The house is fine but no roof.
Human may be handsome/beautiful but lack character.
Newly wedded wife is admirable at a distance, but when settled down she become recalcitrant, and dares his husband, she becomes a dead toad that looks at the knife with disdain.
Exhibit good character and not physical beauty, it takes only one day for beauty to fade, Good Character makes partnership enduring.
My Orí, please bestow me with Good Character to enjoy peaceful and productive Life. [ASE].
Èlà-Òrúnmìlà aboru.
Èlà-Òrúnmìlà aboye.
Èlà-Òrúnmìlà abosise.
[1] Truth means to put into practice, to integrate and to fully assimilate the teachings of Ifá into one’s life, and to continue one’s practice of the teachings of Ifá until one has mastered and fully integrated them. This is the Great Work that Òrúnmìlà has entrusted to us. Ifá is truth, light and power. We cannot KNOW, UNDERSTAND and APPRECIATE the unexcelled greatness of Ifá independently of actual study and practice. When we open our hearts and minds to receive the light of Ifá through our practice of the teachings of Ifá, we become one with the truth, light and power of Ifá.
[Odu-Ifá Oyeku-Ogunda: Ifá is the King.] (Ifá is the crown of true knowledge, understanding, wisdom and power).
[2] The very first and most important step in Ifá is that we embrace truth as explained above. When we embrace the truth of Ifá wholeheartedly and with determined effort Ifá promises to receive us and to never abandon us. Ifá embraces to never discard the person who embraces the truth, light and power of Ifá.
[Odu-Ifá Iwori-Osa: Ifá is the one who saves humankind.] (Ifá is the supreme guiding, correcting and healing power).
[3] Ifá bestows coolness, freshness [refreshment], relief, calm [peace and serenity], strength and illumination to the dedicated student [practitioner]. Truth is the most important divine attribute, because from truth emanates friendliness and loving-kindness. From the unity of truth, friendliness and loving-kindness arises and flows trust, confidence, enthusiasm and devotion.
[Odu-Ifá Ogbe-Osa: The truthful person has peace and lives in calm. The non-truthful person lacks peace and lives in a tormented state. Be sincere, practice goodness and avoid wickedness. The way of the truthful is straight, peaceful and direct. The way of the non-truthful is crooked, wearisome and winding. Be truthful and sincere. Be sincere and truthful. Those who are truthful are blessed by the divine illuminations, lights and energies.]
[Odu-Ifá Otura-Ogunda: The non-truthful person will face a lot of unease and problems. The truthful person will enjoy relief, peace and success. Insincerity does not pay. Wickedness will punish you. The truthful will be the true leaders and achievers.]
[4] When we study and practice Ifá we make contact with the seeds of truth, beauty, strength and gentleness within ourselves and we experience the awakening of the divine qualities and interior powers within ourselves. When we study and practice Ifá we become harmonized with nature and we begin to feel and enjoy the benefits of the pure energies of creation. The divine beings, divinities and divine energies descend upon, surround [protect], assist and strengthen the sincere student and practitioner of the teachings of Ifá. When we study, practice and integrate Ifá into our lives we also merit the benefit of the assistance, guidance, encouragement and protection of the divine babalawo [celestial priests] who reside in the upper worlds of orun and dwell in the central paradise of orun. They become mindful of us, they take an interest in us and they commit themselves to helping us accomplish the great work that Ifá has entrusted to us.
[Odu-Ifá Otura-Ogunda: The divine beings will take notice of, support and standby the truthful.]
[5] Ifá study and practice connects and bonds us to the protective functions of nature and to the great energies of truth, light and purity. As we gradually come to understand and appreciate the true aims and purpose of Ifá the more of the light and power of Ifá can we receive, assimilate, integrate and share. When we come to a true spiritual comprehension of Ifá we will never want to stop studying and practicing Ifá. When Ifá opens our eyes and enlightens us by revealing to us the secrets of the heart of creation we become filled with such an inspiration, understanding, power, gratitude and delight that causes us to shine with spiritual luminosity, brightness and radiance.
[Odu-Ifá Ogunda-Irete: Ifá is the one who saves from death.] (Death is not limited only to deliverance from physical death. Death means loss and decline of the life sustaining, joy bestowing and purpose giving elements of life. When we lose our peace this is a form of death. When we are spiritually aimless and living without purpose, this is a form of death. When we lose our happiness this is also a form of death. When we lose good friendships and relationship this is also a form of death. When we lose our dignity and self-respect this also is a form of death. When we lose our good reputation this is a form of death. When we lose our hope and balance this is also a form of death).
[Odu-Ifá Ejiogbe: Those who embrace and practice the truth of Ifá by the power of their own free will and accord WILL TRIUMPH].
[Odu-Ifá Ose-Ofun: When we lack the illumination (wisdom) of Ifá and we neglect the practice of Ifá, the circumstances of our lives will become unfavorable. Òrúnmìlà and his teachings will correct, rectify and illuminate our lives. If we learn Ifá with a view to integrating it into our lives then we will experience the wonderful quick acting and quick manifesting power of Ifá.]
[6] Ifá bonds us to and brings out from the depths of our being, all that is good, satisfying, joyful and pleasant. Ifá will grant divine energy, light and vitality to the wise one’s who devote themselves to Ifá study and practice. Only through dedicated [commited] study and practice can we acquire confidence, deep-understanding, clarity and unwavering faith [trust].
[Odu-Ifá Idin-Iwori: If we have wisdom and we fail to apply it then we constitute ourselves truly into ignorant persons. If we have strength and we fail to apply it then we constitute ourselves truly into lazy, indulgent and useless persons. This is the message of Ifá for people who have the opportunity to learn from wise people but instead make the decision to make friends with and associate with unwise, irregular and ignorant persons. If you choose unwise people, people given to flights of imaginary fancy and people driven by make-believe instead of wise, realistic, enlightened and truthful people then you have ruined and blemished yourself.]
[7] Ifá will bring excellence, perfection and ever-increasing satisfaction to all who make a sincere effort [firm-determination] to practice the teachings of Ifá. Make an opening for Ifá in your heart and life. Make space and time for Ifá in your life and Ifá will reward you with boundless delights, blessings and joys. Make an opening for Ifá the size of the eye of a needle and Ifá will fill you with light, assurance and power. Ifá will embrace you and enlarge your understanding and capacities. The light, love and power of Ifá will flow powerfully through that opening and flood [inundate] your life with unanticipated blessings and with endowments that are inconceivable to you at the present time.
[Odu-Ifá Ejiogbe: Ifá you organize and plan things better than anyone else can. Ifá whatever you plan ends in perfection, happiness and excellence.]
[Odu-Ifá Oyeku-Ogbe: Ifá, whoever listens to you and does what you say will unfailingly fulfill the purpose of their lives with satisfaction, abundance and contentment.]
[8] There is no need to strain yourself or overburden yourself. Just take a small but firm [determined] step in the direction of Ifá and Ifá will take care of the rest. Ifá will show you what to do, how to do and when to do. We cannot remain as by-standers and mere observers [inquirers] forever. We have to engage Ifá with our finalized resolve, determination and action. We have to make the firm decision to pursue Ifá for ourselves. We have to put complacency, lethargy and an attitude of non-commital to the side and press forward with courage.
[Odu-Ifá Owonrin-Iwori: Let everyone take hold of a hoe and cutlass and go to the farm to work because WORK ELIMINATES POVERTY.] (The hoe and cutlass represent determined effort and intelligence. If we want to reap the harvest or benefits of the fruits of Ifá then we have to go to the farm or the field of endeavor and apply our determination and intelligence to cultivate the field of Ifá in our own lives.)
[9] If you truly want to know [experience] and understand Ifá, and if you want to receive and experience the light and power which flows from Ifá then pursue the above course of instructions and Ifá will surprise, astound and mesmerize you with bounties of joy, peace, contentment, meaning and fulfillment. Ifá is with you. Ifá is calling out to you. Ifá is inviting you. What will you do? What will you decide?
[Odu Ifá Ogbe-Oyeku: Ifá is powerful and can perform wonders. If Olódùmarè wishes He can turn the sky black. Ifá is powerful and can perform wonders. If Olódùmarè wishes He can turn the sky white. Ifá is powerful and can perform wonders. If Olódùmarè wishes He can turn the sky red. Ifá is powerful and can perform wonders.]
[Odu-Ifá Otura-Irete: Ifá whatever you recommend will end with fulfillment, success and achievement. In the end we will return to you with gratitude for your wonderful doings.]
[Odu-Ifá Owonrin-Ogbe: Ifá you never fail those who approach you, and this is why I seek your protection. Ifá I cling to you tightly for health, strength and life.]
[Odu-Ifá Ose-Otura: THOSE WHO ARE ASLEEP SHOULD WAKE UP.] Àse. Àse. Àse.
Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun. Àse.
~ Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas
The Essence [heart] and purpose of the traditions of the Irunmole-Orisa: The outlook you adopt will determine where you end up. Your intent will determine your quality of being, your potential [ability and capacity] for progress and your experiences. You must first know and understand the true purpose of the path of the irunmole-orisa if you are to successfully reach [achieve] the goal [the aim and purpose] of that path. You must first know, understand, choose and define your goal prior to choosing your path, then, upon choosing your path you must commit to that path. All paths will not take you to the destination you seek. All roads will not take you to the same place. The irunmole-orisa will not help you see, seek and pursue a purpose and destination that is contrary to the good, noble, satisfying and loving purpose and destination that they have in mind for you. You must understand what the path of the irunmole-orisa was really established for, what it was intended to give you, and what it is supposed to do for you so that you are not disappointed and your expectations are fulfilled.
Aboru Aboye. Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun. Àse.
[1] The path of the noble irunmole-orisa is not for everyone. The path of the divine irunmole-orisa is only for those who have been chosen. The path of the irunmole-orisa is only for those who want to know, enjoy and live in spiritual reality, contentment, peace, love and truth.
[2] The sweet and beautiful path of the irunmole-orisa is for those who have chosen to accept their selection. It is for those who want to press forward to spiritual maturity, clarity, fulfillment and harmony. No one really comes to the irunmole-orisa purely by their own initiative, strength and/or will-power alone. We come to the irunmole-orisa as a result of an empowered response on our part that has been made possible by the initiative, attention and direct action of the irunmole-orisa upon our lives. Fortunate, blessed and accomplished are those have been chosen by the irunmole-orisa and who wholeheartedly strive on the noble, adventurous, exciting and fulfilling path of the irunmole-orisa.
[3] Upon being chosen we must willingly, joyfully and deliberately adjust, modify and conform our heart, mind, speech, actions, behavior, manners, conduct and life, according to the loving, joy-conferring, peace-giving and health-promoting wise directives of the irunmole-orisa. The irunmole-orisa accept those who wholeheartedly dedicate and commit themselves to them.
[4] Upon finding ourselves on the path of the marvelous irunmole-orisa we must participate, and we must allow ourselves to be acted upon by the wonder-working sacred energy or àse of the irunmole-orisa. This energy is pure wisdom [intelligence], love, power, vitality, health and bliss [happiness]. This very special and unique divine energy is curative, ennobling, empowering and purifying. Our part is to deliberately choose to bring our intentions, feelings, will, manners and actions in harmony with the workings of the divine power [sacred energy] of the irunmole-orisa. We must not work against or go contrary to the wonder-working energy and power of the irunmole-orisa. We must allow ourselves to be moulded, taught, guided, developed and corrected by the divine inflow of the àse of the irunmole-orisa. This divine flow enters us, fills us, empowers us, surrounds us and shields [perfectly protects] us. Our own will [intent] and the will [intent] of the irunmole-orisa must become progressively and experientially one.
[5] The irunmole-orisa choose, select and attract us by exercising, applying and directing towards us an attracting, sweet, uplifting [energizing], ecstatic, pleasure-giving and irresistible power. The irunmole-orisa move us, they awaken us to the reality of their existence, and they gently draw [attract] us to themselves by provoking a mysterious exaltation of intimate nature within us, something that can be called spiritual ecstasy, delight, optimism, supernatural pleasure, supra-mundane inspiration and supernatural confidence. We then come to know how sweet, good and loving the irunmole-orisa are and what their divine works truly consist of. We awaken to the true nature of the irunmole-orisa, and we awaken to the remembrance and recognition of our true and eternal identity.
[6] This mysterious, attracting, pleasure-giving, enlightening and enrapturing power fills us with divine pleasure, satisfaction, confidence, expectancy [hope] and delight. It satisfies us, completes us and gives us peace, serenity, abiding inner-calm and harmony. It guides, motivates and inspires us. It give us a fresh, inspiring and new vision, understanding and experience of life. This power completely transforms and revolutionizes our inner state, condition and outlook to such a wonderful degree that what we formally thought to be obstacles, we now experience as stepping stones to victory, fulfillment and greater happiness, prosperity and abundance. We look forward to overcoming the obstacles, because to us they are not obstacles but stepping stones [blessed and fortunate opportunities] to greater achievements. The àse of the irunmole-orisa awakens our inner-spiritual powers and faculties, and teaches us how to develop, use, employ and perfect them. This energy exercises a healing, correcting, calming and purifying influence upon our lives. Upon experiencing this spiritual, emotional and psychological healing, empowerment and purification, we must resolve to remain in purity and cleanliness and we must pursue a healthy and wholesome lifestyle. The àse of the irunmole-orisa imparts health, vitality, strength and wellbeing to our spirit, soul, mind and body. How wondrous is the àse of the irunmole-orisa!
[7] The path of the irunmole-orisa is a path reserved for the spiritually mature [spiritually maturing], awakened, resolute and sincere person. Humility, patience, realism, gentleness and perseverance are a must for anyone who is serious about treading the path of the noble irunmole-orisa.
[8] The irunmole-orisa desire that all of us be free from distress, sorrow, anxiety, fear and perversity. The irunmole-orisa desire and want us to know the state and condition of abiding [permanent] bliss [divine happiness, satisfaction, fulfillment, ecstasy, pleasure, delight and contentment]. It is unfortunate that many seekers, aspirants and devotees have become overcome by superficiality, arrogance, nonsense, superstition, baseless-fear, aimlessness and hypocrisy. So much so that they care not to hear about the true heart, purpose and intent of the irunmole-orisa and the sacred traditions which were founded and instituted by the irunmole-orisa for our individual wellbeing, happiness and peace, and for the wellbeing, happiness and peace of the world.
[9] Only few people can see, understand and embrace the true path of the irunmole-orisa: the path of divine morality, honesty, humility, love, moral-courage and sanctity. Only the rare, select, chosen and determined ones can receive, direct, manifest and exhibit the full and true power of the irunmole-orisa. Only the select, rare and determined few can embrace this holy, divine and sacred path. Will you be one of them?
Aboru Aboye. Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun. Àse.
~ Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas /!!!\ A.O.M.C. /!!!\
[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. /!!!\
Don’t ruin, Destroy and Lose a Good Friendship and Relationship.
Forgiveness is the divine path to freedom, peace of mind, happiness and progress. Forgiveness blesses the forgiver and the one being forgiven. Forgiveness clears, unclogs and removes the muck of bad feelings, enmity and tension that are blocking up the channels of friendliness, love, harmony and peace.
Forgiveness frees the forgiver from feelings and thoughts of anger, irritation, revenge, hurtfulness and it removes the heavy load or burden of awkwardness and indifference. When we forgive others we release them from the heavy weight, unease and pain of a bad conscience, and we release them from the grasp of the ‘ghost’ of ill feelings and regret so that they can [with greater ease and freedom] make forward progress again.
Forgiveness establishes harmony and feelings of amity. This is what forgiveness is and what it does. Having said this let us be clear, direct, honest and realistic. The heart can forgive completely but the mind will always remember and recall the harm, deception and hurtfulness inflicted by another. Just because we have honestly and wholeheartedly forgiven someone that does not mean that trust and confidence has been restored. Just because someone has sincerely forgiven us that does not mean that trust and confidence has been restored. Trust and confidence will have to be earned again, that is if it can be restored [recovered] at all!
Just because we have forgiven someone that does not mean that we have to have anything to do with that person again. Forgiveness is about gaining and giving release from past wrongs, ill feelings, pained and agitated emotions, and offenses so that both parties can go on with their lives. Sometimes the relationship can be saved and restored and sometimes it simply cannot be even though sincere and wholehearted forgiveness has been given.
Your forgiveness to another does not mean that that person now has the right and expectation to relate to you like if nothing happened! You do not have to interact with that person at all.
Just because someone has sincerely forgiven you that does not mean that you have the right and expectation to think that that person will continue to relate and correspond with you like if nothing happened!
Forgiveness is about freeing oneself from weight and burden of past wrongs and about healing ones own heart and mind. Forgiveness is about freeing others from the weight and burden of past wrongs and about bringing healing to their hearts and minds. Only Olódùmarè and accomplished holy, mature and virtuous people can completely and deeply both forgive and forget from the heart and mind. You cannot realistically expect this high level of forgiveness from the everyday common person.
In addition for another person to be eligible to be forgiven by you they have to have a genuine change of heart and life and must ask you for your forgiveness. You cannot really forgive them without their request in the abstract, or in their absence because such a forgiveness is not entirely real or complete. Such a kind of forgiveness might give some small sentimental or mental satisfaction or relief, but it is nonsensical because it is not complete. You cannot expect others to forgive you in the abstract or in the absence of your sincere request for forgiveness.
So if you have forgiven another that does not make everything okay like if nothing happened, and you do not have to have anything to do with that person again. If someone has forgiven you that does not make everything okay and that does not mean that everything is like it was before. They no longer have to have anything to do with you.
This is what forgiveness is and what it is not.
It is better and ideal to not offend, deceive or hurt another to begin with so as to avoid the loss of trust and friendship. Do not hurt others and do not allow others to hurt you. If you offend, deceive and hurt another then be prepared to forever lose what good have been a good, lasting and meaningful friendship and relationship. Forgiveness does not guarantee that things will be or can be as they were before. Live and relate to others in such a way that you have no regrets and that you will not require the forgiveness of another.
May the blessings of Òrúnmìlà Awinrin be with all sincere readers [students] of this message. Àse.
~ Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas /!!!\ A.O.M.C. /!!!\
