THRUTH – THE ESSENCE OF THE REAL SPIRITUALITY

The world is filled with countless ideologies, religions, sects, schools of thought, philosophies and cults of spiritual devotion and understanding. These religions or schools are called by various names by their respective followers. But there is an eternal and sublime religion that should be inquired into. Often we say my religion is this, that or other but have we ever stopped to consider? What is the religion that God follows?

This spiritual religion is the true religion and root of all authentic expressions of spirituality, truth and light. Ifa Eledumare answers this most intriguing and important question in Odu Osa Otura. Let all the wise, intelligent, sincere and genuine seekers and initiates listen deeply and ponder carefully this answer

“Osa-Otura (Osa-Alawo)”

• Osa Alawo asked, what is Otito (truth, real spirituality-religion)? I also asked, what is Otito (truth)?
• Truth is the Lord (Oluwo) in heaven (divine spiritual realm) who pervades the entire creation and protects (perfectly nourishes and guides) the world (cosmos- the universe of invisible and visible realities).
• Orunmila (divine seer and knower of God) declared that Otito is the marvellous, sacred, clean and pure unseen divine power that protects and guides the world.
• Truth (Otito) is the wisdom, love and power that Olodumare (the repository and owner of all powers and energies) applies.
• Osa Alawo asked again, What is Otito? (truth, the essence and touchstone of spirituality, true religion-spirituality).
• I also asked again, what is Otito? Orunmila (who is the son, friend and knower of God) declared: Otito is the character of Olodumare. (Ponder deeply and reverently this Ifa revelation!) OTITO IS THE CHARACTER OF OLODUMARE!!! The true lover, respecter and follower of Olodumare is the one who best displays and cultivates the character of Olodumare in his own life. That is what it means to be a son of Olodumare.
• Son (Omo) meaning one who has, shares, cultivates and displays the same divine and noble qualities and characteristics that Olodumare possesses.
• Otito (truth) is the unchanging word (that which is reliable, dependable, stable and permanent). This word is the power, wisdom and love of Olodumare through which Olodumare lovingly and wise governs all the world's and realms of existence with all of its various inhabitant both invisible and visible, spiritual and material.)
• The IFA (the Spirit of Infinite Light, Life and Power) is OTITO (Truth)!!!
• Truth is the indestructible Word (Power, Presence and Character of Olodumare).
• Truth is the POWER above ALL powers. Otito (is the bestowing of everlasting blessings).
• These were the declaration of Ifa (Olodumare) to the inhabitants of the world (universe-cosmos).  They were advised to be truthful at all times. Be truthful. Be honest. He who is truthful.  the Deity will support.

The truth is one. Perfect saints, priests, holy mystics, spiritual initiates and all godly people who really know the truth always have the same message to convey regardless of the place and time in which they live. They are above all superficial distinctions of creed, colour, cult, country or religious systems. They do not come to this world to start a new religion or sect but come to convert people from misery to happiness, to convert people from a debased or hellish mentality to a noble, holy or divine (heavenly) mentality.

There is no such thing as hindu air, buddhist air, christian air, muslim air, isese (followers of Ifa Orisa) air. Air is air. Human suffering is human suffering. It is not hindu suffering, or christian suffering, or buddhist suffering, or muslim suffering or Ifa devotee suffering but simply and straight-forwardly human suffering.  Human happiness is human happiness. The way of truth is like the air, we all breathe and like the sunlight and rain by which we are nourished and upheld by. It is universal and not sectarian.

Ifa is original and universal truth for all men without exception. Orunmila appeared to bring guidance, peace, wellbeing and the message of God's concern, love and commitment to each of his children (mankind). Orunmila appeared to bestow the treasure of the power and grace (ASE) of Olodumare to guide, mend and heal our lives. Orunmila appeared to make known and reveal the unique standing of humankind before Olodumare and the great dignity is inherent in humanity. Orunmila revealed the fundamental goodness of man. But this goodness has to be cultivated and perfected. The purpose of human life is to discover truth (Olodumare and his noble and ennobling character) and seeking to worship Oludumare through cultivating his own character and qualities in our own lives. This is the highest and unsurpassable way of worship and spirituality. Unless we become knowers (doers) of the truth, the basic purpose of human life becomes hidden from us and our life experience becomes one of incessant anxiety, emptiness and meaninglessness.

The way (truth) of Olodumare and his Orisas (divine representatives and messengers) is one of joy, peace, harmony, respect and love for all. How much of our life do we squander on useless, vain and unsatisfying pursuits? Let us this day convert to the religion of Olodumare (Universal God). Let us convert to Eledumare and become children of truth and light. Let us convert from selfishness to altruism. Let us convert from living an immoral life to a moral life. Let us convert from living a petty life to one of fullness, meaningfulness and inspiration. Let us convert from a life of mere taking to a life of bestowing and giving to others. Let us improve our character, assimilating the divine character of Olodumare. Let us allow to pure white dye of truth to completely color our lives. The man or woman who is one with truth is indestructible. The man or woman who loves and does truth is endowed and entrusted by Olodumare (and Orisa) with spiritual powers and abilities. What do you think? ThatOlodumare and Orisa bestow power and authority to just anyone without inner qualifications and purification (maturity).

Let us make the word of Olodumare (IFA) the living reality of our conduct and manners. Olodumare decreed that while on earth we must not pursue and indulge in debasing, unwholesome and evil deeds. That we must pursue truthfulness and honesty at all times so that we might prosper on all levels. Orunmila has shown us that he triumphed by using truthfulness. Orunmila delights to cultivate and exercise the character of Olodumare in his own life. The character of Olodumare is full of intelligence, wisdom, patience and love, by using truthfulness.

Orunmila triumphed and overcame wickedness. Truthfulness, humility simplicity and honesty is the foundation and root of all genuine Ifa devotees. A good conscience, peace, inner happiness and contentment is the abiding treasure of a follower of Orunmila. Truthfulness, uprightness, noble character, truthful living, dependability and loving-kindness. This is the religion of Olodumare. This is the religion of Ela. This is the religion of Obatala. This is the religion of Orunmila. This is the religion of all Orisa.  This is the religion of all genuine initiates. This the eternal religion of all men and women of illuminated vision.

Practice this. Be dedicated to this. Pursue this. Ponder this. Cultivate this and see how the wonderful powers, graces and energies of Orisa will be manifest in your life in astounding and unanticipated ways. Only you can determine for yourself to follow this path wholeheartedly. Let us be firm and committed to truth, integrity and benevolence. Let us not lapse into an inconsistent and wavering spirituality. Let not our spirituality and morality be artificial and superficial out of social convention or pressure. Let us not be like the chameleon that depending on its environment it changes its colour to suit. Let not our commitment to truthful living be dictated by circumstances.

Let us not have a fluctuating and inconsistent spirituality. Let us be personally committed to pursuing and abiding by the noble injunctions and counsel of Ifa. Let us personally, individually have a firm and unchanging foundation and root within ourselves that does not go up and down depending on circumstance. Like Olodumare and His messengers let us have a character that is reliable, dependable and unwavering.

This world will become a divine realm when all mankind individually and collectively embraces the religion of Eledumare.

Asé