
Mana
A term indicating vital or magical force used widely throughout Polynesia. From his work in the South Pacific, R.H. Codrington observed:
‘‘The word is common, I believe, to the whole Pacific. . . . It is a power or influence, not physical, and in a way supernatural, but it shows itself in physical force, or in any kind of power or excellence which a man possesses. This Mana is not fixed in anything, and can be conveyed in almost anything; but spirits, whether disembodied souls or supernatural beings, have it and can impart it. . . . All Melanesian religion consists in getting this Mana for oneself, or getting it used for one’s benefit.’’
The techniques of arousing and acquiring mana were extensively explored by Max Freedom Long (1890–1971) in his study of the kahuna magic in Hawaii and described in his books, notably The Secret Science Behind Miracles (1948). Long established the Huna Research Organization to conduct research and spread knowledge of mana and its basis in kahuna magic.
Далее приводится перечень аналогий в разных культурах и учениях:
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