Tag Archives: Respect

Ifa_Love_Respect_Humility--ancestral_pride_temple

IFÁ: EL AMOR PRACTICO, EL RESPETO Y LA HUMILDAD

Posted on
Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun. Bendiciones de larga vida, salud y prosperidad por la virtud del santo mensajero (manifestación) de Olodumare, Iworiwofun.
**Iworiwofun es el majestuoso Odu Ifá quien es el portador de la plenitud de las bendiciones, virtudes, amor y sabiduría de Olodumare para cada miembro de la humanidad. Iwori-Ofun es la manifestación plenaria de la infinita mente, inteligencia, amor, bondad, comprensión, rectitud, humildad, buena voluntad y virtud de Olodumare.**
Cuando consideramos nuestra comunidad religiosa y el estado moral-espiritual de nuestro pueblo Ifá-Orisa que podemos señalar? Por un lado hay un pueblo considerable de devotos sinceros, honestos, entusiasmados, humildes, estudiosos, prácticos e inteligentes que se están educando y preparando en cuanto a su fe Ifá-Orisa. Por este remanente de fieles, que de día en día están aumentado, que verdaderamente están disfrutando su fe y que están genuinamente viviendo la vida de Ifá-Orisa o de Iwa (la vida de buen, gentil y noble carácter, y la vida de buena conciencia) damos gloria a Olodumare. Eyin Odumare! Alabanzas a Olodumare!
Ifá nos enseña y nos inculca el principio universal de:
Iwa Lesin
Iwa lesin significa que su carácter defina y demuestra cual es su verdadera religión. Tu carácter es tu religión! Es atraves del carácter que demostramos nuestra fe y quienes somos. Y es nuestro carácter y su cualidad lo que determina y demuestra si verdaderamente somos creyentes y adoradores de Ifá-Olodumare. Su cualidad de carácter y sus hábitos de vida son la esencia de la adoración!
Ahora la pregunta que sigue es:
Según su cualidad de carácter y sus hábitos de vida, que revelan estos acerca de que es lo que usted verdaderamente adora y cree?
No es lo que uno habla y profiesa lo que determina si uno es un verdadero creyente-practicador de Ifá-Orisa. Es lo que uno hace y práctica de momento-a-momento y de día-en-día lo que demuestra y revela que es lo que verdaderamente creemos y quienes somos como personas individuales.
Según su carácter, su estilo de vida y hábitos personales a sí se deja ver que es lo que verdaderamente cree usted y que es lo que usted adora. Esta simple verdad? Que hermoso es la manera en la cual Ifá simplifica, esclarece y presenta la esencia de la verdad.



Por el otro lado cuando consideramos y observamos a nuestra comunidad religiosa de Ifá-Orisa, si somos honestos y sinceros, vemos que también existe un grupo no pequeño, de devotos (babalawo, babalorisa, iyalorisa y novatos) confundidos, sin fundamentos prácticos morales-espirituales, faltos de disciplina personal que están sumergidos en la decadencia moral, y sufriendo las enfermedades morales-espirituales de la arrogancia, el orgullo, la infidelidad espiritual, relacional y conyugal, la promiscuidad, la superficialidad, la falta de respeto-reverencia, la hipocresía, la corrupción y la decepción.
Tal ves también pudiéramos señalar la escasez de líderes ejemplares, compasivos, sabios e inspiradores que existe en nuestra comunidad. Hay líderes ejemplares, compasivos, sabios e inspiradores, pero son muy pocos. Nuestra comunidad está dividida entre los sinceros y los charlatanes. Y entre los charlatanes hay divisiones, controversias, peleas, argumentos y disensiones sin fin!
Al final del día que podemos decir?!
Es tiempo y hace falta que nuestro pueblo (el pueblo sincero y honesto) se unifique. Es tiempo de cesar  uno de estar quejándose por el estado de las cosas y tomar acción!
Muchos piensan y dicen, y con buenas razones,
“Adonde están los verdaderos babalawo, los verdaderos babalorisa y las verdaderas iyalorisa? Adonde están los hombres varoniles, fieles, de valores, de principios, de humildad y de carácter irreprochable en nuestra comunidad? Adonde están? Adonde están las mujeres dóciles, fieles, humildes, respetuosas y de firme carácter noble en nuestra comunidad? Adonde están?”
Bueno estás son preguntas honestas y realistas. Pero porque no vamos un paso más adelante para elevarnos de por encima de esa mentalidad de auto victimización y de escusas baratas que parece que están prevaleciendo en todos lados. Todos quieren que OTROS se preparen, que OTROS sean verdaderos líderes, que OTROS sean verdadero babalawo, que OTROS sean verdadero babalorisa, que OTROS sean verdadero iyalorisa, que OTROS sean verdadero maestros, que OTROS sean verdaderos creyentes, que OTROS sean verdaderos hombres y que OTROS sean mujeres verdaderas. Pero, y que de usted? Usted no quiere ser algunas de estas cosas? Acaso usted no se quiere incluir en el grupo de los sinceros, íntegros, dedicados, consagrados y verdaderos que están poseídos de iniciativa, paciencia, dedicación y perseverancia? Porque usted no se prepara para ser una bendición para otros y para ser una luz, ejemplo y faro en su comunidad? Todos quieren recibir del fruto del trabajo y dedicación de los pocos sinceros e instruidos de nuestra religión, pero nadie o pocos se quieren consagrar, preparar, educar y dedicar para contribuir a la elevación y transformación positiva y saludable de nuestra comunidad de Ifá-Orisa!! Se lamentan porque OTROS no hacen, no estudian, no sirven con amor desinteresado a su comunidad etc. etc. Pero, entonces porque es que se lamentan y se quejan de las condiciones que ven en nuestro pueblo, que está en etapa de transición, y no toman la iniciativa personal de llenar los vacantes de liderazgo y las necesidades morales y espirituales con sus propias vidas, trabajo, consagración y determinación?!
No cree usted que es mejor decir y determinar,



“Como no hay suficientes verdaderos babalawo, babalorisa, iyalorisa, hombres genuinos y mujeres genuinas, líderes  etc etc. en nuestra comunidad Ifá-Orisa, yo en los personal y en este día y momento me voy a dedicar a ser un verdadero babalawo, una verdadera iyanifa, un verdadero babalorisa, una verdadera iyalorisa, un verdadero HOMBRE y una verdadera MUJER y un verdadero y compasivo líder ejemplar. Voy a ser un verdadero padrino con honra, voy a ser una genuina madrina con honra, voy a ser un genuino oluwo asiwaju, voy a ser un genuino ojugbon, voy  a ser un genuino oriate con respeto y honra, etc. etc. Voy a servir en el cuarto (lugar)  sagrado de consagración del santo orisa con honra y distinción, voy a servir en el cuarto (lugar) sagrado de consagración de Ifá con honra y distinción etc. etc.”
Cuando tomemos individualmente y colectivamente esta decision, con amor practico (demostrable), respeto (hacía uno mismo, hacia otros y hacia Ifá-Orisa-Irunmole) y humildad, entonces y solamente atraves de esto nuestro pueblo se va sanar en lo moral, ético y espiritual.
Mis amigos y amigas en Ifá-Orisa, mis hermanos y hermanas de Ifá-Orisa no miremos mas a otros y lo que ellos están o no están haciendo. Vamos a mirarnos a nosotros mismos en el espejo revelador de Ifá (La revelación universal y comprensiva de Òrúnmìlà Elerii Ipin, el vocero de Olodumare y representante de todos los Orisa-Irunmole) y vamos a mirarnos en el espejo revelador de Merindinlogun (La revelación de nuestros peculiar Orisa-Irunmole tutelar). Seamos auto responsables y prácticos. Tomemos la iniciativa para hacer algo con nuestras vidas y nuestro tiempo como individuos y como miembros de la comunidad sagrada de Ifá-Orisa que contribuirá al mejoramiento, adelanto, elevación, unificación y progreso de nuestra admirable y noble religión.
Que vas hacer? Serás parte del progreso y de la solución? O serás parte del retraso y de las causas de los problemas que existen en nuestra comunidad?
Que Ifá-Olodumare los ilumine, guíe y defienda. Asé.
Que los Irunmole-Orisa los irradien con su amor, salud, paz, inteligencia, ánimo y determinación. Asé.



Que los espíritus divinos y ancestrales les impartan la inspiración que motiva y promueve el amor practico, el respeto y la humildad. Asé.
Que los babalawo divinos Akoda y Aseda intercedan por nosotros y nos colmen de su virtud, sabiduría, inspiración, ánimo y determinación.
Que Ela (Irunmole-Orisa de pureza, limpieza, salvación, maravillas y santidad) hijo de Oyigiyigi (nombre místico de Olodumare que significa, el que es inconmovible como una roca eterna, el indomable, el inconquistable, el eterno, soberano y único todopoderoso) nos inflame del espíritu de pureza, sinceridad y santidad. Asé.



Ela ‘boru. Ela ‘boye’ Ela ‘bosise.
Su amigo y benefactor Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas.
Ifa_Love_Respect_Humility--ancestral_pride_temple

IFA: PRACTICAL LOVE, RESPECT AND HUMILITY:

Posted on
Ogbo ato Asure iworiwofun. Blessings of long life, health and prosperity by virtue of the Holy Messenger (manifestation) of Olodumare, Iworiwofun.
** Iworiwofun is the majestic Odu Ifa who is the bearer of the fullness of the blessings, virtues, love and wisdom of Olodumare for every member of humanity. Iwori-Ofun is the plenary manifestation of the infinite mind, intelligence, love, kindness, understanding, honesty, humility, good will and power of Olodumare. **
When we consider our religious community and the moral-spiritual state of our people Ifa-Orisa we can point to? On the one hand there is, honest, enthusiastic, humble, studious, practical and intelligent people of sincere devotees significant being educated and prepared for their faith Ifa-Orisa. For this remnant of faithful who day by day they are increasing, they are truly enjoying their faith and are truly living the life of Ifa-Orisa or Iwa (the life of good, gentle and noble character, and life good consciousness) we give glory to Olodumare. Eyin Odumare! Olodumare praise!
Ifa teaches us and instills universal principle:
Iwa Lesin
Iwa Lesin means your character define and demonstrate what their true religion. Your character is your religion! It is through the character we showed our faith and who we are. And our character and what determines its quality and demonstrate if we are truly believers and worshipers of Ifa-Olodumare. His quality of character and lifestyle habits are the essence of worship!



Now the question that follows is:
According to his quality of character and lifestyle habits that reveal this about what you truly loves and believes?
Not what one speaks and profiesa what determines whether one is a true believer-practicer of Ifa-Orisa. It’s what you do and practice of moment-to-moment and day-to-day demonstrating and reveals what we truly believe and who we are as individuals.
According to his character, his lifestyle and personal habits themselves be seen it is what you really believe and what you love. This simple truth? How beautiful is the way in which Ifa simplifies, clarifies and presents the essence of truth.
On the other hand when we consider and observe our religious community Ifa-Orisa, if we are honest and sincere, we see that there is also no small group of devotees (Babalawo, babalorisa, iyalorisa and novices) confused, without practical foundations moral spiritual, understaffed discipline are immersed in moral decay, and suffering the spiritual-moral arrogance diseases, pride, spiritual, relational and marital infidelity, promiscuity, superficiality, lack of respect-reverence, hypocrisy, corruption and deception.
So you see we could also point out the shortage of copies, compassionate leaders, wise and inspiring that exists in our community. There are exemplary leaders, compassionate, wise and inspiring, but very few. Our community is divided among sincere and charlatans. And among the charlatans there are divisions, disputes, fights, arguments and dissensions endless!



At the end of the day we can say ?!
It is time that our people need (the sincere and honest people) is unified. It is time to cease being one of complaining about the state of things and take action!
Many think and say, and with good reason,
“Where are the true Babalawo, true babalorisa and iyalorisa true? where men are manly, faithful, values, principles, humility and irreproachable character in our community? Where are you? Where are the meek, faithful, humble, respectful and noble character strong women in our community? Where are you?”
Well you are honest and realistic questions. But because we do not go a step further to rise above that of self-victimization mentality and cheap excuses that seem to be prevalent everywhere. Everyone wants others to prepare, others are true leaders, others are true Babalawo, others are true babalorisa, others are true iyalorisa, others are true masters, others are true believers, others are real men and others are real women. But, what about you? You do not want to be some of these things? Perhaps you do not want included in the group of sincere, principled, dedicated, devoted and true who are possessed of initiative, patience, dedication and perseverance? Because you are not prepared to be a blessing to others and to be a light, example and beacon in your community? Everyone wants to receive the fruit of the work and dedication of the few sincere and educated of our religion, but no or few want to enshrine, prepare, educate and dedicate to contribute to raising positive and healthy transformation of our community Ifa-Orisa! ! Lament because others do not study, they do not serve with selfless love to their community etc. etc. But then that is who complain and complain about the conditions they see on our people who are in transition, and do not take personal initiative to fill vacant leadership and moral and spiritual needs with their own lives, work, dedication and determination ?!


Not you think it is better to say and determine,
“As there are not enough real Babalawo, babalorisa, iyalorisa, genuine genuine men and women, leaders etc etc. in our community Ifa-Orisa, I in personnel and in this day and time’m dedicating myself to be me a real Babalawo, a real iyanifa, a real babalorisa, a real iyalorisa, a real man and a real woman and a real and compassionate exemplary leader. I will be a real honor godfather, will be a genuine godmother with honors, will be a genuine Oluwo Asiwaju, will be a genuine ojugbon, will be a genuine oriate with respect and honor, etc. etc. I will serve in the fourth (place) sacred consecration of Orisa saint with honor and distinction, I will serve in the fourth (place) sacred consecration of Ifa with honor and distinction etc. etc.”
When individually and collectively take this decision, with practical love (demonstrable), respect (for oneself, for others and Ifa-Orisa-Irunmole) and humility, then and only THROUGH that our people will heal moral, ethical and spiritual.



My friends in Ifa-Orisa, my brothers and sisters Ifa-Orisa not look more to others and what they are or are not doing. Let us look at ourselves in the developer mirror Ifa (The universal and comprehensive disclosure of Òrúnmìlà Elerii Ipin, spokesman Olodumare and representative of all Orisa-Irunmole) and we will look in the revealing mirror Mérìndínlógún (Disclosing our unique Orisa-Irunmole tutelary). Let us be self responsible and practical. Take the initiative to do something with our lives and our time as individuals and as members of the sacred community of Ifa-Orisa will contribute to the improvement, advancement, elevation, unification and progress of our admirable and noble religion.
What you gonna do? You will be part of progress and the solution? Or you will be part of the delay and the causes of the problems that exist in our community?
Ifa-Olodumare to enlighten, guide and defend. I roasted.
Irunmole-Orisa that the radiate with love, health, peace, intelligence, courage and determination. I roasted.
The divine and ancestral spirits taught them the inspiration that motivates and promotes practical love, respect and humility. I roasted.
The divine Babalawo Akoda and Aseda intercede for us and we Colmen of virtue, wisdom, inspiration, courage and determination.
Ela (Irunmole-Orisa purity, cleanliness, salvation, wonders and holiness) son of Oyigiyigi (mystical name of Olodumare meaning, which is unshakeable as an eternal rock, the indomitable, unconquerable, eternal, sovereign and sole Almighty ) inflame us the spirit of purity, sincerity and holiness. I roasted.
Ela ‘boru. Ela ‘Boye’ Ela ‘bosise.
His friend and benefactor Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas.

JOYFUL HOMAGE AND PRAISE TO IFÁ-ÒRÚNMÌLÀ

Posted on
Ifá grant your blessings as I praise, enumerate and proclaim your glory, greatness, strength, wisdom, virtues, loving-gentleness, power and excellences. Asé.
May your life giving asé impart strength, enthusiasm, hope, awe, love, joy, peace and healing to all who consider these divine thoughts. Asé.
Ifá you are the divine messenger, message and rectifying (healing) grace (power) of Olodumare, we praise you! Ifá, you are competent to be King over us because in you Ifá, we find revealed the kindness, friendliness, power and gracefulness of Olodumare.
Ifá, you are the wisdom, love and power of Olodumare. Ifá, who does not know that to know you is to know happiness, contentment and satisfaction!? Ifá, who is a better friend, relative and guide than you?
Ifá, you protect, defend and guide your devotees with excellence and perfection. Ifá you allow no one  to harm, deceive and mislead your devoted followers. Skillfull are you Ifá, in waging war against the enemies of truth, peace and goodness. You wage war in such a way that the enemies of rectitude, peace and harmony think you are just playing and jesting with them!




Ifá in your action you are more graceful than the centipede. Ifá in your patience you are more persevering than the ant. Nothing deters you from accomplishing your determined purpose.
Oh Òrúnmìlà, you who are one with Ifá and are intimately acquainted with Ifá, to know you Òrúnmìlà is to know salvation, to know you is to partake of vibrant long-life!
Òrúnmìlà Ajana, you are the one who is small in stature yet you are great in power and full of wisdom. Òrúnmìlà! Your ways are untraceable, profound and difficult to comprehend! Òrúnmìlà, there is no better companion and friend in life than you. You are the one worth spending ones time with.
Oh Òrúnmìlà, are you not the one who is the owner of the large house that is high enough to see the limit of the flight of birds, oh dweller of heaven and earth?! Oh Òrúnmìlà, who does not know that you dwell simultaneously in heaven and on earth and that you are aware of all that is unfolding?!
Òrúnmìlà omo Olorun asadi (Òrúnmìlà, son of Olodumare, you who are the sure refuge and shelter), to look upon your face is to behold the goodness, kindness, glory and loving concern of Olodumare.
Òrúnmìlà who is like you? Òrúnmìlà you are the one who disarms us of our fears, insecurities, doubts, worries and anxiety. You transform our sorrow into irrepressible joy!!




Òrúnmìlà, you who are one with the Ifá spirit of limitless light, love, power and immeasurable life, are you not the one who wards off imminent mishap, suffering and death?!  Òrúnmìlà, you are a true friend, mentor and father upon whom I can lean upon forever, because you are more firm and stronger than an immovable mountain. There is no one I would want to spend my time with more than you, for you are Iriju Olodumare (prime minister of Olodumare).
Òrúnmìlà, you alone know the secrets of the heart of Olodumare. Òrúnmìlà, you alone know the glorious purposes of Olodumare because Olodumare hides nothing from you. Òrúnmìlà, to call and rely upon you is to receive the sure and full support, goodness and blessings of Olodumare Oba Iré.
Strong, wise and power Òrúnmìlà, even the fierce leopard turns upon its heels and flees when it sees you because it knows that it cannot ever overpower you! Joyful homage and praise to you Òrúnmìlà, you who sits majestically upon the skin of the leopard! Even death honors you!
Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! Those who follow you as wholehearted student-disciples are in turn pursued and followed by limitless blessings, happiness, peace, honor, longevity and prosperity. Joyful homage and praise to you Òrúnmìlà because you are the divine mystic and seer who eats a lot of palm oil yet does not turn red. Òrúnmìlà, you are the sage who wrestles death into submission!
To know you Ifá, to know you Òrúnmìlà, is to know and experience eternal life (the divine quality of life which is had and enjoyed by Olodumare and the divine Irunmole-Orisa)! It is you Ifá who gives life and hope to all. Òrúnmìlà there is no failure with you.
Òrúnmìlà you are the refuge from death, sorrow, fear and destruction. Ifá you are the one who teaches us how to spiritually grow, progress and transform through the mysteries of Ela, the spirit of purity, nobility, godliness and salvation.




Ifá you give us power to joyously and contentedly persevere, prevail and conquer our inner and outer antagonists through truthfulness, patience, perseverance, unwavering integrity, goodness, divine spirituality and humility.
Òrúnmìlà Awimilogbon (wise teacher and guide)! Òrúnmìlà Awinrin (the one who sees and understands all things with clarity and precision)!
Òrúnmìlà Oba Atayese (King empowered to rectify, heal and correct), why do people not know that if they call upon you with simplicity, sincerity, earnestness and good-faith you would immediately and compassionately rush to bring them relief and deliverance from their troubles and sufferings?! Why do people not know that you are are near and not far away?! A sincere and devoted thought directed to you always receives immediate recognition and response. Compassionate, loving and kind Òrúnmìlà, you are the one who feels our sufferings as if they were your own. You are the one who delights and rejoices in our success and happiness.
Òrúnmìlà, master of the sixteen principles of creation, may we never forget you and may we never lose sight of you. It is early in the morning we praise Ifá and Òrúnmìlà. It is in the morning I wake up to salute, greet and praise Ifá and Òrúnmìlà.
Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! Remember me as I remember you. Do not forget me as I do not forget you. Do not forsake me as I will not abandon you! Others may forget you; others may not appreciate you, but I will not abandon you, I will not lose my appreciation towards you because I know that you have done me only good.
I will not from others my confidence and faith in you. I will never be ashamed that Ifá is my father and I will never stop being a loyal and grateful son. Ifá I call on you! Ela I call on you! Ifá! Ela! Receive and be pleased with the offering and sacrifice of my heartfelt praise and words of gratitude. Ifá, weigh my heart on the balance of truth, sincerity and good faith; and bless (benefit) me according to the measure, weight and quality of my heart!
Ifá you live in my heart and nowhere else! Ifá, I live in your heart and nowhere else! Ifá, you and I are surely united. Ifá, you and I are surely one.
Oh Ifá, for many lifetimes I have been following you and you have been following me! Who can understand this mystery of friendship, love and respect between you and I?! Countless times I have come from Orun (pre-mortal divine spirit world) to Aye (the earth) and countless times I have ascended  from Aye and returned to Orun, and in all my journeying you have been with me like the loyal and trustworthy friend that you are.
Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! Your excellences, virtues and perfections cannot be enumerated. In one fell swoop (in just one step) no one can attain to your sublime status and condition, but little-by-little I seek to be firmly established in Ifáyelele.
Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! Many are my defects and flaws, but one sure virtue do I have, and that is that I do not forget you and neglect you. To the best of my ability I trustingly and humbly exert myself to obey you as a son obeys a loving, caring, gentle and wise father. Ifá may I never forget you! Ifá may you never forget me! You are the true treasure. Your wisdom is true riches.
A person can have many material goods and material riches of all sorts and yet be far from you. Ifá may I never forget you, may I never be far from you and may you never be far from me. Ifá, may you be my inexhaustible treasure of inestimable value.
A person can be endowed with great intelligence, wisdom and ability and yet be far from you. Ifá may I never forget you, may I never be far from you and may you never be from from me. Ifá may you be my intelligence, wisdom and ability.
A person can be a partaker of great affluence and be endowed with a great following and yet be far away from you and your noble ways. Ifá may I never forget you, may I never be far from you and may you never be far from me. Ifá may you be my charisma and may I be blessed to be among those who know how to masterfully follow you.
A person can be a partaker of good health and well-being and yet be morally-spiritually unhealthy and impoverished. Ifá may I never forget you, may I never be far from you and may you never be far from me. Ifá impart to be mental, emotional and spiritual serenity, joy, peace and vitality. Ifá may I always be inwardly healthy, strong and robust. Ifá, may you be my strength, health, stamina and vitality.




A person can appear to be outwardly happy, content and satisfied and yet be far away from you. Ifá may I never forget you, may I never be far from you and may you never be far from me.  Ifá may you grant me the grace and means so that I may always have and enjoy genuine, deep and lasting happiness. Ifá grant me contentment and satisfaction.
Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! You are fully aware how our lives upon this earth are often beset with afflictions, sorrows, adversities and challenges of all sorts. Ifá, you are aware that at times we are under heavy burdens, stressors and pressures that rob us clarity and the resolve to always do what is right. Grant us courage, strength and determination so that we may follow the noble, joyful and peaceful path that you have shown us.
Oh Ifá. Oh Òrúnmìlà. We must admit that at times we fall short from the proper path you have shown us due to ignorance, despondency, stress or neglect. Òrúnmìlà, extend the mantle of your compassion, gentleness, understanding and forgiveness over us and upon us. Òrúnmìlà uplift us, mend and heal our broken and shattered personal lives.
Ifá, if I have offended you please do not demand of me sacrificial offerings, but instead grant me unconditional remission as you did for the people of the town of tranquility. Ifá, I take full responsibility for my choices and actions. Ifá I ask you for the gift of strength and understanding so that I can correct myself and do what is right, proper and acceptable before you.
Ifá, if I have offended you please do not ask of me a sacrificial offering, instead grant me complete remission, as you did for the people of the land of tranquility. Ifá, lead me and empower me on the path of good conscience.
Ifá, I have surely offended you by my harming, injuring and deceiving others through my careless and disrespectful thoughts, words and actions. Extend to me forgiveness and the power to change and improve myself. Ifá do not demand of me a sacrificial offering. Ifá, I resolve before you to make what reparations I can, and I now renew my vow to proceed henceforth with complete and unwavering honesty, truthfulness and integrity. Ifá, grant me total remission and complete forgiveness as you did the people of the town of tranquility. Ifá may I be pursued by the blessings of good character. Forgive me you who are great King, Rectifier and True Friend. Asé
Oh Ifá. Oh Òrúnmìlà. You know my great reverence and affection towards you. You are my continual joy and delight. When I look upon my sacred Ikin Ifá, I see much more than sacred black kernels from the holy palm tree. When I look upon my attractive, alluring, mysterious, powerful and beautiful black Ikin Kernels I am immediately reminded of you Òrúnmìlà, the holy sage of black hue who came from Iketi!
Òrúnmìlà with great kindness, thoughtfulness and perseverance; and with great power of character and personality you served the people and filled their lives with meaning, hope and values. Òrúnmìlà, you served, remembered and cared for so many people but only few truly appreciated, loved and remembered you in their hearts.
Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! When I look upon my sacred, wonderful, beautiful and powerful Ikin Ifá, I behold more than just alluring black kernels from the sacred palm tree. Òrúnmìlà Awinrin!!! When I look upon my Ikin, each with four beautiful eyes, they remind me that you Òrúnmìlà are always with me and that you are looking out for me. Just like the Ikin Ifá which have four eyes, you too Òrúnmìlà have four spiritual eyes with which you see, survey and comprehend fully the events of the past, present, future and the timeless realm of Olodumare and Irunmole! Òrúnmìlà may I never forget you. May I always appreciate you.
Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! When I look upon my sacred, attractive and divine Ikin Ifá, I see more than just black kernels from the holy palm tree. There is supernal spiritual fire, light, intelligence, life and power in Ikin!!! Òrúnmìlà, I know that your gentle but powerful divine active presence, power and asé are within Ikin and envelops them. When I am looking at Ikin, you are looking at me! I know Òrúnmìlà, that through Ikin you receive my hospitality, friendship, affection and the outpourings of my heart. I know Òrúnmìlà, that through Ikin, your strength, wisdom, gentleness and power are communicated to me by which is am continuously empowered, motivated, divinely informed and inspired!! When I look upon you. my Ikin Ifá, I recall the sixteen principles of creation by which Olodumare brought all things into existence and by which He upholds, governs and guided them to perfection! Ikin Ifa seemingly appear to be small and powerless, but just Òrúnmìlà who is small in stature and unassuming in appearance, Ikin Ifá are filled with immeasurable and fathomless sagacity, gracefulness, sanctity and power. Òrúnmìlà may I never forget you! May I always value and appreciate you!
Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! May you always respond to my call and act on my behalf when I call upon you. May I not have to wait long to experience, receive and see your relief, salvation and consolation. May you hear me and manifest immediately, when in sincerity and earnestness I call upon you. Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! May you never say to me:
“My son (or daughter) I have heard your call but I will not descend and manifest because I have nowhere to affirm my feet.”
Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! May my heart be the place of of the descent of your presence, power and asé. May my sincere (clean heart) be your spacious, proper and pure dwelling place!
Oh Ifá! Oh Òrúnmìlà! May my intelligence, conscience and spirit be one with you in quality. May my heart and intelligence be an extension of you Ifá! Ifá you are the great, wonderful and unfailing oracle, guide, mentor and friend. May my conduct, demeanor, attitude and behavior honor you and make your heart rejoice and delight in me.




Ela Ela! Praise and reverence to you!
Ela Ela! Imbue me with your light, truth and purity.
Ela Ela! May the sacrifice and offering of my praise, words of acknowledgment and gratitude be accepted!
Ela Ela! May my spirit, heart and mind soar above to Ile Asé (The divine house-temple of power, command and authority) to receive comfort, strength, wisdom, sanctity, consolation and divine power!
Ela Ela! Spirit of purity, truthfulness, honesty, courage, godliness, authority and power; lead me on your path and grant me access to the hidden and secret treasury of the divine gifts and blessings of Olodumare!
Ela Ela! Bless and prosper me so that I may be able to bring something new, original, needful and beneficial from Ile Asé to this ailing and hurting world. Bless me that I may always be qualified to bring blessings, power and comfort from the limitless treasure store of Olodumare Oba Aiku. May I always have something to contribute to the uplift, healing and rectifying of humanity.
Ela-Òrúnmìlà Moyin Aboru.
Ela-Òrúnmìlà Moyin Aboye.
Ela-Òrúnmìlà Moyin Abosise.
Your friend and well-wisher Awo Òrúnmìlà Mark Casillas.

Appreciating the Constant and Persevering Concern, Love, Kindness and Dedication of Ifá towards us

Posted on

Each human being will respond eagerly and wholeheartedly to what ever honestly meets his peculiar needs. From where ever, who ever or whatever source a person receives genuine help and relief, he will naturally, sincerely and appreciatively respond in gratitude, love, trust, confidence and faith. Truth, faith and understanding are a personal matter. Through simple and innocent habits we can discern and discover the truths that are relevant to our own peculiar lives. Through simple and innocent habits we can each in our own way realize the Supreme Reality. This is why there is no one supreme ‘religion’ or ‘philosophy’ of life. We are all growing, developing and maturing in the truth. There can be no one size fit all religion, outlook or philosophy. All faiths, philosophy’s, religions and outlooks are expressions of our personal and collective growth, understanding and development. The Supreme Guiding Power is leading us all in the unique and personal way that is best for each of us. Whether we know or or not, we are all being lead by Ifá, the universal wisdom of creation. Ifá is leading each one us in his own wonderful way. Ifá is eternal. Ifá knows all people and beings; and Ifá applies the appropriate and perfect means of relief, deliverance and perfection for each one of us. The aim of Ifá is always the same: to lead us to fullness of happiness, enlightenment; and to rid us of our ignorance, immaturity, misunderstandings, defilements and delusions. There is no falsity in Ifá. Ifá is the teacher of god’s and men. Ifá is the guide and teacher of all living beings in all the worlds and dimensions of existence. Ifá alone, truly and completely understands things as they are. Ifá teaches us that all people without exception should cultivate spiritual roots and virtues according to their nature.



The spirit of Ifá is a great compassion, power and love which has vowed to unfailingly heal, correct, enlighten and save all people by any and all means. This is why Ifá is also called by the adjective ela, which means the savior, safety, security, the safeguard, competent guide, perfect defense and unassailable protector. Ifá is the spirit of a mother towards her child, nourishing and protecting it. Ifá is the great spirit of concern that prompts it to be ill with the sufferings, pains and afflictions of people, to suffer with their suffering. This is why Ifá is called the one who counsels, advices and guides one better than ones loved ones, relatives and friends.



Ifá says, your happiness is my happiness and your sorrow is my sorrow. Ifá never forgets this spirit for a single moment. A mother realizes her motherhood by loving her child; then the child reacting to the mother’s love feels safe, secure, peaceful and at ease. Ifá’s spirit of compassion is stimulated according to the needs and sufferings of men; man’s faith in Ifá is the reaction to this spirit of love, provision and kindness, and it leads him to enlightenment, humility, salvation, serenity, affection and perfection. Ifá appears before people in countless, friendly and appealing forms and brings them the wisest methods of relief. Ifá will mend our world. Ifá will unfailingly, in his own way and time, lead us all to happiness, deliverance and perfection.

READ ALSO: WHAT IS MY WORSHIP AND RELIGION?

Ifá is divine and universal. Ifá is not partial to any one or anything. Ifá loves and cares for us all with such a fullness and uniqueness that we cannot fathom or appreciate. Ifá makes us feel and think that we are Ifa’s choicest, select and most favorite child. Whomever knows Ifá truly feels, experiences and knows that Ifá loves and cares for him as if he were Ifá’s only or most favorite child. This is how Ifá thinks, feels and cares for us all, without exception.




We should have a deep love, affection and trust toward Ifá. Ifá is completely unselfish and full of love and concern. Let us cultivate, elevate and develop our love and appreciation for Ifá. It is impossible to know Ifá and not feel deep love, affection, reverence and devotion towards Ifá. Ifá love us and cares for us more than we know. Let us praise Ifá by listening to, honoring and obeying the unselfish and loving counsel of Ifá. When we listen to and obey Ifa we bring countless blessings and unknown to ourselves, our families, our community and our world.

Ogbo ato asure iworiwofun.

Love, Dedication, Devotion and Respect towards the Irunmole/Orisa

Posted on

Ela ‘boru. Ela ‘boye. Ela ‘bosise.

Do you love and revere the Irunmole/Orisa? Do you? Do your honor them and rightly represent them? Do you really? If the Irunmole/Orisa had a conversation with everyone whom you know and they were to disclose everything they know about your activities, thoughts and intentions for all to see, how do you think you would fare? Would your conscience and actions uphold and vindicate you or would you have to lower your head in shame and dishonor? What do you say?

What is the basis of your personal relationship with the Irunmole/Orisa? Are you mindful of them and aware of what their aims are? Do you share affinity with the Irunmole/Orisa and their aims? Or do you only draw near to them to ask for favors and benefits with a heart lacking in consideration, appreciation and love? Do the Irunmole/Orisa exist to serve you or should you be serving them and acquainting yourself with their program, plans and activities?



Do you think that you can secure the favor of the Irunmole/Orisa and bribe them with a sacrificial offering, offering of some fruits/vegetables and/or some other trinkets? Do you think and believe that the Irunmole/Orisa are really interested in these things and desirous of them? Do you think that Irunmole/Orisa are really dependent on you for offerings of water, liquor, meats and other eatables?

Are not the Irunmole/Orisa more interested in your quality of heart and manner of living? Is it not your genuine inner love, appreciation, awe and reverence (respect) for the Irunmole/Orisa the true ‘food and nourishment’ which causes their hearts to take delight in you and which strengthens them with enthusiasm, gratitude and care?

Do you think that the Irunmole/Orisa are partial and biased like ordinary human beings? Do you not know that the good actions of others which they reward will also be shared by you if you engage in the same good and honest actions? Do you not know that the same bad and dishonest actions that they chastise, discipline and punish in others will also be equally shared by you if you are engaging in the same bad, irreverent and dishonest actions?

What is the proof that you really love and care for the Irunmole/Orisa? Other than yourself who is benefiting from your love, awe, reverence and dedication to the Irunmole/Orisa? What are you gaining from your devotion to the Irunmole/Orisa? What are the Irunmole/Orisa gaining from your devotion and service to them? Are you really serving them or are you serving yourself in their name?

Are you truly honoring or praising them with your life and devotion or are you simply praising yourself and worshipping your ‘self’? Are you collaborating with the noble objectives of the Irunmole/Orisa or are you attempting to do the impossible, to use the Irunmole/Orisa for your own purposes and indulgence? What is your aim and purpose in your devotion and service to the Irunmole/Orisa? Do you in fact have genuine unselfish devotion to the Irunmole/Orisa and are you really serving them? Do people see, perceive and experience the nobility, truthfulness and sincerity of the Irunmole/Orisa in you and in your life or do they feel that you are just taking them along for a ride and attempting to pull the wool over their eyes?




Ponder these questions carefully and seriously? Self deception is the greatest tragedy. Artificial, ostentatious and fake piety is the greatest hypocrisy. Falsity is fatal to esin ibile.

Ela ‘boru. Ela ‘boye. Ela ‘bosise.