HISTORY AS WE KNOW IT
In modern thinking and societies most look for logical written proof, the most common way is now Wikipedia, which for some is the definitive evidence that something is and exists. But this a modern way of thinking and being, limiting knowledge and understanding within a modern constraint. This can be explained by using the Aboriginal history as an example here in modern Australia, which shares a very similar situation with the traditional teachings of Hawaii and other indigenous cultures, so much has been lost and not accounted for in written form. Aboriginal history, knowledge and understanding were told through stories, dance and dreamtime. Traditionally Hawaiians would share stories and knowledge and understanding through talking, stories and Hula.
When Hawaiians talk, they share what is in their hearts. Nature and natural elements are a huge part of daily life for spiritual Hawaiians, which always meant that they were drawn to live close to the power and energy of the Ocean, Volcano’s (Pele – the Goddess), Waterfalls or immersed deep within nature. Kahuna’s do not see themselves as separate from nature and consider themselves part of the natural world, in which everything alive possess its own form of consciousness and awareness and connection to all. Pule (Prayer) is offered for all required occasions addressing to the gods and ancestors to allow the force of nature to assist and flow for the best outcome for all.
Almost nothing is written or known about our lineage before Sherman and Dawn, due partly to the explanation given in the opening part of our History. The arrival of Captain Cook and his men in 1779 marked the start of huge changes for Hawaii, its Indigenous population and its Traditional cultures were decimated and effectively outlawed which contributed to keeping everything secret and unknown due to fear. But even before and after these terrible times it was not usual for Hawaiians to write details of practices, the traditional way to acquire knowledge was to learn by hearing and feeling:
“Our ancestors have left us, just as the ancestors of the white and other races here in Hawaii have left to them, some good medicines for some of these sicknesses and why do we not seek them and treat ourselves with these medicines?…Why do we not allow these medicines to use their healing powers?… We think this, not to deny the skill of the doctors for to do so is foolish, to ask the native Hawaiians who know these good remedies, the kind of sickness and the proper medicines, and the ways of preparing them; to try to make a booklet to keep in memory the good medicines from ancient times. We are throwing away the healing sought by our ancestors and depending entirely on the skill of the doctors. The bills that come in are big and the poor cannot catch up with them… it would be well for them to know of these good medicines, where to find them, how to use them and the sickness to use them for. This will be a great help to them in time of trouble.” [Ka Lapaau Ana I Na Hawaii, Nupepa Kuokoa, July 19 1901, HEN Vol.Newsp.,p.Kuokoa 7/19/1901]
One thing is certain that every person has their own truth that resonates deep within themselves, we trust and can feel when something is true and right and only then can this be taken as our own truth.