Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 9, 1 Kepakemapa 2015 — Hawaiians and prayer [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiians and prayer

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D. After our August article, interest in Hawaiian prayer was expressed. As a nonexpert, I found an excellent resource in Nānā I ke Kumu (Look to the Source) Volume II (Chapter 3). Here, Mary Kawena Pukui provides understanding and clarifies mueh about the relationship between a Hawaiian and his gods. Hawaiian scholar George Kanahele also details a great deal on this subject in his book Kū Kanaka - Stand TaII, (Chapter 3). Kanahele tells us that

our kūpuna prayed to "the 40,000 gods, the 400,000 gods, the 4,000 gods ('E ho'oulu ana i kini o ke akua, ka lehu o ke akua, ka mano o ke akua'), in order, not to omit or offend any of the akua (gods) of the universe." In addition to the major gods, Kū, Kāne, Lono and Kanaloa, our Hawaiian kūpuna maintainedprayerful relationships with a number of personal gods, who assisted in their daily lives. Hawaiians recognize the variety of responsibilities that the major deities have in the Hawaiian universe. Kanahele says, after close examination of "the reasons for having so many gods, we cannot help but admire the rational and intelligent way in whieh our kūpuna arranged their relationships with the divine forces about them." Kanahele, reassuringly, points out that "historically," and throughout the world, polytheism has been the

norm among almost all peoples." Our kūpuna prayed constantly - in the morning, at midday, in the evening and in the middle of the night, in addition to when happy, sad, in trouble or pain. Hawaiian healers pray throughout the entire process of healing. So, Hawaiian prayer has always been complex and, frequent, as were, the occasions for prayer. Pukui reminds us that in Hawaiians' lives, the gods are "ever present, guarding, guiding, warning, blessing, and punishing." The gods assume "the form of plant and animal, rock and stream. They dwell in ealm skies and fathomless sea. They are visible in volcano flames. They whisper in the breezes and shout in the thunder. Some of the spirits are distant and powerful akua, the impersonal god. Some were 'aumākua, family ancestors who heeome gods, in the afterlife. Some are kupua, demi-gods and

god-like spirits. All, even unnamed spirits, are objects of prayer. For, one theory holds, these nebulous 'nature spirits' existed long before the great gods, Kū, Kāne, Lono, and Kanaloa (Pukui)." "There was a physical and mystical linking of the body with forebears of old and descendants yet, to eome (Pukui)." These sites were "in the piko of the head, of the navel and umhilieal cord, and the genitals." The piko of "the genitals linked the living person with their offspring"; "the navel and umhilieal cord tied one equally to one's parents and children." "The piko of the head," the posterior fontanel or crown, "symbolized the bonds between the living individual with his never known, long-departed ancestors"... who "onee were mortal and, now, are god-spirits. These were the 'aumākua" (Pukui). "Formal prayers composed for puhlie ceremonies, were memorized and handed-down chants (Pukui)." They were chanted for ali'i and priests at altars and places

of worship. However, before the prayers were publicly chanted and incorporated into prayer, as a precaution, all words were carefully scrutinized for harmful meaning. Spoken words, 'ōlelo, were communication. However, to Hawaiians, words could heeome active as forces for forgiveness and healing, as well as destruction and death. In the memorized prayer, not a word could be changed to protect all who were present. (Pukui) Thus, for our kūpuna, prayer and praying was constant, complex, personal and awe-inspiring ... as prayer continues to be. Undoubtedly, among other things, prayer brought, and still provides hope, inspiration, appreciation, spiritual cleansing and spiritual renewal. And, fortunately, the Hawaiian deities await the opportunity to hear our prayers, today. ■

j MO'OLELO ^ > HIST0RY /

www.oha.org/kwo | kwo@OHA.org NATiVE HAWAHAN » NEWS | FEATURES | EVENTS