Page "Culture of Hawaii" Paragraph 13

Ho ' oponopono ( ho-o-pono-pono ) is a cultural practice of reconciliation and forgiveness, usually combined with prayer.

Similar forgiveness practices were performed on islands throughout the South Pacific, including Samoa, Tahiti and New Zealand.

It is used in spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical healing practices.

Traditional Hawaiian philosophy does not consider the physical and non-physical aspects of the world to be separate, therefore, to heal one aspect, all must be healed.

Conversely, healing one will help to heal the rest.

For example, if a person has an upset stomach, healing anger toward a sibling may also help to heal the stomach.

Modern versions of ho ` oponopono may also contain elements of Christian belief and ritual.

A session of ho ` oponopono is generally guided by a kahuna ( traditional priest or healer ), kahu ( minister ), kumu ( traditional teacher ), or family elder.

Sometimes individuals will conduct ho ` oponopono on themselves alone.