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: Hawaiian Humor

Kau ka mahina. Pukui 1612

The moon is shining.

A remark made in fun when a bald head is seen.

Language can be the conveyor of culture. In looking over the many Hawaiian proverbs and poetic sayings collected by Mary Kawena Pukui in her book, 'Olelo No'eau,one can find many glimpses into Hawaiian thinking. References to famous people, places and events may be short but the explanations are rich. Love, marriage, hate, envy, sensuality, and humor can be found in the sayings.

In celebration of the Super Moon's appearance to night, we can also reflect on other sorts of moon shine.

Kanaka Thinking: Recognition of Excellence

He pua no ka wekiu.      Puku'i 922
A blossom on the topmost branch.

Praise of an outstanding person.

Kanaka Thinking: Patience

'Umia ka hanu.  Puku'i 2875
Hold the breath.  Be patient.  Don't give up too easily.

In these times of instant gratification, patience is indeed a virtue.  Everything comes so easily that to struggle is a rarity.  But the struggle and fight to get something done is what provides the value added to an experience, event, or mission.  Be willing to to take a big breath...hold it in, and move onward and forward.

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.

Kanaka Thinking: Doing Good

O ka pono ke hana 'ia a iho mai na lani. Pukui 2437 Continue to do good until the heavens come down to you. Blessings come to those who persist in doing good. There seems to be a big difference between doing good and doing well. Often times, we emphasize doing well which relates to personal performance or achievement of a particular goal. However to do good means to do things that may benefit others. In these days of skepticism, negativism, and selfcenteredism, we have lost the willingness to reach out and touch others with a kind word, look, or deed. Ghosts torment our minds..."Wonder if they are going to rip me off?" "What is the real ulterior motive?" What do They have to gain?" "What can I gain?" The unfortunate thing is that we teach our children to be anxious about life: "Don't do that, the policeman will scold you." "Don't....No....Watch out for strangers....Beware, beware, beware." Granted that some of these warnings are necessary because of the condition of our society however, we are teaching our children to approach others from a negative point of view. We need more people doing good. We need more people exuding good will. And it all begins at home.

Kanaka Thinking: Water and Survival

Mohala i ka wai ka maka o ka pua. Unfoldered by the water are the faces of the flowers. Pukui 2178 Flowers thrive where there is water, as thriving people are found where living conditions are good.

It seems ironic at times when people do not really realize that they are living in Paradise. The complaint of too much rain, too little rain seems to be a discussion for Puna people who live on water catchment. When there is a lot of rain, the landscape is green, the air is cool, and we can enjoy the pleasures of a warm house and a good book. When there is too little rain, we can bask in the sunshine with cool breezes and a cold beer as we sit outside in the yard. Finding happiness where one is is like knowing that there is enough water for survival. Laki kakou, o ka poe of Hawai'i.