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Aloha - A way of life - listen to Aunty Pilahi Paki speak
January 20, 2009 by admin
Filed under Life Lessons
Aunty Pilahi Paki was one of a kind. She is remembered by many as the greatest proponent of “aloha”. She was a kumu (teacher) to many who now lead our community. She along with Alvin Shim helped to write and pass “the Aloha law”. Aloha to Aunty Pilahi was the essence of all that there is. There are a number of definitions but some say it is the “alo”…face to face, in the presence of…and the “ha”, the breath of life, or the divine spirit. “In presence of the divine spirit”. Aloha is not just a greeting, it is a way of life. It connects us to each other and everything that exists. Aunty Pilahi believed that in this century the world would turn to Hawaii as they searched for world peace because Hawaii had the key, and that key is “Aloha”.  We present to you the Aloha Law which includes Aunty Pilahi’s definition of “Aloha”.  We also present an audio recording of her speaking this. This was given to us by Pono Shim, Alvin’s son. We share it with you in the same way it was shared with us…with Aloha.
The Meaning of Aloha-Recording of Aunty Pilahi Paki - click here
THE ALOHA SPIRIT LAW
[§5-7.5] The Aloha Spirit.
(a) The Aloha Spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the Self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, Aloha, the following unuhi laulâ loa (free translation) may be used:
Akahai, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
Lôkahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
`Olu`olu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
Ha`aha`a, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.
These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii’s people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.
Aloha is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation.
Aloha means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return.
Aloha is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.
Aloha means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.
(b) In exercising their power on behalf of the people and in fulfillment of their responsibilities, obligations and service to the people, the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, executive officers of each department, the chief justice, associate justices, and judges of the appellate, circuit, and district courts may contemplate and reside with the life force and give consideration to The Aloha Spirit. [L 1986, c 202, §1]
I think my fellow DOE employees/Kapolei Elementary School need a remedial lesson from Aunty Pilahi Paki’s legacy. They gave me a hard time becasuse I wanted them to raise up to the level of NCLB.
We have been the recipients of Aunty’s definition of Aloha over and over again since our arrival to retire in Hilo only 6 months ago. Thank you, Hilo and those all over the Big Island for your Aloha. I hope we return it to you in the true spirit you have shown us.
Today’s Hawaiian youth should listen to the words of Aunty Pilahi and her “Aloha - A Way of Life”. I was born on Maui and we moved to the mainland for our father’s medical career. I have moved back to my beloved Maui 6 years ago and am now in my 60’s. Aunty Pilahi’s lesson and legacy touch your heart. So much has changed since I was a child on Maui. Live the Aloha everyday and be kind to everyone. Treat malahines with respect and share your culture with them. Not enough of this being spread around lately. Those visiting are told “Go Home” by alleged rough groups of locals. No matter your skin color, we are all created equal.
I’m coming to realize that ALOHA is hard to acheive 100% of the time. Like most genuine wisdom in life, the lessons are in the pursuit rather than in the attainment. Mahalo to Aunty Pilahi, who continues to lead long after her physical being has left us.