The Meaning Of Mana
In the native Hawaiian culture, the sacred term mana is known as spiritual energy of power and strength. It’s possible for mana to be present in objects and people. For people, it’s possible to gain or lose mana through the different decisions they make. In Hawaii there are certain locations that are considered strong in mana. Some of those sites are Haleakala volcano on Maui; Molokai; and different battle sites across the islands such as the battle of Nuʻuanu, battle of Kepaniwai, and the battle of Mokuohai.
The Native Hawaiian concept of power doesn't mean you need to have material possessions. Mana is described as a life energy that flows through all things and humans. It may be gained or lost with everything you do. Living through pono – meaningful work, good relationships and the service you lend to your community – can allow you to gather mana. Traditionally individuals gathered mana through birth or warfare – to have mana is to have influence and gain authority. Two paths to mana were through the Gods Ku and Lono. Hawaiians often refer to this as “imihaku,” or the search for mana or the search of a source. Ku, being the Hawaiian God of war, offers mana through violence. This is how Kamehameha the Great gained his mana. Lono is the Hawaiian God of peace and fertility, and offers mana through sexual relationships
Mana is extremely important in the Hawaiian culture – next time you visit a sacred place in Hawaii, remember the concept of mana and feel it throughout the location.
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