Afarabale: The Acme of Excellence

Of tactical positions, Sun Tzu says: 

To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common herd is not the acme of excellence. Neither is it the acme of excellence if you fight and conquer and the whole Empire says, "Well done!" To lift an autumn hair is no sign of great strength; to see the sun and moon is no sign of sharp sight; to hear the noise of thunder is no sign of a quick ear. What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins, but excels in winning with ease. Hence his victories bring him neither reputation for wisdom nor credit for courage. He wins his battles by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated. Hence the skillful fighter puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible, and does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy. Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory. The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success. 

Collective Greatness
Afarabale is self discipline. It encapsulates self control, composure, gait, manners, diplomacy, “an authority that emanates from an undisturbed calm.” Afarabale is an organizing principle of the Orisa Lifestyle Academy because it is only by being well-seated in this sanctuary of undisturbed calm that one can pay proper attention to all the elements of life and understand their symbiotic relationships. Historically, we have defined our relationships according to the most superficial and short term indicators. In doing so, we have ignored the fundamental relationship between economics and exploitation. 

1. Group Economics: Cultivate local business and industry. 
2. Volunteerism: Lobbyists and constituencies influence policy. 
3. Civic Engagement: Protect your interests by influencing every level of local law enforcement. 
4. Media: Control the message. Out of 12,000 radio stations, only 80 are owned by African Americans.

The Orisa Lifestyle Academy is dedicated to organizing 1 million volunteers who will use service, volunteerism and civic action to build truly excellent communities in every city in the United States of America. Live the medicine! 

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