‘ATAMAI-LOTO, MOE FAKA‘OFO‘OFA-‘AONGA: TONGAN TĀ-VĀ TIME-SPACE PHILOSOPHY OF MIND–HEART AND BEAUTY–UTILITY

Authors

Pā‘utu-‘O-Vava‘u-Lahi, Adriana M. Lear, University of Wollongong
Kolokesa U. Māhina-Tuai, Lagi-Maama Academy & Consultancy
Sione L. Vaka, Auckland University of Technology
Maui-TāVā-He-Akó, Tēvita O. Kaʻili, Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi

Abstract

This collection of critical essays seeks to explore as a text some key aspects of Tongan concepts and practices of the sino body, ‘atamai mind, and loto heart, on the one hand, and faiva performance, tufunga material, and nimamea‘a fine arts, on the other hand, in the broader context of Indigenous Tongan Tā-Vā Time-Space Philosophy of Reality. These physical–bodily, psychological–emotional, and social–cultural, and artistic and literary aspects will be reflected upon at the fakafelavai intersection, or fakahoko connection and fakamāvae separation, of ontology (i.e., ways of being) and epistemology (i.e., ways of knowing) and of beauty/quality (i.e., what is of knowledge) and utility/functionality (i.e., what does of knowledge). As inseparable but indispensable temporal–spatial, formal–substantial, and functional–practical entities, ontology and beauty/quality are considered to be taking the lead over epistemology and utility/functionality, in that logical order of precedence.

Recommended Citation

Lear, Pā‘utu-‘O-Vava‘u-Lahi, Adriana M.; Māhina-Tuai, Kolokesa U.; Vaka, Sione L.; and Kaʻili, Maui-TāVā-He-Akó, Tēvita O. (2021) "‘ATAMAI-LOTO, MOE FAKA‘OFO‘OFA-‘AONGA: TONGAN TĀ-VĀ TIME-SPACE PHILOSOPHY OF MIND–HEART AND BEAUTY–UTILITY," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 44: No. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol44/iss1/1