Kanaka Thinking: Wisdom from our Makua

Na wai ho'i ka 'ole o ke akamai, he alanui i ma'a i ka hele iia e o'u mau makua.

Why shouldn't I know, when it is a road often traveled by my parents?  Pukui 2301.  A reply of Liholiho when someone praised his wisdom.

Observing and absorbing the wisdom of our kupuna are ways to improve the quality of our own lives and futures.  Sometimes, all it takes is to follow in the footsteps of our parents in little things that mean a lot like eating meals together, saying grace, saying "Good morning" and meaning it.  Sometimes, we need to tweak a good practice to suit our way of life...instead of letters, we might send emails or text messages to our loved ones just to check on how they are.  And then, there are times when we need to improve a practice through change.  

Of importance is understanding why things were done in a certain way.  Being observant of the social interactions and ramifications are very much the Hawaiian way of learning.  Checking things out and then filling in the blanks to create our own sense of meaning are approaches that need to be used more often in our busy lives.  Taking time to talk and listen are more ways to gather data.  Communication from the mouth and the heart needs to be shared.

Kanaka Thinking: Responsibility for Ability

Ka lama ku o ka no'eau.  Puku'i  1430

The standing torch of wisdom

Said in admiration of a wise person.

Knowledge is not the same as wisdom.  Some people may have a lot of knowledge, data, facts and yet remain foolish.  Wisdom is the ability to discern what is prudent, true, and beneficial.  To be considered a wise person, one must accept the responsibility to share and lead others on a path of positive action.  Thoughts without action are useless just as words without action are merely noises in the wind.  In a world of many distractions, people who have abilities need to be able to stand alone, sometimes in the face of adversity, to do the right thing through mentorship, guidance, and persistence.

To move a nation to positive action, those who carry the torch need to step to the front in confidence.

Kanaka Thinking: Wisdom of our Kupuna

Mai kapae i ke a'o a ka makua, aia he ola malaila. Pukui 2065 Do not set aside the teachings of one's parents for there is life there. My mother was not educated. She only completed the fifth grade in Hawaii. Although not well read, she came up with some doozies. "I teach you one thing, you will know 10 things." I used to think this was one of the dumbest things she ever said! Until I was reading a book of Japanese proverbs from the Pahala Public Library. Lo and behold, that statement was in the book of proverbs! My mother was quoting a proverb and I didn't even know it. Like most proverbs, one must create personal meaning through analysis and reflection. Now I understand what she meant. Youth can have a dumbing effect on our lives for a while. Wisdom is gained through experience and understanding.