Customer Reviews

Shook: Ho'oponopono

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is a 1985 work describing a family/small-group conflict resolution method. It may be competent social work research, it may accurately describe authentic Hawaiian tradition; I'm not competent to assert or deny either. It is written fairly, however - the author is careful to describe her subject as "one style of ho'oponopono" (page 8), and to insert appropriate disclaimers, e.g., only two of the eight practioners interviewed were using the conflict resolution method "regularly" when she completed the book (page 101).

What hasn't been made clear in the book description or in recent reviews is that this conflict resolution method has very little in common with the fundamentally-individual methods described by Joe Vitale and Dr. Hew Len in their "Self-Identity Ho'oponopono". The two books agree with a general definition of the word "ho'oponopono", and then diverge in both philosophy and application.

Some readers will find this book more useful than Vitale/Hew Len's book; some may find this style of ho'opnonopono more useful than the "Self-Identity" style. No readers should find them to be the same style, however.

Four stars for those interested in family/small-group conflict resolution, four stars for those interested in another view of ho'oponopono, one star because the University of Hawaii Press and Amazon.com really should use the summary of the book on its back cover as an editorial review here.
Average: three.

Ho'oponopono ("to make right")is a universal "conflict resolution/healing" method from Hawaii. The book provides a systematic overview of this system with many practical examples. It is the classic text on the subject. It should be of interest to health providers, anthropologists, sociologists, etc. Have you ever wanted to understand how to improve your relationships with or for others? This book conceptually spells it out for you, but it is a specialized skill.

I thought I was buying a book on the Ho'oponopono technique I read about on the internet which operates by one taking 100% responsibility upon them-selves on whatever problem needs solving in another's life. What I got instead is a book on Ho'oponopono a group problem solving process traditionally used in a Hawaiian family setting.

If that's what you're looking for then I guess it's a good book for that. I would say that anyone that is involved in any kind of counseling should take it upon themselves to read this book. The author interviews a bunch of councilors that use Ho'oponopono in their counseling and shows how they have integrated it into non-family situations and nontraditional cultures.

Even parents would be well advised to read at least a chapter from this book to discover a new way of bringing their families closer together, while resolving conflicts.

This is not the book for you if you're interested in the individual use of Ho'oponopono in your daily (actually minute-by-minute) life. This is more a scholarly research dissertaion on the practice in a group setting. To learn Ho'oponopono as an individual discipline (without the need of a group and group leader), Joe Vitale's "Zero Limits" is indispensible. After reading "Zero Limits", Mabel Katz's "The Easiest Way" is a short easy reference work for keeping on your night-stand. Whatever you do, read one or both and start using the technique. The results are amazing. All the best.

Originally wanted to understand the more modern usages of ho'oponono, but this book explained the more culturally conservative roots of the practice. This method would serve as a good template for problem solving cross-culturally as well.

For myself, this book wasn't what I was seeking. This book though may be exactly what someone who is coming from an academic standpoint is looking for, it did not serve the purpose I wanted. I wanted something written in laymans terms that I could learn more about the process and perhaps even expand on my knowledgee. This is written like a clinical text. Not written to expand and give process knowledge.

Actually I haven't had a chance to read the book, I lent it to a friend who loves it so much she won't give it back. She teaches 4th grade and is using these techniques to incorporate Hawaiian culture to her students. She says the book it wonderful and I believer her.
Aloha
Alan

Joe Vitale sent me an email all about this amazing healing technique and it has helped tremendously! Thank you Joe and Dr. Len for sharing this with the world.

By the way, An audio recording was made using this technique, it's well worth downloading it!

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