Knowledge, Wisdom & Prosperity

The poor, righteous teacher is an archetype that is important to our consciousness. In life, the man who renounces the world in favor of wisdom is revered and held in high esteem. Ifa is filled with teachings about the importance of renunciation. In the Holy Odu ObaraIrosun, Obatala advises his three travel companions not to interrupt their journey in search of money. 

At the same time, the archetype of the hard working, skilled expert is also very important. A man who has paid his dues and mastered his craft deserves to be paid accordingly. Consequently, Ifa provides numerous examples of why we must adhere to the law of proper compensation. In the Holy Odu IkaObara, Orunmila is advised to study Ifa so that he might prosper: 

Let a Babalawo study Ifa extensively
To the point where he will be wealthy
Let an Herbalist study medicines extensively
To the point where he will be prosperous
Ifa’s messages for Orunmila
When he was advised to study the Ifa which brings prosperity
And those which bring all ire of life
He was advised to sacrifice
He complied
Those who are wicked
They will die a wicked and painful death
Mine is the Ifa which brings prosperity
- Holy Odu IkaObara

And so, it is safe to say that Orisa Lifestyle teaches devotees to seek a healthy balance between renunciation and compensation. Generally speaking, our approach is to suffer in the beginning of any endeavor so that you might prosper in the end. There are many verses of Ifa what make the formula very plain. Principal among them are the teachings of the Holy Odu OgbeIwori, one verse of which tells of Yodungbeyin (it-shall-be-sweet-in-the-end):

If you are denied your rightful share
Do not let it perturb you at all
Whatever an awo will consume
Will never be scarce at the feet of Ifa
This was Ifa's teaching to Yodungbeyin (it-shall-be-sweet-in-the-end)
The first child of Ewuro (bitter leaf)
When he was in the midst of misery and want
He was advised to sacrifice
- Holy Odu OgbeIwori

Yodungbeyin suffered in the early stages of his work, but through continued discipline, combined with sacrifice, he was able to reap the benefits of his labor. In the end - as his name implies - Yodungbeyin prospered greatly.  Here, it is important to emphasize the significance of sacrifice, both in terms of ritual offerings and personal compromise. 

Yodungbeyin started off working hard. He sacrificed his own comfort in order to become more proficient and to produce higher quality work. When he became impatient with the process, he went to consult Ifa, at which point he was advised to add a ritual sacrifice to his habit of hard work. Yodungbeyin was told that eventually, all of his efforts would yield prosperity for him. He complied and it was just as Ifa predicted. In the end, Yodungbeyin became a very important person in his community. 

And so it is, as you mature in your practice, you grow to appreciate the positive effects of studying in the beginning. The elders say, It is in poverty that a boy learns Ifa but it is in prosperity that he enjoys old age. 

The Orisa Lifestyle Academy is dedicated to supporting our students at every stage of learning and development. We offer instruction in ritual proficiency, analysis of the sacred text, as well as instruction in applying the teachings to the students' everyday lives. We do all these things in an effort to protect you from the pitfalls of poor training. The archetype of the over-ambitious novice features quite highly in Yoruba thought as well. As such, there are numerous verses that teach about the consequences of refusing proper training. Let us revisit the Holy Odu IkaObara, for example:
 
Ika is the Awo of Olujolu
And Olobara is the Awo of Olujosi
The Lucky one is the one given the title of Opara in Ido land
Ifa’s messages for the Youth of Ijero land
He who uses his mouth as going to call on war (against himself)
He was advised to sacrifice
I intended to call for Igun, Vulture
And not Ogun, war and uprising
Please do not carry sheaths
Do not look for arrows
What I intended to call for is Vulture
And not war and uprising!
-Holy Odu IkaObara

Here, the Youth of Ijero accidentally invoked a war upon themselves. They mispronounced an incantation by saying Ogun in stead of Igun. As you might imagine, the results were less than desirable. Nowadays, we hear new reports of well-intentioned, but inexperienced, practitioners who put the cart before the horse and try to practice things they have not been trained to do. But if you are unwilling to suffer in the beginning so that you might learn properly, then you will invariably suffer in the end for you lack of proper training and education. 

Learn more about the learning opportunities available at the Orisa Lifestyle Academy.

LEARN MORE