Library's review
'Moke Kupihea has the strength of conviction necessary to impart to the world a more sensitive account of Hawaiian kahuna heritage, which comes down to him from the priesthood line from which he descends.'-Rubellite Kawena Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Hawaiian Language and LIterature, University
'A unique insight into Hawaiian philosophy. Kupihea's spiritual journey is both exciting and rewarding. Throughout this odyssey he makes clear not only a deep understanding of Hawaiian spiritual beliefs but also his aloha for the traditions of his ancestors and his determination that these traditions shall not die. He has provided us a distinctive voice that speaks not only to Hawaiians but to all peoples whose traditional beliefs are threatened.'-Andrew Bushnell, Professor of History, Kauai Community College
Raised in the remote Waimea Valley of Kauai in the 1950s and 1960s, Moke Juipihea was witness to a spiritual tradition that was rapidly changing as a result of Hawaiian statehood and the ensuing influx of non-natives from the mainland United States. Rejecting this new commercial culture, with its emphasis on materialism and its lack of respect for the past, Kupihea turned more and more to the old Hawaii, the world of the 'aumakua, or ancestral light. As he grew, he sought out the old men of the mountains, learning from them, along with the skills of traditional Hawaiian hunting, the stories to be found in each feature of the landscape and the stories to be remembered from this vanishing breed. These men, along with others he spent time with in his youth and young adulthood, became his kahuna-his teachers-who taught him to understand that the world of ancestral voices still spoke, however faintly, and that learning how to hear them was the key for returning Hawaii to its proud spiritual past.
Kahuna of Light is Moke Kupihea's clarion call for such a return, and his prayer that all of us may find, through the land around us and connection with our ancestors, a way to live mindfully and soulfully. In evocative prose and crystal clear description, Kupihea brilliantly weaves his own story with those of his ancestors and guides, delivering the most authentic picture yet of a culture deeply rooted in ancient realities of myth, landscape, and family.
Contents
Introduction
Chapter One The 'Aumakua
Chapter Two The 'Aumakua descends
Chapter Three The eyes of the 'Aumakua
Chapter Four The sound of the 'Aumakua
Chapter Five The voice of the 'Aumakua
Chapter Six The touch of the 'Aumakua
Chapter Seven The people of the 'Aumakua
Chapter Eight the breath of the 'Aumakua
Glossary
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of Hawaii'A unique insight into Hawaiian philosophy. Kupihea's spiritual journey is both exciting and rewarding. Throughout this odyssey he makes clear not only a deep understanding of Hawaiian spiritual beliefs but also his aloha for the traditions of his ancestors and his determination that these traditions shall not die. He has provided us a distinctive voice that speaks not only to Hawaiians but to all peoples whose traditional beliefs are threatened.'-Andrew Bushnell, Professor of History, Kauai Community College
Raised in the remote Waimea Valley of Kauai in the 1950s and 1960s, Moke Juipihea was witness to a spiritual tradition that was rapidly changing as a result of Hawaiian statehood and the ensuing influx of non-natives from the mainland United States. Rejecting this new commercial culture, with its emphasis on materialism and its lack of respect for the past, Kupihea turned more and more to the old Hawaii, the world of the 'aumakua, or ancestral light. As he grew, he sought out the old men of the mountains, learning from them, along with the skills of traditional Hawaiian hunting, the stories to be found in each feature of the landscape and the stories to be remembered from this vanishing breed. These men, along with others he spent time with in his youth and young adulthood, became his kahuna-his teachers-who taught him to understand that the world of ancestral voices still spoke, however faintly, and that learning how to hear them was the key for returning Hawaii to its proud spiritual past.
Kahuna of Light is Moke Kupihea's clarion call for such a return, and his prayer that all of us may find, through the land around us and connection with our ancestors, a way to live mindfully and soulfully. In evocative prose and crystal clear description, Kupihea brilliantly weaves his own story with those of his ancestors and guides, delivering the most authentic picture yet of a culture deeply rooted in ancient realities of myth, landscape, and family.
Contents
Introduction
Chapter One The 'Aumakua
Chapter Two The 'Aumakua descends
Chapter Three The eyes of the 'Aumakua
Chapter Four The sound of the 'Aumakua
Chapter Five The voice of the 'Aumakua
Chapter Six The touch of the 'Aumakua
Chapter Seven The people of the 'Aumakua
Chapter Eight the breath of the 'Aumakua
Glossary
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ISBN
892817569
Publication
Inner Traditions Rochester, Vermont