Huna: A Beginner's Guide by Enid Hoffman

by Enid Hoffman

Centuries ago, the Kahuna, the ancient Hawaiian miracle workers, discovered the fundamental pattern of energy-flow in the Universe. Their secrets of psychic and intra-psychic communication, refined and enriched by modern scientific research, are now revealed in this practical, readable book. Learn to talk directly to your own unconscious selves and others'. It could change your life.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Reference

Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Kevin Vrieze · Rating 2 out of 5]

Critics of this work, quite rightly, note that while the title suggests a Hawaiian connection the discipline as put for here is not. There is Hawaiian terminology. There is VERY LITTLE Hawaiian culture. It is much more closely related to theosophy and a mix of new age mysticism. Many references to Maz Freedom Long. He did work with a director at the Bishop Museum and there is some implicit relationship. The director, however, does have an awkward relationship to the local culture. The concept of a tripartite spiritual relationship for each individual is very interesting. It could easily be a more universal principal. where the book breaks down in this respect is the highest self: aumakua. She gives this a collective unconscious coloration. In Hawaiian culture this might be the case. What is missing from the book in this respect is the totemic representative aspect of the aumakua in the same sense that Western theories have angels, etc. This is, in fact, a very Eurocentric book and to be that dismissive of the richness that exists is some matter for concern. General principals may have value, but the absence of a cultural aspect is a serious fault. Further, it is difficult to believe that many cultures would carry pendula to communicate, let alone those who practiced Huna. One understands the antipathy that existed toward Hawaiian culture at the time of writing, but it does give a sense of "taking the spirit and running". From reading the myths of the islands I learned more of "Huna" than exists in the book. As a version of spiritualist basics it is not bad. As a beginning to a substantive guide related to a spiritual/religious discipline associated with a particular set of cultures it is a disappointment. Not a bad read, but be VERY aware of its limited scope and absence of relationship to external reality. Notwithstanding the debates on cultural transference, there are better guides out there.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended when I started to explore the use of pendulums. I soon discovered that it was so much more, starting with learning to work with energy fields. It's a different philosophy and there are other books to help expand on the practice of Huna.

[Chris Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up in a used bookstore in Grass Valley, CA. I lived in Hawaii for three years and have been visiting Maui since I was a kid. I have always been interested in Hawaiian spiritual beliefs so thought this would be a good introduction.

[Daniel Callicoat]

hawaiian spirituality, clear and thorough explanation of tradtions, worldview, and practice, but i cant help but feel that its contemporarily influenced.

[O · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only skimmed it a little bit.. interesting stuff, recommended by an actor friend.