Literally translated, Mauri means 'life principle' or 'life-force' in all physical matter. Mauri (the physical life force) is the fundamental spiritual concept permeating all relationships Maori have with each other and with their physical environment. In the traditional Maori view, everything in the physical environment possesses Mauri, including people, plants, animals, lakes, and rivers. Mauri is the common life element in all physical matter.