Psych 200 W3L2
Tikanga Māori Foundational Concepts for Wellbeing Throughout the Lifespan
Hineatua ParkinsonKai Whakaako Mātai HinengaroUniversity of AucklandTe Kura O Mātai Hinengaro
Page 2: Karakia Timatanga
Karakia Timatanga: An opening prayer integral to Māori practices that serves to invoke the spirit, ensuring guidance and protection in all endeavors undertaken. This reflects adherence to ancestral traditions and the importance of spiritual connection in Māori culture.Key Phrases:
"Tukua te wairua kia rere ki ngā taumata" - Allow the spirit to ascend. This phrase encourages spiritual elevation and connection to higher realms.
"Hui e! TĀIKI E!" - Gather together! This is an affirmation that embodies unity and collective purpose within the community.
Page 3: Opening Prayer
Purpose: To establish a spiritual connection and call upon divine guidance that is deemed essential in the work of individuals. The practice not only emphasizes individual intention but also a collective mission to uphold the values and teachings from ancestors.Themes: The central theme revolves around the preservation of traditions and cultural practices to ensure that important aspects of Māori identity are not lost over time, thus fostering resilience in the face of modernity.
Page 4: Learning Objectives
Understand key Tikanga Māori concepts that serve as the foundation for personal and communal wellbeing, including: Mauri (life force), Whakapapa (genealogy), Mana (authority and respect), Wairua (spiritual essence), Aroha (love and compassion), Manaakitanga (hospitality), Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), Ako (reciprocal learning), Whanaungatanga (relationships), Tapu (sacredness), and Noa (ordinary).
Explore Māori Models of hauora/wellbeing, particularly the Wahakura woven from Harakeke (flax), which illustrates the interconnected nature of various aspects of wellness and community.
Page 5: Whakapapa
Definition: Refers to genealogy and ancestry, encompassing an individual's biological lineage as well as the connections to the wider universe.Importance: Understanding one's identity and heritage is crucial, as it extends beyond human relationships to all elements of existence, including natural elements such as water, trees, gods, fish, and birds. This interconnectedness is vital for comprehending one's place within the cosmos and the responsibilities that come with it.
Page 6: Wairua
Dimensions: Wairua encompasses the spirit of individuals, the land, the spoken word, children, and ancestors. This broad spectrum reflects the deep holistic nature of Māori spirituality.Western Perspective: From a Western viewpoint, wairua signifies an intrinsic connection to a sacred dimension, which provides individuals with meaning, balance, and purpose in life.Significance: Central to Māori existence, wairua is seen as integral to maintaining wellbeing, emphasizing the need to care for one’s spiritual health as a fundamental aspect of overall wellness.
Page 7: Tapu
Concept: Refers to a restriction or prohibition placed on people or things that are considered sacred and dedicated to atua (deities).Purpose: Ensures respect for individuals and the environment, serving as a framework for controlling societal behaviors and promoting harmony within communities. Tapu serves as a protection mechanism that fosters understanding of the sacredness of certain people, places, and practices.Violations: Breaches of tapu can lead to severe consequences unless reconciled through proper rituals and acknowledgments of the sacred. Therefore, the management of tapu is pivotal in maintaining societal order.
Page 8: Tapu and Noa
Role of Tapu: Tapu plays a crucial role in protecting areas deemed sacred, helping prevent exploitation and disrespect towards the land and its resources.
Wahi Tapu: These areas are designated as sacred with permanent tapu, which includes sites such as burial grounds and locations of significant historical or spiritual value. Understanding wahi tapu is essential in preserving Māori identity and heritage.
Page 9: Mauri
Definition: The essence that brings life to all entities, including humans, flora, and fauna, and serves as the life force that manifests in various forms throughout nature.Binding Nature: Mauri connects the spiritual and physical realms; it represents a vital force that governs existence and reflects the health and vitality of all living beings.
Page 10: Mauri in Relationships
Nurturing: Positive and kind interactions are vital for enhancing mauri, which leads to healthier relationships.Impact of Manaakitanga: The practice of manaakitanga (kindness, hospitality) enriches the mana (spiritual power) for both the giver and receiver, thereby fostering stronger community ties and a supportive environment for everyone.
Page 11: Mana
Authority from the Divine: Mana represents a sacred power that is bestowed upon individuals, emphasizing the sacred nature of human authority and responsibility.Importance: Mana symbolizes spiritual power and influence and necessitates respect and accountability.Link with Tapu: There exists a correlation between mana and tapu; higher mana reflects greater tapu, reinforcing the need to uphold traditions and values to maintain spiritual integrity.
Page 12: Manaakitanga
Definition: The practice of generosity, kindness, and hospitality towards others, embodied through actions that foster care for all living beings.Reciprocity: The building of relationships based on mutual respect and kindness enhances collective wellbeing within the community, illustrating the importance of interconnectedness.
Page 13: Whanaungatanga
Meaning: Whanaungatanga refers to a sense of belonging and kinship that is crucial to Māori identity. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships and community connections.Cultural Significance: This concept is enacted through various cultural practices, storytelling, and social bonds, highlighting how cultural heritage shapes communal identity and wellbeing.
Page 14: Discussion Prompt
Reflect on how Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga contribute to various aspects of wellbeing, considering personal experiences, community dynamics, academic research, and professional viewpoints.
Page 15: Kaitiakitanga
Definition: The principle of guardianship and stewardship over the natural world, emphasizing the responsibility of humans to protect and nourish ecosystems.Role: Kaitiakitanga is a key element in sustaining the mauri of all living things, promoting sustainable practices that protect the environment for future generations.
Page 16: Aroha
Breakdown:
Aro - to focus on
Ha - the breath of life
Oha - prosperity and abundance.Essence: Aroha encapsulates love, care, and compassion while actively rejecting greed and aggression, fostering a nurturing environment for individuals and the community.
Page 17: Ako
Meaning: The concept of learning and teaching as a reciprocal process that emphasizes the interconnectedness of educators and learners.Implications: This approach highlights the need for sharing knowledge and lived experiences, ensuring mutual growth and understanding between teachers and students.
Page 18: Taha Tinana
Definition: Represents the physical realm or aspect of wellbeing. This includes the health of the body as one component of holistic health.Components: Physical health is intricately linked to mental, spiritual, and familial health, emphasizing that overall wellbeing encompasses more than just the physical body.
Page 19: Taha Wairua
Definition: Refers to spiritual health, which is intertwined with individual faith and the influence of unspoken energies.Focus: A significant aspect of taha wairua is understanding how spiritual health influences identity formation and experiences of illness within individuals.
Page 20: Taha Hinengaro
Definition: Encompasses mental health, incorporating thought processes, emotional responses, and perceptions of identity.Interconnectedness: Taha hinengaro stresses the relationship between the mind and body, highlighting how psychological well-being is fundamental in understanding health holistically.
Pages 21-31: Dimensions of Wellbeing
This section emphasizes the eight dimensions of total wellbeing through a holistic model (e.g., Te Wheke). The dimensions are:
Wairua: Spiritual health, representing the essence of existence.
Tinana: Physical health, focusing on body wellbeing.
Ha Taonga Tukuiho: Cultural heritage and identity, highlighting the importance of culture in shaping wellbeing.
Mana: Authority and influence derived from the sacred.
Whanaungatanga: Kinship ties emphasizing relationships.
Hinengaro: Mental and emotional health, which guides perception and reactions.
Ranga Whatumanawa: Relating emotions to sensory experiences.
Mauri: The life force governing existence, signifying the need to maintain mauri for holistic wellbeing.Emphasis: The interconnectedness of these dimensions is vital for understanding holistic Māori wellbeing, stressing that true wellness encompasses the mind, body, spirit, and community.