IFÁ AND MORALITY

Aboru Aboye.

The morality of Ifa is not rooted in a calculating spirit or bartering mindset. Neither is the Ifa morality-spirituality born out of social convention or convenience. A morality of social convention, peer pressure or convenience is no morality at all. This type of so-called morality is nothing more than a subtle, veiled and deceptive expression of selfishness. A bartering or calculating spirit is contrary  and subversive to the authentic Ifa spirit of kindness, simplicity, humility, unfeigned love and goodness. These are the divine and unstained qualities promoted by Ifa. 

In Ifa one does not practice goodness and refrain from evil out of a desire to obtain rewards or out of a desire to avoid negative repercussions or out of fear of what others will say or think.Those who behave and relate to others motivated by this kind of calculating or bartering mindset are yet spiritual novices and immature in their understanding, comprehension, appreciation and experience of divine matters. This unrefined, incomplete and imperfect morality says, "If you do good to me I will do good to you. If you give to me I will give to you. If you take from me I will take from you. If you do me evil then be prepared to receive evil from me." This is a morality of based on reciprocity, calculation and bartering. This is the morality of the ogberi or unenlightened and uninitiated (uninstructed) person. 

The spirit and vision of Ifa is rooted in unqualified pure goodness. The Ifa principle of goodness is rooted in a vision of cultivating an unwavering heart of altruism and compassion extended to all without exception and the development of ones character to increasingly assimilate and integrate the divine nature which always does only good to all and benefits all. The essence of our singular and fundamental nature is unqualified pure goodness. Through ones personal experience of the divine mysticism of Ifa, one discovers and realizes ones inherent fundamental goodness, dignity, beauty and wholesomeness. We enter this world in cleanliness, wholesomeness and fundamental goodness with great and admirable prospects. When we perceive the sacredness of our lives the entire world becomes sacred, holy and beautiful. The divine nature is not arbitrary or contradictory and knows nothing of wrath, hate, jealousy, revenge, anger and evil intent. The divine nature is incapable of thinking evil much less doing evil. The divine nature is harmless and strong in uprightness and goodness. People hurt and injure themselves when they live and walk contrary to natures harmonious way.

The discovery and exhibiting of the divine nature within us is the goal of every man and woman. Conscious acquisition and enjoyment of the divine nature is our aim. Its attainment is the purpose of our existence. We arrive at this attainment by gradual training, progressive stages of growth and development, rooted in personal effort, confidence, affinity with the divine expressed through abiding receptivity and responsiveness to the inner guide known as Ori (bestowal of divine intelligence, ability and experience). Through this path of continual transformation we assimilate true morality which transforms our personality and elevates our character (and transforms, elevates and heals our world).

Orunmila has taught us that humankind must grow and move beyond a morality  of convenience to a morality of selfless giving or sacrifice(kindness, honesty and love). Ifa calls us to true giving in a real, meaningful and sustainable way. Ifa invites us to give not only of our time and means but to give of ourselves wholeheartedly to others. Ifa challenges us to undergo the personal effort and process and change that will uplift and transform our inner life condition.The ogberi (foolish-ignorant- self absorbed person lacking in true understanding) is waiting for others to change. The ogberi is waiting for the world to change. The ogberi is trying the change the external features of the world thinking that by so doing the world will be made a better place. 

The awo (enlightened) and ogbon (wise) person understands that the world is a reflection of the individuals which comprise it. To change the world each individual must undergo the process and training leading to the progressive assimilation of the divine nature---the nature of pure, clean, innocent, gentle, joyful and kind iwa (character-personality). This condition each one most cultivate and have a fervent desire for. It is a true statement that we should be the change we desire to see in the world. When we each take the initiative to change, develop and transform our life condition, we naturally and effectively change and transform the world. Personal responsibility, kindness, perseverance and courage in the midst of challenge and difficulty is the warrior spirit that Ifa asks us to cultivate, for the simultaneous benefit of others and ourselves. 

We have all been perfectly fitted by the divine to undertake this journey and adventure of growth, attainment, perfection and soul satisfying realization. There are no short cuts or steps that can be skipped. Shortcuts are not needed. What is needed is, that we do not allow ourselves to be sidetracked and distracted from our goal. There is no need for us to compare ourselves to anyone or compete with anyone. What is needed is that we pursue truth, love and light with honesty, freedom, personal perseverance and strong determination. What is needed is the courage, honesty and fortitude to practice and follow that which we personally and individually know and perceive to be consistent with truth, conscience, goodness and integrity. There is no need for you to follow others, neither is there a need for you to oblige others to follow your way. Each man according to his unique endowment of Ori (perceptive and illuminating intelligence; your personal inner convictions, confidence and faith). It is futile and fraught with peril to artificially follow and mimic others on their path. What is necessary is for us to honestly ascertain and follow our own authentic path of truth wholeheartedly and without reserve. No one can tell you what your path is. 

You have to find out and determine your path for yourself if you want to have a satisfying and authentic person spirituality with foundation. You must take responsibility for your own chosen spiritual path. Your finding out for yourself is part of the journey, growth and mystery. Can others tell you and choose for you what you will eat, wear and drink? Can another eat, breathe and drink for you? Is it for another to choose for you what you will pursue and live for? Is it for another, and can another tell you what you should believe and cultivate in your life? We must have confidence in ourselves, confidence in our unique and authentic perception(s) and experiences of the divine, and confidence in the divine guiding us through our own inner light, understanding and honest convictions. Our comprehension of truth is unfolding, growing and being enhanced by our efforts and by the exerted influences and initiatives of the Divine Source upon our lives. Others may suggest and share with us their vision and ideals but we must personally decide what is suitable for us. We cannot live off a borrowed faith of another. 

We must have our own root and foundation of trust and confidence in ourselves and our divinely informed understanding. Each person must bravely press forward into the unknown, uncharted and new lands of spiritual terrain. Each person should aspire to bring something fresh, original and needful from the spiritual treasury of Olodumare. Be original and not an imitator. Each person must do their own spiritual work. Others can help us, assist us and encourage us but we must do our own work. We must value the preciousness of our lives and the unique opportunity that we have been given. We must respect and  value ourselves and make the best of our life possibilities here-and-now without delay. According to our effort, sustained determination and genuine interest, so will the result be. Ifa says, 'One who makes a small sacrifice will have a small result'. If you plant and cultivate corn, your crop of corn will come in due season. If you plant and cultivate thistles and weeds then thistle and weeds will be your crop in due season. If you plant and cultivate nothing then nothing is what you have to look forward to. It's really that simple. This is a journey and adventure of self-discovery. This is the essence of our spiritual career of spiritual evolution and ascension. The acquisition of conscious qualitative oneness with the divine--with the Ifa spirit of limitless light and life. 

Ifa encourages us to 'be able to endure without surrendering and to persevere in what you set yourself to do.' Without courage, firm determination and patient perseverence we cannot achieve anything lasting and of enduring value in the everyday ordinary world, how much more is this true of the divine realm of isese (the divine way).  Morality, sincerity, humility  and perseverence are the essential pillars of Ifa mysticism. A central moral quest in the Ifa spiritual and ethical tradition is to achieve iwa-pele (good character). The iwa-pele that Ifa encourages and relentlessly challenges us to attain is not the basic everyday 'good' character that people display out of convenience, personal need and social contrivance. This so called 'good' character born out of fear of reprisal or desire for praise is not an authentic iwa-pele. It is a counterfeit or imitation iwapele. It is the shadow of real iwa-pele.  True iwa-pele is not an act that one puts on like an actor who parrots and mimics a character and personality that is not truly his own. Ifa iwa-pele, is who and what we truly are. The iwa-pele that Ifa speaks of, is the divine character and the charismatic, pleasant, inspiring and commanding personality of Olodumare. The divine nature has to be the sum and substance of our iwa-pele. 

When inwardly we are genuine children of iwa then naturally, authentically and spontaneously our words, actions, demeanor and manner of life and relating to others will reflect the inner reality of who and what we are. Iwa-pele is what gives meaning and power to everything we do and pursue in Ifa and in our relationship with the Orisa and our fellow man. Orunmila teaches us that this assimilated and cultivated divine-gentle character is what enables the rope of life to remain strong in our hands. Orunmila teaches us that the person who possess this divine treasure of iwa-pele has a genuine love for doing good for the benefit of all people, especially those who are in need and those who seek assistance from us. We are enjoined to create a society of values and morals not on cold calculation of rule and duty but out of a genuine uninstigated and unforced inner love that delights in doing good and bringing benefit to others. Ifa teaches us that 'Ofun is giving out goodness everywhere. Ofun does not make noise about it."  Ofun means pure and clean goodness, benefit and relief extended to others without the desire for personal recognition. There is only a desire for the benefit and relief of our fellow man. Ofun is a genuine desire for the well-being, safety and happiness of everyone. 

The happiness and well-being of others is the foundation of our own happiness and well-being. Ifa charges us with the mission to be filled with 'the eagerness and determination to struggle for the increase of the good in the world and not let any be lost.' Orunmila calls us to a profound commitment to divine morality and the establishment of a good world and an ongoing and intense willingness to struggle and persevere until such a beautiful world is achieved. Ifa teaches us that we must stay ever-ready and engaged, for Ifa says, 'A genuine and conscientious soldier-warrior is never unready even once'. May you all be encouraged, motivated and enlightened by these words sent out for your spiritual enrichment and benefit. May you reflect and apply these words of guidance and wisdom for the benefit of others and yourself. Do not forget to be kind and gentle to others and yourself.

Aboru Aboye.