HŌ MAI KA PONO BACKGROUND
The deeper you go into the mo‘olelo, the more you find the blueprint for peace
There are understandings found throughout the world that hold the keys to a peaceful, meaningful and profoundly beautiful human existence. While Buddhism flourished in Asia, and yogic practices expanded throughout India, the prominently O‘ahu based understanding of ka‘anani‘au was a parallel spiritual understanding held by many aboriginal O‘ahu families. Ka‘anani‘au has countless layers and meanings, the essence of these is the understanding that we are centered in the rolling beauty of time and that it is our kuleana to manage this beauty. In the ka‘anani‘au world-view all life is sacred. Taking life is kept at a minimum and warfare does not exist. Originally, each Hawaiian island had a similar world-view.
There are understandings found throughout the world that hold the keys to a peaceful, meaningful and profoundly beautiful human existence. While Buddhism flourished in Asia, and yogic practices expanded throughout India, the prominently O‘ahu based understanding of ka‘anani‘au was a parallel spiritual understanding held by many aboriginal O‘ahu families. Ka‘anani‘au has countless layers and meanings, the essence of these is the understanding that we are centered in the rolling beauty of time and that it is our kuleana to manage this beauty. In the ka‘anani‘au world-view all life is sacred. Taking life is kept at a minimum and warfare does not exist. Originally, each Hawaiian island had a similar world-view.
Lineages of Mentorship: a shared vision of the traditional world-view
The primary lineages of mentorship and ‘ike (vision-understanding) woven into Hō Mai Ka Pono come from Glen Makakauali‘i Kila (aboriginal O‘ahu, Mo‘iteha/Kila/Mai‘ilikūkahi/Keli‘imaika‘i lineages and hānai to Tom Penna), Kūkaniloko-piko of O‘ahu (supported by Tom and Kalimapau Lenchanko, dedicated caretakers) and Manulani Aluli Meyer (cultural values and epistemology/‘ike papa kolu, haumana to Hālealoha Mākua). A very special link to this project is beloved kūpuna, Papa Kala Hiki Ola, Kahu of Wai‘anae/Kaua‘i lineage, and caretaker of Kāne‘īlioloa navigation temple in Wai‘anae.
The primary lineages of mentorship and ‘ike (vision-understanding) woven into Hō Mai Ka Pono come from Glen Makakauali‘i Kila (aboriginal O‘ahu, Mo‘iteha/Kila/Mai‘ilikūkahi/Keli‘imaika‘i lineages and hānai to Tom Penna), Kūkaniloko-piko of O‘ahu (supported by Tom and Kalimapau Lenchanko, dedicated caretakers) and Manulani Aluli Meyer (cultural values and epistemology/‘ike papa kolu, haumana to Hālealoha Mākua). A very special link to this project is beloved kūpuna, Papa Kala Hiki Ola, Kahu of Wai‘anae/Kaua‘i lineage, and caretaker of Kāne‘īlioloa navigation temple in Wai‘anae.
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Extended relationships and inspiration
The ‘ike and vision of John Ka‘imikaua and the ‘Aha Kiole system of Molokai that allowed for 700 years of peace were critically instrumental in the shaping of the Hō Mai Ka Pono vision. Ana Kapukini, Hilo-based māhi‘ai, is instrumental in supporting the understandings of nā kaulana mahina (lunar cycle). Kapono Aluli Souza, whose huaka‘i O‘ahu, humility and kindness of heart have served as a compass many times. The brilliant work of Martha Noyes (Kūkaniloko Cultural-Astronomer) provided a strong source of insight and inspiration. Pono Shim, whose clarity of mind and in-depth understanding of the practice of Aloha as passed to him by his Aunty Pilahi Paki has been an important part of the Hō Mai Ka Pono growth process. Keone Nunes for the generosity of time and clarification of the Hō Mai Ka Pono vision. Ha‘akōlea, Waipao as an invaluable place of nourishment throughout this project. Rick Barboza (Lā‘au scientist), Papahanakuaola and staff for kindness and helpfulness. Kelvin Ho for his practice of Aloha.
The ‘ike and vision of John Ka‘imikaua and the ‘Aha Kiole system of Molokai that allowed for 700 years of peace were critically instrumental in the shaping of the Hō Mai Ka Pono vision. Ana Kapukini, Hilo-based māhi‘ai, is instrumental in supporting the understandings of nā kaulana mahina (lunar cycle). Kapono Aluli Souza, whose huaka‘i O‘ahu, humility and kindness of heart have served as a compass many times. The brilliant work of Martha Noyes (Kūkaniloko Cultural-Astronomer) provided a strong source of insight and inspiration. Pono Shim, whose clarity of mind and in-depth understanding of the practice of Aloha as passed to him by his Aunty Pilahi Paki has been an important part of the Hō Mai Ka Pono growth process. Keone Nunes for the generosity of time and clarification of the Hō Mai Ka Pono vision. Ha‘akōlea, Waipao as an invaluable place of nourishment throughout this project. Rick Barboza (Lā‘au scientist), Papahanakuaola and staff for kindness and helpfulness. Kelvin Ho for his practice of Aloha.
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Dedication to the healing of the land and people
Currently, Hō Mai Ka Pono is managed and directed by Tom Penna. Tom is a supporter of kūpuna who are dedicated, peaceful, thoughtful and sincere in their kuleana to help humanity transition through a very complex and challenging era of great consequence. Tom believes the qualities of intellect, vision and heart are to be used as support in the carrying forward of the traditional understandings of the movement of life. Tom recognizes that the cornerstone of this understanding exists in the people of genetic ancestry to place.
Currently, Hō Mai Ka Pono is managed and directed by Tom Penna. Tom is a supporter of kūpuna who are dedicated, peaceful, thoughtful and sincere in their kuleana to help humanity transition through a very complex and challenging era of great consequence. Tom believes the qualities of intellect, vision and heart are to be used as support in the carrying forward of the traditional understandings of the movement of life. Tom recognizes that the cornerstone of this understanding exists in the people of genetic ancestry to place.
Finding the thread of intelligence and aloha in the traditional world-view
Listening intently for meaning from the words of kūpuna represents the critical human strand of learning and is the central starting point of understanding. Listening to the flow of the land is a critical practice in understanding place. Exhausting degrees of research to clarify ancient O‘ahu understandings of the role of Kūkaniloko, Kānenuiākea, solar calendar & celestial timing basics (inspired by Aunty Martha), word meanings and place name connections have led to a clarification of the vastly different eras and lineages connected to O‘ahu and the island family. Balancing the research with huaka‘i around O‘ahu by foot (including the entire kai (coastal) region of O‘ahu in eight days), visiting specific places at specific times with a specific understanding have led to a particular view of how the entire island is "timed." The movement of life, the spiritual blue-print of O‘ahu, the heart beat of the island through Kūkaniloko all become inseparable from being present in the reality of ka‘anani‘au.
Listening intently for meaning from the words of kūpuna represents the critical human strand of learning and is the central starting point of understanding. Listening to the flow of the land is a critical practice in understanding place. Exhausting degrees of research to clarify ancient O‘ahu understandings of the role of Kūkaniloko, Kānenuiākea, solar calendar & celestial timing basics (inspired by Aunty Martha), word meanings and place name connections have led to a clarification of the vastly different eras and lineages connected to O‘ahu and the island family. Balancing the research with huaka‘i around O‘ahu by foot (including the entire kai (coastal) region of O‘ahu in eight days), visiting specific places at specific times with a specific understanding have led to a particular view of how the entire island is "timed." The movement of life, the spiritual blue-print of O‘ahu, the heart beat of the island through Kūkaniloko all become inseparable from being present in the reality of ka‘anani‘au.