 What happens when you discover that your best isn't good enough? Many years ago, I was a tutor at a San Francisco high school where I had honor roll students who were reading on a 5th grade level and doing 4th grade math. Read that again.
Around the same time that I was tutoring I was also a student of Ifa. This was in the beginning of our exposure to the West African tradition and the overwhelming majority... like 99% of the leadership had spiritual houses, filled with godchildren, but could not recite a single verse of ANYTHING... not an oriki, not a verse of Erindinlogun, not a verse of Ifa. Their understanding of Yoruba theology was almost entirely based upon anecdotes, opinions and concepts they borrowed from other spiritual traditions. Read that again. Most - not all - of these people were what I would call decorated underachievers. They were like big fish in a small pond. More importantly, when faced with the true assessment of their knowledge, skill and ability, most people go into strict denial. They would rather practice willful ignorance than rebuild a solid foundation. And while the priests and priestesses in question are all well into their 60's by now, they have spawned a legacy of ignorance that is unmistakable today. Our tradition is overrun with people who have stockpiled beads, pots and titles but have never actually been subjected to direct instruction. Without a clear understanding of what the practice truly consists of, too many of today's seekers are still confused about the differences between having an opinion and knowing the tradition. Read that again. Ultimately, the trend of underachievement amongst Orisa devotees must be squarely addressed and corrected. Get trained! In the School of Orisa Studies, there are five things EVERY devotee must master: 1. Worship calendar 2. Ijuba 3. Oriki Esu, Egungun, Ori, Ifa 4. Dida Obi 5. Offering omi, oti, obi, orogbo, epo Key word, MASTER. Not exposure or familiarity, but MASTERY. Mastery dispels superstition in the same way that light casts out darkness. The Holy Odu OturuponOwonrin says; "When we awaken in the morning, we should teach one another wisdom and not lay the foundation for foolishness. When we have a problem, we should consult one another and then, if we cannot find a suitable solution, we should turn to our ikin..." It means that we are obliged to learn and now lead one another astray. Similarly, the Holy Odu OkanranOyeku goes on to say; "Praises of Ifa do not let us know Ifa Praises of Opele do not let us understand Opele" It means that your love of the tradition is not a substitute for actual training and education. I am looking for LEADERS who are committed to changing the world through positive influence. Is that you? If so, find out how Obafemi Origunwa and the Orisa Lifestyle Academy can take your practice and your life to the next level. Learn more: CLICK HERE |
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