PSYCH 200: Maori Perspectives

Whakapapa

Whakapapa

• Concept of genealogy, ancestry, and heritage

• Beyond human realm, encompasses everything in existence

  • water, trees, Maori gods, fish, etc.

• Understanding one’s identity and origin

• Shapes an indv’s journey & identity

Wairua

• Internal connection to the universe

• Idvs are part of a larger system beyond their physical body

Tapu (Sacred) & Noa (Profane)

• Tapu signifies restriction, prohibition, and sacredness.

• Objects dedicated to an atua (god) are considered tapu and untouchable.

• Violating tapu = retribution, sometimes severe.

• Used to control behavior towards others and the environment.

• Tapu can be lifted or removed through specific rituals.

• Noa = ordinary, common or free from restriction or the rules of tapu.

• Tapu associated with land safeguards areas from defilement and exploitation.

Mauri

• Represents the physical life principle, the essence that brings life to the physical

• Binds spiritual & physical elements together

• Universal life force present in water, rocks, wind, land, etc.

• Nurtured thru kindness and care

• Diminished thry harmful interactions

Mana

• Derived from the gods, humans are vessels or channels for mana.

• Represents prestige, authority, control, and spiritual power.

• Inherited and delegated through lineage.

• Abuse of mana can result in its loss.

• Mana is closely related to tapu and inherited at birth.

Manaakitanga

• Value reflected in generosity and kindness towards others and living things.

• Grounded in respect and reciprocity.

• Acts of manaakitanga enhance the wellbeing and mana of individuals.

• Core component of Māori culture.

Whanaugatanga

• Relates to belonging, purpose, and relationships.

• Explored through cultural practices, social protocols, and spiritual connections.

• Recognizes diversity of experiences and genealogy.

• Fosters unity and reciprocity within communities.

Kaitiakitanga

• Guardianship and stewardship of the environment.

• Responsibility to protect and preserve natural resources.

Ako

• Reciprocal relationship of teaching and learning.

• Acknowledges the exchange of knowledge and experiences between teacher and learner.

• Encourages shared learning experiences and new understandings to grow.

• Represents holistic learning and personal growth.

Sir Mason Durie: Te whare tapa wha

Whenua = land

Hauora = Wellness

• Taha tinana

• Taha wairua

• Taha Hinengaro

• Taha Whanau

Taha Tinana (Te whare tapa wha)

Physical health

The capacity for physical growth & development

• Good physical health is required for optimal development

• “Physical being” supports our essence and shelters us from the external enviro

• For Māori the physical dimension is just one aspect of health and well-being

  • --> cannot be separated from the aspect of mind, spirit and family.

Taha Wairua (Te whare tapa wha)

Spiritual health; particular to the Maori wellness model

The capacity for faith & wider communication

• Health related to unseen and unspoken energies

• The spiritual essence if a person is their life force

  •  --> determines us as individuals

  • --> a collective

  • --> who and what we are

  • --> where we have come from

  • --> where we are going

• A traditional Māori analysis of physical manifestations of illness will focus on the wairua or spirit

  • --> to determine whether damage here could be a contributing factor.

Taha Whanau (Te whare tapa wha)

Family health

The capacity to belong, to care, and to share where indvs are part of wider social systems.

• Whanau provides us w strength to be who we are

• Link to

  • ancestors,

  • ties with the past

  • The present

  •  the future.

• Understanding the importance of whānau and how whānau (family) can contribute to illness and assist in curing illness is fundamental to understanding Māori health issues.

Taha Hinengaro (Te whare tapa wha)

Mental health

The capacity to communicate, to think, and to feel mind and body ae inseperable

• Thoughts, feelings, and emotions are integral components of the body and soul

• This is about how we see ourselves in this universe, our interaction with that which is uniquely Māori and the perception that others have of us

Wellness Model: Te Wheke (Octopus)

• Te Wheke is the octopus

  • A symbol from Ancient Hawaiiki, that illustrates the interdependence of all things across the universe.

  • about peace, love, joy and truth to the universe.

• Concept of Te Wheke (the octopus): define family health.

  • Head: represents te whānau

  • Eyes: represents waiora (total wellbeing for the individual and family)

  • Each 8 tentacles: a specific dimension of health.

    • Dimensions are interwoven --> represents the close relationship of the tentacles.

1) Wairua (Spiritual Dimension)

• Spiritual journey: Concept of being a spirit on a physical journey

• Two waters: Waiora and Waituhi

• Waiora: Linked to the Central Sun, the Divine Spark

• Waituhi: Records all actions, good or bad

• Communication with Divine Source: Through prayer, vibrating with Aroha (Unconditional Love)

• Day revolves around Aroha for Divine Source

• Transgression: Sending negative energy to the Rays of the Central Sun for dissipation

• Rangatira: Sacred meaning in Maori, signifies beginning and ending with the Central Sun, and being the Living Breath

• Ngati Ra: Refers to all humanity, emphasizing unity and rejecting separation.

Wairuatanga/Spirituality

• The creator is a powerful influence

  • --> the uniqueness of being Māori is sustained through this belief.

• The essence of Wairuatanga is distinctive to Māori spirituality

  • = the holistic wellbeing of an individual

  • = the spiritual synergy of the collective with which an individual identifies

• Wairuatanga is an essential requirement for the identity and wellbeing of Māori.

2) Taha Tinana (the physical world)

• Physical body as the "Kai Pupuri / the Keeper" of the eternal spirit

• Divine energies within the body:

  • Divine Mother Energy on the left side

  • Divine Child Energy/Inner Universe in the Center

  • Divine Father Energy on the right side

• Sacredness of the body, particularly the Head and Genital Region

• Alkaline diet, avoidance of processed foods and dairy products

• Hydration: Drinking at least 2 liters of water before breakfast

• Regular exercise for physical well-being

• Prioritizing safety and happiness

• Self-love as a "miracle in expression"

• Gratitude towards Divine Parents and Birth Parents for giving life

3) Ha Taonga Tukuiho (Breath, Treasures that have come down)

• Cultural heritage: Treasuring the strands of the cultural cloak

• Components of cultural identity:

  • Songs, music, dances, stories, history, art forms, rituals

• Reinforcement of identity and uniqueness

• Daily celebration through song, laughter, and self-expression

• Recognition as social scientists and conservationists

• Belief in unity with Papatuanuku (Earth Mother) and Rangi (Sky Father)

• Embracing similarities and differences with other cultures

• Concept of oneness and family across humanity

• Tradition of "Hongi" (pressing of noses) in greeting, symbolizing interconnectedness with all living things

4) Mana (Divine Vested Authority)

• Vested Authority: Granted by the Divine Source and Ancestors

• Celebration of absolute uniqueness and individuality —> NO WASTED BEINGS

• Divine Authority: Empowered to stand in own power and wisdom

• Rejection of being programmed by State or Religion

• Willingness to stand up for beliefs against the odds

• Upbringing focused on Spirit of Peace, Love, Joy, and Truth

• Adoption of neutrality principle in confronting challenging situations

5) Whanaungatanga (Kinship ties that move in the 4 direactions across the universe)

• Belief in oneness and unity with all living things, rejecting separation

• Upbringing in a multi-generational family commune emphasizing respect for all living beings

• Concept of "Whanau Ora": Every living thing seeking sustenance from Earth Mother is Family from the Central Sun

• Absence of the word "enemy" in the Maori language, closest term being "hoariri" meaning "quarrelsome friend"

• Maori regarded as top social scientists globally

• Interaction with over a hundred nations, receiving love and blessings from many

• Involvement in international and national organizations promoting unity and oneness, not division

6) Hinengaro (The Hidden Mother", who is the Intellectual, Mental dimension within us)

The Mind = The Hidden Mother

• Nurturer/life giver

• Acknowledges balance between left & right brain

  • Left brain "Tumatauenga" - God of War

  • Right brain "Rongo"- God of peace

  • We have this capacity + we are moving between these 2 states all the time

7) Ranga Whatumanawa (Relating to the Emotions & senses)

• Belief in expressing emotions as a means to release tension and express heartfelt feelings

• Revered as a Whaea (Mother) and Kuia (Grandmother) by people from diverse backgrounds

• Trusted as a confidante for individuals of all ages, cultures, and religions

• Witnessing strong emotional releases, including weeping and sobbing, from individuals seeking comfort and trust

• Understanding the principle of "energy given out is what one gets back"

• Recognition of children's ability to intuitively sense and express genuine feelings

• Example of a child expressing dislike for a teacher, highlighting the importance of remaining neutral and composed in such situations

8) Mauri (Life Principle, Ethos, Psyche)

• Concept of "mauri Ora" at conception: Unique life force specific to the individual

• "Wairua": Eternal spiritual essence passed down from past individuals

• Positive energy aids in maintaining and enhancing the "mauri"

• Selective interaction with individuals who positively affect one's life force

• Awareness of medication potentially weakening psychic defenses

• Prioritization of maintaining control over one's life force and situations

• Transition of "mauri ora" into "awe/soul energy" upon physical death

• Responsibility to guide the transition of both "wairua" and "awe/soul energy" back to the Divine Source

• "Mauri" as a life force originating from the Central Sun, needing to return home alongside the "wairua"