DISCIPLINE – Page 2 – AYE AKAMARA

The Essence of Faith

A THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATION FOR TODAY:

Simply by memorising the words and teachings of Ifa and transmitting them to other people like you were a tape recorder or a parrot you will never illuminate others. Unless the person who preaches embodies in himself broad life experience and true understanding and the people who come in context with are naturally influenced and enlightened (awakened), his teaching cannot be true teaching.

The full power of Ifa will not manifest in and through a person until such person makes of Ifa principles and practice the center and anchor of his life. The spirit and manner of Ifa has to be his all and everything. This divine spirit has to be assimilated by a spirit of personal and spontaneous self-initiative. The spirit, presence and power of Ifa will come and manifest in our lives without solicitation when we determine to establish ourselves in a mind that is pure and innocent and when our pursuit of truth, honesty and goodness is dauntless and heroic. Even we were to wholeheartedly devote ourselves to cultivating Ifa consciousness (Ifayelele) in our lives, thoughts, conduct and behaviour we would know the fullness of the ase and truth of Olodumare. Know that because we are the literal children of Edumare we can all experience and abide in the spirit of serenity, innocence, joy and peace. While entrusting ourselves to Ifa-Olodumare we must as the same time be resourceful and push forward by virtue of our determined efforts, otherwise we will not truly advance, grow and mature.

When we have no faith we tend to depend solely on our efforts and strength and when our faith is shallow we are liable to rely on relief, aid and salvation from without. We cannot expect to attain perfect faith from the beginning. IT is only by undergoing, confronting and experiencing many mental-emotional trials can be acquire an unassailable faith. Never lose hope. If we simply have the determined and fervent aspiration to approach Olodumare and receive His light. Olodumare will naturally protect us, guide us and lead us in the right direction. Do not forget that being thankful or appreciative is the first and most important step in approaching Olodumare and the Irunmole/Orisa. Being grateful and joyful at all times is the essence of faith. We must look upon everything brightly, as Olodumare’s benevolence.

We must be deeply grateful for all things in the universe. If we come to understand this from the depths of our hearts, then we will be unable to injure anything or anyone. We will learn to make the best use of everything. Still, being human, we are apt to have our attention caught by selfish interests and end up forgetting to show gratitude and appreciation for all the things in the universe. When ones spirit resides in the divine realm of Ile Ase (House or Realm of command, authority and power), everything around us appears benevolent. As long as one thinks ill of people, curses and despises others then no matter how great ones talents, strength, authority or fame may be, on no account can ones spirit dwell in the divine condition of Ifayelele.

God bless you all,
Olayinka Babatunde Ogunsina Adewuyi

When We Encounter Difficulties

From one of our members from North America

When we encounter difficulties and failure and we are overwhelmed by frustration and despair, they are all telling us:

“Return to Ifa-Olodumare.”

When our trust has been betrayed or our love fulfilled, they are telling us;

“Return to Ifa-Olodumare.”

When we begin to feel that life is meaningless, empty or pointless these feelings are telling us:

“Return to Ifa-Olodumare. There can be no genuine satisfaction, peace and purpose in life without the loving presence and guiding influence of Ifa-Olodumare.”

When we see that we are losing our bearings and moral compass in life this awareness is communicating to us:

“Return to Father Ifa-Olodumare and Mother Isese. Return home where you are loved and at peace. Return home where you are safe and protected. Return to Ifa-Olodumare.”

Alafia, Olayinka Babatunde Ogunsina Adewuyi

Why Do We Need Sacrifice – PART 2

Ebo or what we call sacrifices are fundamental tools to induce heavenly or spiritual action and benefits to our lives. The second reason we offer Ebo is to send messages to the unknown and we call Ebo a great messenger of word and action. Sacrifice carries a lot of messages from the doer to the spiritual point of manifestation and bring back a message of victory, success, happiness and harmony back to us.

Sacrifice go beyond physical realm to meet with the spiritual host of heaven and bring back the messages of light. Love and wisdom to the doer. We read from ifa verses where most divinities sent. Message to heaven to induce total freedom from sickness, death and negative vibrations of all forms. Orunmila use sacrificial step to wrestle the life of his son from the hand of Iku, one of the agent of ajogun orun (that is death , the agents of the punitive knight of heavenly doom).

According to ifa verse under ode iwori

Ese ifa labe ose iwori

Ose papa bi oko

Iwori jowolo bii radun

A difa fun orunmila

Yoo raan akirinbiti Ebo lo si Ajule orun nitori omo re

Ebo mo gbogbe o jiyin

Akirinbiti

Mo mo gbagbe o jiyin

Akirinbiti

Boo ba dorun too ba ti jiyin aje

Ka raje rere Ni

Akirinbiti

Mo mo gbagbe o jiyin

Translation

Ose papa bi oko

Iwori jowolo bii radun

Cast divination for orunmila

He would send a breakthrough sacrifice to heaven for the sake of his child

My sacrifice do not forget to deliver my message

Akirinbiti

Do not forget to deliver my message

Akirinbiti

When you reach Heaven deliver my message of wealth

Let us have good wealth to pocket

Akirinbiti

Do not forget to deliver my message of victory

Akirinbiti

It should be noted and realised that a particular Ebo is an arrangement and presentation of many articles as specified by the particular verse or verses of ifa as chanted by babalawo or ifa priest to the client or devotee in question. It is the natural force of this article that ifa priest would combine based on the instruction of ifa verse for the spiritual message to be delivered to Heaven. The content of the sacrifice must be the favourite foods or articles of the deities or divinities whose blessing or favour are or is being sought. At time taboo may be suggested by ifa oracle to trigger quick action of such deities if divinities. The taboo wake deities up to their full responsibility, but it must done under discipline and experience ifa priest so as not to backfire .

Hence Ebos are messengers .

Alafia

The Divine Truth Of Moral-Spiritual Progression

Long life and good health to you by the blessings of Iworiwofun. Ase.

The authentic devotee of Ifa is easily identified by his or her moral-spiritual transformation. Ifa comes into our lives to bestow divine grace, peace, resolve, meaning, intelligence, inner strength, purity and love. These divine blessings and powerful endowments are given to us to enable and embolden us in our effort to pursue and gain Ifayelele (divine awakening, harmony and moral-spiritual-emotional-intellectual maturity). The [true] follower of Ifa can be discerned by the efforts he or she makes to uproot unwholesome tendencies and habits and replace them with divine Kand wholesome habits. The enlightened Ifa devotee is never content with his or her present moral-spiritual level but is always laboring, pressing forward and exerting himself or herself to acquire new moral-spiritual terrain (continual inner growth, virtue, understanding and purer love). An Ifa devotee delights to strive and attain ever increasing and higher levels of divine grace, sanctity, purity, character, wisdom and power. To remain stagnant or stationary in ones moral-spiritual unfoldment is to retrogress and lose spiritual ground. A river that somehow or other becomes stationary or stagnant soon becomes the breeding ground of weakness, illness, stench and death but a dynamic ever flowing river maintains tenacity, health, sweetness and vitality. Continual advancement and unceasing joyous effort is the clarion call of Ifa to its initiates. Until we reach the state or condition of non-retrogression (firm, solid, stable, unwavering, abiding and consistent moral-spiritual maturity) there will always be the risk, chance or possibility of losing what level of moral-spiritual advancement we have made due to negligence, complacency, lack of perseverence and strong determination. Only when we run the race legitimately and cross the finish line can we be considered true (spiritual) athletes, winners, champions, warriors and masters (masters of our own self, not other people). The mature and illuminated devotee understands that to continually grow morally and spiritually is the root, foundation and aim of all Ifa studies and practices. This spiritual process of growth and development cannot be had by proxy. Inner growth and development is obtained by personal determined effort, continual engagement, honest self-analysis and consistent exercise. No one can give you their well and hard earned intellectual-spiritual divine capacities, intelligence, character, gracefulness and inner spiritual powers. These things cannot be bought or sold or simply given. They must be earned and acquired through personal consistent study, continual reflection and patient practice. One must qualify to obtain them. Each one must do his or her own work. Moral-Spiritual progress is the continual fruit of diligence, hard work, self determination and personal conviction. Divine grace empower us and Divine Wisdom informs us but we must do the work. There are no short cuts and no possibility of skipping steps or side stepping divinely arranged lessons.

Ifa shows us the path to follow and walk upon. Ifa gives us the just measure of instruction and provides us with provisions (diverse kinds of ase) for the long journey but we ourselves must perseveringly, patiently and determinedly walk the path from its beginning to its ends by the strength and power of continual self-initiative. Ifa will walk with you but will not carry you on his shoulders and do your necessary work for you. Ifa has one part and you have the other. You work together. Your personal effort, consecration, sustained enthusiasm, self-renewing initiative, thoughtfulness and participation is essential. This is why there is no need and no point to be made in comparing oneself to others. You do not know and cannot know the inner life, spiritual history and trajectory of anyone. You can only truly know and discern your own. We are all on our own unique and individual path.You alone are responsible for your moral-spiritual progress. You alone are responsible for your lack of moral-spiritual progress. You alone carry the responsibility to promote your own spiritual well being, health and happiness. Other qualifed, empowered and mature people can help but the responsibility rests upon you. It is your choice whether you will progress or not. It is your practiced determination which will advance you forward. It is your choice and action that determines what kind of person you are and will become. Yours alone. Imitating others on their personal spiritual path will not help you. You have to find, discover and discern your own spiritual path and follow it irrespective of whether others approve of it or not and irrespective of whether you will be accompanied by others or not. No person can limit you except yourself. The greater your personal aspiration, inspiration, ideal and insight, the more you can and will attain if you so choose to actively pursue YOUR DIVINE IDEAL. One of the greatest secrets or greatest spiritual discoveries that all sincere aspirants eventually make is: That all times, situations and/or circumstances are ideal, just right and perfect to make genuine progress and to acquire purity (singularity of purpose), understanding, virtue, divine power and deep wisdom. It is not our environment or circumstances that determines who we are and what we can and will become. It is our attitude, disposition, personal chosen outlook, determination and quality of personal self-confidence that determines our inner and outer achievements and success.

Olodumare created us with the power of will and the ability to think and choose the path we will follow. Our will, choices and actions determine whether we are living our lives with a progressive mentality or a retarding (retrograde) mentality. Olodumare has given us the power of self-dominance if we choose to exert it or we can relegate ourselves to the self imposed status of victims of circumstance. Do not victimize yourself and subject yourself to self-pity which is nothing more than a subtle manifestation of selfishness and laxity. Be strong. Be resilient. Know and honor your true divine pedigree and identity! We are not strong or weak by artifice. We are strong or weak by our own will and choice. By our own will we decide if we are going to be determined, persevering and enthusiastic or not. Through self dominance we have grace,wisdom and power to master the negative and destructive emotions that arise within us. These negative, destructive potentialities and defilements that arise within us are represented by Oyeku. We are able to receive the light, love, power and life of Olodumare within us as represented by Ogbe. This principle of moral agency, choice and self-determination is seen in Holy Odu Ifa Ogunda Meji:

‘The Core Of The Tree Does Not Call For Water (was the name of the awo) who consulted Ifa for, When All Men Will Give Account In Heaven (before Olodumare).

‘If it is good you do then continue to do good. If you engage in evil deeds immediately desist from them because the hand will speak (reveal your actions) and the leg will give account (will reveal your activities).

‘You will account (before Olodumare) for ALL YOUR DEEDS which you practiced on earth.’

Holy Odu Ifa Otua Aira:

‘It is what Ifa expects of us that we should say. Let us speak (and practice) the truth.

‘It is he that speaks (and practices) the truth that Olodumare will uphold. Let us speak (and do) the truth.

‘It is he that speaks (and practices) the truth that Irunmole will uphold.

‘It is he that speaks (practices) the truth that the Earth will uphold.

Holy Odu Ogunda-Bede

‘Falsehood will cause the death of a liar.

‘Treachery will cause the death of the deceitful one.

‘Whatever we choose to do, even if it is beneath the earths surface (hidden from people) the (limitless) eyes of Olodumare will see them all.

‘These were Ifa’s declaration to he who stole at midnight and said the kings of the earth would not see him.

‘Even if earthly kings (human authorities and agencies) do not see you the eyes of Olodumare are surely watching you.

Holy Odu Oyeku Ofun:

‘Honest people are rare. Good people are rarer still. Ifa sees the intentions of the heart. Those who practice what is good, Olodumare knows who they are.

We have been endowed by Olodumare to a remarkable degree with the ability to choose our course in this world and the quality and kind of person we will be. The essential and fundamental nature of human beings is Ogbe (light, clarity, increase, progress, fluidity and life). But in His wisdom Olodumare has provisionally introduced the training element of Oyeku (darkness, unclarity, decrease, decline, resistance and death) as a sort of spiritual weight or sparring (training) partner so that we can exercise, develop and strengthen our moral-spiritual muscles and our intellectual-intuitive faculties. Through the interaction and interplay of Ogbe and Oyeku moral agency, choice, satisfying selection, achievement and intelligent effort is made possible. Through the interaction and interplay of the Ogbe and Oyeku principles the arena is set for the will to be able to exercise, develop and realize itself.

So, who are you? You are what you pursue, practice and associate with inwardly and outwardly. You are your cultivated and nurtured affinities. Our fundamental nature or essence by creation is Ogbe. This means that the root, core and foundation of our being is of the essence of actual fundamental and potential goodness. While our inner essence is goodness itself this goodness means nothing if it is not challenged, cultivated, tested or proved and intentionally appreciated and desired. You have to want to be and actually be, by your own decisions, thoughts, choices and actions, demonstrably good. It is a fact that from apple seeds new apple trees are born and from the trees new apple fruits are obtained. But if this seed is not cared for, protected, watered and nourished it will not even become a young creeper much less a fruit bearing tree. Not only the seed but the soil upon which it grows must be prepared. Weeds, stones, fungus and harmful insects must be continuously removed. Even the the tree grows and matures it has to be pruned so as to ensure future productivity. The apples you eat do not reach you by chance or accident. Someone intentionally took care of the soil, of the seed, of the tree, nurtured and cultivated it. In like manner you have to intentionally and responsibly nurture and cultivate your innate fundamental Ogbe nature. It needs to be said the Oyeku is not our enemy but a veiled friend. Oyeku can seem like a harsh and hard taskmaster but this is not the case. The heart of Oyeku is pure compassion. Oyeku holds out noble prospects for you but these must be worked for and earned. Oyeku comes along aside us and within us to challenge us and offer us countless opportunities and occasions for moral-spiritual growth. When we at

times feel the sting of Oyeku is only because we are looking away and drifting away from Ogbe. Oyeku is the strict and unwavering disciplinarian who trains us up and leads us to true freedom. The freedom of being mature, enlightened, disciplined and responsible people. Without enlisting the support of Oyeku, Ogbe cannot fulfil its task in regard to our moral-spiritual and emotional-intellectual training, development and education.

The manifestations of Oyeku like adversity, challenges, stressful situations and difficulties are for our ultimate good. It is not the fact of adversity, challenges, stressful situations and difficulties which injures us but it is our attitude, outlook and response to these that determines whether we gain benefit and advancement or experience loss and decline in our moral-spiritual development. These training partners reveal to us who we presently are and where we are in our spiritual unfoldment. They don’t make us who we are. We choose who and how we are by our attitudes and responses towards life challenges as well as by our developing perception of our own selves.

Moral-spiritual unfoldment is not glamorous or flashy. In fact one will experience many dry seasons and seemingly unfruitful seasons in ones spiritual career of divine ascent. To achieve deep inner transformation, divine gracefulness and god-like character is a work in progress which requires steady commitment, patience and perseverance especially during the dry and seamingly uneventful seasons. Steer away from superficiality and superficial (morally-spiritually uncultivated) people. Steer away from attitudes of laxity, complacency and laziness. Don’t try to jump steps or side step necessary lessons. Don’t fall into the contemporary practice of being a jack of all trades but a master of none. Honor your life and calling. Resist the urge to be impulsive and the habit of being a people pleaser. Stop jumping here and there and develop strong, firm and deep spiritual roots. You lament and wish there were more real and genuine spiritual devotee’s. Well become one. Be one. Achieve this for your own advancement and for the benefit of those who are seeking for the truth and its genuine representatives. Do not complain, bicker or lament but instead take steps to elevate your life condition above that which is mediocre, superficial (fake), insubstantial and unsatisfactory. No one can give you that status and inner condition. You have to develop it, work it in and cultivate it in the laboratory of your own life over many days, weeks and years. You will experience and have many highs and lows, ups and downs, and many moments of ecstasy and tears in relation to your moral-spiritual progress and development. This is a normal occurence but you have to be persevering and look to the finality of your struggles and challenges. You have to recall what it is that you are working towards. A divine quality of life has to be cultivated, divinely appropriated and earned otherwise it would hold no true meaning or value. You have to earn it, work for it, to have a right to it. Don’t look at others but instead look at yourself and what you are or are not doing with your life, privileges and opportunities. Don’t spend your time and energy assessing and criticizing others instead fairly assess yourself and honestly criticize yourself constructively. Ifa put before you two choices. You can choose the way of the genuine, honest and diligent aspirant (awo) or you can choose the path of the hypocrite (double minded), zig-zagging (unstable) and willfully uninformed (ogberi). The choice is yours alone to make. Do not blame others or find fault with others for your choices and decisions. Allow no one to take advantage of you but also ensure you do not take advantage of anyone. Do not ask or expect from others what you do not ask or expect from yourself. Do not make demands on others to practice and do what you yourself neglect to practice and do. You can only give what you have. You can only suggest and ask others to do and practice the principles of truth and noble character only if you have been firmly established in it for some considerable and observable time. Your words will lack moral-spiritual power, authority, healing gracefulness and uplifting potency if you are not a well cultivated embodiment of those moral-spiritual principles. Minimize the need for excessive verbosity and convince and win others over by the power of your actions, behavior, attitude and conduct. How can you teach others if you have not taught yourself? How can you offer others a hope and standard that you do not have for yourself? This is the teaching and standard of Ifa.

Ela ‘boru.

Ela ‘boye.

Ela ‘bosise.

Oracle Or Divination?

Blessings of long life and prosperity to you by the unfailing and efficacious blessings of Iworiwofun. Ase.

Today I would like us to briefly consider the interesting subject of Ifa in its aspect as a divinely authorized system imbued with divine life and intelligence and through which we can obtain clear, precise, specific, personal, insightful and pragmatic instructions from Olodumare which has a verifiable and significant bearing upon our lives in such a revelatory (personal) manner that there is no doubt that the Divine Olodumare is revealing things to us in a personal, astounding and lofty way through Ifa.

In common usage today the word ‘divination’, is the word used to describe the process of consulting Ifa-Olodumare. Is this word correct? Is Ifa a ‘divination’ system? Well, it all depends on your personal understanding of the exact meaning of the word divination. Personally I do not agree that Ifa is a ‘divinatory system’ and that the word ‘divination’ is the right, correct and/or accurate word to use when referring to consulting the guidance, wisdom and power of Olodumare through Orunmila (IFA). I will share my views and thoughts with you as to why I uphold my perspective and I’ll leave it up to you to make up your own mind whether ‘divination’ is the right word to use when we are referring to consulting Ifa.

That the mechanics by which we obtain Odu Ifa and that other procedural processes of Ifa consultation are orderly and systematic no one can doubt. Something being orderly and systematic is one thing and something being ‘divinatory’ is another thing altogether.

The word divination in the English language implies a process by which to arrive at answers via a method or system based mostly on probability, relative and limited capacity of intuition and/or guesswork. In others words, in ‘divination’ there is an element of uncertainty, possibility of error and incompleteness. Personally I would not want to make any real life decisions and choices based on any kind of ‘divination’ or ‘divination system’ because those systems operate on the principle of probability, relative and untrained limited intuition, and/or guesswork. Something can be probable but that doesn’t mean that it is true. Someone can make a very good, educated and intelligent guess and still be very wrong about something. A person can intuit something and discover that his or her intuition was wrong, unreliable and inconsistent.

It is truth, reality, actuality that we want; clear, realistic, accurate and verifiable truth is what we are seeking. This desired level of knowledge, understanding and wisdom or truth can only come from a Perfect Divine Source and cannot be the handiwork of probability, guesswork, and/or incomplete and narrow personal experiences nor the product of finite human intelligence and relative intuitional ability. Divination is not a sure and reliable thing. Divination guarantees nothing. At best it is a refined way of guessing, affirming what one already knows or hoping something is so. To make choices and decisions that are going to have real consequences and repercussions based on ‘divination’ i.e. hopeful guesswork, mere probability and an uninformed, untrained and unguided intuition does not seem to me to be an intelligent option, at least not for me.

Ifa does not operate like this and therefore the word ‘divination’ or ‘divination system’ is not the accurate terminology to capture and express Ifa and its sacred methodology of divine procedence. This use of the word ‘divination’ or ‘divination system’ in relation to consulting Ifa and Orunmila has become so entrenched that only with great patience and accurate explanations can this misnomer be corrected and a more accurate and more becoming term be utilized.

If I am a Medical Doctor of Cardiology and you came to me to ascertain the nature of your particular and serious heart ailment, I am sure that you would run away as fast as your legs could carry you if I told you that I am going to ‘divinate’ to see what your heart problem is and whether heart surgery is the best option! You do not want me to ‘divinate’ i.e. guess anything. You came to consult with me so that I can tell you what I cent per cent ‘KNOW’ about your ailment and what real and effective treatments we could apply to treat and cure you. Well, when we come to Orunmila, we are coming to consult the expert doctor who knows. Orunmila will not be getting me to do anything if he is ‘divinating’ i.e. giving me his best guess. No way. Not ever. Orunmila is an educated, highly trained, superbly endowed expert in all matters relating to our lives by virtue of the blessings, guidance, preparation and training he received from OLODUMARE’S DIVINE UNIVERSITY OF UNIVERSAL WISDOM, DIVINE HEALING MEDICINE, COMPASSIONATE COUNSELING AND REAL PRACTICAL DIVINE TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS LEADING TO IMMEDIATE BENEFICIAL AND PERSONALLY VERIFIABLE RESULTS. ORUNMILA got his many PH.D.’s and DIVINE MEDICINE, DIVINE SCIENCE and PSYCHOLOGY High Degrees in Olodumare’s divine school of divine instruction and training for Irunmole. When you consult Divine Professor Ifa and Dr. Orunmila you can be sure you will be getting the precise diagnosis and most reliable, effective and beneficial treatment plan. No guesswork but true knowledge, understanding and wisdom, having its source and center in Olodumare and not the finite, unreliable and imperfect human intelligence. So, when you see your doctor, and he performs tests and then gives you the treatment plan with prescription medications, you do not say the Doctor ‘divinated’ these things for you, neither do you say that you ‘divined’ with your Doctor. You say you consulted your doctor who is competent and trustworthy due to his many years of study, training, understanding, experience and application. Am I correct? In like manner we consult Ifa through Orunmila.

Ifa is a Living Oracle and Oracular system which is not the same as saying ‘divination’ or ‘divination system’. It is not a game of symantics or word play. If words are going to hold a value and meaning for us that meaning must be clear, precise and accurate. Words are sound symbols for meanings and values. An Oracle on the other hand is a living intelligent divine agent that is immediately and directly communicating to us through some divinely authorized and established means. Ifa Priests are skilled, intelligent, well studied, well trained and divinely inspired (empowered) INTERPRETERS (Doctors) of the Divine Message which has been chosen and sent by Olodumare specifically to you, to bring remedy, solution and correction to your problem, situation and/or ailment. To call a Babalawo a ‘diviner’ is beneath his dignity and station as a servant of Olodumare, as a disciple of Orunmila and as an embodiment and living sanctuary of the Spirit of Limitless Light and Life i.e. Ifa.

When we approach an expert awo, we are not interested in his personal human opinions neither have we come to consult him per se. We have come to consult Olodumare (Ifa and Orunmila) through the mediatorship qualifications, divine grace and training of the bonafide awo.

Ancient awo who trained, learned and walked with Ifa and followed the teachings, example and instructions of Orunmila were seers, sages, saviours, visionaries, divine priests and prophets not mere ‘diviners’. There have been in recent past times and there are at present devotee’s of Ifa whose lives are so in keeping with the principles and divine pattern established by Ifa and Orunmila that without even casting Opele, Odu or utilizing Ikin they can speak with the clarity, specificity, depth, uncovering-revealing power, insightfulness and truthfulness of Ifa. These men were and are Ifa divine seers vested with power. In ancient times these divine, rare and spiritually cultured men were proudly known as oso. These divine men were held in great regard and esteem. This word ‘oso’ is also used today to refer to wizards or sorcerers but this valid word ‘oso’ is not just limited to these contemporary meanings of wizards or sorcerers. Divine men filled with the power and wisdom of Ifa were also called Oso (divine seers, sages- men of divine knowledge, power, charisma and influence). Over time many charlatans, miscreants, practioners of ignorant superstition, pseudo spirituality and pretenders corrupted the dignity, prestige and true meaning of the sacred word oso and the sacred order of oso which also referred to initiated men (awo) who were so in tune with and in harmony with Ifa and the manner of character and life of Orunmila that they could perceive, experience and relate things with a remarkable resemblance to the ways of the Irunmole. These men displayed gracefulness, power, respect inspiring character, charisma and deep wisdom in all they did. They were empowered to inspire and transform hearts and minds. But without going to far from the main topic perhaps at a later time we can consider that most interesting and important topic of divine oso (empowered divine seers) on another occasion.

To resume, Ifa is a divine, holy and omniscient guiding power which expresses and reveals itself, it’s wisdom, guidance, power and inspiration through the instrumentality of Awo, Sacred Methodology, Opele, Memorized Ifa Scripture, Ikin, Opon and Ibo. And especially through Irunmole Orunmila the divine prophet, seer and revelator who is one with the Ifa spirit of limitless light and life who guides all awo whether they are babalawo or not. Orunmila is able to appear and reveal himself and his mysteries to his devoted followers in many ways, when he deems it prudent and necessary to do so. I pray this message meets you well and encourages you to understand and appreciate Ifa on a more sublime and elevated level which Ifa and Orunmila deserve.

Ela ‘boru.

Ela ‘boye.

Ela ‘bosise

A guidance for good, healthy meaningful life.

Long life and good health to you by the blessings of Iworiwofun. Ase.

The authentic devotee of Ifa is easily identified by his or her moral-spiritual transformation. Ifa comes into our lives to bestow divine grace, peace, resolve, meaning, intelligence, inner strength, purity and love. These divine blessings and powerful endowments are given to us to enable and embolden us in our effort to pursue and gain Ifayelele (divine awakening, harmony and moral-spiritual-emotional-intellectual maturity). The [true] follower of Ifa can be discerned by the efforts he or she makes to uproot unwholesome tendencies and habits and replace them with divine qualities and wholesome habits. The enlightened Ifa devotee is never content with his or her present moral-spiritual level but is always laboring, pressing forward and exerting himself or herself to acquire new moral-spiritual terrain (continual inner growth, virtue, understanding and purer love). An Ifa devotee delights to strive and attain ever increasing and higher levels of divine grace, sanctity, purity, character, wisdom and power. To remain stagnant or stationary in ones moral-spiritual unfoldment is to retrogress and lose spiritual ground. A river that somehow or other becomes stationary or stagnant soon becomes the breeding ground of weakness, illness, stench and death but a dynamic ever flowing river maintains tenacity, health, sweetness and vitality. Continual advancement and unceasing joyous effort is the clarion call of Ifa to its initiates. Until we reach the state or condition of non-retrogression (firm, solid, stable, unwavering, abiding and consistent moral-spiritual maturity) there will always be the risk, chance or possibility of losing what level of moral-spiritual advancement we have made due to negligence, complacency, lack of perseverence and strong determination. Only when we run the race legitimately and cross the finish line can we be considered true (spiritual) athletes, winners, champions, warriors and masters (masters of our own self, not other people). The mature and illuminated devotee understands that to continually grow morally and spiritually is the root, foundation and aim of all Ifa studies and practices. This spiritual process of growth and development cannot be had by proxy. Inner growth and development is obtained by personal determined effort, continual engagement, honest self-analysis and consistent exercise. No one can give you their well and hard earned intellectual-spiritual divine capacities, intelligence, character, gracefulness and inner spiritual powers. These things cannot be bought or sold or simply given. They must be earned and acquired through personal consistent study, continual reflection and patient practice. One must qualify to obtain them. Each one must do his or her own work. Moral-Spiritual progress is the continual fruit of diligence, hard work, self determination and personal conviction. Divine grace empower us and Divine Wisdom informs us but we must do the work. There are no short cuts and no possibility of skipping steps or side stepping divinely arranged lessons.

‘The Core Of The Tree Does Not Call For Water (was the name of the awo) who consulted Ifa for, When All Men Will Give Account In Heaven (before Olodumare).

‘You will account (before Olodumare) for ALL YOUR DEEDS which you practiced on earth.’

Holy Odu Ifa Otua Aira:

‘It is what Ifa expects of us that we should say. Let us speak (and practice) the truth.

‘It is he that speaks (and practices) the truth that Olodumare will uphold. Let us speak (and do) the truth.

‘It is he that speaks (and practices) the truth that Irunmole will uphold.

‘It is he that speaks (practices) the truth that the Earth will uphold.

Holy Odu Ogunda-Bede

‘Falsehood will cause the death of a liar.

‘Treachery will cause the death of the deceitful one.

‘Whatever we choose to do, even if it is beneath the earths surface (hidden from people) the (limitless) eyes of Olodumare will see them all.

‘These were Ifa’s declaration to he who stole at midnight and said the kings of the earth would not see him.

‘Even if earthly kings (human authorities and agencies) do not see you the eyes of Olodumare are surely watching you.

Holy Odu Oyeku Ofun:

‘Honest people are rare. Good people are rarer still. Ifa sees the intentions of the heart. Those who practice what is good, Olodumare knows who they are.

Ela ‘boru.

Ela ‘boye.

Ela ‘bosise

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

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.

Examine Yourself

Try to examine your life through these four qualities of success and victory. Remember, every successful step needs your personal participation and effort.
Desire – the beginning of great personal achievement. You must really desire and want your goal by combining all energy needed to achieve the goal. Physical energy, spiritual, mental, divine and emotional energy are needed to be successful and victorious.
Decision – Always set or make a clear decision. Unclear decisions are enemies of progress. Make your decision unequivocal that you are going to practice these behavior and develop these habits no matter how long it takes.
Discipline – This is the greatest and the most important single quality of man who want to achieve greater successes and goals beyond the realm of mediocrity. With highly developed sense of personal discipline the world bow before you and the universe becomes your co worker in the vine yard and arena of greatness and blissful life and every things and all things are brought under the feet of a principle and discipline man and you become a good disciple of the creator of all things in the universe. Without discipline little or nothing can be achieved. Hence ensure high sense of discipline and mental control always. Nothing comes to your life without consciously or unconsciously manifesting in the mental state or planting the seed in the mental and spiritual arena. The disciplined man plants the seed of success first in his or her own mind and the universe respond to his or her desire and plantation. Learn to plant well and support it with effort and be discipline to see the fruit grows as both rain and sun equates the problem and success in the jungle of life to attain goals and generation blessings. Hence be disciplined to move forward in the face of challenges.
Determination – it is one of the greatest qualities that enables you to overcome all setbacks, disappointments, temporary failure and every setback life throws on your path. Never expect easy way to success and victory. Determination, dedication and persistence are the measure of belief and faith in God and yourself.
Live by faith, work like angel, think godly and act wisely.

It is well.

Mark of ODU IFA

One thing human beings do not realize is that we are all marked for progress, success, happiness and progress, and the UNIVERSAL VIBRATION also marks some individuas for destruction, losses, fear, worry, sickness, and failure called in IFA as AJOGUN ORUN (Ajogun orun are the forces responsible for losses, problem with justice, sorrow, diseases, illness , sickness and death ). Marks are the secret signs of OLODUMARE to identify who will be blessed and who are to be cursed. Marks are emblems of divine sign to separate the the chosen from the unchosen, the signs that differentiate the wise (awo) from the fool (ogberi). Likewise IFA marks, are the secret knowledge of ORUNMILA to identify problem, arising from earthly disorder and the heavenly punitive knights of doom.

IFA marks are mystical codes and divinie signs to gain freedom from evil vibration and to attract the attention of GOD and his numerous divinities and unknown deities in the cosmos, so that our happy lot can be preserved and our misfortune can be eradicated or eliminated with these marks if properly used and applied to deter problems. Hence, every IFA devotees and men of wisdom must learn the various sign or marks of each odu and use it to gain victory over Ajogun orun (punitive Knight of heavenly doom) and all earthly attack .

Use the sign or the mark at the first day of the week or the first day of the years, or the first hour of the day give you a great spiritual power and divine strength to attract the bundle of unseen divine power to whatever you do or think or perform that day, or that week or that year . IFA sayss, the marks attract and install positive vibration to your life and improve your relationship with GOD and his numerous messengers and your guiding divinity.

The marks are sign of harmony, peace and serenic atmosphere to bring into harmony or contact the seen and the unseen, the material and the ideal, the physical and the spiritual, the tangible and intanglibl , the higher force and the lower energy, there by creating a conducive and harmonious environment for the victory of the weak and the happiness of the superior.

The marks ensure that the tangible and the material or the seen are guarded and guided in the cosmos, tutored, protected and directed by the divinities responsible for the life victory and life success. The marks are also a medium to enable the wise one to pass through the jungle and fire of life without being hurt by the unseen forces of punitive knights of heavenly doom ( AJOGUN OR ALAJOGUN) – which is the power from the ether or the negative power from unknown that consumes and affects every life in the world.

The mark deter power of:

– Elenini (those that hate you for no just reason),

– Omo Araiye ( the witches and wizards of the world that are bend to destroy your fortune, if you are not intelligent enough to deter their forces through sound spiritual enlightenment),

– Aseni (the imperfect energies and the enemies within the family, or enemies that pretend to be friends that constantly disturb the peace of your life and the harmony of the member of the family and also the happiness and the success of the members of your group,

– Olori-kuku (the stubborn ones, if not curbed want to see that you are consumed by the negative forces of charms, rituals and sacrifices,

– Inunibini (the evil thoughts and constant evil thinking, doubt, anger that normally crop up in our hearts or the mind of evil thoughts affecting our progress, our success and attract other abundant evil thoughts from ether or world around to crash us or crash other whom we hold in our thoughts’)

– arogosajuologo (those that see your blessing before manifesting and have the power to influence your fortune and happiness and these power also force you to fight or betray your helper or your mentors).

IFA says: “Evil thoughts affect our progress and our destiny, our happiness, our success and establish a strong negative power in our environment. If not curbed it can be a destructive mechanism to tear away the family and caused a lot unreparable damages, not only to our lives but to our future generations.”

There is also ancestral curse (epe tabi eegun idile) which must be rectified through iwure (prayer), etutu (rituals), ebo (sacrifices), isese (traditional spiritual steps), itefa (initiation), isera (fasting), ohun (power of spiritual words), ogede owuro (early morning spiritual incantation), ikora-eni- ni-ijanu (discipline and self control) and iwa (sound moral or good character). Through daily use of the mark sign of odu odu proper things will change for the best.

We should always try to mark the sign to enable us get over evil thoughts, evil establishment, evil desire of others and evil manifestation from the ether.

The mark destroys the power outside home or fight on our behalf in the unseen world. The mark separates or demarcates our path and our ways from those who are mark for destruction. The odu mark is a mark of victory, a sign of success and also attraction to goodness from ether. The mark are touch of Divinity (OLODUMARE) and symbol of higher spiritual forces. IFA says it is a mark of life, victory and success.

This week , we shall mark Oyeku iwori to push us to the line of happiness, victory, success joy, strength, power, health, peace and harmony, the mark will also deter the power of envy, and jealous from others AGAINST us and from us to others or the mark deter destructive power within, that are responsible for our abitrary habits and character that are not conform to divine glory. The mark is as follows:

11—–11
1——11
1——11
11——11

When waking up in the morning or after midnight, mark the odu on IFA tray or white plate with one obi , orogbo , atare and cowries to trigger extra-ordinary forces of OLODUMARE and set on motion the power of all divinities, to take control of your life and the lives of those you love. The mark must be performed in fasting or before you eat very early in the morning . Never eat whenever you want to perform this kind of rituals, ensure that you are in a complete harmony devoid of food, water and sex.

Remember that IFA verse or prayer (most IFA verses are prayer to deter evil manifestation and to aid you to success) can be chanted in your local language.

may God bless you