The Eighth Truth of Ifa: We are part of the Universe in a literal,
not just a figurative way! Part I
November 2019
Homage To The One Who Sends and to those who are sent! Homage to Orisa and Egun!
Ifokanbale Omo Orisa! Peace of Mind from Olodumare Children of Orisa!
Ire ati Ayo!
Good Tidings and Joyfulness!
I honor your gods, I drink from your wells, I bring an undefended heart to our meeting place. I have no cherished outcomes, I will not negotiate by withholding, and I am not subject to disappointment. I am here! And They are all here with me! Ase! Ase! Ase!
Lord of my Ancestors, I have no knowledge except that which is given to me through inspiration, that which is sent to me by way of an angel, and that which I am blessed to acquire by way of some discipline. I thank you for guiding my words, my thoughts, and my actions so that all that I say and do may serve to point the seekers in the right direction. Ase! Ase! Ase!
Thank you for visiting our website and for reading our blog! We pray you find some of what you are seeking to remember.
In the beginning there was nothing but the Ase, the Black Material of the Darkness from which all things come. It first manifested sentience (Consciousness) and the Ase became self-aware, Olodumare. From this beginning all things have come into existence according to a plan. That plan and the laws that govern it are essentially the same for all things – interconnectedness, interrelatedness, and interdependence. There is nothing that stands alone or that exists outside of the Consciousness of Olodumare, Orisun (Source). And there is nothing self-limiting in the nature of Orisun (Source).
Remember, when we discussed Truth (5) - You should grow and obtain wisdom during your life process! That was back in July 2019. In that Post we stated: ‘As we grow and obtain wisdom, our perceptions and interpretations of our experiences, our reactions or responses to those experiences, and the stories we tell ourselves about the choices we have made all change. We change! The chemistry of our Ara Ojubo (Body Temple) changes, our Ase Ami (unique Energy Signature) changes, and we become a new and evolving being in the L’oja (marketplace).
This Fifth Truth points to the ‘process and ceremony’ each of us must go through in order to claim our birthright. The L’oja does not squander its abundance. It challenges the weak and lazy! The L’oja supports life and growth! In order to claim our birthright we must demonstrate that we also support life. That requires learning and striving to master the Spiritual Laws of the L’oja.’
This present Truth of Ifa under consideration calls us to grow into the wisdom of the Universal Law of Isopo (Connectivity). This post is intended to facilitate that process of growth in each of us. Why? Because as we have discussed in a previous Post in this series, Na Wa (Expansion) is also a Universal Law that governs everything, including our journey in the L’oja (marketplace). Ifa does not limit our pursuit of knowledge and wisdom in the L’oja. It in fact encourages it. Ifa does not say, ‘Oh, don’t look over there, or don’t consider that idea.’ No! Ifa says, ‘Follow the guidance of your Spiritual Ori and if in doubt, turn to Orunmila and the process of Ifa Divination to assist you in hearing and understanding the guidance that your own Spiritual Ori is sending to you (your physical Ori). Let’s start this discussion with a quote from a metaphysical and spiritual resource called The Mystical Qabalah.
‘No student will ever make any progress in spiritual development who flits from system to system; first using some New Thought affirmations, then some Yoga breathing-exercises and meditation-postures, and following these by an attempt at the mystical methods of prayer. Each of these systems has its value, but that value can only be realized if the system is carried out in its entirety. They are the calisthenics of consciousness, and aim at gradually developing the powers of the mind. The value does not lie in the prescribed exercises as ends in themselves, but in the powers that will be developed if they are persevered with.'
In Ifa we say, ‘Awe ati ebo ni muni ri bi Orisa!’ (Fasting and rituals transform us into the image of Orisa!) Clearly, fasting for a few days or a week and then abandoning the practice will not bring about the desired and intended results. There is something that will happen to the body, mind, and spirit over the course of a persistent practice of intermittent fasting. Likewise, knowing our Crowning Orisa is not sufficient and brings us little benefit unless we seek to understand the characteristics of the Orisa, remember the locus of that Orisa’s Ase Ami (Energy Signature) within ourselves, and interact with the Sentient Energies that the names points us too. Further, it benefits us little to believe that our Egun (Ancestors) continue to live after their transition from the L’oja, but fail to seek their assistance or even acknowledge their ongoing presence in our daily lives. The experience of knowledge sought after, and then applied, is the birthplace process of wisdom.
Continuing from The Mystical Qabalah: ‘If we intend to take our occult studies seriously and make of them anything more than desultory light reading, we must choose our system and carry it out faithfully until we arrive, if not at its ultimate goal, at any rate at definite practical results and a permanent enhancement of consciousness. After this has been achieved we may, not without advantage, experiment with the methods that have been developed upon other Paths, and build up an eclectic technique and philosophy therefrom; but the student who sets out to be an eclectic before he has made himself an expert will never be anything more than a dabbler.’
To be continued:
I hope you will reflect on this message and share your comments and questions with me for our future Posts on this and other topics.
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If you would like to donate to any of the annual Festivals or to any of the Ifa Temples, Shrines, School, Electronic Communications Center Initiative, or general funds, please contact me by email and I will provide you with the bank transfer information so that you can make your donation directly and securely.
Karl Stone Art Collection
Another way that you can support the activities of the Ifa Community is by purchasing something from the Karl Stone Art Collection. These Art pieces make beautiful additions to your home decorations, and great gifts for special occasions. A portion of your purchase will be donated to the Isoro Traditional Council of Chiefs in Ile-Ife and a portion to Ile Awo Orisa. (View Art)
Modupe! Thank You!
Aajiirebi! May the Unblemished Cloth of Orunmila Continue to cloth us with the Wisdom Of the Here and the Hereafter!
Ase! Ase! Ase!
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Ki Olodumare, Orisa, ati Egun fifun e ni Itona, Imoye, ati Opo Ire!
My Olodumare, Orisa, and Ancestors bestow on you Guidance, Wisdom, and Abundant Blessings!
