ASE – Page 2 – AYE AKAMARA

Ifa is the divine treasure of holy men. Heartfelt praise and devotion to the precepts of Ifa is the key to genuine peace, power, health and prosperity: An Ifa devotional.

Aboru Aboye.

Long life and good health to you through the efficacious and unfailing blessings of Iworiwofun. Ase.
Ifa grant your blessings as I praise and proclaim your glory, virtues and excellences, that your life giving ase may give uplift, strength, enthusiasm, hope and healing to all who consider these divine thoughts. May all who consider these words experience inner cleansing, peace, harmony, joy and holy empowerment. Ase.
Ifa, divine messenger, message and healing grace of Olodumare, we praise you! Ifa, you are competent to be King over us. In you Ifa, we find revealed the kindness, friendliness, power and gracefulness of Olodumare. Ifa, you are the wisdom and power of Olodumare. Ifa, who does not know that to know you Ifa is to know happiness, contentment and satisfaction!? Ifa, who is a better friend, relative and guide than you? Ifa, when you go to war against the enemies of truth, justice and goodness your enemies think that you are just playing!
Ifa, in your action you are more graceful than the centipede. In your patience you are more persevering than the ant! Nothing deters you from accomplishing your determined purpose.
Oh, Orunmila you who are one with Ifa and intimately united with Ifa, to know you is to know salvation, to know you is to partake of vibrant long life! Orunmila Ajana, you are the one who is young and small in stature yet great and full of wisdom. Your ways are untraceable, profound and difficult to comprehend. There is no better companion and friend in life than you. You are the one worth spending ones time with. Oh, Orunmila, are you not the one who is the owner of the large house that is high enough to see the limit of the flight of birds, oh dweller of heaven and earth?! To look upon your face is to behold the goodness, kindness and concern of Olorun. Orunmila you disarm us of our fears, worries and anxiety. Orunmila, you who are one with the Ifa spirit of limitless light and life, are you not the one who wards of imminent death?! Orunmila, you are a true friend and my father upon whom I can lean upon forever, because you are more firm and stronger than a rock. There is no one I would want to spend my time with more than you, for you are Iriju Olodumare (prime minister of Olodumare) . You know the secrets of the heart of Olodumare; and His glorious purposes are known to you because Olodumare hides nothing from you. To call upon you and rely upon you is to receive the full support, goodness and blessings of Olodumare Oba Ire. Strong, wise and powerful Orunmila, even the fierce and fearless leopard turns on its heels and flees when it sees you because it knows that it cannot ever overpower you! Homage to you Orunmila, you who sits majestically upon the skin of the leopard! Even death honors you!
Oh Ifa! Oh Orunmila! Those who follow you as whole hearted student-disciples are in turn pursued and followed by limitless blessings, honor, longevity and prosperity. Homage to you Orunmila, who are the divine mystic who eats a lot of palm oil yet does not turn red, you are the divine sage who wrestles death into submission! To know you Ifa, to know you Orunmila is to know and experience eternal life (the divine quality of life). Is it not you Ifa who gives life and hope to one and all?! There is no failure with you. Orunmila you are the refuge from death, sorrow, fear and destruction. You are the one who teaches us how to spiritually transform and evolve through the mysteries of Ela, the Spirit of Purity, Nobility, Godliness and Salvation. Ifa you give us power to joyously and contentedly persevere, prevail and conquer our inner and outer antagonists through patience, goodness, divine spirituality and humility.
Orunmila Awimilogbon (wise teacher and guide)! Orunmila Awinrin (the one who sees and understands all things with clarity and precision)! Orunmila Oba Atayese (King empowered to rectify, heal and correct) why do not men not know that if they call upon you with simplicity, sincerity, earnestness and good faith you would compassionately rush to bring them relief and deliverance from their troubles and afflictions?! Why do men not know that you are not far away but near, and that a sincere and devoted thought directed towards you receives immediate recognition and response. Compassionate and kind Orunmila, you are the one who feels our sufferings as if they were your own. You are the one who delights and rejoices in our success and happiness. Orunmila, master of the sixteen principles of creation, may we never forget you and lose sight of you. It is in the early morning we praise Ifa and Orunmila. It is in the morning I wake up to salute, greet and praise Ifa.
Oh Ifa, oh Orunmila; remember me as I remember you. Do not forget me as I do not forget you. Do not forsake me as I will not abandon you! Others may forget you; others may not appreciate you, but I will not abandon you, I will not lose my appreciation towards you because I know you have done me only good. I will not hide from others my confidence and faith in you! I will never be ashamed that Ifa is my father and I am a loyal and grateful son (or daughter)! Ifa I call on you! Ela I call on you. Ifa! Ela! Receive and be pleased with the offering and sacrifice of my heartfelt praise and words of gratitude. Weigh my heart on the balance of truth, sincerity, honesty and good faith and bless me according the the measure, weight and quality of my heart! Ifa you live in my heart and no where else! Ifa I live in your heart and no where else! Ifa you and I are surely united. We are one! For many life times Ifa have I been following you and you have been following me! Who can understand this mystery of friendship, love and respect between you and I. Countless times I have come from Orun (pre-mortal divine spirit world) to Aye (earth) and countless times I have ascended from aye to orun, and in all my my journeying you have been with with like the loyal and trustworthy friend that you are.
Oh, Ifa! Oh, Orunmila! Your excellences and perfections cannot be enumerated. In one fell swoop no one can attain to your sublime status or condition, but little by little I seek to be firmly established in Ifayelele. Oh, Ifa! Oh, Orunmila! Many are my defects and flaws, but one sure virtue do I have and that is that I do not forget nor neglect you, and that to the best of my ability I trustingly and humbly exert myself to obey you as a son obeys a loving, caring, gentle and wise father. Ifa may I never forget you! Ifa may you never forget me.
A man can have many material goods and riches of all sorts and yet be far from you. Ifa may I never forget you, may I never be far from you. May you Ifa, be my inexhaustible treasure of inestimable value.
A man can be endowed with great intelligence, wisdom and ability and yet be far from you. Ifa may I never forget you, may I never be far from you. May you Ifa, be my intelligence, wisdom and ability.
A man can be a partaker of great affluence and be endowed with a great following and yet be far from you and your ways. Ifa, may I never forget you, may I never be far from you. May you Ifa, be my charisma and may I be masterful in my following of you.
A man can be a partaker of good physical health and well being yet be spiritually unhealthy and impoverished. Ifa, may I never forget you, may you never be far from me. May, you Ifa, impart to me mental, emotional and spiritual serenity and vitality. May I be inwardly healthy, strong and robust. Ifa, may you be my strength, stamina and vitality.
A man can be outwardly happy, content and satisfied and yet be far from you. Ifa, may I never forget you, may I never be far from you. May you Ifa, confer upon me the grace and means, to have and enjoy genuine, deep and lasting happiness, contentment and satisfaction.
Oh Ifa! Oh Orunmila. You are fully aware that our lives upon this earth are often beset with afflictions, sorrows, adversities and challenges of all sorts. Ifa, you know that at times we are under stressors and pressures that rob us of clarity and the resolve to always do what is right.

Oh, Ifa! Oh, Orunmila! We must admit before you that at times we fall short and stray from the proper path you have shown us, due to ignorance, despondency, stress or neglect. Ifa, extend the mantle of your compassion, gentleness, understanding and forgiveness upon us. Ifa uplift us, mend and heal our personal lives.
Ifa, if I have offended you please do not demand of me sacrificial offerings but instead grant me Ifa, unconditional remission as you did for the people of the town of tranquility. Ifa I take full responsibility for my choices and actions and ask of you for the gift of strength and understanding to correct myself and do what is right, proper and acceptable before you.
Ifa, if I have offended you please do not demand of me a sacrificial offering, instead grant me Ifa, complete remission, as you did for the people of the land of tranquility. Ifa lead me and empower me on the path of good conscience.
Ifa, if I have offended you by harming, injuring or deceiving others by my thoughts, words and actions please do not demand of me a sacrificial offering. Ifa, I resolve before you to make what reparations I can and I now renew my vow to proceed henceforth with honesty, truthfulness, kindness and integrity. Ifa, grant total remission and complete forgiveness as you did the people of the town of tranquility. May I be pursued by the blessings of a good character.
Forgive me great King, the forgiving King. May it be so.
Oh Ifa. Oh, Orunmila you know my great reverence and affection towards you. You are my joy and delight night and day. When I look upon my sacred Ikin Ifa, I see much more than sacred black kernels of the holy palm tree. When I look upon my mysterious, sacred, powerful and beautiful, black Ikin kernels I immediately am reminded of you Orunmila, the holy sage of black hue who came from Iketi, and with great kindness, thoughtfulness, perseverance, and power of character and personality served the people and filled their lives with meaning, hope and values. Oh Orunmila! You served, remembered and cared for so many but only few truly appreciated, loved and remembered you in their hearts. Orunmila may I never forget you. May I always appreciate and value you.
Oh, Ifa! Oh, Orunmila! When I look upon my sacred, wonderful and powerful Ikin Ifa, I behold more than just alluring black kernels from the sacred palm tree. Orunmila Awinrin! When I look upon my Ikin, each with four beautiful eyes, it reminds me that you Orunmila are always with me and that you are always looking out for me. Just like the Ikin Ifa with four eyes, you too Orunmila have four spiritual eyes with which you see, survey and comprehend fully the events of the past, present, future and the timeless realm of Olodumare and Irunmole! Orunmila may I never forget you. May I always appreciate and value you.
Oh, Ifa! Oh, Orunmila! When I look upon my sacred, attractive and divine Ikin Ifa, I see more than just sacred black kernels from the holy palm tree. I know that your gentle, powerful and divine fiery (active) presence, power and ase is within Ikin and envelops them. I know that through my Ikin you receive my hospitality, friendship, affection and the outpourings of my heart. Your strength, wisdom, gentleness and power are communicated to me by Ikin through which I am empowered, motivated, divinely informed and inspired! When I looked upon you Ifa I recall the sixteen principles of creations by which Olodumare brought all things into existence, upholds them and guides them to perfection! Ikin are small in size and seem to be powerless but just like you Orunmila who were small in stature and unassuming in appearance yet you were and are filled with fathomless sagacity, gracefulness, sanctity and power! Orunmila may I never forget you. May I always appreciate and value you.
Oh, Ifa! Oh, Orunmila may you always respond to my call and act on my behalf when I call upon you. May I not have to wait long to experience and see your relief, salvation and consolation. May you hear me and descend immediately, when in sincerity and earnestness I call upon you. May you never say to me Ifa:
“My son (or daughter) I have heard your call and will not descend because I have nowhere to affirm my feet!”
Oh, Ifa! Oh, Orunmila, may my heart be the place of the descent of your presence, power and ase. May my sincere (clean heart) be your spacious, proper and pure dwelling place!
Oh, Ifa! Oh, Orunmila! May my intelligence, conscience and spirit be one with you in quality. May my heart and intelligence be an extension of you Ifa, great, wonderful and unfailing oracle, guide, mentor and friend.
May my conduct and behavior honor you and make your heart rejoice and delight in me.
Ela Ela! Praise and reverence to you.
Ela Ela! Imbue me with your light, truth and purity.
Ela Ela! May the sacrifice and offering of my praise, words of acknowledgment and gratitude be accepted.
Ela Ela! May my spirit, heart and mind soar above to Ile Ase (divine house of power, command and authority) to receive comfort, strength, wisdom, sanctity, consolation and godly power.
Ela Ela! Spirit of purity, truthfulness, honesty, courage, godliness, authority and power lead me on your path and grant me access to treasury of the divine gifts and blessings of Olodumare.
Ela Ela! Bless and prosper me so that I may be able to bring something new, original, needful and beneficial to this ailing and hurting world from the limitless treasure store of Olodumare Oba Aiku, that will contribute to the uplift, healing and rectifying of humanity.
Ela mo yin aboru.
Ela mo yin aboye.
Ela mo yin abosise.

The distinction between Irunmole and Orisa. The mystery of Odu. Part II

Previously we briefly considered the distinction between Irunmole and Orisa. Today we will consider it a little further and we will also learn about the sacred mystery of Odu.
Irunmole are divine personalities that entered the world of men and took up a human identity, that is, they lived like ordinary human beings in the physical world. Orisa are a different class of divine beings who became deified or divinized through the power transformation after their departure from the physical state. Irunmole were divine beings of great wisdom and power as the moment of their creation whereas Orisa were beings who became divinized as the result of the lives that they lived. The Orisa became divine by a process of spiritual growth and evolution.
Irunmole have their origin in the divine realm and were chosen in heaven before coming to the world. They descended from the divine upper worlds and dwelled among men, teaching the word of God, science, agriculture, hunting, farming and other essential skills needed by humanity. The Irunmole also instituted the spiritual sciences and introduced them to humanity. The identity of irunmole are shrouded in divine mystery whereas the identity of the Orisa are readily known and recorded since they were born upon the earth.
To clarify things let me reiterate that Irunmole are divine personalities who were born from Olodumare and have the upper divine realms as their original place of residence whereas Orisa were born on earth and achieved their divine status through the laws of spiritual progress, training and effort. Now will proceed to consider the wondrous source of all powers, intelligences, life and harmony: Odu.
The POWER that created all these entities are from the one source called Odu. Odu is like the womb or matrix of creation. Odu is the primordial and eternal ‘mother’. Odu is power and the source of all powers, energies, intelligences and life. This one energy produced and created all things in the world including Irunmole and Orisa. The word Odu is the centre piece and overall energy that pervades, directs and controls all things in the universe. Odu is the greatest and the most powerful vibration in the cosmos. All things emanate from Odu and are nourished and maintained by Odu. Odu oversees the progress, development and evolution of the physical-spiritual-divine creations.

The word Odu comes from the sacred name of the supreme being Olodumare. When you break down the word Olodumare into three syllabic word sequences you get OLO, ODU, MARE.
OLO means owner and proprietor.

ODU means energy, power, force and vibration.

MARE or MARERE means knowing and doing was is good or absolute goodness. The power that only and always does what is good, right and beneficial.

You will realize that the word Odu is in the middle of the sacred name of the supreme being. Olodumare means the owner of the energy or power or force that knows what is good, does good and thinks good. The name of Olodumare and its meaning reveals to us and reminds us the things God wants us to do.

Odu is the energy that created all goodness and such energy must take the form of Olodumare. Out of this unique energy comes all creatures including Irunmole and Orisa.
Something you might find interesting about the Irunmole and Orisa is that they have form or divine bodies with features which we can discern, with which they live among us when they choose to descend. Odu on the other hand is a formless entity that does not take up any form of image but is a concrete energy that creates all thing. Odu created you, me and all things.
This energy is the power behind all living and non-living things. Odu is the power that directs all forces at all level of existence.

Olodumare categorizes this energy and break it down into two hundred fifty six sub-energies which is where all living and non-living things derive their lives and their existence. All things exist and flourish within these energy patterns. Nothing can operate outside these energies but all things fall within the regulating power and oversight of these 256 divine intelligences.

Remember that the greatest forces are invisible forces. This means that no one can have absolute control over the all power in creation. But we can make use of the forces of creation for the benefit of one’s life and the lives of ones progeny. Ifa teaches us through much learning, effort, patience and practice how to access these divine energies and how to integrate them in our lives upon making contact with Odu. This is why a person of lazy disposition cannot practice Ifa because of constant and learning and practice that Ifa demands of its students. What is learned from Ifa is utilized to remold, reshape and correct the errors of in ones life path i.e. destiny.
Some even see Odu (patterns of potential) as a destiny in entirety. Such perspective is correct. God passed these energy onto Orunmila Ifa bara Agbonniregun and from Orunmila to all men in the world.
Some traditions also believe that Odu came to the world and married Ifa Orunmila.

We can see and appreciate then that Odu is the entity that produces all things. Through marriage to Orunmila the feminine nature of Odu was revealed. Odu assumes a motherly role in relation to all seen and unseen entities. The most important point to remember is that Odu is the energy that produced all things while Orisa orIrunmole are entities created by Odu.
Through the instrumentality of the Orisa and Irunmole the knowledge of Odu was passed on to all humanity. Those who learn or initiate into Odu are called Awo or Omo Ifa. And those who have not initiated are called ogberi because the Odu or spiritual DNA in them has not yet been activated. Hence renew your power or reactivate the indwelling power within you through initiation into Ifa and you will get your Odu. Then you can pray with your Odu always.
The practice and science of praying everyday with your Odu gives you the power to overcome all life’s challenges. Please pray everyday for yourself and others. When you pray for others you join them to the divine energies. When you pray for others the divine light and power of Odu enters their hearts, minds and life in a very subtle but powerful way. Pray with your Ikins or Opele. Please, always try to learn something daily about Odu so as to become a true disciple of God.
Also remember that we can learn together how to pray with Odu and open opele which is called ‘Sise Opele’ with our members who might live near us. I will always try to teach Odu once a week. If you want to learn more and go deeper into Odu you can contact me or one of our knowledgeable members.

Alafia, Olayinka Babatunde Ogunshina Adewuyi

The distinction between Irunmole and Orisa. Part I

Good morning my great people. Your learning must be a constant and perpetual activity.

When a soul stops learning then it perishes or goes into perdition. Always seek the path of wisdom through learning. What I want to share with you this morning is information about the distinction between Irunmole, Orisha and Odu.

First of all Irunmoles are different from Orisas. Many people confuse the two and use the words Irunmole and Orisa as if they are the same or as if they are two different words referring to same entity: that is they interchange the two words as if they mean the same thing.

To be best of the my abilities and knowledge of things and of the wisdom I acquired from my father these two words are not identical and do not refer to the same entities

Irunmole are entities created directly from Olodumare who represent eternity. They cannot taste the bitterness of death nor suffer any consequence of their acts or actions because they always operate on the level of the divine laws of life. Both their names and natures are divine or holy from the moment of their creation. They transcend physical, mental, spiritual and cosmic levels of existence. They are purely divine. They ways of thinking, perceiving and acting transcends that of mankind and other beings who have become divine through a process of growth and evolution. Because the Irunmole operate from such an elevated perspective and all embracing divine understanding people at times see them as evil because they believe that the Irunmole act contrary to divine laws in creation. They do not. They live in complete harmony with the divine laws and express themselves accordingly. It is absolutely untrue that they act

contrary to divine norms because at all level sof existence there are laws that no single entity can change what has been created from the beginning of life. Besides Supreme Olodumare will not work contrary to his divine strature, glory and plan. Indeed Olodumaee advises his own creation to act and abide by the divine laws so that they will not suffer undesirable and negative consequences. In addition to upright conduct we can overcome negative effects through self-correction and the utilizing of extensive prayer, sacred rituals, supplication, initiations, illumination, fasting and other divine activities which are performed and carried out, thereby drawing upon ourselves divine compassion and mercy by which things can be made to change.

One important thing though: We MUST be obedient followers of Olodumare to reap the benefits of the divine plan. That is the main reason we must learn and have knowkedge of these Irunmole and Orisa and abide with their ways of life adhering to their divine life for generational mercy and blessings.

Prime among these primordial divine beings are Obatala oseremagbo, or Obatala obatasa oba tanko tanko ni ile iranje. He represents and is the embodiment of purity, honesty, clarity, transparency, straightforwardness, sterling character, faithfulness, divine love and fidelity.

Orunmila bara agbonniregun. Heepa baba imole! Orunmila represents and is the embodiment of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, perseverence, patience and compassion. Orunmila is the one uniquely able to reveal the mystery of the divine and spiritual plane of existence.

Ela omo osin lagotun or Ela opitan. Ela represents maitaculous power, wonders, unassailable safety, security, forgiveness and compassion. Ela represents and is the embodiments of transformative power, irresistible charisma and extraordinary attaintments of superhuman feats that bring benefit, upliftment, inspiration and empowerment to the creation in general and to the devotee of Ela in particular.

Esu lalu ogiri oko or Esu Elegbaara. Esu is the divine messenger of Olodumare and me the deliverer of divine messages of the divinities to their devotee’s. Esu is the receiver and guardian of divine power (ase). Esu is the divine minister of justice and is empowered to enforce the divine laws ofcreation. He gives according to your deed. He protects and defends the rights of the law abiding.

Ogun lakaiye osin imole or Ogun onire okunrin ogun. Ogun represents and is the embodiment of raw power, endurance, courage, strength ruggedness and total victory. Ogun is the defender and guardian of truth. He is also a royal divinity. In the absence of Obatala in the assembly of the divinities it is Ogun who sits in authority in the counsel of the gods. Ogun represents persistence and strong determination. Ogun is also the spirit of engineering, creativity, hunting, farming and warriorship.

Ogun is skilled in many skills and sciences. He is also an expert master of Ifa. The life and wisdom of Ogun is very deep and multifaceted. Ogun prefers death before dishonor. Ogun values rectitude more than life. He is a great and wonderful divinity. He is loyal and faithful and compensates handsomely his devotee’s for their dedication and service to him.

Sango olugbode ara bambi. Note: There are two differents Sangos. The first Sango came with the first set of divinities or irunmole to the world and the second Sango was born as a man and later became a king in the city called Oyo Ile. When he died he becam an Orisa because of his power, attitude and habits. His followers worshiped him and later his worship spread over the entire human race.

Like the Yoruba phrase states: Ojo a ba ku la ndere; that is at death man turns into deity. Sango represents fearlessness, thunder, wind, the power which is able to intimidate all wrong doers. He is the unstoppable force of God He represents fire, light and the unlimited capacities of man to attain all objectives and life plans.

Oro this is ancestral divinity that came and followed other divinities to the world of physical plain and transformed at the point of death. Oro represents the spiritual understanding of physical and likewise the wisdom of the spiritual is attained and understood at the physical level of existence

Try to understand one great point, these irunmoles or primordial entities have no beginning of days nor end of days. As they came to the world so they went back to the divine plane through mystical transformation. Because of their unique nature everything about them was shrouded in pure mystery and secrecy. Only the initiated devotee’s of these Irunmole can know them at depth.

Orisa were once human beings but through their extraordinary works and activities in the physical plane or aye akamara they turned into great messengers of God and they were later revered and adored by the people. This actually led to deification, immortality and worship by people throughout the world till today. Most of these orisas include:

Osun inu ibu or yeye osun yengeye. She represents inner power, beauty, energy, dominion and attractions. Osun is also known as the manly woman because of her courageousnes, bravery, fearlessness and fierceness in protecting the right and privileges of all, especially those of women and children. Osun is also an expert interpreter of the cowrie shell oracle. Osun was a wife of Orunmila and is an expert in Ifa.

Sango olukoso akasa yeriyeri oko oya. Ina loju ina lenu . The king of Oyo. He represents human transformation into larger than life entity.

Ewa. One of the greatest and favorite wives of Sango the King of Oyo Alaafin. She represents beauty, courage and the ability to win in all competitive steps.

Aasa is another reputable wife of the great King of Oyo. She represents simplicity, attention and dynamic power.

Osossi is the first hunter and reputable wise, and faithful follower and friend of Ogun Onire. He represents wisdom, cunning, understanding and hunting power of man in creation. He knows the trials of life and how to walk among them. He is a master tracker and hunter. He represents honor, integrity, diligence, hardworking and extraordinary intelligence.

There are many others. In the next installment or part I will write some more of Irunmole. I will also discuss the mysteries of Odu.

ALAFIA, Olayinka Babatunde Ogunshina Adewuyi

A Powerful IFA Prayer

Aboru Aboye.

This is a simple, beautiful and powerful Ifa prayer. I will surely memorize this supplication. It is full of deep meaning and esoteric wisdom. This iwure resonates deeply within me. Ifa and my own life experiences has previously made known to me they we can convert poison into medicine. We are able to gain and manifest power of the soul through the ‘poisons’ of adversity, trials, opposition, temptation and challenge. From these poisons we should not run from. We should utilize them to convert them until medicine and longetivity by overcoming, persevering and prevailing against them. Just like the medicine which cures us from the venom of the snake is made from the same poisonous venom in like manner we can gauge virtue, spiritual power and divine radiance by courageously confronting and sublimating these poisons into life giving medicines. There is so much meaning and application that can be unpacked and brought out from this single prayer of Ejiogbe. Whoever fervently recites this prayer will be surrounded by and filled with the light of Ifa. There is deep power, meaning and grace in this prayer. I particularly appreciate the symbolic meaning of the igbi bin laboriously and perseveringly moving through the rough grains of sand and ‘eating, the poison like sand yet gaining strength, resilience and longevity as a product of its effort, exercise and determination to keep moving against the bothersome, cumbersome and irritating resistance. This prayer on the surface looks like a simple poetic analogy but us in fact permeated with many divine lights, powers and truths. Ifa is truly astounding in how it communicates its sacred meaning, power and benefit. The words of this simple but profound prayer was arranged by a masterful and holy seer, sage and priest. Simply beautiful and unassumingly powerful.

The verse under ejiogbe or ogbe meji:

Orunmila koo fi yedenu
Koo fi de kun
Ko fi yede gbogbo ara
Ifa koo seti were
Orunmila koo ro wale aye
Ki o jebo nan I fin
Ko o je ru o da
Ifa jee a saye re
Ki ire yi o dode orun gbure gbure bayi ifa

A difa fun igbin nla ti o jele ti o ni ku
Igbin jele , omo awo
Igbin jele e si ku mo
Igbin jele omo awo
Jee won gbo
Ki won to bayi ifa

Translation under ejiogbe
Orunmila calmly hear our supplications
Merciful accepts our prayers
Compassionayely receive our desire
Give full attention to our request
Orunmila we ask you to descend on Earth
Accept our sacrifice
Grant our desire and needs
Grant us happiness in life
Let our prayer ascend to the highest heaven
Thus declare ifa to the Giant Snail
Anything you eat , even the sand of the Earth
Shall make you live long

Devotees and disciples of ifa are Giant Snail with absolute patient to live long
That eat poison and live long
Bless all good and faithful devotees with long life , sound health and victory
Ase

Aalafia.

Laziness Is Incompatible With A Spiritual Life Power. Laziness And Isese Cannot Live Together.

Author of the text: Mark Casillas, one of our members from North America

Ela ‘boru.

Ela ‘boye.

Ela ‘bosise.

Lazy people waste away their time of endeavor and hence they do not succeed anywhere. They get disappointment everywhere. They blame everything and everyone for their failures except themselves. Lazy people refuse to take responsibility for their own lives and decisions, and because of this, they resign themsleves to live off the scraps of the fruits of other people’s efforts and labors. Olodumare has created man for doing honorable labor, for satisfying endeavor and beneficial deeds by which he can grow in the path of virtue, duty, honor, fulfillment and wisdom. Both applied effort (labor) and self-sacrifice are required for whatever work that is done by man. Personal involvement, dedication and total immersion (engrossment) in what is good, useful and needful are forms of sacrifice (ebo). Any work is succesful due to them only. Self-mastery, acquisition of divine power and noble character cannot be had without labor, self-sacrifice, continual learning, effort and endeavor. Like the sun we should be bright and persevering in our divine trajectory without swaying from the path of good, beneficial and constructive deeds. We should never give up or despair, no matter what types of challenges, adversities and obstacles present themselves.

But today laziness has taken a severe hold of many among mankind. The thinking of many today is distorted. Some people erroneously and foolishly reason that if Olodumare wants them to have or achieve something they will have it, without any labor, self-sacrifice, dedication, hard work and commitment on their part! Can you believe that many subscribe to this kind of mind sickening, soul self-defeating and spirit dishonoring mentality?! This type of soul (life) killing fatalism is regrettable. It is a philosophy born from the heart of lazy people who want to do nothing, but yet want to have, enjoy and possess!! Instead of dedication to study, applied practice and reflection, they sheepishly (lazily and stupidly) convince themselves that all that there is to do is for them to sit home quietly and ask favors from the Orisa!! They forget that they themselves have given birth to their present situation or predicament, that they are the creators of their own destiny. To save themselves from any genuine labor, they have invented many excuses, and then they want to justify their useless and parasitic manner of living and get satisfaction by blaming their failures on destiny (fate)! Hence they get disappointments only. In truth, when a person with resoluteness strives diligently then adverse situations become favorable. Oledumare also helps the man who applies himself to helping himself, and then failure is changed (transformed) to success. Lazy people are quite willing to receive and benefit from the hard work, sacrifices and preparation of others but they themselves don’t want to move a finger. Let such people continue to suffer until their self created suffering, dissatisfaction and afflictions wake them up from the sleep of indifference in which they are in. There is a saying that says, ‘More lazy than the upper jaw!’ Lazy people want things around them to miraculously conform to their ceaseless wants and desires, but they themselves do not to include and involve themselves in the activities leading to progress, satisfaction, prosperity and self-respect. They do not want to be active participants in their own happiness, success and prosperity. It goes without saying that laziness is a great enemy of endeavor.

Laziness is incompatible with the spiritual life, laziness is incompatible with living a truly realized human life. It is a big obstacle in mankind’s progress and causes maximum harm to life’s values. A lazy person robs and shames himself, his family and community. Even Orisa feel embarrassed and ashamed to look upon a lazy person. A lazy person can expect to receive nothing from the Orisa. A lazy person goes on avoiding useful, necessary and constructive work, and this habit makes him gradually incapable, useless and helpless, which leads to self created disappointment, anger, wrong doing and frustration. Because of this self created disappointment, anger and frustration, the person’s ability of discernment (intelligence) is diminished (destroyed) and the person loses his daring and courage to struggle against difficulties. Whatever abilities this person had earlier, also diminishes and is finally destroyed. The person wishes to do something, but do to laziness is not able to do anything. The person does not develop the enthusiasm to translate his thoughts into action. Such lazy people do not know how to take advantage of favorable and ideal circumstances to win in life and thrive, on the contrary they reluctantly take action only when life’s circumstances and external pressures obligate them. A lazy person is a directionless person, lacking a sense of meaning, purpose and dignity. Being pushed and pulled by the waves and tides of life without an aim or purpose to fulfill, how can one be happy, fulfilled and satisfied? One has to have a measure of determination, fervor (intense desire), practical knowledge and control of ones life, with a clear and specific sense of what it is that ones is going to pursue and achieve and how one is going to achieve it. Success is achieved by those who cast away their laziness and become ready, full of energy and make good use of their time and do not waste their time in useless talking. Action rules the day!

Show me an Orisa who is lazy and I will show you an Orisa who does not exist any longer and who has lost all influence and power. Nobody remembers, honors or petitions lazy Orisa. There cannot be a lazy Orisa. Orisa are dynamic, active, purposeful, ever expanding, growing and alive!!! One becomes an Orisa through gradual, continual and progressive training, discipline and effort. Those who wish their own benefit, and desire to enjoy good repute, respect, honor and justified acknowledgement must pull out the evil of laziness by its roots and throw it away, and go on working diligently with confidence and minimal talking. Only with that type of commitment and demeanor is the desired reward, aim and objective possible. Only by sustained effort can prosperity, wisdom, virtue and godly power be achieved. No ebo, no offering, no rite, no ritual, no sacred chant, no elder, no sage, no seer, no priest, no man of wisdom and power and no orisa can help a person who is determined to lead a lazy, useless, meaningless and parasitic life.

The magic, ase, grace, power and wonder of life is received and realized through persistent effort, renewed dedication and courageous determination. Power, authority, influence and energy is reserved for the diligent, industrious, serviceable, honorable and courageous. Divine ase is for those who delight in and glory in intelligent effort, work and service. Why give power, energy, influence and authority to a lazy, lethargic, useless and parasitic person. To the one who diligently and honorable exercises the powers, abilities, virtues and intelligence he has, Olodumare increases his capacity and willingness to recieve more ability, virtue, intelligence, and power and fills him accordingly. This is the law of life, the law of nature, of the Orisa, of OLODUMARE. Olodumare is the Supreme God of Dynamic strength, virtue and power. Olodumare Himself has no needs, neither is He obligated by anything or anyone yet even He is always engaged in useful, loving, wise and continual activity and service to His creation. We ask so much from Olodumare, from the Orisa but what do we give and offer them in return for the many, great and wonderful things we ask and expect of them? Will they be content, satisfied and happy with an offering of fruits, vegetables or a sacrificial offering?! We want to carry our laziness over in our service to Olodumare and the Orisa and attempt to gain their favor through bribery and insincerity. Noble, loving, sincere, honest and truthful actions alone will satisfy the heart of Olodumare and the Orisa. Only divine, clean, noble and truthful effort, action and industry will satisfy our hearts. Nothing less and nothing more.

Ela moyin aboru.

Ela moyin aboye.

Ela moyin abosise.

The Power Of Self Confidence

Author of the text: Mark Casillas, one of our members from North America

Aboru Aboye.

Profound is the power of your self confidence. Nobody can crush your determination. When even big obstacles of the size of mountains cannot obstruct your path, what is the significance of ordinary obstacles? You are more powerful than even the sun! The biggest power in the world is the power of the soul, which arouses the dormant powers of man and brings out the extra-sensory capacity by developing it, and it gives the capacity for increasing material prosperity. All the activities for the life by obtaining the means for facilities and for their proper planning are carried out with the soul’s powers (spiritual powers). The capacity for work for personal benefit and for the benefit of others is obtained by our intellect. But with the strength of the spirit, such profoundness is possible, by which not only personal, but the entire world’s upliftment becomes possible. A person who lacks spiritual strength cannot experience happiness even though he has all the material means. But if a person becomes rich with spiritual strength, that person achieves divine (heavenly) bliss (happiness) in this life itself and by constantly establishing oneness with Olodumare (God) constantly moves towards the real objective of life. Normally with external vision we believe this body to be, the be-all and end-all, but our life is created within the body by the the life-force (breath of life) of Elemi (the supreme life giver) from which arises the mind, the intelligence and the subtle layers of the soul. The soul is part and parcel of Enitolodu (the supreme cause, source and center of all things). The soul, being qualitatively one with Edumare (the supreme creator), is always trying, striving and longing to move closer, towards the Supreme. The sublime power (ase) which Olodumare the Creator of the cosmos (universe) has for Himself, the same power is within us (because Olodumare in the form of Ori is within us). Self-confidence is nothing but having faith (trust and confidence) in this fact. Once a person is filled with glorious self-confidence and makes a decision or determination, then no power on earth can sway him.

Obatala was able to accept and discharge the extraordinary divine mission to create, sustain and expand the creation, form mankind and set an example of humility, godliness, kingship, service, inner strength, dignity and integrity on the profound strength of self-confidence. Ogun the guardian of truth, defender of justice and vanquisher of deliberate law breakers and evil-doers was able to fight injustice and overcome the enemies of the people and of progress through the power of self-confidence. Though greatly misunderstood, Ogun was persevering and relentless in the accomplishment of his divine mission and task and paid no attention to the comments and opinions of many people who could not understand and see things from the superior and comprehensive perspective of Ogun. This Ogun achieved through the marvellous power of self confidence. Through the power of self-confidence Orunmila was able, upon receiving the ase of divine wisdom, to officiate as a humble and exemplary sage, seer, prophet, revelator and counselor to divine personalities and human beings. Through the power of self-confidence Orisa Ogboni established law, order and balance in ancient times when chaos, disorder and lawlessness was prevailing upon the earth. Never forget that self confidence means knowing that the same power of the Creator lies within us. All the achievements of man in the present times are the result of his firm will and tremendous will-power. Man has climbed to the top of precarious and awe inspiring mountains,man flies through the air in machines, is making discoveries at the bottom of the seas and in all fields of knowledge both material and spiritual,–all this is a miracle only of the profound power of self-confidence, enthusiasm, patience and perseverence. When mankind knows itself truly then it truly knows Olodumare, who is the God of supreme confidence. Olodumare is the primordial and eternal energy of Faith, Confidence, Trust and Power. When we know Olodamare then we know ourselves and the glory of our station, dignity and privilege as children of the Source Supreme. When mankind forgets or ignores its spiritual source and foundation then does suffering and dissatisfaction ensue. Instead of attempting to find the ultimate truth of life, mankind often seeks comfort in transitory, meaningless recreations and unsatisfying vanities which diminishes the divine power of self-confidence. The real path for recognizing the tremendous power of our soul and by its energy increase happiness and prosperity of the self, as well as the world, is by total faith in Olodumare’s supremacy and authority. Once when this faith becomes firm within us can we always get the personal abiding experience that Eledaa (God our Creator) is truly and literally dwelling within our soul. His presence empowers us and automatically goes on inspiring us towards good actions, good words and good thoughts. Our power of creativity and intelligence becomes increasingly increased and enhanced by our living awareness of the divine presence which fills us with a self-confidence which cannot be defeated or overturned. Olodumare’s authority is nothing but the strength of the soul or will power. With faith, trust and confidence our spiritual life becomes succesful, meaningful and satisfying.

Aboru Aboye.

Quality not quantity. Devotion and love and not rote ritual and mechanical rites.

Author of the text: Mark Casillas, one of our members from North America

Aboru Aboye.

Iba Olodumare.

Today I would like us to consider the value and importance of quality, genuine devotion and heart felt dedication in our service to the orisa.

Why do we choose to become devoted to or dedicated to certain orisa? Why do we receive their sacred icons, emblems and ase? Why do we aspire for priesthood? Why do we invest our time, resources and hearts in pursuit of the mysteries of the orisa? These are important, penetrating and revealing questions that each one must endeavor to honestly answer for themselves. What are you seeking for and looking for in your association with the orisa? Are your hopes legimitate? Is your faith sound and genuine, or do you have an aberrant and counterfeit faith? Are your expectations well founded or are you pursuing unrealistic and unrealizable expectations from either people or the orisa?

Some people come to orisa to pursue genuine spirituality and to partake of divine grace, wisdom and power to improve their own lives, realize their humanity and to genuinely assist others along these same lines without a calculating spirit, bartering disposition or selfish motives.

Some come to orisa for less than honorable purposes, they come seeking an occasion to promote their vanity, pride and delusions of grandeur etc etc. They want to lord it over others and become petty gods on this sacred earth. They shamefully come to attempt to turn the holy path of the orisa into a commercial enterprise. Such ones come to something good and noble but for the wrong reasons or aims.

Others come out of curiosity, they come in a spirit of honest search, inquiry and investigation. Irrespective of how and why they come, the orisa in good faith receive them with love, hope and a vision of noble prospects.

You see, the orisa are not suspicious by nature or petty. They see the hidden good in all and the treasure of divine potential in all. The orisa will always endeavor to elevate and transform the hearts and minds of the devotee’s, irrespective of their initial reason or reasons for coming to the orisa. How wonderful, great, noble and farsighted are the orisa. This being said, let us continue on to consider the importance of quality versus quantity in our walk of friendship with the orisa. Let us consider the vital importance of cultivating and having genuine awe, love and reverence for the orisa. It is awe, love and reverence that bonds the affections of the orisa to us and us to the orisa. Awe, love, gratitude and reverence are the sum, substance and vital power of rites, ceremonies and rituals. If there is no genuine affinity with the orisa permeated by authentic awe, love and reverence, our rites, ceremonies and rituals will be no more than powerless theatrical performances that will fail to receive the response, power and grace of the orisa.

Today in the orisa community a spirit of superficiality, decadence, irreverence and loss of moral-spiritual values has crept in, ruining the faith, corrupting the spiritual lives, devotion and priesthood of countless devotee’s. Many devotee’s have been led away into wrongful paths by unwise and immature leaders, priests and elders who do not have the best interest of their students at heart or that of the orisa. To them the path of orisa is a commercial enterprise or an avenue to inflate their pride and vanity and to attempt to cover over or hide from others the fact that they are spiritually-morally ignorant and bankrupt. Such ones have nothing of true and enduring value to give to others. Many noble and genuine student-devotee’s of the orisa are seeking not only for the divine and beautiful truths of their faith, but also seeking to find the genuine representatives and embodiments of the principles of Ifa, of Orisa, of Isese. To such ones I say: Do not allow yourselves to become discouraged and do not lose hope. Determine to be such a stalwart, bonafide and staunch devotee of the divine orisa and their ideals. Many people think that if they just fill their homes with many kinds of orisa shrines, icons and so forth, all will be well, blessings, peace, health and power will be forthcoming. Is this true? No it is not. Many are in a mad rush to get this initiation, that initiation, this empowerment, that empowerment, this orisa, that orisa, on and on and on. They do this thinking that by increasing quantity of all of these realities, their lives will be fulfilled, filled with peace and power. Are they really happy? Are they fulfilled? Do they wield in any discernible measure divine power? No. Can an extinguished fire give light and heat? No it cannot. Have they gained the qualifications to exercise and be recipients of the grace of the orisa by all of these dizzying activities?! No, they have not and will not, until they determine to follow the path of quality and affinity with the moral-spiritual requirements of Ifa, of the Orisa. Until genuine interest in true devotion, awe, love and reverence arises in their hearts, they will always be driven by pride, vanity, pettiness, jealousy, delusions of grandeur and illusions of having a non-existent power and authority. They will always find themselves dissatisfied with themselves and empty of any genuine divine content. They are spiritually hungry, thirsty and starving. Like the leech, they only know how to receive and take but have no true willingness to impart and give. From such people steer away.

Do not allow even the shadow of such people to touch you. It is far better to be dedicated wholehearted to just one orisa who inspires confidence, awe, devotion and reverence than to have many kinds of orisa shrines and icons and so forth, but no genuine understanding of what ones true aims are and how to achieve them. It is better to become proficient and artful in the ways of ones chosen orisa, than to have many accumulations of ritual and ceremonial items and not truly know what one is doing and why. I want to encourage and inspire all orisa devotee’s to live a life of genuine quality. If you are a devotee of Obatala then enthusiastically learn all that there is to learn about Orisanla, incorporate his teachings, character and example in your life. The same is true of any other orisa with whom you have a deep and genuine loving affinity with. Let us not miss the mark by living superficial and distracted lives. Let us develop deep, meaningful and satisfying friendships and relationships with our orisa. Let us seek out genuine and honest people within our community to associate with and learn from, while endeavoring to be in our own lives, character and bearing, men and woman of sterling character, who delight to embody and display truthfulness and dignity in all we do. Life is a precious from Olodumare to you. Do not squander your life, gifts, talents and divine affinities in things petty, superficial and ignoble. Learn from others. Learn from the good actions of others. Learn from the bad actions of others. Make the best of your devotion. May the best of your initiation. Walk your path with courage, dignity, truthfulness and honesty. Be a light in this world. Be a living hope and comfort in this age of restlessness, anxiety, superficiality and deceit.

May the light and truth of Ifa burn brightly in your hearts, illuminating your minds and enriching your lives. May Ela Asiwaju enliven and invigorate you through these lofty thoughts and considerations. Ase.

May divine earth mother Onile Ogboduora, upon whom we walk, live and thrive, be witness to the truths you have this day considered and by her blessings may you be empowered to tread the path of truth, love, courage patience and good character with consistency and reliability. May she bear witness to your conscience, your determination and resolve. Ase.

Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun.

STAY ENCOURAGED AND NEVER LOSE HOPE

Aboru Aboye.

Do not think or worry about who is on your side or who is not on your side while going about your service to Olodumare and Ifa. Just think about how and in what wonderful way the ase of Olodumare Enitolaaye will manifest in your life. Give space, time and occasion for the divine guiding power to manifest. When you do all things with care, love, respect, truthfulness and honesty Olodumare takes personal and direct charge of all your affairs and causes all your doings to bring forth abundant and satisfying fruit. Do not worry yourself as to how, when and where the divine ase will manifest itself in your life. Do not see any secondary causes in your life just acknowledge and see Olodumare alone, the supreme controller, master and guide of all things. Do not consider people, places and things as the directors or determiners of your life…above all and behind all, see the gracious and loving hand of Olodumare at work in you and in your life to bring to accomplishment, peace and prosperity.

Just be at peace and know with unshakeable and unwavering assurance that the divine ase will unfailingly manifest. Deepen your trust in Olodumare and let your actions be the expression of the flow of the gracefulness, pure energy and invigorating power of Eledumare. Do your best in all things, be inwardly still, tranquil and at peace. Exert yourself diligently as if all depended upon you but know in your heart that all manifests due to ase, grace and presence of Olodumare.

Do not consider your actions and endeavors as something separate from the actions and endeavors of Olodumare. Affirm and recognize your essential and qualitative oneness with the Source Supreme. Olodumare’s actioning is your actioning. Your actions are Olodumare’s actions. May you be comforted, strengthened and empowered by these truths. You need not know how, when or where the relief and aid will come from. Why trouble yourself with what is not necessary when you can be at peace through the power of faith, trust and confidence in the Divine leading you. Having entrusting your situation, dilemma, problem or concern to Olodumare know that the answer and solution is in route and will reach you at the best and most propitious time.

You are perfection in the making. All precious, shining, resplendent and finely faceted diamonds start off as a dark pieces of charcoal but through the divinely established process of programmed tensions, pressures and stressors it emerges a transformed and beautiful peerless, translucent and luminous gem. Delight in your trials, glory in your challenges and thrive in your moments of adversity because that means that at any moment the mystic, pure and holy gem within you is soon to emerge and be revealed, your true divine identity is to be manifested. Do not exasperate yourself. Practice patience, gentleness and kindness towards yourself. You will attain and obtain benefit and advancement beyond your personal hope and expectation of this there is no doubt.

Alafia.