Hawaiian Native Knowledge

There is so much ancient knowledge in the world along with modern knowledge. Our modern world can master all goodness life has to offer by working within the harmony of nature and ancient knowledge. Yet somehow we have allowed much of our modern world to become steeped in the destruction without thought to long term effects of our actions. This is not to say that technology and the modern ways are not important or that they cannot have a positive effect on our lives. It's to say that if we could balance the two, ancient and modern science, then life may be more physically, mentally and emotionally satisfying. Daily we are besieged with the news of reports about human and environmental problems resulting from thoughtless applications of modern technology. Ancient knowledge tells us the stress of day to day life can cause the body to be in a state of dis-ease, yet people continue to watch the news hour after hour. Is it time for us to get back to a basic way of thinking instead of relying on others or machines to think for us. What do you think? I think the key is balance. This is one definition of the word "Pono".  When things are in balance, then it is Pono or one might say "all is right with the world."

Hawaiians think in "concepts" vs in definitions. Let's look at the concept of being "Pono". It means to do the right thing. The right thing today, in a specific situation, may not be the right thing tomorrow as yesterdays situation can never be created exactly the same way today. Hence, the concept of Pono, can also mean, balance. All things in balance or all things are the best they can be today. Hawaiian understood that nothing in life is cut and dry. For us, logical thinking is based on the a given situation and the environment surrounding that situation, which includes the emotional state of being of those concerned. 

"A"ohe pau ka 'ike i ka hālau hoʻokahi - all knowledge is not learned in just one school. 

My ideas, concepts and teaching are a culmination of the many things I have learned in my lifeʻs journey. Much of it comes from my upbringing. I did not know it at time that those of us who grow up on the Island, of local families have a different way of looking at things compared to those on the mainland. This is not so say we are better or worse, just different. Understanding there was a difference allowed me to contemplate the sociology of Hawaiian an its effect on behavior actions and thought processes. 

Any knowledge I put forth is based on many different things. Some of it comes from cultural learning, book learning, social learning, school of hard knocks and innate knowledge. It what our last ruling monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani  said, "hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable."