Who You Know and How Much They Owe You.

We’ve often heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Well this phrase is still valid today. Whether you’re looking for a job, a great deal, good service, or even an opportunity to redeem yourself, knowing the right person in the right position has always opened doors and given someone the competitive edge. However, today’s society has gotten a little more complicated with its uncertain economy, advanced technology, and exploding populations. Just knowing someone isn’t everything anymore. Look at social media as an example. People today have the opportunity to be in touch with thousands of distant relatives, childhood friends, old acquaintances, etc. Reconnecting has put many people back in good standings with old relationships, or has created a second chance, introducing individuals who previously passed over one another when they could have met. Networking is bigger today than ever on a global scale. People are becoming connected with one another in larger numbers and in shorter time periods. This has caused individuals to be a little more conservative on who they’re willing to do a favor for. We refer to much of it as prioritizing. Often we have to decide on who’s baby shower are we going to attend or who’s wedding reception when so many events are all scheduled at about the same time. Who are we willing to offend so not to offend someone else. Then there’s that friend who use to comp me tickets for concerts, or sports events. “How come that person doesn’t return my phone calls or emails anymore, especially when it gets closer to the big game?” The competition between us is getting greater and greater. Maintaining relationships and not burning bridges has never been more crucial. Finally, don’t get confused and think that just because you did someone a favor, that they’re going to be able to return that favor when you really need it. We have learned to calculate the risks involved when turning from one association to provide for another. Again we learn to prioritize and determine which is the lesser of two evils. The bottom line is, how is it going best benefit me in the big scheme of things? My advice to anyone as I’m learning this myself from my own experiences is, keep a positive attitude, be genuinely kind to everyone. Don’t do any favors expecting anything in return and finally, no one owes you anything. If you are fortunate enough to have anyone render you a personal favor, be humble, express sincere gratitude and take that as an opportunity to position yourself not to need that kind of intervention again from someone you know, if at all possible. Remember the Golden Rule, “Do unto others far better than anyone has ever done unto you.”

PONO, MANA, KAPU - Three Hawaiian Concepts that every Hawaiian should know and every Haole needs to understand.

PONO, MANA, KAPU

According to the Hawaiian-English Dictionary by Pukui & Elbert, listed below are some of the definitions of these words:

Pono – Goodness, uprightness, morality, correct or proper procedure, excellence, well-being, duty, proper, righteous, right, upright, just. (these are just a few that I extracted from the book)

Mana – Supernatural or divine power, miraculous power, authority, to make powerful, authorization, privilege, spiritual. (again just a few that I extracted)

Kapu – Prohibition, special privilege, sacred, sacredness, holy, sanctify, consecrated, forbidden,

Now even though listed above are samples of English definitions of these words, in order to really understand them you have to try and gain the Polynesian perspective. They are not merely words but rather concepts, values, or even disciplines. There’s a harmony and a balance between these three principles as one acts upon the other and cannot exist without the other.

Starting with Pono.  If you think about the doctrine that in this world every principle has a contrasting principle we can accept that there is Good and there is Evil. Pono vs Ino ( bad ). Pono is the right way that all things happen, or is the right way that all things should be done. It is the balance of nature. It is how Na Akua (The Gods) are defined and it is their will for all of their creations. Anything that is not Pono is Ino. According to early Hawaiian beliefs, All things were made Pono and were to be kept Pono. If anything wasn’t Pono, then it was to either be cleansed, or cast out. Hawaiian's believed that sometimes things were not Pono, because Na Akua needed to punish someone or something, because of something that wasn’t previously Pono. Therefore, the punishment was construed as being Pono. If a Kanaka Maoli (indigenous person) did something wrong they would need to begin the process to make that thing right again. In Hawaii it was necessary to Ho’oponopono (another concept and practice that I won’t get into details with at this time). Ho’oponopono basically means to make things right. If some bad conduct or deed was very severe, the violator would sometimes need to go to a Pu’uhonua (place of refuge) and Mihi (repent) and be made clean again and able to return to and be accepted back into normal society.  So Pono is all that is good, the right way to do things, the way all things should be, the right order of things, the essence of religious beliefs and practices. Pono defines a person, an act, a deed, a lifestyle, an understanding, an acceptance, a governing principle, and the foundation of a religion and social system.

Mana is defined as a power or an authority. Sometimes this power is even deemed to be greater than the natural powers which are recognized in common things. Mana is not limited to just a person, but it is in every living thing. According to old Hawaiian beliefs, all things are alive, even the rocks and minerals, the air we breathe, all things tangible or intangible. All things have Mana. Mana is bestowed upon us by Na Akua, and some things or persons have greater Mana than others. When we think about it as authority, we can understand that different Ali’i (leaders or chiefs)  may fall into different positions within an established hierarchy. When we think of Mana as being an endowed gift we can understand why some people are naturally better skilled or more talented than others. Mana was also identified as being intelligence, wisdom, judgement, and understanding. These powers were believed by the Hawaiians to be contained not in the head, but rather in the Na'au (bowels). Then there’s Mana’o which comes from the word Mana and translates to refer to the mind and what the mind is, does, and what comes from it; ideas, thoughts, opinions, suggestions, theories, beliefs, etc. One who is determined to be Akamai, meaning skilled, smart, clever, or expert is understood to have great Mana and is also revered as being Na’auao (Daylight Mind), meaning wise, knowledgeable, and intelligent. The Hawaiians revered all things and all people that demonstrated having great Mana. For an Ali’i Nui (High Chief) their Mana was believed to be inherited from Na Akua. For a Maka’ainana (commoner) to have great Mana because of a born gift or a learned skill, it was believed that they were blessed  and chosen by Na Akua to be set apart for a specific Kuleana (responsibility or stewardship). A Koa (Warrior), An Olapa (Hula Student) or a Kahuna (Priest) just to touch on a few. So with this said, great authority was either derived through blood lines such as the Ali'i, or rewarded for performing marvelous deeds, which could be imposed on a maka'ainana. Demonstrating superior intelligence, profound wisdom, or even good judgement could all be perceived as someone endowed with great Mana. Therefore, to the Hawaiian, all of these Persons were recognized and revered for their authority, and their power, or in Hawaiian, their Mana.

Fianally we come to Kapu. The English word for Kapu is Taboo because as the English ear listened to the dialects of the Pacific Islanders, they heard the word Kapu pronounced Kapu (kah-poo), Tapu (tah-poo), or Tabu (tah-boo) giving just a few examples. The English speakers kept the pronunciation of the word,"Taboo," but their translation of the word focused mainly on the negative concepts such as "Forbidden" or "Keep Out!" I’m going to introduce the concept of Kapu by using the definitions from the dictionary such as "sacred, holy, or consecrated," because when you think about it, if something is sacred, "Is it something that is free for everyone to do with as they will?" "No!" We understand that in order to keep sacred things sacred, there needs to be laws, rules, processes, guidelines, a certain protocol, or whatever, as to who, what, when, where, why, and how to interact with these sacred tangible or intangible things.  Just like all things to the Hawaiian had Mana, just in different degrees or greatnesses, likewise to the Hawaiians all things were Kapu and of different degrees as well. For something that was extremely Kapu and could only be spoken of, approached by, touched by, performed by or even understood by an Ali'i Nui (High Chief) or Kahuna Nui (High Priest) then to everyone else is was forbidden. Therefore, we can understand a little better the principle of Kapu recognizing that all things are viewed as sacred because all things have a degree of Mana.

Now we will see how these concepts all interact with one another.

To understand why the Ali'i or Kahuna can involve his or her self with something that is Kapu, that is because they have the right Mana to do so. Or in essence, their Mana is Pono. That which is Kapu or sacred will always remain sacred as long as that which interacts with it has the Mana or authority which is Pono or correct because it is kept Pono or proper. This works with all tangible and intangible things that are not human as well.  Life is sacred, it is Kapu, and its harmony and balance depends on the right things that perpetuates its very existence. This is caused by temporal or divine powers or authority, some that we may or may not even understand. If anything interrupts this balance of Kapu, Mana, and Pono, it results in chaos. The balance is maintained by each principle supporting the other, each one depending on the other, and each one self destructing if either of the other two should become as naught.

When we engage ourselves each day into whatever it may be, working, socializing, instructing, relaxing, or just enjoying the beauty of this wonderful creation, we can think about the concepts of Pono, Mana and Kapu. We can understand better ourselves, the world around us, and for those who are not the children from the Isles of the Seas, they can get a little insight of the Hawaiian Perspective.

End Note: These concepts are not just Hawaiian, but are commonly used and understood in Polynesia and throughout the Pacific Region. The words themselves being written or pronounced slightly different from island to island and/or Island Nation to Island Nation.

Great Moments in my Pacific Islands Cultural Background

Instructor and coordinator representing The Society Islands, French Polynesia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ production of Unto The Isles of the Sea. Featured at the Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate, Palama campus in Honolulu, Hawaii. 2009 • .Lecturer on Pacific Islands history and cultural arts at various public and private schools (Elementary, Middle, High, University) throughout the state of Indiana. 2006-2008 • Indianapolis County Fair 2008 participant in the Asia & The Pacific presentation. Director of Indy Hula and emcee for the Pacific Islanders performance. • Featured presentation at the Indianapolis Museum on Pacific Islander origins & migration theories, ancient religions, and cultural practices. 2007 • Indianapolis Inaugural Luncheon for the newly elected Mayor of Indianapolis. Jan. 2007, Luau theme celebrating Indianapolis’ diversity of Asians and Pacific Islanders • Celebration of Diversity Development Award, awarded by the Mayor of Indianapolis, IN. to FedEx Express, Interviewed as a panel participant representing Asia & the Pacific. 2006 • FedEx Express Indianapolis Regional Hub’s Annual Diversity Fair. 2005 & 2006. Chairperson representing Asia & The Pacific. Featuring history and cultural arts, regionalism, tourism, economics, and foods. • Bachelor’s of Arts in Pacific Island Studies from the Brigham Young University Hawaii Campus June 1994 • Founder of the Hawaiian Language Club at BYUH 1990. • Student of Hawaiian Hula under the direction of Hula instructor, Cy Bridges of Hula school, Hui Hooulu Aloha. Laie, Hawaii. 1982-1992 • Dancing participant in the annual Hula competitions, Merrie Monarch Hula Festival & King Kamehameha Hula & Chant Competition. 1983, 1984,1985, 1992. Award recipient. • Tour guide, lecturer, demonstrator, entertainer, cultural expert, consultant, at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Hawaii. 1982-1995. Representing the peoples and cultures of Polynesia, South Pacific. • Pacific Islands cultural student and entertainer under the tutelage April “Sissy” Kaio, hula instructor for Hula School, Na Pua MeKealoha. 1981-1982 • Cultural dancing participant, representing Tani Marsh’s Pacific Panorama, in the Annual Dragon Boat Festival at Whittier Narrows Park, South El Monte, CA. 1978-1981 • Cultural dancing participant, representing Tani Marsh’s Pacific Panorama, in the Annual Lotus Blossom Festival at Echo Park, Los Angeles, CA. 1977-1980 • Cultural dancing participant, representing Tani Marsh’s Pacific Panorama, in the Annual Chinese New Year’s Celebrations, downtown Los Angeles, CA. 1976-1979

A Father's Lament while finding Comfort

As a parent I want the best for my children. I often feel inadequate and even embarrassed at times because when I look at what I offer my children, it never seems to measure up. Becoming a Doctor, Lawyer, Computer Genius, Professional Athlete, Musician, or even a College Professor, have been some of the hopes and dreams that I’ve had for my kids. I continually tell them that Education is the foundation and the key to their dreams and their future as well. I fight with them, bully them, antagonize them, stress over them, and I honestly believe that I’m doing whatever it takes to beat down their resistance and move them in the direction of success. I’m their parent, I know better, and when they’re adults and can look back on all of this, they’ll realize that I was right and thank me for it. Oh my goodness, I am so sorry because I have been so wrong. I know now that yes, it is good to be stern and push them to be productive and not to be idle. I know that I need to counsel them, encourage them, support them, and cheer for them. However, it is not for me to decide for them. Whatever they do in life will be their choice. I may worry now that they may never be able to care for themselves when I am gone, but what parent doesn’t. What I do know is that even if they struggle throughout their lives in whatever capacity, the best foundation that I can help them build during this young impressionable time  is to have faith in God, love their family, surround themselves with good friends and be a kind, loving, caring, giving, and honest person. I may be their father on earth, but how necessary it is for me to bow down and recognize the will of their Father in Heaven. Even He will not impose his will on his children but instead He has provided the way in which for me to raise my children in righteousness.

Island Fever vs. Jungle Fever

Island Fever; A claustrophobic feeling of being trapped or landlocked on a small island.

Jungle Fever; A movie written and directed by Spike Lee

 
I moved from L.A. Ca. to Hauula, Oahu Hawaii in 1982. It wasn't something that I planned on doing, it just sort of happened. Growing up in inner-city L.A., we called it a concrete jungle. I enjoyed it though because if you had a car, you could drive as far and as long as you could afford the gas. It was only 78 cents a gallon back then. I had a car of course and would often cruise around with friends from either school or the hood and we’d often explore outside of L.A. making new friends in neighboring cities and counties. Most of my friends during my High School year were children of Asian and Pacific Island immigrants, namely Japanese, Chinese, Filipinos, Koreans, Hawaiians, and Samoans, being anywhere from 1st to 3rd generation in Southern California (SoCal). I did also have friends of other ethnic, racial or cultural backgrounds, but that’s a story for a later post. During the summer months I would regularly take a vacation trip to Hawaii. I would go alone and stay with the families of my Polynesian friends. Each vacation trip was never long enough. I would dread returning to SoCal, however, I would do so with much excitement, being able to brag about the island scene to my eagerly awaiting audiences. On one occasion before flying to Hawaii, I decided to leave my car with one of my friends from the neighborhood. He was pretty good at tinkering and fixing cars for a teenager. I asked him to work on a few things that the car needed attention on. During that time I had also been seeing a girl who lived in Orange County (OC). It was upon my return to L.A. that my friend’s younger brother informed me that while I was away, not only did his brother do nothing but rip and roar all over the place in my car, not attending to the needs that we had discussed, but in fact, he was also using my car to take out my girl. Well at least I thought she was, but I came to stand corrected. I wanted so much to just go back to Hawaii and be away from all these back-stabbers, but that wouldn’t happen for another year. When I finally did move to Hawaii did I ever get Island Fever? Nope! I’d probably be still living there today or maybe even Tahiti, New Zealand or Samoa, but my life has taken a different course since those days of my youth. Still yet, another story to post at another time.

Why My Point of View?

What happens when an African American (Pa’ele) boy is befriended, taken in, and even raised by Asians and Pacific Islanders? First, during the 70's in his home town of Los Angeles, Ca. and then a decade later during the 80’s on the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Then you add more mystery and adventure by converting him to Mormonism and sending him on a two-year mission to South America. My name is Kory and I welcome you to follow my Blog.  I invite you to get to know me and read my views on many topics including: "Why we should treat the White Man better than how the White Man has treated us," "Polynesian History and Culture," "Being an Islander on the U.S. Mainland," "Being Black in the Pacific,"  "Being a Child of God,"  and "Just Being Black, Brown, or Yellow and Beautiful."