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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2015 | Orisa Lifestyle Academy | Oakland, CA
African Spirituality in the WestAnnouncing a rich compilation of West African Teachings
In this, his fourth publication, Obafemi Origunwa shares a collection of political, psychological, spiritual and cultural teachings, based primarily upon the sacred texts of Ifa, Yoruba proverbs and oríkì (praise poetry) drawn from the classical period of Yoruba civilization. Classical Yoruba civilization is characterized by a dazzling array of indigenous knowledge. At times, infinitely complex and other times, patently simple, the teachings to be gleaned from Yoruba traditional wisdom provide timeless instruction, especially for contemporary, urban Africans living in diaspora. In his insightful compilation, Origunwa serves up an assortment of finely distilled anecdotes, invocations and essays that reveal the inspiration and wisdom of Yoruba tradition.
The text is organized in a random arrangement, which lends itself to unrestricted access to the teachings. This is not a book to read cover to cover. Instead, Live the Medicine is best used as a source of daily inspiration to be shared with friends and family alike. In keeping with Origunwa's treatment of other West African cultures, like the Ehve, the Fon, as well as the Brazilians and Cubans, his focus here remains squarly on the Yoruba, which is the most celebrated and studied civilization on the Continent. Most importantly, for the first time ever, readers will be invited to enjoy the mythological and psychological symbols embedded into Yoruba sacred text. Live the Medicine illustrates the principles of human development and transformation, which are seldom addressed by priests or practitioners. Considerable attention is given to the cultural, political and historical context for Yoruba social institutions, like kingship, family management and priesthood. Readers will appreciate this 440 page combination of proverbs, praise poetry, mythological stories and their deepest philosophical implications. |
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