Orisa Within Us
We are all part of the cosmic masterpiece, this is just a spec in the life and times of one of its colors….
IFA & Orunmila
All of this information was retrieved from: http://ifa-houseofwisdom.com/, all information is purely of the author, I take no credit.
IFA can simply be said to be the religion or divinity brought into the world by Orunmila. He is the custodian of the Deity, moral, economic, language, origin and metaphysical orders of the Yoruba culture, and of its believers throughout the world.
The basics involve the priest or the mediator called Babalawo or Balawo (elder in the priesthood order) who is consulted by clients for solutions to life’s numerous problems.
Ayo Salami – A complete IFA divination
IFA is an ancient monument where the Culture of the Yoruba people is encapsulated enthroned and entombed. It is much more than Geomancy in that it is not only divinatory, it also embodies the Beliefs, Religion, History, Sociology and Ecology of the people. It therefore diagnoses, treats, adjudicates, arbitrates, guides, advises, instructs, teaches, explains as well attempts to unravel the mystery of existence in this world.
Dr. A. A. Ekundayo – Spirituality and Mental Health (An IFA overview)
The author Bernard Maupoil quotes Bokono (Babalawo) Gedegbe at Abomey – one of the greatest Diviners in Abomey, whose reputation extended far and wide:
“All the Bokonon (Babalawos) try to define IFA/FA with pomp, each one looking for a definition that interests, and intrigues. But I, although I am a Bokono (Babalawo) shall not risk a definition! Only the miraculous nature that created IFA/FA can speak of it learnedly.”
The author continues: we maintain that IFA/FA specializes in the function of individual information. In principal, IFA/FA does not constitute for any one an offensive armed magic army that is put at the disposal of the diviners or their clients, and does not do good or bad. IFA/FA is impartial: He/It informs and his role stops there.
IFA does not judge. He/It is an instrument of information, attached to that which is asked of him/it. He/It does not carry judgments of reality. He/It ignores the legality and the judgments of men. IFA/FA is not the way some people think, amoral: He/It is divine and is not a natural force. He/It is the solicitude of the creator for his creation, exempt from the blind passion of the Orisa (mystical deities).
A good Babalawo is a servant of Orunmila who helps and assist clients in attaining their Highest Destiny. He is a well respected leader who is in touch with the material and spiritual. He is never in conflict with any other tradition or religions – indeed; his help is sought in many ways as his influence extends into all phases of life. He lives for one purpose only, to discover the will of Orunmila.
Who, or what, is a Babalawo?
A Babalawo is a sage or high priest, who is well versed in the rituals,
the lore and the history of the Yoruba Tradition/ Religion called IFA.
He has become a master in the Cabalistic and ritualistic aspects of IFA.
Babalawo (Baba-ni-Awo) means “Father in the knowledge of things
material and spiritual.”
The Cabalistic mastery makes the Babalawo a craftsman who has acquired the fine skills of the preparation of medications (curative, calming, preventive), some of which can be explained in western scientific terms. He also utilizes the power of invocation and evocation of spiritual forces to effect the expression of phenomena. He is therefore a redeemer from the Ajogun (evil forces of the material and spiritual systems).
In many IFA verses, the client is full of praise for his and her Babalawo after the feat has been performed. The Babalawo in turn then praises IFA who then in turn sings the praises of Olodumare (the Almighty).
In order to become a Babalawo, one needs to get initiated in to IFA and one needs to study with elders in order to get well versed in IFA.
The first step is to receive the Hand of IFA which will help you connect to the Ase (power) of Orunmila (Deity of Wisdom)/ IFA.
The second step is to go through Igboodu (the sacred Grove) which is the initiation into IFA. Here one receives the Ase from IFA, and also one is being guided how to work IFA for oneself, ones family and the community.
A good Babalawo is a servant of Orunmila who helps and assist clients in attaining their Highest Destiny. He is a well respected leader who is in touch with the material and spiritual. He is never in conflict with any other tradition or religions – indeed; his help is sought in many ways as his influence extends into all phases of life. He lives for one purose only, to discover the will of Orunmila.
Moreover, he himself lives in accordance with the beliefs of IFA and his manifest reverence and meticulous observance of its ritual constitute one of the strongest arguments against the charge of general dishonesty.
IFA Catechism
by
Oloye O.A. Fagbenro Beyioku of Blessed Memory
Q: Who is Olodumare?
A: Olodumare is the only God of the Universe, The Giver of Life, The ruler of Destiny, The Omniscient, The Omnipotent, The Alpha and The Omega.
Q: Who is Orunmila?
A: Orunmila is the same Olodumare as The Word, The Law Giver, The Rebounding Force and The God of the Universe.
Q: Was Orunmila born of flesh and blood?
A: No, Orunmila was not born of flesh and blood.
Q: How was Orunmila born?
A: Orunmila was not born. Orunmila is the same one God.
Q: Where is Orunmila?
A: Orunmila is in the Mystic Existence and Divinity of God. Everywhere.
Q: How is Orunmila known in relation to God?
A: Orunmila is known as Ebikeji Olodumare (Next in the Mystic Divine Entity of God).
Q: How is Orunmila known in relation to creation?
A: Orunmila is known as God Himself, His own Witness in Creation.
Q: Is Orunmilaism a religion?
A: Yes, Orunmilaism is a religion.
Q: Does Orunmilaism believe in God?
A: Yes, Orunmilaism believes in God.
Q: What is the difference between Orunmilaism and Paganism?
A: There is no comparison. Paganism is a concept which does not believe in God.
Q: What is the difference between Orunmilaism and other religion in Nigeria?
A: If this is in concept of Christianity and Islam, those two religions derive their origin and creed from Orunmilaism. The difference is in the interpretation of the creed, the rituals, the mode of worship, and the mode of the acceptance of the sacred obligation of sacrifice and propitiation.
Q: What does Orunmilaism believe should be man’s relationship with man?
A: Goodness. By every standard that that word connotes.
Q: What is the creed of Orunmilaism?
A: Orunmilaism believes in God. Orunmilaism believes in the Greatness and the Almightiness of God. It believes in the assumption of Attributes and names of God to fulfill His will. It believes in the descending of God into the the world as Orunmila, The Word, to set down doctrines and precepts for mankind. It believes in the Creative Force of God in the creation of the world and mankind and in Him as Orunmila witnessing Himself. It believes in Godliness, goodness and good deeds. It believes in sacrifice and propitiation. It believes in divination and propitiation. It believes in the eternity of the soul. It believes the soul is accountable to God for its deeds. It believes the flesh will receive blessings or punishments here on earth for all deeds. It believes in honor and due regard and respect and humble submission for parents and elders. It believes in the Catechism of the Creed.
Q: What does IFA embrace?
A: IFA embraces the Divine Utterances, divination, prognostication, propitiation, sacrifice, prayers, knowledge of God, knowledge of Life and other matters attendant upon the relationship of man with God. IFA is God in His Voice, His Decree, and His Utterances.
Q: Are sacrifice and Propitiation of any importance in Orunmilaism?
A: Yes, Sacrifice and Propitiation are of great importance in orunmilaism.
Q: Why is sacrifice and propitiation important in Orunmilaism?
A: Because they are ordained by God.
Q: Is human sacrifice part of the rituals in Orunmila worship, propitiation and sacrifice?
A: Orunmila Himself eschewed human sacrifice from worship, propitiation and sacrifice. It is therefore not part of any rituals in Orunmilaism.
Q: What is used to symbolize IFA?
A: The Ikin IFA.
Q: What is Ikin IFA?
A: The Nuts of the Divine Ope N’Fa.
Q: Is it the Nut that speaks?
A: No, the utterances are the voice of God.
Q: Who or what is Ela?
A: Ela is God, the Holy Breath, The Holy Spirit, the Divine Purity.
Q: Where is Ela?
A: Ela is within the Mystic Existence of God, God Himself – Everywhere.
Q: Do Orunmilarians worship woods and stones?
A: No, Orunmilarians do not worship woods and stones.
Q: Who do Orunmilarians worship?
A: Orunmilarians worship Orisa.
Q: Who is Orisa?
A: God is Orisa.
Q: Then Orunmilarians worship god?
A: Yes.
Q: Are the rituals of sacrifice and propitiation peculiar to Orunmilaism alone?
A: No, the rituals of sacrifice and propitiation are peculiar to every religion which believes in God. It depends upon the mode and form of the sacrifice and propitiation.
Q: You believe in Orunmila, you believe in God?
A: Yes.
Q: You worship Orunmila, you worship God?
A: Yes.
Q: You call upon Orunmila, you call upon God?
A: Yes, when you call upon Orunmila, you call upon God Olodumare.
- IFA is the Divine Message of Olodumare (Almighty) to mankind.
- IFA is the word of Olodumare.
- IFA transcends all the cultures and traditions of all things – man, animals, plants, rocks, water, wind and fire.
- IFA explains the basis for the existence of all things past, present and future.
- IFA prescribes the spiritual/physical solutions to all problems.
- IFA is the first, oldest and truest religion of mankind.
- Orunmila, harbinger of the divine message of Olodumare (IFA) is thus the first and truest guardian of universal secrets of existence.
- Orunmila, in all things spiritual and esoteric is the deputy of Olodumare.
- All Orisa worship and veneration are acceptable, provided they are subservient to the worship of Olodumare as outlined by IFA religion.
- No guidelines or signposts to salvation can lead to the path of divine truth except that outlined by Orunmila.
IFA can simply be said to be the religion or divinity brought into the world by Orunmila. He is the custodian of the Deity, moral, economic, language, origin and metaphysical orders of the Yoruba culture, and of its believers throughout the world.
The basics involve the priest or the mediator called Babalawo or Balawo (elder in the priesthood order) who is consulted by clients for solutions to life’s numerous problems.
Ayo Salami – A complete IFA divination
IFA is an ancient monument where the Culture of the Yoruba people is encapsulated enthroned and entombed. It is much more than Geomancy in that it is not only divinatory, it also embodies the Beliefs, Religion, History, Sociology and Ecology of the people. It therefore diagnoses, treats, adjudicates, arbitrates, guides, advises, instructs, teaches, explains as well attempts to unravel the mystery of existence in this world.
Dr. A. A. Ekundayo – Spirituality and Mental Health (An IFA overview)
The author Bernard Maupoil quotes Bokono (Babalawo) Gedegbe at Abomey – one of the greatest Diviners in Abomey, whose reputation extended far and wide:
“All the Bokonon (Babalawos) try to define IFA/FA with pomp, each one looking for a definition that interests, and intrigues. But I, although I am a Bokono (Babalawo) shall not risk a definition! Only the miraculous nature that created IFA/FA can speak of it learnedly.”
The author continues: we maintain that IFA/FA specializes in the function of individual information. In principal, IFA/FA does not constitute for any one an offensive armed magic army that is put at the disposal of the diviners or their clients, and does not do good or bad. IFA/FA is impartial: He/It informs and his role stops there.
IFA does not judge. He/It is an instrument of information, attached to that which is asked of him/it. He/It does not carry judgments of reality. He/It ignores the legality and the judgments of men. IFA/FA is not the way some people think, amoral: He/It is divine and is not a natural force. He/It is the solicitude of the creator for his creation, exempt from the blind passion of the Orisa (mystical deities).
A good Babalawo is a servant of Orunmila who helps and assist clients in attaining their Highest Destiny. He is a well respected leader who is in touch with the material and spiritual. He is never in conflict with any other tradition or religions – indeed; his help is sought in many ways as his influence extends into all phases of life. He lives for one purpose only, to discover the will of Orunmila.
Who, or what, is a Babalawo?
A Babalawo is a sage or high priest, who is well versed in the rituals,
the lore and the history of the Yoruba Tradition/ Religion called IFA.
He has become a master in the Cabalistic and ritualistic aspects of IFA.
Babalawo (Baba-ni-Awo) means “Father in the knowledge of things
material and spiritual.” The Cabalistic mastery makes the Babalawo a craftsman who has acquired the fine skills of the preparation of medications (curative, calming, preventive), some of which can be explained in western scientific terms. He also utilizes the power of invocation and evocation of spiritual forces to effect the expression of phenomena. He is therefore a redeemer from the Ajogun (evil forces of the material and spiritual systems).
In many IFA verses, the client is full of praise for his and her Babalawo after the feat has been performed. The Babalawo in turn then praises IFA who then in turn sings the praises of Olodumare (the Almighty).
In order to become a Babalawo, one needs to get initiated in to IFA and one needs to study with elders in order to get well versed in IFA.
The first step is to receive the Hand of IFA which will help you connect to the Ase (power) of Orunmila (Deity of Wisdom)/ IFA.
The second step is to go through Igboodu (the sacred Grove) which is the initiation into IFA. Here one receives the Ase from IFA, and also one is being guided how to work IFA for oneself, ones family and the community.
A good Babalawo is a servant of Orunmila who helps and assist clients in attaining their Highest Destiny. He is a well respected leader who is in touch with the material and spiritual. He is never in conflict with any other tradition or religions – indeed; his help is sought in many ways as his influence extends into all phases of life. He lives for one purose only, to discover the will of Orunmila.
Moreover, he himself lives in accordance with the beliefs of IFA and his manifest reverence and meticulous observance of its ritual constitute one of the strongest arguments against the charge of general dishonesty.
IFA Catechism
by
Oloye O.A. Fagbenro Beyioku of Blessed Memory
Q: Who is Olodumare?
A: Olodumare is the only God of the Universe, The Giver of Life, The ruler of Destiny, The Omniscient, The Omnipotent, The Alpha and The Omega.
Q: Who is Orunmila?
A: Orunmila is the same Olodumare as The Word, The Law Giver, The Rebounding Force and The God of the Universe.
Q: Was Orunmila born of flesh and blood?
A: No, Orunmila was not born of flesh and blood.
Q: How was Orunmila born?
A: Orunmila was not born. Orunmila is the same one God.
Q: Where is Orunmila?
A: Orunmila is in the Mystic Existence and Divinity of God. Everywhere.
Q: How is Orunmila known in relation to God?
A: Orunmila is known as Ebikeji Olodumare (Next in the Mystic Divine Entity of God).
Q: How is Orunmila known in relation to creation?
A: Orunmila is known as God Himself, His own Witness in Creation.
Q: Is Orunmilaism a religion?
A: Yes, Orunmilaism is a religion.
Q: Does Orunmilaism believe in God?
A: Yes, Orunmilaism believes in God.
Q: What is the difference between Orunmilaism and Paganism?
A: There is no comparison. Paganism is a concept which does not believe in God.
Q: What is the difference between Orunmilaism and other religion in Nigeria?
A: If this is in concept of Christianity and Islam, those two religions derive their origin and creed from Orunmilaism. The difference is in the interpretation of the creed, the rituals, the mode of worship, and the mode of the acceptance of the sacred obligation of sacrifice and propitiation.
Q: What does Orunmilaism believe should be man’s relationship with man?
A: Goodness. By every standard that that word connotes.
Q: What is the creed of Orunmilaism?
A: Orunmilaism believes in God. Orunmilaism believes in the Greatness and the Almightiness of God. It believes in the assumption of Attributes and names of God to fulfill His will. It believes in the descending of God into the the world as Orunmila, The Word, to set down doctrines and precepts for mankind. It believes in the Creative Force of God in the creation of the world and mankind and in Him as Orunmila witnessing Himself. It believes in Godliness, goodness and good deeds. It believes in sacrifice and propitiation. It believes in divination and propitiation. It believes in the eternity of the soul. It believes the soul is accountable to God for its deeds. It believes the flesh will receive blessings or punishments here on earth for all deeds. It believes in honor and due regard and respect and humble submission for parents and elders. It believes in the Catechism of the Creed.
Q: What does IFA embrace?
A: IFA embraces the Divine Utterances, divination, prognostication, propitiation, sacrifice, prayers, knowledge of God, knowledge of Life and other matters attendant upon the relationship of man with God. IFA is God in His Voice, His Decree, and His Utterances.
Q: Are sacrifice and Propitiation of any importance in Orunmilaism?
A: Yes, Sacrifice and Propitiation are of great importance in orunmilaism.
Q: Why is sacrifice and propitiation important in Orunmilaism?
A: Because they are ordained by God.
Q: Is human sacrifice part of the rituals in Orunmila worship, propitiation and sacrifice?
A: Orunmila Himself eschewed human sacrifice from worship, propitiation and sacrifice. It is therefore not part of any rituals in Orunmilaism.
Q: What is used to symbolize IFA?
A: The Ikin IFA.
Q: What is Ikin IFA?
A: The Nuts of the Divine Ope N’Fa.
Q: Is it the Nut that speaks?
A: No, the utterances are the voice of God.
Q: Who or what is Ela?
A: Ela is God, the Holy Breath, The Holy Spirit, the Divine Purity.
Q: Where is Ela?
A: Ela is within the Mystic Existence of God, God Himself – Everywhere.
Q: Do Orunmilarians worship woods and stones?
A: No, Orunmilarians do not worship woods and stones.
Q: Who do Orunmilarians worship?
A: Orunmilarians worship Orisa.
Q: Who is Orisa?
A: God is Orisa.
Q: Then Orunmilarians worship god?
A: Yes.
Q: Are the rituals of sacrifice and propitiation peculiar to Orunmilaism alone?
A: No, the rituals of sacrifice and propitiation are peculiar to every religion which believes in God. It depends upon the mode and form of the sacrifice and propitiation.
Q: You believe in Orunmila, you believe in God?
A: Yes.
Q: You worship Orunmila, you worship God?
A: Yes.
Q: You call upon Orunmila, you call upon God?
A: Yes, when you call upon Orunmila, you call upon God Olodumare.
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