Introduction
Understanding Spirituality of the Māori
*whakapapa*, genealogy, connects people, ancestors, atua, animals, plants and landscapes. Spirituality is therefore not separated from identity, right of belonging and responsibilities towards the territory.
*Mana* means authority, prestige and relational power; *tapu* protects what is sacred or restricted; *noa* restores an ordinary or balanced state.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- *whakapapa*, genealogy, connects people, ancestors, atua, animals, plants and landscapes.
- *Mana* means authority, prestige and relational power; *tapu* protects what is sacred or restricted; *noa* restores an ordinary or balanced state.
- knowing your whatapapa is to know what relationships and responsibilities one belongs to.
- This tradition is rooted in the history and cultures of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
*Mana* means authority, prestige and relational power; *tapu* protects what is sacred or restricted; *noa* restores an ordinary or balanced state.
Historical developments
The "mauri" is a vital principle and the "wairua" is a spiritual dimension.
Ritual life and teachings
*Mana* means authority, prestige and relational power; *tapu* protects what is sacred or restricted; *noa* restores an ordinary or balanced state.
A living and plural tradition
These concepts are linked and do not correspond exactly to simple Western translations.
History and development
*Mana* means authority, prestige and relational power; *tapu* protects what is sacred or restricted; *noa* restores an ordinary or balanced state. *mauri* is a vital principle and *wairua* is a spiritual dimension.
These concepts are linked and do not correspond exactly to simple Western translations.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
*Mana* means authority, prestige and relational power; *tapu* protects what is sacred or restricted; *noa* restores an ordinary or balanced state. *mauri* is a vital principle and *wairua* is a spiritual dimension.
These concepts are linked and do not correspond exactly to simple Western translations.
Texts, symbols and transmission
Oral traditions, songs *waiata*, narratives, sculptures *whakairo*, braiding and motifs *kōwhaiwhai*. The *koru* often evokes growth and renewal; its meaning depends on the context.
*hei tiki* is not a generic detachable amulet of genealogy.
What research can and cannot say
Colonization and suppression of language have affected transmission. Māori renewal combines political rights, health, education and spirituality. Māori health frameworks show the importance of spiritual without reducing it to a clinical variable.
References