Death the Great Equalizer
A Song for Iyagba
She walks with love in her hands,
Hair locked in motion
Winds kiss her forehead with loving kindness
She walks with love in her hands,
No one never knowing just who she really was
Osun danced in her stride,
Hips moving to the silent motion of the earth
Mother who on bended knees danced to the sound of Bata drums
She walked with love for us all in her hands
Speaking with the experience of the Ancient ones
No one knew her real name
Elegant strides of pain
Jazz notes ringing of off key lyrics of Miles
Melancholy melodies that caused our bodies to sway with old memories
Her gift to us
She walked with love for us in her hands
My sister now stands in a secret garden
A place of serenity and gold
Humming birds now light and kiss her fingers
Invisible love surrounds her space
Rivers ripple with sweet waters succulent to taste
Grass under her body
Sweet green grass knowing that her destiny has been
fulfilled
The love that holds her to the heavens
Is released to the stars
She walks with love in her hands…
Jackie Medina Iya Iyagba passed away a month ago but we and no one else knew as she waited for someone to find her. Her death rings clear notes of concern about the state of the Ifa and Orisa community. Though it is an isolated case; how many of our people in the community of Ifa and Orisa looked out for each other, check up, or even call to find out if we are ok physically, spiritually or even psychologically.
When I left Los Angeles the Leimert Park community where the Ara Ifa Ijo Orunmila Temple was located, brought a thriving but sometimes disjointed community. Yet, one of the unique aspects of this community was there was a concern and care about its members. Iya Iyagba was a member. However, it is of great concern that after only 7 short years, this woman who was a fixture in the Leimert Part area, passed
away in her home and no one knew that she was dead. It is a concern for all of us worldwide to consider our state of humanity and compassion for another soul, when anyone one of us can leave this world, for death ultimately comes for us all and no one would know that we died or even cared. We must think about more than our own personal problems and issues and look to our left and right and see the connections that we have to each other-Ori Isese, this connects us to Olodumare. Part of our gaining spiritual insight through Ifa , is also to apply this insight and awareness to how we interact in the world and bring about a better world, society not only for ourselves but the world through healing balm of Ifa given to us by Orunmila our prophet. When the bulk of our ebo’s and prayers are said in how to protect ourselves from each other because of hatred,
Death the Great Equalizer
Prejudices, inflated egos and in some cases just downright mental health issues. In the temples and Iles across the country and certainly throughout the world how many people communicate with other temple members? Or even those people who are not in the central core members but are on the fringe and have not found their niche in your community. Do you know who they are? Do you call just to say hello and how are you doing? Do you feel well? Or are we so suspicious of each other that we miss those wonderful opportunities to gain the friendship and care of another human being. Here in the 21st century, while the world is becoming more sensitive and at least politically correct, our communities in Ifa consider our roles as healers and how we accomplish this task. Our spiritual agreements are showing the uglier side by the results of situations such as this unnoticed death of Iya Iyagba. Her death says we as a community have not got the lessons set forth by Olodumare to its children
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“Sometimes, it is difficult to see beyond the canopy illusions created by those who intentions are self serving and at best dangerously corrupt.”
Papa Gede
COMMUNICATION IN IFA
While it is theologically stated that Orisa Esu is a great communicator because of its ability to transcend time and communicate with human beings, Orisa, and all sentient and non sentient beings; it is Ifa that has initiated all Orisa through the will of Olodumare and Örúnmìlà‘s ability to commune through his spiritual, metaphysical and mental examples. However, in this lesson we are looking at Orisa Ogun’s unique license to cut through difficult conversation with simplicity and in peace in order to accomplish direct and clear conversation that leads to prosperity and serenity.
In the great Holy Odu Ifa of Ogunda Meji which classically shows the profoundness of Orisa Ogun to cut through mediocrity and foolishness, in order to resolve conflict and thus received tremendous reward and satisfaction:
The powerful person craves the crown. This was the teachings of Ifa for Ogun. He was advised to sacrifice. The ‘symbols’ of the sacrifice: a sword, a rooster and a roasted yam.
Ifa said that it was the sword which Ogun would use in the pursuit of prosperity. And that he should carry it with him everywhere. Ogun was advised to eat the roasted yam and he ate it. When he became thirsty, he went to the river to drink some water. When he finished drinking the water he saw two people quarrelling over a fish they had caught. Ogun told them that they should be patient. And that they should divide the fish and go home. They refused. The first person said he came from the West. The second person said she came from the East. After hearing what they both had to say
Concerning the matter, Ogun took the sword which he had in his hands and cut the fish into two equal parts for them. The first person thanked him and said that he wanted him to open a way for him so that he might reach his city. He said that Ogun would become a prosperous person. He said that Ogun would acquire an abundance of good things. He said that he would suffer no hardship before reaching his city.
COMMUNICATION IN IFA
The second person also thanked Ogun. And she asked that Ogun
not neglect to open the way for her to her city in the same way.
Ogun told them that he understood. Therefore, since that day Ogun divided the fish into two for the tow people who were quarrelling; He has been called Ogunda Meji, Ogun who divides into two equal parts has made a metaphysical and binding contract in the world not only of prosperity but of spiritually bringing about communication that had been hindered and unproductive to that
Which now is a productive relationship between the two warring parties.
It is through the directives of Ifa, which Orisa Ogun was able to be productive in solving the dilemma that these parties faced. Orisa Ogun in his mighty wisdom
By complying with Ifa, created effective communication and healed a relationship that could have ended in death rather than the lives that are now saved. Within this ese Ifa are also other sacred elements of that lend itself to communication that we as worshippers of Ifa should see and attest. Don Miguel Ruiz the author of the book, The Four Agreements a Toltec Warrior Way of Wisdom” speaks of a spiritual domestication that all human beings enter in contract before and after they enter the world. A type of conditioning that is called agreements which infect our whole way of communication and thus our belief system. What and who we are is a taught process from our genetic lineage, mothers, fathers, and our outside systems such as our societies. Judgments that impede our every move in life and it effect keep us from true communication and freedom that we deserve as a gift from our Creator Olodumare. Touching upon truth and speaking the absolute truth in communication become difficult for we fall to the easy posture of “victim” and create the internal stories that make our side seem the only side of the equation. We become continuously trapped in the cycle of deceit and are doomed to the repetitive illusion of freedom unless we choose to change how we think by changing our agreements in the world. We blame, find guilt with others rather than find the essence of truth within ourselves: we except the responsibility of our own creation of lies and deception of our life by living our lives in truth and courage. Recognizing that the stories and communication begin with our walk in the world of Truth. When people speak to us in derogative statements of,” you are stupid, you are ugly, you are fat, you are sorry, you are evil, and “we" believe these statements even when they are wrong. They are reinforced by gossip and other negative environs that we use to keep us in the space of slavery to the world. What Ogun is telling us in this Odu Ifa that freedom that we seek to become better human beings is close at hand if we would step back from our useless forms of negative communication and embrace the blueprint that Ifa has for us.
Ile Iwosan Örúnmìlà Mimo Temple
Our Temple
Mission Statement & History
2004 Iyanifa Fayomi Falade Aworeni The mission of the Ile Iwosan Orunmila Mimo/Orunmila Healing Spaces is to bring “good Ifa” to those who love Ifa. Our objective is to worship Olodumare and the Irunmole incorporating those principles given by the mandates of Olodumare through the auspice of Ifa. We promote the education, health, and culture of the Yoruba of Nigeria and their religious pursuit given to them 12,000 years ago by their Prophet Orunmila.
We are affiliated with a number of Ifa temples throughout the Diaspora and in Nigeria. The Lead Iyanifa Fayomi Falade Aworeni.
The Temple Ile Iwosan Orunmila Mimo is members of the International Council of Ifa Religions and an adopted member of the family of the Araba of Ile Ife, Awoyemi Aworeni Adisa Mokanranwale by virtue of Dafa, and “A Child of Oke Itase". We are a Not-For-Profit 501©3 organization and we welcome donations for our programs.
We are a bridge that connects Nigerian Yoruba Ifa with that of the Yoruba Diaspora, investigating ways to improve our relationships, protect and care for our own at home/families. We, in this house of worship pledge to honor our elders and support the growth and development of Ifa corpus here and in Yoruba land.
Iya Fayomi's lineage is the Ara Ifa Ijo Orunmila in Los Angeles, Ca. under the leadership of the Olubikin of Ile Ife, Oloye Fasina Falade who was initiated by the past Araba Agbaye of Ile Ife Ifasuyi Omiporiola. Iya Fayomi also has ties with Ile Jalumi in Chicago.
Our past roles in Ara Ifa Ijo Orunmila were the Secretary of Orunmila Youngsters USA, Los Angeles Chapter, Secretary for Yoruba Olodumare Ile, Los Angeles
We have a rich history and lineage with many historical relationships of pioneers of Ifa in this country. We are a revolutionary temple in that we are making strives to create a better face of Ifa in the world as well as create, through Ifa, a place where the healing of Human life begins.
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WORSHIP SERVICES EVERY SUNDAY FROM 10:30AM UNTIL 11:30AM
IFA STUDY CLASS 11:30 – 1:00 PM
ANCESTOR STUDY CLASSES EVERY 2ND AND 4TH SUNDAY FROM 1:30 – 2:30PM
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Ile Iwosan Orunmila Mimo Temple
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Saturday, May 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Divinity of Human Beings
The Divinity of Human Beings
It must be you, my love I seek,
But the Love that is ever presence and all knowing
Love is the Ultimate truth,
We are the same being…T’gore
What is meta-biological evolution-Joseph Sach?
Agiriyan ni morere eerun
Asuwa ni morere Eniyan
Asuwa da Orun
Asuwa daa sile
Asekan suwada nigbati Iwa se
Asekan suwada nigbati iwa gun
Asuwa nigb iwa roo
Ire gbogbo wa d’asuwa
Irun pesusu won gbori
Irun agbo pe susu won di ojontarigi
Igi pe susu won di igbo
Eruwa pe sus won dodan
Agbon pe sus fowo tile
Ita pe susu bo ile
Alasuwada, a pe o
Ko oran iwa sus wa
Ki won ko ire gbogbo waa ba wa
The Divinity of Human Being
Asuwa ni toyin
Asuwa leeran nihu ninu oko
Asuwa ni to susu owo
Asuwa leeran nihun ninu aare
Asuwa ni ti Elegiri
Asuwa ni ti Elegiri
Asuwa laa bodan
Asuwa lesu nfiijoko
Asuwa opo suuu la ba ikan ninu ogan
Asuwa laa ba ekunkun leti omi
Asuwa laa ba oore lodo
Asuwa laa ba lamilami
Asuwa laa beja egbele lokun
Ewe adosusu kii duro loun nikan
Iri tu wili tu wili
Lari dale aye
La bu da ile
Kire susu ko wa su piripiri
Ire gbogbo d’asuwa
Nje bori kan ba sunwon
A ran igba
Ori mi to sunwon
Lo ran yin
Ori yin to sunwon
Lo ran mi
Bori kan ba sunwon
A ran igba
The anthill is a place for deliberation
Of eerun ants
Asuwa, a grouping together in harmony, is the place of deliberation of human beings
It was through the principle of grouping together, that earth was created
And it was in the form of collectivities that beings descended together
that beings descended on earth
All inclusive was the grouping together
When human beings were first created
All inclusive was the grouping together
When beings were completed
Formed into collectivities were beings
When they rained down on earth
All goodness became a grouping together in harmony
The grouping together of the strands of hair covered the head
The groupings together of hairs on the chin
Became an object of attention
The grouping together of trees became a forest
The grouping together of the eruwa grasses became a savannah
The grouping together of the beehives hold up the roof of the house
And the grouping together of the ita ants
Led to their covering the earth
Alasuwada, Great Being who creates all beings in groups, we ask you humbly
That you grant us things gathered in groups
So that they bring together all things good to us
Bee form swarms
Eeran plants grow together on the farm
Brooms are formed from bundles of twigs
Eeran grass growns in bunches on the plains
And the elegiri bird’s form flocks
It is as swarms that the locust consume the farm
It is in several colonies that we find the termites in their mounds
It is in grooves that we encounter the ekunkun trees on the water’s edge
It is in schools that we find the egbele fish in the ocean
It is in groups we encounter this dragon fly
And the adosusu leaf is never found alone
Dews pouring lightly, pouring lightly
Were used to create the world
And likewise was done to create the earth
So that goodness of togetherness could come forth at once
Indeed all goodness took the form of a
Gathering together in harmony
Now, if one ori (mind/heart) encounters good
It will spread out and touch two hundred
If my mind/heart is good
It will spread out and touch you
And if your mind/heart is good
It will spread out and touch me
For if just one mind/heart experiences good
It will spread out and touch two hundred…Osa Gunda
A wonderful thing that happened this morning, the epiphany thought that enveloped my mind, was the community of Ifa, while still comprising of ancient cultural mores’ of oral tradition, are and should be elevating spiritually but are not. What I mean by this is, that as a community of many different social backgrounds, ethnicity, genders, and of course nationalities; we are, each day, involved in the struggle of becoming human. And in that human struggle and development as individuals we sometimes forget the divine messages and mandates that have been given to us as guides for our life on this earth and what the ancient ones saw as a future problem if we failed to follow their instructions.
Recently, during one of my periods of study of philosophies of the world I choose to re-visit the works of Deepak Chopra and found another understanding of meta-biological evolution in which the scientist Joseph Sach wrote of how mankind in their beginning development in pre-historic times were faced with the enormous challenge which cause either the ability to flee a dangerous circumstance or stand and fight. Mankind was faced with great dangerous in the beginning of animals that found human beings to be a delectable and tasty morsel, so human beings learned that they could either stand and fight or flee to fight another day. This syndrome of flight or fight however, over the centuries created in man the physiological and metabolic change in the human body. Within the brain, in the areas of the Peripheral Nervous system, Autonomic Nervous system, and Somatic Nervous system are changed as well as in the brain Sensory Thalamus to cortex and to amygdale, genetically over the centuries to compensate for the consistent force of action that this challenge brought on the mind/body for it to significantly change the human structure. We are now physiologically predisposed to levels of violence brought on by fear and challenges. It is this physical phenomenon that keeps us in war, want, illness, violence and spiritual pain. Ultimately, we bred within ourselves that syndrome that has kept us in distress for millenniums.
Ifa, in the Ese Ifa of Osa Gunda is telling us just as in recent times and with other world philosophers centuries ago the same thing. We were not created for the violence, the hatred, and all the “isms”, which represent illogical human and spiritual responses to fear, where we also use our religious belief to justify our reason for committing acts of violence in all forms now in the name of Olodumare. We have according to Ifa an opportunity and window to change this syndrome for the next generation by stopping the madness in our lifetime.
In this verse what Ifa spoke to us of was, in the beginning of time we human beings were in harmony with each other just as the all life was in synchronization with each other. We were in collectives designed to provide protections and unity amongst the specie. All embracing community of harmony was the way of Olodumare and the forces of the universe. Our evolution changed when we found the entity of FEAR. We then became the unconditioned spirit trapped in the conditioned body. We sleep, dream and wake in the triad of consciousness always seeking to find the missing something that is within our grasp but never quiet touching. We created the Ego as another form of protector but lost control over its force thus giving us the sense that it is a reality when in fact it is truly an illusion of our own human creation. However, it is our Ori-heart and mind outside of ourselves and within ourselves simultaneously that is ever seeking to escape the boundaries we created. We believe that it is our understanding of the 7 levels of freedom that will bring what we want in life.
What is it that I want-freedom
Success
Escaping the prison of the known
The ability to make spontaneous correct choices
To become free of time
Removing the traps of the conditioned form
Become the timeless consciousness and away from the trappings of the world
Now again this is not hocus pocus, we are spiritually predisposed to live in the miraculous because we are direct descendant of Olodumare. This is our birthright and heritage but we had a clause in the will so to speak. We had to work for our greater good and in harmony with each other and all living things. Yep! Partners we can change even our physical being and more by thinking and doing the good and live in goodness. It is science! We keep ourselves loaded in the drug of fear, pain, illness, hatred, lust, greed, avarice and for what- so our ego can have its own life and power as an illusion-phantom of power working off of your energy and effort. A nothingness that keeps us forever locked in the cycle of human flaw and capriciousness.
Read Osa Gunda carefully, line for line and then compare it with the beginning lines. I realize that I put a lot of information on the page but I truly pray that someone hears the divine spirit of Ifa in what is being said and inspired. Disassociate from ego and the physical form by while listening to music or someone speaking, stop listening to the outside form and listen to you listening. There is a silence that comes that is you spirit and Ori. In the verse of Osa Gunda is tells you that you are never alone, we are the genius of the Creator Alasuwada, Eleda, Olorun, Olodumare, and more names. We are created both with the core of good and evil within us always at our choosing. We are the ones who can become or already became Orisa those who in the human arena transitioned to this form.
Ori, our great connection to the creative forces of the universe shows us that in every blade of grass in divinity, every bird is divinity; every piece of dirt that is on the earth is another human being who has passed into the dust. Whose spiritual essence has transcended back into the ocean of being-ness.
If you are a drop of water, what are you when pour back into the ocean. This is why as Ifa/Orisa practitioners, we used the nature and the elements of the universe to work our medicines, for the ancient ones were great observers of the universe and knew how to use the works of life itself. To dream is only another aspect of life to be used as a mechanism of travel from one realm of existence to another, to sleep in yet another vehicle to unravel the universe. Our waking is just as real as the state of dreams ready to explore all possibilities and connect the dots of fragile ego giving it a funeral for it keeps us from our understanding of our divinity.
Fayomi Falade Aworeni, Iyanifa
Ile Iwosan Orunmila Mimo Temple
4311 North 80th Lane
Phoenix Arizona 85033-2306
623.849.7179
Copyright©2009 Ile Iwosan Orunmila Mimo Temple
[i]Deepak Chapra-The Way of the Wizard
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