Tag Archives: olodumare

Obatala_Obataasa

THE DIVINE KNOWLEDGE OF OBÀTÁLÁ AND THE TRUE GLORY OF A HUMAN BEING

Posted on
The divine knowledge of Obàtálá and the true glory of a human being: The necessity of [true] manhood [manliness]. Obàtálá the master of genuine manliness and perfection.
Aboru Aboye. Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun. Àse.
There are many benefits, gifts and endowments that we receive from Olódùmarè Agotun by the blessing [virtue] of just being born. Elevation of mind and noble character is not something though that we are born with. A mind of divine quality and a lofty character must be and can only be acquired through diligent [persevering] effort and the practice of patience. Why do we revere, honor, love and worship Orisaala? What is it about Orisanla that inspires confidence in us, that ennobles us, and fills us with great fondness and dignity? What it is that makes Obàtálá Obatasa Takun-takun so venerable, endearing and attractive?
Is it not the divine quality of his mind? Is it not because of his lofty and unequalled character, demeanor, conduct and behavior? Is it not be because of his attributes of fearlessness, holiness and selflessness? Who is like Obàtálá?! He is peerless in conduct and wisdom!
We too can transform and elevate our lives to a divine and lofty level, here-and-now, if we dedicate ourselves to acquiring divine character and holy thoughts.
When we consider Oba-Orisa Obàtálá there is one word that comes to mind: Dignity!
Dignity comes through the assimilation and practice of divine knowledge and unselfish lofty deeds carried out without arrogance, conceit and pretense.
Who is humble, courageous and guileless like Obàtálá? We too must cultivate and nurture humility, courage and guilelessness. Obàtálá is always appreciative and thankful for any sincere, loving and unselfish service or favor rendered to him, or performed in his name.  Obàtálá easily feels indebted to those who worship him by worshipping him with his own divine qualities. Obàtálá represents true manliness. Obàtálá demonstrates and reflects the highest and most pure dignity of a man like being a hard-worker [industrious], being friendly, displaying genuine brotherly love, doing everything with joy and enthusiasm, treating others with respect, fighting against injustice, being a follower [practitioner] of the code of morality [iwa-pele], being a keeper of ones word [vows, resolve and promises], being truthful [honest], and being a faithful [loyal] person.
How unmanly and shameful it for a man to always be whining, complaining and making excuses. How unmanly and shameful it is for a man to be lazy, to lack of motivation and to lack purpose. How unmanly and shameful it is for a man to behave like an immature child who always needs to be coddled and told what to do. How unmanly and shameful is it for a man to be passive and dependent upon others. How unmanly and shameful is it for a man to live an uninspiring, unremarkable  and unfruitful life [a life lacking in achievements and a life that has accomplished nothing worthwhile].
How much does our world and our Ifá-orisa community need real men, manly men, courageous men, valiant men, men possessed of character, virtue, patience, courage and endurance?! Our Ifá-orisa community and our world needs men who know how to shoulder responsibility and who know how to accomplish divinely assigned tasks. We need reliable, resilient and dependable men to help promote the advancement of world civilization and divine culture.
Such a divine man was and is Obàtálá, and such men must we not only desire and aspire to be, we must actually be such. Olódùmarè is not going to ‘magically’ make us such men. We have to want to be such, and we have to pursue, inculcate and master the divine discipline and science of Obàtálá. If we out of ignorance, immaturity and laziness refuse to accept the challenge of becoming divine human beings [true-men], then our minds will always be restless and our lives will never be truly fulfilled and accomplished. We will never know self-respect nor will others truly respect us.
We must learn to drive away selfishness, immaturity and pettiness from our lives and must learn how to practice genuine love, generosity and rectitude. We must put to the side the desire to be seen, acknowledged and applauded by others for our kindly acts of service and generosity. We must love to do what is right and just, simply out of love for justice and rectitude, and not for the purpose of being seen, acknowledged and applauded by others.
Obàtálá is the King, Leader and Head of all irunmole-orisa. He is truly deserving and worthy of being Oba-Orisa. Even though Obàtálá is such a great and extraordinary personality he is not ever swayed or filled with pride, conceit and pretense. He never feels like he is better or superior to others. He never gives the impression through his comportment that he is better or more deserving than others. Is this not the reason we love him so and are willing to do anything for him?! He treats all with dignity and respect. He relates to all with affection, sympathy and fondness. He inspires confidence and he reveals [displays] the content [essence] of true manliness. He is inflexible in the performance of his duties and he impartially upholds righteousness, law and order in his domain.
We too must adopt the outlook and manners of Obàtálá. He is Oba Iwa. We too must become masters and kings of good character, noble character and holy discipline. Obatala is no coward. He is the quintessential man. Valorous, courageous, brave and fearless. It is time to revive and restore the cult of divine manliness because without it all dignity, order, purpose, dignity, progress and uprightness will be lost. We must fight, defeat and overcome the inner and outer elenini and ajogun of avarice, arrogance, conceit, greed, anger, hate, deception and lust. We must resist all who promote injustice, disorder and malice with courage and determination. We must be gentle but firm. We must be kind, but not gullible and servile.
One who leads an honest life and is ever ready to assist and help those in need without showing off and singing his own praises, such a one leads a dignified life, a divine life, an Obàtálá life. The true knower and worshipper of Obàtálá is the one who delights and takes pride in one thing only: In cultivating, perfecting and exhibiting the godly qualities, and the auspicious symptoms of divine holiness, uprightness, integrity, courage, and devotion to what is right, proper and clean.
Is it by accident that Obàtálá sleeps in white, awakens in white and conducts all his affairs in white without ever becoming stained? No. It is no accident! Obàtálá is that way because that is the way that he chose to live and that he determined that he would live, irrespective of what others do or do not do. Obàtálá does not change his holy habits and endearing conduct, character and personality because others have changed their former good habits for bad habits. Obàtálá does not ever abandon his principles and ways, even if others abandon their previous good principles and ways. No wonder he is the great king, the true manly man, Olódùmarè’s much loved son, because he brings honor, delight, wholesome pride and good repute to his Oluwo and Baba, Olódùmarè.
To be a human and to be a man being means to be divine in thoughts, words and actions. To be human and to be a man means to be generous, kind, just, dependable, reliable, persevering, optimistic, industrious, honest, sincere, trust worthy and impartial. Anything less than this and we cease to be human even if physically we appear to be so. There are many cruel animals with human faces in the world! There are many human beings in name only. There are many men in name only but not in actuality. Let us be true and complete human beings and true men by following the science, example and ways of Obàtálá which reveal to us in a crystal clear fashion in what consists the true glory of a human being and the true glory of a man.
Eeepa Orisa! Orisa Eeepa!
“Orisa Eepaaaa, alaba lase, Obàtálá, obataasa oba tapa tapa ti n ba won gbe ode iranje, o ti iranje lo si iranje oko, iku Ike oro oko afin, oro ti n ba won te opa oje…..Eepaaaa Orisa!!!”
Aboru Aboye. Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun. Àse.
~ Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas /!!!\ A.O.M.C. /!!!\
what-is-IFA - ancestral pride temple

IFÁ MEANS FAMILY. IFÁ MEANS LOVING COMMUNITY. IFÁ MEANS YOU ARE NEVER ALONE

Posted on

Aboru Aboye. Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun. Àse.

In today’s world there is so much stress, strain, pain, sorrow, and pressure of all sorts. Some of us are in sorrow, strain and excessive states of stress due to the pressures of the environment which surrounds us. Others are suffering mentally and emotionally due to unhealthy conditions in the home and dysfunctional relationships. Others suffer due to inherited congenital defects. Some are suffering from physical, psychological and emotional illness and disorders. Others suffer from loneliness, melancholy, depression and from the sensation of feeling out of place or misunderstood.

Many suffer from things that are not their fault and which they did not cause. Life can be difficult. Life can be hard. Even though we know that there is a supreme person, Olódùmarè, who loves us and cares for us, it is hard to accept certain situations in which we find ourselves in. During times of great pain and suffering just listening alone to speeches, talks and lectures about Olódùmarè somehow is not sufficient to heal the pain and wounds in our hearts and lives.

What we need is to see and feel Olódùmarè manifested in and through flesh-and-blood people to derive comfort, hope and confidence. We cannot always fathom the plan and purposes of Olódùmarè in our lives. We cannot fathom the mystery of suffering and pain especially when we are the ones who are personally being overwhelmed with suffering, pain and anguish, and which seems in all honesty senseless, meaningless and purposeless in our lives.

It is easy to speak about the love of Olódùmarè and His wonderful plans for us, the love of Ifá and the love of the irunmole-orisa when we are enjoying health, means, opportunities and a success sustaining environment. But when pain, mishap, great suffering, anxiety and fear comes knocking in person at our doorstep, it can be hard, difficult and even impossible, to see, feel and acknowledge the reality of Olodumare, His love and His glorious plans for us. How can we accept, feel, see and find love in suffering, in worry, in anxiety and in fearful times?!

It is hard if not impossible to convince ourselves of the existence, goodness, wisdom and perfection of Ifá-Olódùmarè, when we are personally and individually undergoing a great crisis and a prolonged period of worry, anxiety and depression due to illness or other upsetting events.

Human beings of all faiths, traditions and no traditions, including many Ifá-orisa devotees are suffering from diverse illnesses and ailments simply because they are human beings who are susceptible to sicknesses and ailments like all other human beings. Whether we are at present healthy or not, the fact of the matter is that we are all subject to mortality. Not a single one of us will live forever in our present bodies. We will all in one way or another succumb to sickness, old-age and death.

Even when we are healthy and life seems to be smiling upon us, our lives can be taken from us, due to time and unforeseen circumstances. Our bodies and lives as far as the human body is concerned are limited, transient and impermanent. We are all dying…with every breath we take we are getting closer to the grave. This is a sobering but strangely comforting fact if we understand that we are all undergoing and experiencing this process TOGETHER.

There is a reason and good purpose for everything that Olódùmarè institutes, even if we cannot at present comprehend or accept this fact. What often makes our pain and suffering unbearable is not necessarily the fact that we as human beings are mortal and that we will die someday from one thing or another, but what injures our minds and feelings is when we have to endure our pains, sorrows, suffering and loneliness alone. There are hard and difficult things to accept or comprehend in regard to the divine arrangements of Olódùmarè that we cannot at present understand, and to be quite honest there are things that are hard, difficult or impossible for us to accept.

The only comfort that we have is in knowing that somehow or other everything is tending towards our ultimate good and happiness, and that we are not alone, and that we have friends, companions and family who love us, who will be with us and there for us. Our friends, companions and family might not always be able to do something about our illness, problem, situation or ailment but it is surely easier to enjoy life, to cope, to persevere and to live with hope and gratitude when we have good friends, companions and family who are with us from moment-to-moment and day-to-day, who are able to impart strength, comfort, love and hope to us, by which we can live one-day-at-a-time.

The fact of the matter is that there are things for which a solution, reason or cause will not be found in this world at the present time. Only trust in Olódùmarè, resignation to His will and the comfort and company of beloved friends, companions and family members will be able to give us strength to live and courage to press forward.

Ifá is about community and wholesome, nurturing relationships: this means to come together in unity with care, affection, sympathy and concern. Ifá means family, friends and associates bound together by mutual love, respect, care and concern. How wonderful it is when a true friend, brother, sister or family members arrives to comfort us when we are not well, when we are sick, when we are fearful and worried. How wonderful and comforting when a friend, family member and fellow believer arrives to comfort us, to bring cheer, to laugh with us and to cry with us and to tell us that they are here for us and will always be there for us.

How wonderful to have someone or many people to come around you and then they throw their arms around to tell you that they care about you and that they are going to be with you come what may. These people are veritable Orisa to us! They are bearers and emitters of life, strength and hope!!! They are a life-line to us. We see and feel Olódùmarè in them, thru them and because of them.

This compassionate and sympathetic feeling, sentiment and attitude is the all consuming disposition of Òrúnmìlà, of Ifá and of Olódùmarè, and of all genuine devotees of Ifá-Olódùmarè. No one here can go at it alone. We all need each other. We are all in part strong. We are all in part weak. We are all in part resilient. We are all in part vulnerable. We all experience periods and moments of fear, doubt, worry and insecurity, but… oh…how wonderful it is when during these periods of struggle, unclarity and challenge a friend, brother and companion in the faith comes alongside you, to stay and be with you, until all things unfold as they must and as they will!

Do you know that there were moments in the life of Òrúnmìlà when he completely felt alone and misunderstood? Do you know that there were periods in the life of Òrúnmìlà that were intense in pain, worry, suffering and anxiety in which he was only able to make it solely through the assistance, comfort, relief, encouragement, nearness and dedication of loyal friends and companions?! We are all subject to suffering, fear, illness, worry and anxiety. We are all subject to impermanence and decay, no matter how our bodies feel at the present time and no matter how our bodies look at the present time. We are all ‘sick’ with mortality. We are all ‘sick’ with aging. We will all succumb to illness, decay or dis-ease of one form or another. We are all in this together.

Olódùmarè arranged things like this so that we might learn to value our lives, our health, our time, our faith, our friends, family and each other. Olódùmarè arranged things like this so that we might learn to discern and value what it truly important in life. What would we give to have another moment with our father, or mother, or friend, or brother or sister, or son or daughter who passed!? How would we treat them and speak to them? How much more time would be have dedicated to them? What would we do different if we could go back in time to our youth with the experiences, maturity and knowledge that we now have?

Olódùmarè arranged things like this so that we might learn the highest and greatest values. Olódùmarè arranged things like this so that compassion, generosity and sympathy might arise in us towards others. It is a fact that those who have been through the fire of pain, affliction and suffering are more sensitive, understanding and responsive to the pains, sufferings and ailments of others.

When we are in true need we really discover the value, blessing and preciousness of our genuine friends, relatives and companions of faith. Through these unwanted but necessary processes of alternating pain and pleasure in life, we are developed, matured and perfected by Olodumare. His purpose is that we might grow, develop and bond together. His purpose is that we might simultaneously learn how to unpretentiously serve others and that we might learn how to receive humbly the generous service of others. This is what Ifá reveals and teaches to us.

Friend you are not alone. Olódùmarè loves you and is caring for you no matter how things may seem. He is not upset with you or angry with you. Your pain, ailments and/or sufferings are not existing because you have done something wrong. You are not alone. There is a community of faithful devotees who reach out to you with their means, time, practical assistance, resources and strengthening prayers. Our bodies are transient, impermanent and subject to decay and decline. We are spirit beings who inhabit and utilize these physical bodies to connect us with the physical world through which we experience lessons which purify our lives and which cause our spirit to gain intelligence, maturity, knowledge, values and advancement.

We are all on our way to the higher states and higher worlds of completion and perfection where all suffering, pain, illness and worry will exist no more because they will have fulfilled their training purpose in our lives.

If we consider our lives, this world and our bodies as a divinely established temporary school and as a temporary practice vehicle for training and developing our mind, spirit, will and emotions, it will be more easier for us to resign ourselves to the plans of Olodumare with courage and without fear.

Ifá teaches us to achieve clear-seeing consciousness and a sympathizing heart. Let us reach out to one another in a realistic way with compassion, understanding, patience, practical love and steadfastness. Let us help each other as best we can, each one contributing what he can to benefit and comfort his brother or sister who is enduring a difficult and painful time. Our love and sympathy may not instantaneously or completely rid them of their illness, problem or ailment, but it will contribute to their healing, it will relieve their suffering, it will give them hope and strength to endure one day at a time. It will minister to them moral, emotional and psychological health, strength and courage which will surely have an impact in the overall improvement of their health and situation.

This is the message and understanding that Ifá would have us understand, appreciate and assimilate. You who are well, remember that a day will come that you will not be. You who are not well, do not lose hope and courage. You will make improvement. Things will get better.

~ Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas /!!!\ A.O.M.C. /!!!\

Ifa - ikin

Ifá Message Of Divine Optimism, Confidence, Assurance, Inspiration And Enthusiasm

Posted on

[Ifá-Orisa]: Ifá message of divine optimism, confidence, assurance, inspiration and enthusiasm. Do not despair. Never lose hope and never give up.

Aboru Aboye. Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun. Àse.

Do not think or worry about who is on your side or who is not on your side while going about your service to Olódùmarè and Ifá. With great joy, enthusiasm and expectancy just think about how and in what wonderful way the àse of Olódùmarè Enitolaaye will manifest in your life.

Give space, time and occasion for the divine guiding power to manifest. When you do all things with care, love, respect, truthfulness and honesty, Olódùmarè will take personal and direct charge of all your affairs and will cause all your doings to bring forth abundant and satisfying fruit. Do not worry yourself as to how, when and where the divine àse will manifest itself in your life.

Do not see any secondary causes in your life, just acknowledge and see Olódùmarè alone, the supreme controller, master and guide of all things. Do not consider people, places, circumstances and things as the directors and/or determiners of your life.

Above all, and behind all, see the gracious and loving hand of Olódùmarè at work in you and in your life. Olódùmarè will surely bring accomplishment, peace, satisfaction, success, health [vitality] and prosperity into your life. Your patience, effort and perseverance will surely be rewarded. Just do not give up. Get up and try again. Keep moving forward.

Just be at peace, and know with unshakeable and unwavering assurance that the divine àse will unfailingly manifest. Deepen your trust in Olódùmarè and let your actions be the expression of the flow of the gracefulness, pure energy and invigorating power of Eledumare. Do your level best in all things, be inwardly still, tranquil and at peace.

Exert yourself diligently as if all depended upon you, but know in your heart that all manifests due to àse, grace, presence and will of Olódùmarè. Do not consider your actions and endeavors as something separate from the actions and endeavors of Olódùmarè. Affirm and recognize your essential and qualitative oneness with the Source Supreme, Olorun-Alaaye. Olódùmarè’s actioning is your actioning. Your actions are Olódùmarè’s actions.

Be calm, serene and at peace with yourself. You need not know how, when, in what way and where the relief and aid will come from. Why trouble yourself with what is not necessary when you can be at peace through the power of faith, trust and confidence in the Divine leading you! Having entrusting your situation, dilemma, problem and/or concern to Olódùmarè, know that the answer and solution is swiftly on its way and will reach you at the best and most [excellent] propitious time.

You are perfection in the making. All precious, shining, resplendent and finely faceted diamonds start off as a dark pieces of charcoal, but through the divinely established process of programmed tensions, pressures and stressors it emerges a transformed, beautiful, peerless, translucent, priceless and luminous gem.

Delight in your trials, glory in your challenges and thrive in your moments of adversity because that means that at any moment the mystic, pure and holy gem within you is soon to emerge and be revealed! Your true divine identity, greatness and power is to be manifested! Do not exasperate yourself. Practice patience, gentleness and kindness towards yourself. You will surely attain [obtain] benefit and advancement beyond your personal hopes and expectations, of this there is no doubt.

Olorun Alaaye [the master of limitless, immeasurable and boundless life [vitality] is with you! Àse.

Olorun Alaaye [Enitolaaye] [the supreme absolute truth and power] is with you and within you! You will succeed! Do not give up! You will surely break through the barrier of resistance and achieve your sincere goals! You will defeat and transcend all negativity, pessimism, hindrances and obstacles! You will be made stronger by your experiences and you will unfailingly triumph! You will surely advance, triumph and succeed because your iponri and ori will not abandon you and will not allow you to give up! You will be a better, new and more advanced you! Àse.

Do not dwell on the past. Let go of the past [past mistakes, past errors, past offenses, past hurts]. Let it go and your present and future will become light, joyful, serene and new [refreshed]. Àse.

Forgive others and forgive yourself. Do not repeat what has caused you regret, sorrow and pangs of conscience in the past. You have been created for great, marvelous and wonderful purposes, so have no fear or worry. Àse.

Dignity, honor, peace and abundance are yours. Àse.

Blessings, honor, success and prosperity will follow wherever you go! Àse. Peace, joy, abundance and happiness will be your constant companions. Àse.

Make a fresh start. From this day forward do not allow any palm-oil [negativity, impurity and pessimism] stain your [spiritual] white garments. Àse.

Do not despair. Never give up and do not lose hope. Àse.

Oruko Odumare ni ka fi iyin fun. Àse.
Oruko Odumare ni ka fi iyin fun. Àse.
Oruko Odumare ni ka fi iyin fun. Àse.

May you be comforted, strengthened and empowered by these truths. Àse.

Aboru Aboye. Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun. Àse.

~ Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas /!!!\ A.O.M.C. /!!!\

WHO SHOULD YOU TRUST?

Posted on

Who should you trust? Be selective in whom you confide in. Appearances can be deceiving. It is best to trust in Ifá.

If a person comes to you to reveal to you the secrets and private matters of others, you must be aware and mindful of the fact that such a person will also reveal your secrets and private matters to others.

It is better to not entrust one secrets and private matters to others, but if one feels the need to entrust and reveal ones private and confidential matters to another person, make sure that the person that you are sharing it with is a person of honor, self-discipline and good-reputation. Make sure that that person has your best interest at heart and really cares about your wellbeing, peace and happiness.

The way things are today, in my estimation, it is best to share ones inner concerns, challenges and troubles with Ifá because only Ifá can completely sympathize with us, and only Ifá can give us the counsel, impartial-practical solution, and strength that will lead us to freedom, clarity, peace and happiness. Only Ifá truly understands in complete and full detail what we are experiencing, feeling and what we are going through. Ones own Ifá is ones own best friend, confidant and helper.

Whatever we entrust to Ifá we can be absolutely sure that Ifá will keep in strict confidence. Ifá will not divulge to others what we have confided to Ifá. If you do not have a proven and trusted friend to share you heart and mind with then say nothing to no one. Speak to Ifá. Ifá will hear you, sympathize with you, and better yet Ifá will help you. There is no selfishness or calculating motive in Ifá. Ones own Ifá is ones best friend, confident and helper.

One more thing: If you are fortunate enough to be the kind of person that others open up to, please make sure that you keep in strict confidence what others in trust are sharing with you. As you act towards others so will they act towards you. Do not betray the trust that others have conferred upon you.

~ Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas

perfectlyIMperfect

WE ARE PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

Posted on

The true meanings, esoteric truths and sublime teachings that we derive from the pastime of Obàtálá when Obàtálá unintentionally got drunk and began creating mis-shaped humans.

The reason we love and cherish Oba Òrìsà Obàtálá [Eèpàà Òrìsà, Òrìsà Eèpàà] is because he is a model of true and realistic perfection. The perfection of Obàtálá [Eèpàà Òrìsà, Òrìsà Eèpàà] is not a fantasy or fairy tale perfection where no-one ever makes any errors or mistakes. The perfection and excellence of Obàtálá is of a different order and quality. Obàtálá made some mistakes, errors and incorrect decisions in his life. This is a fact but he accepted his mistakes. Obàtálá took responsibility for them and he did not seek to excuse or justify his error. He displayed humility, true strength of character and dignity. He did not give up on himself. He did not subject himself to self-pity, complaining, blaming others and a life of indolence because he made a mistake. He learned from it, he got up and pressed forward. He took ownership of his erroneous decision and he corrected himself. He also formulated teachings and injunctions for his children and followers based on his many experiences so that we would learn from his experiences and not repeat what was not wise. Obàtálá also vowed to become the special guardian and protector of all people born with limitations and/or disabilities.

Obàtálá made some mistakes but he also made many good, wise and extraordinary decisions. Through it all Obàtálá was humble, guileless and pure. So he made a mistake. So what? If Obàtálá ibikeji Olódùmarè displayed humility, willingness to accept correction and purity of heart, then how much more so should we ordinary human beings do so. This is the meaning, value and lesson that we derive from the life and teachings of Obàtálá. These events in the lives of the irunmole-orisa must be understood and interpreted with true insight and an elevated understanding. Even the errors of the irunmole-orisa are not like our own. There is a lesson, purpose and meaning intended in all of their activities and pastimes.

Ifá teaches us that we should not dwell on the honest errors or mistakes of others. We should dwell on the positive, uplifting and sterling qualities of others. When we focus on the negative aspects of others we are pulling that person down, making them more negative, hurting them and we are staining our own heart. When we focus and zoom in on the positive qualities in others we strengthen them and we strengthen ourselves. When we focus and zoom in on the positive qualities of others we strengthen them and give life to them as well as strengthen ourselves with vital energy.

A person who only looks for the flaws and shortcomings in others is really demonstrating and reflecting only what he or she thinks and feels about himself or herself. A person who only sees the negative aspect in others while ignoring the sterling and good qualities that also are in others is only expressing how he or she sees themselves. No flaw or shortcoming is permanent. All flaws and shortcomings are temporary by nature.

Olódùmarè created us with strengths and weaknesses side-by-side so that we can exercise our wills to rise above our temporary flaws and sublimate them. Olódùmarè created us with strengths and weaknesses side-by-side so that we might learn patience, sympathetic-understanding and forgiveness. Olódùmarè created us with strengths and weaknesses side-by-side so that a space can appear within us where love, consideration and compassion can dwell.

I hope that this short consideration helps to shed some light on matters that are not as simple as they appear. I hope it helps to give one-and-all a new perspective or angle on things. My dear readers and friends let me ask you: Are your father, mother, relatives and friends perfect or flawless? Are you perfect or flawless? Do you love your parents, family and friends any less because they are not perfect or flawless? Should your parents, family and friends love you less because you are not perfect? Just because your parents are not perfect or flawless does that mean that you do not have to listen to them, respect them and consider them?

We understand and account a person to be perfect not when they no longer make mistakes but when they are mature in love, in kindness, in respect, in consideration and good-faith notwithstanding their human flaws and limitations. Our weaknesses and strengths exists so that we learn humility, gratitude and cooperation. Strength and weakness exist in us so that we can see that we have no reason to be full of ego, pride, arrogance and conceit. We cannot perfect ourselves all by ourselves. Where you are strong you help others. Where you are weak you receive the help of others. And in this way we develop, mature and grow into perfection in association and service towards one another. These are some of the divine lessons, spiritual mysteries and esoteric secrets that we learn from Obàtálá.

Eèpàà Òrìsà! Òrìsà Eèpàà!

Treat yourself and others with kindness, forgiveness, tenderness, sympathetic-understanding and compassion. Have faith in your potential and power [ability] to change and improve yourself. Have faith in the potential of others and in their power [ability] to change and improve themselves. Never give up on yourself and never lose hope for others. Never forget that you as well as others are perfectly imperfect.

~ Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas

AncestralPrideTempleBackgroundImage

TWO INDISPENSABLE REALITIES [NEEDS] IN THE LIFE OF AN IFÁ-ORISA DEVOTEE

Posted on
The importance of self-effort and the importance of having the guidance, blessing and support of a genuine spiritual-master. We must honor, value and support those who have upheld, taught, helped, empowered and sustained us.
[***If you take the time and make the effort to read this message that will take you 5-10 minutes to carefully and slowly consider then you will be greatly benefited and spiritually enriched. If you cannot invest 5-10 minutes of your time to take in good information that will help, encourage and benefit you, then this means that you are not a sincere and determined seeker, student and practitioner. If you cannot invest 5-10 minutes of your time to apply yourself to qualitative effort, study, reflection and practice then how do you expect to acquire, correctly-direct and retain genuine spiritual power? Who will give and entrust spiritual power, influence, responsibility and authority to a person lacking in motivation, determination and commitment? If you cannot muster the determination to read, think, study and internalize a brief 5-10 minute module of instruction then I am afraid that you will not be able to make genuine forward spiritual progress in anything that you set out to do or hope to accomplish. This lesson is for the sincere and determined who want more from their Ifá-Orisa experience and who want spiritual substance for their lives. This lesson is for those who want to rise above the nonsense and are determined to enter into what is real, satisfying and fulfilling. Those who listen to their ori and who enjoy a genuine connection with Ifá and irunmole-orisa will joyfully read, ponder, study and apply this information. Remember that a true-student will one day become a true-master with students of his or her own. If you are not a good student how then will you be able to teach others to be good students. You cannot really encourage others to become what you never were.  You can never become a true-master if you were never a true and respectful student. Spiritual rewards, powers, supramundane abilities and intuitive-perceptivity are the products of ones spiritual exertions. Exert yourself spiritually for at least 5-10 minutes and your effort will be amply rewarded.***]
[1] There are two indispensable needs in the life of a spiritual aspirant-devotee. For us to be able to realize, recognize, actualize and manifest our individual orisa nature, our divine self-nature or iponri [true-self] we need the blessings of (1) consecrated, continual, steady and progressive self-effort [self-renewing initiative] and spiritual study; and (2) we need the àse [grace, power, support and power] of our spiritual-mentor, teacher, initiator and/or guide. The àse, blessing, support and grace of our spiritual mentor will infuse us with inspiration, authority, divine understanding [direct experience], confidence and a powerful self-sustaining motivation of divine origin that will hold us up and see us through our spiritual path and journey until we arrive at fullness of achievement, deep-understanding and well-rounded [fully developed] maturity.
[2] In my previous writings I have amply highlighted the need for a devotee to be persevering, industrious, self-reliant, practical and studious in regard to Ifá-Orisa spirituality and Ifá-Orisa practice. But while we must be self-reliant we cannot be entirely independent. We need the experience, help, benefit, guidance and training that an expert and mature mentor, teacher and/or empowered [graceful, accessible and àse filled] spiritual preceptor or master can afford us. Please do not let the word spiritual master throw you off. Let me explain and/or define what is meant by a spiritual master and/or preceptor. The word master simply means an experienced, knowledgeable, empowered and graceful teacher. A spiritual master is the one who lives the truth of Ifá-Orisa and is able to communicate the confidential teachings of Ifá-Orisa together with the living presence of Ifá-Orisa to others. By spiritual we mean a person whose wisdom, àse and conduct are one inseparable and indivisible whole. What he teaches he consistently and reliably lives, demonstrates and exhibits. A spiritual master or preceptor is not the owner of your life. A spiritual master is the one who will, with your consent, dedication and commitment, train you up, build you up, encourage you and will open your eyes to the true depth, ways and mysteries of Ifá and the irunmole-orisa. In other words a true master, mentor or preceptor is simply a mature, experienced, reliable, trustworthy and highly developed practitioner and fellow companion who is much further along the path of attainment than you and who has already attained much, and thereby is able and qualified to assist you, and is able to impart his spiritual strength, virtue and power to the sincere, teachable, intelligent and receptive student.
[3] This teacher, mentor and guide may not be popular or greatly known because true and capable guides [spiritual masters] do not go about announcing themselves or publishing themselves. A genuine preceptor and master cannot be known or identified by his external attire or appearance. One has to draw near to the teacher, spend time with the teacher and serve the teacher so as to receive the grace or àse of this teacher and the blessing of discerning the great mystic virtue and treasure of knowledge and gracefulness that this teacher has. This master will be simple and unpretentious. Many rub shoulders with him or her everyday and they don’t know or see the greatness of the person that they are frequently coming in contact with. A spiritual preceptor will not ‘lord it’ over you. A spiritual preceptor does not want and will not accept your ‘worship’ but will accept your willingness to learn and apply the truth, and will also accept your respectful attitude and your diligence.
[4] A spiritual preceptor builds up his students upon and around the foundational mysteries of Ifá and not on his person or personality. A SPIRITUAL master will not ask you for money and does not make money [your money] a requisite for acceptance and training. A genuine preceptor will impart to you a living awareness of the character, personality and presence of Ifá, Òrúnmìlà and of the irunmole-orisa. A spiritual master will treat you as a friend and will not make you feel inferior to his or her person, but a spiritual master or preceptor is still a spiritual master or preceptor, and one should recognize this reality, accord him or her due reverence and act respectfully. The spiritual preceptor will reveal and make known his greatness without having and displaying arrogance and conceit to the sincere, persevering and disciplined student. The revelation of the masters greatness is not for the purpose of making himself or herself appear great to the student, to show-off or to impress the student but to establish faith, respect, confidence and trust in the student towards his or her spiritual teacher, guide and mentor, so that this serves as a spiritual bridge or channel through which spiritual energy, divine-vision [experience], knowledge and enlightenment can be successfully imparted and communicated.
[5] The function and aim of a spiritual master, mentor and teacher is to establish you in a living, indissoluble and unbreakable connection with Ifá, Òrúnmìlà and the irunmole-orisa. The spiritual master, oluwo or ojugbona will reveal to you the path that is best suited to your affinity. He will successfully guide you along the path, and he will spiritually nourish you, bringing healing [correction] to your life. You will experience, discern and see the reality of Ifá in the character, personality and ways of your spiritual master and teacher. The teacher will come alongside you in the spirit of Òrúnmìlà, to forewarn you about the pitfalls and to safeguard you from fruitless and sorrowful paths. He or she will assist you to overcome hindrances and obstacles and will impart spiritual power to you, to enable you to persevere and prevail during trying and difficult times. The grace, àse and power that the spiritual master imparts to you in no way absolves you of the need to put in your effort, your study, your practice and your toil. The grace and blessing of your preceptor will add sweetness and joy to your efforts and labors no matter how arduous or challenging they are or may seem. A genuine spiritual preceptor will continually earn your trust and confidence.  Trust and confidence are not on demand and they are not ready made. They must be consistently, perseveringly and continuously earned and merited. A ‘teacher’ who does not and cannot inspire trust, confidence, awe and respect in you should not be accepted as your spiritual preceptor or teacher. A true teacher is never fake or pretend and thereby has nothing to hide. A genuine spiritual master is afraid of nothing and no one and always enjoys the respect of his community and the full support of a pure and clean conscience. A genuine teacher is not hiding or doing things in secret. A genuine teacher and preceptor can stand up to the scrutiny of anyone because he or she is more transparent than glass and lives a clean, respectful and blameless life. A true teacher does not try to hoard his students and does not restrict his students from meeting with and learning from other legitimate spiritual preceptors, mentors and teachers. No single teacher or spiritual preceptor is a one stop center who has it all, and/or who knows it all. A true spiritual master, oluwo or ojugbona does not treat or consider his students as if they were his personal property to do as he pleases with them. A true spiritual master considers his students as the children and personal friends of Òrúnmìlà and thereby accords them the corresponding respect and relates to them with an attitude of non-attachment.
[6] The àse of your oluwo, ojugbona or spiritual master and teacher, or masters and teachers will ensure that your toil, effort, study and practice will bear abundant and satisfying fruit. There is a great power, virtue and grace that is imparted by the spiritual master to the student as a result of the student frequently associating with the teacher, learning from the teacher and patiently applying the instructions of the mentor.  Once the spiritual master enlightens you, leads you to spiritual maturity and empowers you through the face-to-face transmission [by frequent and direct personal contact, and spiritual association] then he will then remove himself and you will now be led by the grace, knowledge and àse that the teacher trained you up in. The master will entrust you to the workings of the àse, grace and power that he or she communicated to you and trained you in. You are not to be a follower and worshipper of the personality of the  master, but of the truth, science, àse and power that you were established in by the spiritual preceptor. The master loves and cares for his pupils, and just like a loving father and mother behaves towards their child, a genuine preceptor will apply corrective discipline and stern correction when necessary and if necessary so that immaturity, superficiality, foolishness and ignorance are pruned away from the student. Just like a good father or mother does not let their children do whatever their undeveloped, immature and untrained minds suggest or lead them to do, in like manner will a caring and true spiritual preceptor discipline, correct and train up his or her spiritual children. A spiritual master and preceptor may or may not outwardly be a highly educated person according to mundane standards, but they are masters in matters of the spirit, practical living and true divine gracefulness or àse. They will undoubtedly possess and have an unquestionable spiritual intelligence, truth, presence, self-authenticating authority and power. A legitimate spiritual master, mentor and guide may or may not be an intellectual person according to everyday standards, but they will have and possess divine genius and an uplifting spiritual peculiarity uniquely their own that all can personally experience, perceive and attest to, and that no one can deny.
[7] When you meet, find or discover such a spiritual teacher or master you will have a feeling or sense like if you were associating with an irunmole-orisa in person. You will feel peace, wonder and contentment simply by being with this person and spending time with him. A spiritual master imparts a special grace that causes many of the problems or doubts that one had had to simply correct themselves and/or disappear. A spiritual master reveals your true dignity, value and purpose. A spiritual master makes you dependent on Ifá and not on his person or personality. When we come in contact with a genuine teacher and mentor a renewed and elevated faith and confidence arises in us towards Ifá and the irunmole-orisa in a natural, unforced, marvelous and spontaneous way. We begin to value and appreciate ourselves in new ways and we begin to understand and appreciate the true depth, beauty, sweetness and power of Ifá. This is the kind of effect that Òrúnmìlà produced in others. Akoda and Aseda were also able to inspire, empower, heal and elevate others simply by the power of their divine presence, personality and character alone, not to mention their teachings and spiritual works. Just to behold Òrúnmìlà, all fear, worry, anxiety and doubts would melt away and disappear. This is why Òrúnmìlà is called the one who miraculously transforms our sorrow into joy. This is said of Òrúnmìlà because the worries, fears, anxiety and doubts of people would literally disappear at the sight of Òrúnmìlà or merely by them hearing about Òrúnmìlà. This grace, virtue and power is also had, enjoyed and shared by Òrúnmìlà’s true followers. This is a special boon granted by Òrúnmìlà to those who tread his path with sincerity, straightforwardness, courage and honesty.
[8] If you have a good oluwo, a good ojugbona or spiritual guide and instructor that loves you, that rightly instructs and trains you, that cares for you and who discliplines you for your own good, wellbeing and benefit, thank Olódùmarè for such a gift and treasure. If you see or notice that your teacher is in need of some basic necessity or life-essential, then help him or her to the best of your means and ability without causing injury, loss or strain to yourself. A true master will not demand or ask from you this kind of service, but if you have a human heart and your teacher and preceptor has been selflessly caring for you and helping you, then how can you withhold your relief and assistance when you discern a need in his or her life, and it is within your means to confer a good measure of aid and assistance? Do not embarrass your teacher by asking him if he needs something, when you can clearly see a need for something relating to basic necessities in his life. If you teacher is in need of food, clothing, medicine, shelter or some other basic need, and you have the means to help and contribute to his uplift, then do so without making a big deal about it. Just give what help you can in a simple, unpretentious and natural way. It could be that the teacher is just testing you. Do not underestimate the greatness, virtue and power of your spiritual master just because your teacher is humble, unassuming and perhaps because he or she jokes around with you in wholesome humor just like if he or she were just an ordinary everyday person. A true spiritual master, oluwo and ojugbona is far from being an ordinary or common person. Express gratitude, appreciation and love towards your teacher in Ifá, in Orisa and in Isese by your actions, support and reliable heartfelt appreciative words. Do not embarass your teacher. Make others to be proud of Ifá and of your teacher by your conduct, demeanor and wisdom. If you do not have a teacher or guide yet then begin to search for one under the guidance of Òrúnmìlà and the irunmole-orisa. A true teacher and guide is indispensable to a devotee, just like self-reliance, effort, dedication and practicality are indispensable to a devotee. Your ori will guide you but your ori cannot be a substitute for a spiritual teacher, and a spiritual teacher cannot be a substitute for your ori. They will work in union and harmony with each other. Remember: A legitimate teacher or preceptor is not arrogant or conceited. An arrogant and conceited ‘teacher’ has nothing to give you or offer you. A legitimate teacher will not ‘lord it’ over you. A legitimate teacher will not attempt to control your life or manage your life for you. A spiritual master is not a crutch. A spiritual master is not there to pamper you, baby you and flatter you. A spiritual master is not there to extract money or personality worship from you. Divine knowledge, practical understanding, spiritual power and true spiritual satisfaction cannot be had in isolation. It can only be had and enjoyed in the company or constant association of devoted and spiritually mature and knowledgeable persons. Any devoted, spiritually-mature, honorable, consistent, caring, intelligent, sympathetic and knowledgeable person can serve as ones spiritual master, mentor or teacher.
[9] A qualified and genuine spiritual master or preceptor does not think himself or herself as such, and they will not be posting adds online promoting themselves as such. Qualified students simply gravitate to a natural, unpretentious and sincere teacher, and this is how spiritual mentors becomes mentors and not because they are intentionally promoting themselves as mentors, spiritual preceptors or spiritual masters. One more thing: To be able to find and secure a genuine, dedicated and empowered preceptor one must as an aspirant be genuine, dedicated, wholehearted, teachable, receptive, practical and motivated. A genuine aspirant must be able and willing to call a spade a spade. A genuine seeker must have an attitude that refuses to put up with any nonsense and foolishness in himself/herself and/or others.
[10] May Ifá bless all who have taken the time and exercised the patience to carefully read, consider and think about the above teaching. May you all be benefitted, encouraged and motivated by what has been shared in sincerity, love and good-will. May these guidelines and considerations serve to adjust and correct misunderstanding and may they serve to establish correct perception and clear-seeing awareness. May these teachings sweep away superficiality, make-believe, fantasy, ignorance, stinginess, insensitivity and deception in all its forms. Àse.
~ Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas