Change We Must
My Spiritual Journey
Nana Veary
Published by The Institute of Zen Studies, 1989
Seventh printing 2001
"Seek to enjoy and not to possess."
- Nana Veary
Nana enbodies Hawai'i's ancient, magical spirit, from its sulfurous, boiling center
to the fragrances of its flowers. As Hawai'i's breezes caress and her waters heal,
so do Nana's long, strong, loving hugs connect one with the vast beauties of life.
- Richard Chamberlain, Actor.
In an age of disconnectedness and alienation, Nana is a living reminder of the wisdom
and power available to those who live in harmany with creation. Her smile radiates the compassion of
God. Like Mt. Olomana, the site of one of her revelations, Nana's presence towers over
the landscape and brings strength and hope to all who know her.
- Father Clarence Lin, Vicar General, Catholic Diocese of Honolulu
Nana constantly practices aloha. Even with her great treasury of human experences,
she is so humble. She assists so many anonymously, and there is comfort to be in her space.
Knowing her is a gift.
- Alvin Shim, Attorney
(The text above comes from the back of the book)
Review
Wonderful book in which the spirit of aloha resonates throughout; welcoming strangers, combining different religions such
as the old pagan Hawaiian religion, Christianity and Zen Buddhism. The book breathes an animistic way of life with respect
and communication with rocks, plants, animals, the sea, the weather, etc.
Nana Veary and her ancestors lived according to the old Hawaiian traditions and in this book we get to know these old Hawaiian
traditions.
Although written from a completely different culture, while reading I had the feeling and wish that I could write something similar from my own pagan spiritual perspective!
I can therefore highly recommend this book!
On pages 34 to 36 Nana Veary writes about the traditional ho'oponopono; the gathering of a family to discuss and solve mutual problems.
She describes how everyone's mistakes are discussed, forgiven and let go. It is important that everyone is sincere and really means it.
I did not come across any ho'oponopono mantra's in this book...
Martin