: Who do you agree with? The wise old woman, or the cynic? Cast your vote online HERE
