We've been very interested in Stories that Mentor, and have a few new video clips that are coming into that area of our YouTube Channel over the next few days. While this story doesn't directly relate to 'business' it does have a very timeless message that we can still learn from today. What makes this one so interesting for us is the way that we discovered it! We trust that you will enjoy it too.
One of Hawaii’s most famous legends is built around Naupaka (Scaevola sencea), a shrub found in the mountains or near the beach. The flower has a very unique shape, and while it is a complete flower, it truly appears to be only half of a flower, due to the arrangement of its petals. Early Hawaiians developed stories of the flower being the incarnation of an ancient native Princess who was separated from her lover. There are several versions of the Naupaka legend, but all have a similar theme: lovers that are separated forever, one banished to the mountains, the other to the beach.
It was a warm Hawaiian evening. The soothing rhythm of breaking waves drew our attention from the busy pace on Waikiki’s main drag, Kalakaua Avenue. We had recently arrived in Honolulu for two weeks of vacation in this tropical paradise. Only a few days here and my wife and I were already enjoying the warmth of the islands and it's people.
As we took in the seascape from one of several park benches, a local gentleman struck up a conversation. He had been sitting on a bench nearby. Obviously ‘hard on his luck’ he said that for several years he had been a tour guide. He then began listing several 'must-see' attractions that visitors should take in while on the island. Very helpful, yet it was obvious that the years had not been so kind ...
As we took in the seascape from one of several park benches, a local gentleman struck up a conversation. He had been sitting on a bench nearby. Obviously ‘hard on his luck’ he said that for several years he had been a tour guide. He then began listing several 'must-see' attractions that visitors should take in while on the island. Very helpful, yet it was obvious that the years had not been so kind ...
Continuing, he asked if we were familiar with the legend of Naupaka. As we were not acquainted with the story, he asked us to wait for a moment as he quickly proceeded to search for something in the flower beds, close to where we were seated. A few moments later he returned with several small flowers carefully held between his fingers. Gently, he placed them in the palm of my hand. "Notice their unique appearance," he said. "See how each flower looks like it is only half there."
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| ( "Naupaka" image source, noted below.) |
And from there, he began to tell us the story ... the Legend of Naupaka.
Many years ago there was a kind and beautiful Hawaiian princess by the name of Naupaka. Usually very happy, the people of her village noticed one day that she had become very sad. Fearing for her health, the villagers spoke with her parents. Her parents then approached young Naupaka and asked what was troubling her.
With sadness in her heart and between tears she confessed, “I have fallen in love with a young man from the village, but Kaui is not of noble birth—he is a commoner.” (Now this was a big problem. It was Hawaiian custom that members of the royal family were not to marry those of common birth.)
Not knowing what to do, Naupaka and Kaui searched for a solution to their predicament. Traveling a great distance, they climbed a tall mountain to seek the wisdom of a well known kahuna - a wise elder who lived at a heiau (temple). After listening to their story, he too was unable to solve their problem. “I can do nothing for you,” he told them, “but you should pray. Pray, here at this heiau.”
And so they prayed. They prayed with great sincerity and many tears, for their love for each other was true. Now, as the young lovers prayed, rain began to fall and lightning filled the sky. Knowing that their time together was over, with heavy hearts, Naupaka and Kaui embraced for one last time. Princess Naupaka then took the small white flower from above her ear. Tearing the flower in two, she gives one half to her heart’s true love, Kaui. “If we can not be together,” she said, “You go live down by the water, and I will stay here in the mountains.”
As the two lovers went in separate directions, the Naupaka plants that grew nearby saw their sadness. The very next day, they began to bloom in only half flowers. It is said that if one were to put the two half-flowers together, so the left half and the right half touch ends, Princess Naupaka and Kaui are joined together once again – their true love having united them after many years apart.
Our encounter with the former Hawaiian tour guide was on Oahu, close to the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo.
Links of interest:
http://www.carenloebelfried.com/book6.html
http://www.carenloebelfried.com/book6.html
Book: Naupaka - Written by Nona Beamer
Illustrated by Caren Loebel-Fried
Hawaiian Translation by Kaliko Beamer-Trapp
Music by Keola Beamer
Bishop Museum Press, 2008
32 pages filled with full color illustrations, cloth
(Includes Audio CD)
$14.95
1-58178-089-3
Illustrated by Caren Loebel-Fried
Hawaiian Translation by Kaliko Beamer-Trapp
Music by Keola Beamer
Bishop Museum Press, 2008
32 pages filled with full color illustrations, cloth
(Includes Audio CD)
$14.95
1-58178-089-3
