SR Str Nea ar iy Ly) i) Mia! ; iH i re TRU r ‘ Ree ih at PU OU irEE IFA: OHUN IJINLE AVE (IFA: PHYLOSOPHY OF LIFE) Awodiran O. Agboola© Chief Awodiran Okanlawan Agboola All Rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced. it c , Stored in or reintroduced in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without th i f en 1] 12 prior permission of the publisher/copyright 62012 ISBN: 978-978-923-615-2 Published by Fagbenga Ventures Nigeria 51,.Coker Street, Olosha, Mushin, Lagos, Nigeria, Email: gbenga2000@yahoo,com Tat 08023327708, 08061164349, 08023642710 Edited by: Fakunle Oyesanya Cover designed by Fakunle Oyesanya Dedication This book is dedicated to jo orunmila Ata also called ffo Eleto or |ndigene Faith of Africa Inc. under the leadership of Chief Adeboye Oyesanya, the Oluwo of the temple and Arabe of Odi-Olowo. This temple has been responsible for the success of various members who have established their own organisations, The orientation and training they recelved from the temple have contributed to their present undertakings. On my own, the great stories | wrote in this book were some of the preachings/Sermons delivered at this great tample. | can boldly say that our temple lio Orunmila Ato located at 0 Freeman Street, Ebute-metta, Lagos Nigéria is a temple of knowledge, excellence and methodical planning as referred to In Ejiogbe. Ni kekerd ni jabajeba t/ niyl nf gaat Ni kekers (oma oba ti ni of orl esin Aalfa fun Asta Eyf til se babe Ertwe Emi ¢ m'aaic, Het Evi to ba to io je rere Translation: itis from youth that a cow has honour in the manger Itis from youth that a Prince has honour on top of a horse Cast Ifa divination for Aare, methodical planning The father of all organizations Ma, | Know not how to plan Itis that which you plan for me that | consider good and proper ii} Acknowledgements | owe debts of gratitude’s to a number of people who have helped in no small ways to see that this book is published, 1 2. 5 6. My special gratitude to Clodumara and Orunmila for endowing me with wisdom to write another book. Special tributes should be paid to my father, late chief Akano Fasina Agboola, Araba of Lagos (1984 -1991) who allowed me to combine education with Ifa studies under his late friend and deputy, late Chief Fadairo Ajagbe, Awise of Lagos, Chief Fatunbi Fasina, Areba of Lagos mainiand, Chief Fanlyi Ogunjobi, Araba of Suberu-ole and various Babalawos My gratitude to HRH Oba Jose Mendes Geleju of Sao Paulo, Brasil, It was in his palace in Sao Paulo Brasil that | wrote this hook My gratitude also to His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Basin! Oloruntoyin Saliu, Oba of Oworonsoki Kingdom, KLG, Lagos Nigeria and other Royal fathers for their support Special thanks to Awo Fakunle Oyesanya who contributed te the translation and publication of this book. Finally to my humbie wife Yeye Araba Olubanke Ag boola for her care and support. | would conclude, this chapter by referring to Odu fa “wort Maji” which states as follows Yinni yin ken! o se mil Adifa fun Patent Ti aging okunrin Igooi Ifa tno yin of koo tun Je se mi si Orlsa to gba gbe nl lef yin Translation: : Showing appreciation brings further favour ‘Cast Ifa divination for Fatéera ho is @ male child of Igoda (A town) fa, | thank so that you can bless me more The divinity that brings blessings is the one we hail. ‘Contents ‘Dedication Acknowledgements Foreword Iba (Reverence) Preface Introduction (Chapter One Relationship between God and Ifa How Does Ifa Relate to other Religions ‘Chapter Two Indispensability of Ifa on Earth, Heaven and General Philosophy The Words of fa Are Words of Wisdom How Ifa Enlightens The World on Reproductive System Two Ways of Life: Positive and Negative Destiny Chapter Three General Philosophy of Ifa Hfa Teaches Humility, Patience, Endurance and Wisdom Chapter Four ifa Speaks in Parables Chapter Five 16 Great Stories of Ifa Chapter Six Not Too Difficult Translated Long Verses of Ifa Chapter Seven Iwure To Greet Ifa in the Moming/For Blessings Chapter Eight Akose (Ifa's Medicine) Resources om 73 a8 176 216 eae 241Foreword For quite a jong time, Ifa knowledge used to be restricted to religious and occult aspects only among the practitioners, which had further mystified the knowledge over a long period of time. As a fasult, the knowledge was mangled cut of context and this gave room for misconception and misrapresentation of facts. Nevertheless, in the last few decades, books, magazines and journals had been published by Ha and university scholars with @ view to bringing to the fore some texts/scriptures which had long femained a mystery in the minds of the people. This book is aiso an attempt by the author, Chief Awodiran Agboola fo demystify Ifa with a view to bringing out the life philosophies inherent in tia. The author has been able to show the divine origin of Ifa and its relationship with Olodumare. The significance of Ifa and its relevance ta humanity especially in the areas of morality, wisdom and proper decorum are highlighted in the first five chapters of the book. The author went further to whet the Interest of readers by presenting the 16 Great stories in Ifa with their stanzas and the lessons $0 derived from them. There is no doubt thal there is a preponderant use of Ifa stanzas by the author In order to drive home his point. However, readers will be astonished after going through several Ifa stanzas bothering on different situations of life, As far as this book is concerned, there couldn't have been a better title than “Ifa: Ohun |jinle Aye” (Ifa: The Philosophy of Life). There is no gainsaying the fact that the book is informative, educative and interesting. It is indeed a challenge to some Ifa loners who still treat Ifa as secret, mystifying and idolatry qultie tradition that has encourage people's apathy and hatred towards Ifa and other African religions, Readers will at the end of this book understand that Ifa contains empirical statements and ‘Wherewlthal, which can be tapped for the benefit of mankind. vi The genemsity of the author in lavishing the roa Informative and beneficial Ifa stanzas for special suppl joni and Olodumare on a daily basis is worthy of praise, Also includ the book are (he “Akose", special lfa preparations which can bo applied by humans in order to overcome certain vicissitudes in life. | have gone through the pages of the book; my conclusion is that this book will reveal not only the philosophical dimansions of Ifa but would ensure the continued existence of the knowledge of fifa through proper understanding and apt utilization. Finally, | will not be exaggerating to say that this book is well- researched and deserves to be read by everybody especially those who seek sound knowledge and wisdom. Fakunle Oyesanya Agbongben Avo of Odewele, Alakuko Alakejl Oe of Odi-Olowo, Mushin, Lagos vilIba (Reverence) ‘dakisi Ona mi ré ed leyin Dia fun Esin Abd fin Agha Wan f saw Io silé Ooni Alana-kan-Esid Ebo ni won ni ki won se Wan gb'ébo won ni'bo Atesin, at'Agbd Awa li¢ Odni Aldna-kan-Esud Did fon Odni Alana-kan-Esvd L'6i¢ ti kd ribaa ilée baba re md Ebo ni won mi ko se O gb’ébo, d rd’bo ‘Iba a Babd o ‘Iba a Yaya o ‘Iba Oliwo.o ¥ ‘Iba Araba |'alé Ife ‘iba Akoda ‘Iba Aseda Mo juba Ojagbona Afeyi timo da seo K'Ord ma sai gba Translation The hollow part of a well-trekked path is it which breaks the back of a snake This was the Ifa cast for Esin, the horse When going on Ha mission to the palace of Ooni of Ife They were advised to offer abo They complied Both Esin and Agbo the resident Awo of Oani Alana-kan- Sih They were the ones who cast lfé for Odni Alana-kan-Esoa When he did not pay homage to his ancestors anymore He was advised to offer ebe He complied | pay homage to my father Homage to my mother Homage to my Oliwa Homage to my Araba of fe viii Homage to Akoda Homage to Asada | pay homage to Ojagbéna Unless | act without recognition and homage to elders and spiritual forces May | succeed in all | do.Preface The purpose of this book is to prove to the world again that Ifa is the philosophy of life. Ifa touches every aspect of life. Ifa has capturad the world as the following Odu tfa, Ogbe Ale indicates: Ajé ire ida’ pe iowa Imeirain ligkee Ida pe lekun Agbaido ghgfa dgbado 0 bots Ko je Pinker sows ome elomnil To ba jf d tile amo ré tetete kiri oko Adif@ fuin dkanienirinwd Jruinmole Ti wan iffg reel soko Aye rere Aalfat fin Grinmita if rilg rée soko Aye rere Grunmile nikan nl nba févin tf risebo £6 e éyl ara Ha rf ghayé lo dgberl oma Translation: Good fortune is money Combination of beads Is treasure Whether the com is knowledgeable in Ha or not Horse tail will never be handed over to another child But given to the legitimate ! biological child ‘Cast Ifa divination for 407 divinities When attempting to marry Aye rere (the Earth) Cast divination for orunmila also planning to marry the earth Only Grunmila complied with the injunction of sacrifice Oh, this is wonderful, Ifa captures the world, the ignoramus is surprised This book will siso identify various proverbs and wise sayings derived from Ifa corpus. People refer to idioms and expressions which are drawn from fa will find many Christians and moslems refering to these words. | ig just to show that Ifa had been existing since the creation of ‘world by Olodumare, God who sent Orunmila and installed him “Oba Atayese (King that reforms the Earth). urthermore you will discover in this book why Orunmila is regarded is “Opitan Ife (Great historian of Ife). Many people who are fond of feeding novels will find great stories from this book. Whether you fre a Christian, moslem or Ifa practitioner the stories will make you {mprove in your character and decision making. The writer has been able to point out various Jessons from these great stories. Finally the book is intended to teach the basic things from Ifa’s Spiritually and pharmacology (Akose), This is to correct some erroneous impressions that babalawos don'l shara their secret knowledge with people. The writer has therefore chosen 16 Akose for the benefit of mankind. It is my candid opinion that readers would find this book interesting. Thanks for your understanding. Chief Awodiran Agboola Araba of Oworonsoki ‘ Telephone: 1, 08023395402 2, 08167408883 3, OBO9977 7807th: Chin ine Ave ntroduction Verious books have said what Ifa is all about. The intention of this writer ig to touch on the philosophy aspect of Ifa. With ff, you are In contro! of situation in life. Ifé Is the embodiment of wisdom ‘Agiiilégbon". A Babalawo is supposed to posses "inner Gold” as narrated in the Qdo fa, "Ogunda di” Ofurufil kd se @ fehinit Adifa fuin Gruinmila to s'gkg Wursola Fig sode, Ifa lo tc oko Wure & $@ Babelawo td gbofa a bi wura niki Translation It's impossible to rest your back on the sky/air (Great philosophy statement) Cast divination for Ordnmila who will marry Waragla (Gold) Graat philosopher ifa only, can marry Gold (Wura) Babaldwo who knows Ifa has Gold in his stomach Story: Oninmila marries Wuraol, a very beautiful lady and decides to swallow Wuraglé ta prevent other people from snatching her. Itis assumed that all Babaldwos who have studied fa diligently have in their possession real Gald “wisdom of Life’. fa, the Son of God, The Protector (Ifa Qmo Olgrdn Asadi), When people talk of Jesus Christ as the son of Gad, | laugh, what about our own Redeemer, Ifd as narrated in Qwanrin Sogbé, Oruinkun abara yiyi Aluigt ioruin akeragbe Adifg fin Olukds! Ope Tit sem9 Oldrun Asaai By iket bat ef te mi bowe, tie Avwimalogbon gba nil o Ope dsinld gba mioTid: Chie Tale Ave iwe ma lome Olgrun Asad Bj dndn ba rf te mi bee, Ie Awimaiagbon gba iif o Oped asinia gba mio two md ome Oigrun Asadi Bj sig ba rie mi bowel, et Awimalagbon gba mio Ope asinia gba mio lwo ma tome Oigrun Asadi Bi of bal rf lef mi bowai, ita Awimatogbon gba mio Ope dsinis gba info lwo met tome Olgrun Asaat 8! Gran ba i ie mi bowel, ifs Awimalogbon gba iri o Ope dsinla gba ml a Iwo ma lomo Olerun Asadl Bi ése ba le mi howe, ite Awimalogbon gba mio Ope dsinia ghd mio lwo md lomo Olgrun Asdai 8i gbogbo ibi ba nfs mi bowel, ifr Awimalogbon gba mio Ope dsini gba mio lwo ma lome Oldrun Asdcit Translation: The knee with its tough thick skin The neck of a bottle gourd is usually forcefully broken His was the Ifa cast for Oldkdsi Opa (title of —Orcinmila) Who is the child of Oldrun, the shelter lf Ika, Death Is coming for me Awim@logbon teacher of wisdom and understanding please fescue me Ope, Asinia please protect me You are the child of Olérun, the Shelter If Aran, Ailment is coming for me Awimologbon please rescue me Ii: Chie Yin Ay Opé, asinia please protect me ‘You ara the child of Olgrun, the Shelter And if Ejé, altercation is coming for ma Awimologbon please rescue me Opé, asinla please protect me ‘You are the child of Qldrun, the Shelter Even if Of, Loss is coming for me Awimeldgbon please rescue me Opé, asinla please protect me ‘You are the chiid of Olerun, the Shelter Vf trouble is coming for me Awimolégbon please rescue me QOpé, asinia please Protect ma ‘You are the child of Olgrun, the Shelter If all evil things are coming for me Awimologbdn please rescue me Ope, asinia please protect me ‘You are the child of Olorun, the Shelter Ifa, The G si Partner. (Fa ri ta fa can be relied upon when traveling as narrated In the Odo Ifa Ovyeko Oo Oda (Oyekd Gunda} if 'oba Orisa I'dsin Oidrun Oba feni a a ghekele Adifa fun jkindudu tif-s'amo Ajaniwarun Nig tf nitgrun bd watye A se ka of kat rai Op¢ nfkan Ionl hun ler Ti rita ju gbogbo oma ardye ig. Translation: Ifa Is King Orisa is spacial Olodumare Is the king Is worth depending upon1B: Obdn Tinks Aye That |s the message of Ha the black Ikin (Ifa), The offspring of Ajaniwarun When travelling from heaven to earth Behold! Of all human endeavours Ifa is the only one that has in its possession the most profitable ventures {fa t66 yangan (lf is worth flaunting) From Ogbé Bara you can feel proud that you have Ifa, Oghe barbara fda g¢t! Sense of ¢ lddgun Sonse orf ¢ fawure ~ Adife fin lf toc yangan Tit somo bibl ine Agbonmiregun ifs ted yangan ome Awo Eeyan to pe Ifa o to yangan kd lo ree kota fa tod yangein omo Awa. Translation: Ogbeé barabara lad geti } Sonso ori ¢ loogon, the tip of its head Is used for medicine Songo ori e lawure, the tip of its head is used for awure, goodluck lfe's message for Ifa-tod-yangain (Ifa is worth flauting) lfé-to6-yangan, the offspring of Agboniregun lfa-too-yangain, you are truly the child of Awa Anyone who says Ifa is not enough to be proud of should go and learn lia Ifé is worthy to be proud of {fa ni lagba ti hobayé — Ifa is the saviour for mankind From lworl ‘wosa, Ifa is the savior. Oma ile nil fi iunpe se apa Adit fifn lagha, Ty6o ma gba gbogbo ome araye Wa: etn ln Ay Oninmild dpltan, fet ni lagba tf sighani. inslation: Mysterious child wears itunpa (protective arm band charm) round his arm Ifa's message for Lagha, The one that will be saving mankind Orunmila, Great historian, Ifa is the one that saves mankind iwLif: hon inte Aye Chapter One AJOSEPO OLODUMARE ATI IFA (ORUNMILA) RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD AND IFA ‘The following stanzas show instances of several relationships between Ifa (Orunmila) and Olodumare, Grunmila was known to be the deputy of Olodumare especially in the areas of creations of the universe. As a result of this, Grunmila was able to know most of the secrets that Olodumare used in all\His works of craation, There were also situations whereby Orunmila casted Ifa for Olodumare and also made the appropriate ebo for Him fi OSA ALAWUURE (OSA TUA) Eni tioiba koenu om of dime iit omi mu'nt de Eni tio ba ke lbdcsl inf feyul yanydnyen sake Aol fin Qrunmmila nije tin ja ree rol Glodumare Awad re ni, swad ro ni Oledumare pel! Oninmild, gabe ni wan jo rise Awe arg ni Translation: He who jumps into the river knows the depth of the water He who shouts shows red eyes: Cast divination for Orunmila on the mission of knowing God's secret Just the two of us Olodimare and Ordnnillé are equally ruling the world Just the two of us Story Oninmila was instructed to fake the sacrifice (ebo) ta the foot of the ocean. It was at the same time God (Oloddmare) was taking his 6 fk: kota lh AWE ‘bath and Orinnilla glanced at his buttocks, he confirmed I “made Glddamaré to declare that Oninmila is endowed to Kin gecrat of the world (2 «© OGBE 'VEKY ‘Ogbe ‘yeku baba Arults Onl oghd, of ato n) baba Edan Adifa fun Olodiimare Bs Oba ateni iegelege for sapejl ami Ard te wile nif d se Bowun Olddurmare ata dudu, Ara ta wu'a nifa ose Adwun Oiddumare a ta furvun, Ara to wun'fé ni'fdd se Bowun Qlckimard ata pupa, Ard td wun'fa ni'fd o se Translation: on. Ogbe ‘yéku is the father of ‘Odu Ifa combinations: Longevity is the father of Fdan The message of la for Olédamare The King who uses the sky as his mat ifa is powerful and can perform wonders: If Olodumaré wishes, he can tum the sky to black Ifa [s powerful and can perform wonders if Olddumaré wishes, he can turn the sky to while, Ifa is powerful and can perform wonders. If Oldddmaré wishes, he can tum the sky to red, Ifa Is powerful and can perform wonders 3. Ej Oabe lid ni'taa ba tif, ki a maa tarp ohun gbogbe iow Oluwe wa Ki Oluwa we d ld bad ge ohun gbogbo fun wa Adifa fun Ala'sunwada tii soma bibt ind Agbenniregun Aldsunwadd paradd, ewo Wf mo nf kalo, Algsunwadd parade 7fst Chee inl Aye 1a: Oboe Wink ys fre. gbogbe tt mo ni kéite, Aldsuwads parade (6. Osa Bara Translation: Osa bamubamu ifa says, when we wake up, we should fequest from God our Obara bamubamu heart desires : Adi ful Oldse Alkul ; So that He can grant us our requests Ome at'orun sasq bora lagpe Oladuimars This was the Ifa’s message for Aldsuwada, Ararini, tani ngbe iku Olddumare The offspring of Agbenniragquin (Oranmilay Aldswada, be attentive, the money that | have ds notin Translation: abundance Osa bamubamu Alastwada, be attentive, (he multiple blessings | have are Obara bamubamu not sufficient Cast divination for Oldsé Alka He who uses the sky as covering garment Is the name of God 4 Ose 'ka itis impossible, who can hear the death of God In this stanza, Orunmila acknowledges the fact that Olodumare is the first among equals despite their collactive HOW DOES IFA RELATE TO OTHER RELIGIONS responsibility in the affairs of earth administration, There are (CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM)? times when he had deliberately adopted Olodumare as his father, The stanza of Ose Ika reads: In trostin Agbé, Ifa says: Aghe jingin Odo senu kotokote ghiyan Aghe jingin Adifa fun Metiiya Saba aghe jfngin jingin taarin Tif se obinnin Agbonniregun Adit futi Orunmita, Nig tl nfomi oj sungbare ome Saba mda so Eledumaré of baba Won of ko kara rile, ebo niko se Gham! a, oluwa mi O gbetbo, d rubo Goal ofewa mi Ko pe kd jing ka waa bani ni jebuttl’ ome Jébutu omo ida bani lese Obarisa Translation; Agbe Jingin jalias Translation: Agbe Jingin } Mortar opens its round mouth for pounded yam Baba agbe jinginingin |aarin } ‘Cast divination for Meériiya Cast divination for Oranrila, Who was the wife of Ordnmila Who would adopt Olodumare as his father When lamenting her inability to have a child Protect me, my God She was sadvised to perform sacrifice All my hopes are on you She complied , Save me, my God At long last she was blessed with a childtt Chan lade Ave Story: The woman, Mérfiya, which according to some schools of thought is believed to be the biblical Mary, Meriiya was lamenting for inability to have the fruit of the womb. She went to the babalawo for fa consultation and advised to offer ebo. She complied and while putting the ebo (sacrifice) in {rant of Est, she was grabbed by Eso, who blessed her and eventually she became pregnant, mmediately after complying with the ebo, she took a bath with Ifa leaves and snail's juice. When she gave birth to a son, he was named Jéwesin, which some people believed to be Jasus, because his mother had aaten Ifa’s leaves, Note: | know this verse will generate alot of debate but I can quote that this verse was given by a knowledgeable Babalawo who is now deceased, Chief Aniptipé, may his soul rast in perfect paace, In Otud mf Ifa says: Aha rébete Awe oj om Aré sehin bo wet nif da fig fasel Adifa tun Ang CG nfom/ ajit stingbere ome O rigbawe air! pein O rffowel osun nue gin nt gbighe OC rimo fehia adie o bu pur sekuin Onl eye oke se nbimo juni lp Won nf ko kara rile, ebo ni kdse Ogbabe onibo Igha tf yo BH, of br Anef Won al ame Ang td nbl, ka ti maa pet Ka maa pee nt Anopt Translation; Aha rebéte, the diviner on the surface of the water (alias) Aré sein bo wa nif da tié fosd Cast divination for And When lamenting her inability to have a child 10 i Ay ‘With ne child to put on her back And rubbing a hand of camwood on a dry wall When she saw baby chickens running after their mather ‘She burst into tears Wandering why forest birds begel children more than humans She was advised to offer ebo She complied and bore a child called And And who vornited should be called Angbi * * Andti, according to the Muslims in Yoruba land is believed to be an Islamic Prophet. id Méjl (why fasting for 31-4 Gbengho ta woirdkd ding Adifa fun Nana Awawe Tinffom! aj sdgberé ema Igba tt yoo bit O bl Garimot 6 bl Kaletu O bf Paaikciyt Obi Lemma Erd ipo end Ofd, Ent ba gbebo if be ko riba Translation: 4A thick root spreads acrogs the road (alias) Cast divination for Nana Awawt When crying for a child When putting to bed She gave birth to Gaambi She gave birth to Kaleta She gave birth to Paakoyi She gave birth to Lemomo Travellers to lpd and Of towns Thosé whe so advised to offer ebo should comply85 Ohdn Tine. aye children but failed to perform the other sa of her children, they failed to about the 31 days fasting. Otda Mef Kai taldnga ket e fait Ataing yttrt \ Aseye oko Aawon gbd mate Awrdkd if job Aalfa fin Oninmita T yoo fee Awe T) yoo si fee Garimbr ‘fa a wa d? male AWG We ldiveinl avo fie borin i a wa df mate Translation: Ka talanga ka e lan Alamo yilri Aseye oko bawon ghd male Awordko a jobi Cast divination for Orunmita Who would marry Aaws a ae also marry Ganmbl tur rafigion (Ifa) now has similarities with Islam The Priest is decorated in i pihiles ted in Isiamie robe with beads Our religion has simitaritias with Islarn 12 lake Care of her. She Performed the sactifice to have Wes ae Despite the wealth ake Care of her, The mother & for 31 days and before she died, she cursed the chien that ley would have no peace unless they fast for 31 days. This bought (ts Cohite Wf Aye Order for Orunmila to woo and marry these women, Sawa and janmbi, he was Instructed by Ifa to dress like Alfa, Islamic teacher. He complied and was able to marry these women, ease note that the Orunmila being refered to in this stanza was ‘one of the disciples of Orunmila several millennia afler the exit of Orunmila on earth, Quite a lot of Orunmila disciples adopted his hame while some were simply labeled ‘Orunmila’ as a result of their outstanding dexterity in Ifa knowledge and application. tad Ke genbert Ka gaint Ka rukul dian banga Imdie ni d gho katate Gn fo arigaltet Lekegleked leye ild Hausa To ba ja ko bate sese A gort dguin bere A gorf oronibo Amada kowu elewu yankanyankan Ime mo eyt Ihab ey! Adlft fuin Burating TW somo baba nf male ij thn fo fe Adufe, ome Oldauimars Wfa, & ba dahun sord mi Ind id jare Burdimg rée, ome Olgrun fa, d ba dahun sord mi Ina io jare Rafat réé, omo Olgrun ffa, ¢ ba dahun sorg mi Ing io jare Falade réé, ome Oldrun Ifa, ¢ ba dahun sord mi Ing to jare 1ahi Oa Gig Translation: Ka génbar Ka ganni isa nko alaari banga Imale ni 6 gbo katafia On fo arigale Lékédiaked leye ila Hausa ‘To ba ji a ko bata sése Agori ogdn bere Agori oronbo A maa kewo eléwo yankenyankan ‘m9 mg yi Ibaba eyi These were Ifa messages for Buraimo The one who was the offspring of baba-nl-male When going to mary Adufa, ins ea of Olodumare a, please respond to Ina Is ‘ndioaten EE Here comes Buralme He isan of Olonun, God , please respond to m Ina is vindicated eines Here comes Rafatu fen offspring of Olonin, God fa, please re id to Ina is vindicated ee Here comes Falade The offspring of Clorun, God Ifa, please respond to my request Ina is vindicated 4 Chapter Two INDISPENSABILITY OF IFA ON EARTH, HEAVEN AND GENERAL PHYLOSOPHY \We nave earlier explained the universality cof |fa vis-a-vis olher religions. In a particular stanza of Irosan Oyeku, Ifa explains how reform the earth and heaven through the use iready offered ebo in order to ind in Ordneila was able to of Ifa. In the stanza, Oranmiila had a! be successful in the administration of affairs both on earth a heaven. Therefore, whenever there was a problemidisarray elther on earth or in heaven, Ordnmila was always called upon to came and help bring the situation under control. the stanza reads thus: Ewe Jl ewe kojif st gbd Eniwa jf jedan a si kaj sgden Adie pip! (aif lok hulu! sf Barapet Adie fain Qloma mimi Tinto rég say tf lo ree sorun Gbogbo ofun tf dun ba rise layer Ati @yf tf dun ba nse Igrun Lé moo bamw ni rdafa sf Won nf eb ni kore O sl gbebo be d ribo Ni gbogba aye rikorin Dloma mimi gba we 0, lomo min! lig aye f9, Grund ye lo Olamg mimi, ghd we o dase mo Qlome mim! laspe Grinmila Translation: The leaf sprouts and faces the forest The grass sprouts and faces the plain Afeatherless rooster wakes up and tum to Barapetu (Qranrnila)} for the blessing of feathers isti Ohi Yin Ayes ifa's message for Olome init Whose responsibility was to stabilize the Earth and Heaven He wanted to achieve success both on Earth and in Heaven That was his purpose for consuttation He was advised to offar eho He complied Then the whole world started singing lomo mini, save us, Olpme mim The Earth is full of tragedy, heaven Oloma niin, save us Olome mini is called Orunmila THE WORDS OF IFA ARE WORDS OF WISDOM There are so many stanzas of Ifa from where several words of wisdom were taken, We shall examine some of these verses of Ia which have their origin from Olodumare (God). 1. Idingeg Afin loll kekere hewyt Abuke lofeyin peru orisa woja Lagleighalja Id se gberaghere weil! Awon Io difef fiin Emit Tit se Ako Olddumare Bemif o ba bo, ow0 1 Be, hin In hin In owes abe Beil. o ba bo, aya be, hin th hth in aya woe Berit d ba bo ame ribg, hin In hin in ome ribs Transtation: An Albina is it that grows grey hair from childhood A Hunchback is It that carries orisa’s load to the market Laalagbaja enters the city aimlessly These wera messages for Er (life) Who was the first creation of Olodumare If life 1S still intact, money will come, yes money wil come yet people are not willing to go it wife will come Je still intact, wife will come, yes |p stil intact, children will come, yes children wil pis ‘Wife is stil) intact, houses shall be built or bought, yes they iil be blessed a E Ife is still intact, multisle blessings will come, yes they will ‘eome. . HOW IFA ENLIGHTENS THE WORLD ON THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM EJ] OGBE Ctggtete Oreigrong: Oldgtd lee jepa Otectd Isa Jemumu Lotdicte fda fold esunsun senu Ohun ntan nted Ohun ntore ntore : Ohun ntod ntord iad fobe makin lode Irainje Ko ie bad fohun tor! tore tan/ lore Adifa fun Ogateera Ti gbagun fo lid gbendl eben dyin weren Ogoigerd loruhe tf d a pe ol lu gbendu gbendu lonike tl da pe dbd Pell Ha bd pad o ; Oddi énlyan la off safe je Odidl aniyan Otggtd laa japa O1sete lad jamumu Loteldté laa fold esunsun sénu Ohun ntori ntori Ohun ntoré ntore hun ntori ntoré laa faba makin lode iranjé Vv 16Me Chi Tan Aye Ko lé baa fohun tori tore tani tore Cast divination for Ogotéére Going to confront the city of ld : i gbéndo gbendu I Pacisats is the name of Penis en sees ld gbendd gbendu is the name of Virg! immediately we meat = The result is child B. Otuid Orikd (Ottia Sogbe) Ad fi epost isin, isin ri pon Ad fl ivd sf dgdde, dgdde riceun Adifa fin Gnaghgn naghen TH toruin bet welyet Qnélgbgnnaghon baba ome Th@bd si Gnagbon naghon ad ways Oneghgnnaghgn babs omo Translation: We don't put palm oll on the fruit isin i 4 , yet its rl We don {put salt on the banana, yet its Beet Cast divination for Ondégbon fagbon (Penis) Coming from heaven to Earth oe is the father of child not for Onagbdnagbon, we can't come to this worl on, 4 id Onagbgnagbdn is the father of the child C. Osé Kanran Tolete awa ile Ose Kenran Adlifa fun Ggbdabd Iyewe Nig ti rirele oko dar To dg kan o doyuin Ta did kan o si domo Translation: Tato to (Bit by bit), diviner of Ose Kanran Cast divination for Ogbégbd lyawd (bride) 18 Eth: Obie Wine Aye ‘When going to the groom's house During intercourse, femate agg is fertilized suddenly Suddenly, a drop of serien becomes a child. 'S OF LIFE: POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE; LACK AND WHITE; LIGHT AND DARKNESS; SADNESS AND OY; FORTUNE AND MISFORTUNE; TIME TO BE BORN AND TO DIE; ABUNDANCE AND SCARCITY. = f@ shall examine this concept philosophically, Yorubas say * Tibt /'Olodumare fi dale aye’ meaning God created the world with it and goodness- hey also say "Ti tenikan ko bale, Cenikan kil da” meaning if Someone does not experience misfortune, another person will nat ee goodness. ‘Also, they say ‘Eko eleko n/ egba elegba, meaning one man's food is another man’s poison, We can go on and on but let us refer to la, the esoteric language of Oledumare (Almighty God). @ bi" Ose bl apdhiwe Adifat fun ibi, ib} ritgrun bd wale Gee bi apdtiwe Acie file ire, ire ritdrun bd waye Odi¢ ta a ribi nibl mweld Osid ta 2 rire nire nde Translation: Ose bi apolowe Cast divination for Ibi, Evil Evil was coming from Heaven to Earth Ose bi apolowe Cast divination for Ire, Goodness Goodness was coming fram Heaven ta Earth 19The hin iad Amt The day evil is witnessed, it is buried ‘The day we witness Goodness, goodness arrives In this stanza, Ifa explains that good and evil were created and brought to this werld st the same time. For instance in Yoruba land, a child that is born represents "good" while the placenta represents “evil, That explains why placenta is immediately buried the same day @ child Is born. While the child (good) is greeted with jubilation and pageantry. AYANMO/DESTINY/IORI Crunmila is called Eferii jpin (Witness of Destiny). Orunmia was there from the beginning during creation, Therefore, Ifa plays important role in this tapi 1.Ogbe Ate Ogidighdl amerin Amsrin tan a gbagbe dafdighi! Adifa fin Ort Thif ig ref e telkeira nf kag Qbairiseal Ofoun do gbe mio wl mi Ayana eni kf maf gbeni tf Translation: Ogidigici ameérin Amérin tan a ghaghé ogidigidi Cast divination for Or {inner Head) When going to sell bean cake at the house of Obatala It has been confirmed that | will be blessed One's destiny cannot fail to bless oneself 2. Oturipén Méjl (Oldghdn Mj) Olgghon nid ta koko omi sett aso Méranmorain ni d mo ive edpe tig Arinna ka nid debi dnd gbe pekur Adifa fin Grunmila tl rig réé gbé ape ort ways Begyein bd lala to ba lava mej loo 20 (ida: ai, Titel Aye Won a nf ifa ire lob! Oluiwa re “fe ko, Orl ni Off fo se iyun un, Ifa ko siation: No wase man can tle water on the edge of his cloth The most knowledgeable ones cannot count the number of grains of sand on the earth Greatest traveler cannot reach the end of the world's path These wera Ifa's messages for Orinmila Who was going to carry the sack of Ori to earth If someone is so rich thal he marries two women simultaneously People would say he was Initiated with good Odo Ifa No, itis not fifa, but his destiny, His destiny is his Senefactor and not Ifa 3. Oygka Mejl Grunmifa nf Grujpuut Mo nf eruku Id yo tore O al off tf yoo dade ninu ajere ide nil tif wal Orun tl yo! fo eigberd leke ninu! ajera ide ni ti wa Babe Jol i yoo lo mesdajd agg Oba tf tana yanran yanran Ninu ajere ide nl tl wat Mo nf baba, bewo nia d se mo of tl yoo dade Mo ni baba, bawo nj ad se mo orn ff yoo lo eiighara Neko Mo ni baba, bawo nia ose mo, bebe Id! ti yoo Jo mosdajel aso oba tf tanran yanranyenran Gninmita ni, bt abel Bima, ito ba all ojo kela, bi wen ba bi dun leere Won yoo mo on if yoo dade Won yoo mo orun t! yoo Jo efighara ileke Won ydel mo bebe id tl yoo lo masdaja ago oba tf ntanna yenranyanran ‘On tf yoo dade af rial Oba Onin tl yoo Jo djighard ligke nf ridi awon lieve 21Wks Metin Tle Aye: Seibe lal tf yoo lo mesa ial aveoha @seaja aso oba ft ntannd yanranyanran nl Transiation: ‘Orunmila declares: ‘ i eee is the. asthe, Sieur Hs = tee head that would wear the crown comes from Ne oe He woul — with multiple beads Sac” wear the shinning king's robe comes Lake abe how do we know the head that would wear the | ask; father, cece ih mutt vais? that would be oe ioe know the waist that would wear the Sroreel eke: ‘when we give birth, on the third day, when | Ki ha dgele head thet will wear the crown ee @ neck that would be decorated with multiple Be tell you the waist that would wear the shinning King's nue that would wear the crown eventually becomes cst chief er makes with multiple beads are Biel that would wear shinning king's robe are the Mees The third day being referred to is called Ese ntaye' to inquire oe o sesiny of ie child. We should nat forget that Ordnmniila is ft ess Destiny) and y i ; (second in command to ‘Olodamare). Set ear SY 22 ihe Obie Td Ave man On buruiked if wut tuutu Aki dd ese asiwerd md lone Akita on aldyd lawujo Adi fiin Mabowt til se oblnrin Ogun On tl yoo joba Iola entkan kd mg Ki tokg faya md pe 6 rawor nl were mo Ga fi yoo joba [ole enikan ko m¢ nsiation: The head with bad destiny does not swell up We cannot identify the footmarks of the insane on the road We cannot guess who will be honoured amang the crowd Cast divination for Mabdwa, the wife of Ogan Therefore let not the husband and wile refer to each other as mad any longer Because the head tha! would be crowned king tomorrow, nobody knows. Can destiny be altered? This topic is very debatable, In some schools of thought it is believed that "Ayanmo ko gboogue” meaning that destiny cannot be altered with charms. If this bellet is anything to go by, then the question is; why do we go to churches, mosques etc to pray? Why do we consult Ifa oracle for protection and success? Why can't we accept our fate and do nothing? | believe that our destiny Is in own hands. We should do the right thing at the right time. We have been informed that both positive and negative factors exist. Nobody is free from challenges. Ifa will jeach us that we would experiance Gath sadness and joy at some pecasions, We should never give up. The downfall of a man is not tha end of his life. ‘There are various ways we can monitor and modify our destiny. 1. Through Ese ntaye, "third day divination after birth" 2. Through Itenifa (initiation to Ifa) 9, Through random divination and abo (sacrifice)Wik: Citi Tyla Aree There are some fa verses that can be used to correct or madity destiny that is considered bad or not prosperous enough, In view of the above, let us examine this stanza of Odu Ha in Irasun Agbe (Irsun Ogbe}, ‘rosin Agbe Aagbairiio ami ni ratios lgbehin ree a oi dsa Gomi ba pap a al rabata Adifat fin Grunmile tf ntorun be waiye On to walyel Ic foun oni lowo, ewe owewe: Jfé onl hie mama ff tdi we tion, ewe cwewe On to wale fo [oun o ni fdyavioko, ewe cwawe (fa lon] ki @ mama fi tawa we tiwon, ewe dwewe Ori fo waive to loun d nf bimo, ewer cweiwe He lon! kie mama fi twa we tiwon, ewe dwewe Onl ic walye to Idun ¢ nl kole, ewe owewe® elon! kie mama f Cawe we tiwon.ews owewe Onl to wale to loun o ni nire gbogho, ews dwawe Ife fond Ki g mama fi Nawa wer twan, ewe dwawe Eni dgun pa sf égbdd aja. ewe dwewe (fs lon! ki@ maine fi fawa we tiven, ewe dwewe Eni sonponna pa si ald jd, ewe dwewe, Ife lon! Ke meimat fi Uwe we ti won, ewe cwewer Eni eye nije oj! reg nf maguin, ews dwewel, Ifa lont ki e mama fl tdwa we tiwon, ewe dwewe On td waye to lowe toidwolewe Gwewe le lont kia wae fi tawa we tiwon, ewe owews On to waye td Idya toloko, ews dwewe Ifa fon! Ki @ waa fi tdwa we tiwon, ewe owewe Ort to walye to bime tabime, ewe dwewe Nei lonl ki a wee fi tdwa we tiwon, ewe dwewe O to wale Io kdid tokole, ewe dwewe Ia OnPki e waa fi awa we tiwon, ewe Gwewe Orl to welye tot ni tre. gbogbo, ewe dwewer 24 Translation: # Aye Na lonl ke we fi tawa we tiwon,ewe owewe Owewe o loruko mej, owews lawawe rig Alcikg tent kd orf wa ko ib Akuko nf yld ghd eliare pade wa lrosun Agbé 0, gbe ibi kuird lot wa lrosuin Agbe 0, gbe ire twa wat fuln wa Iyérosuin, Hal Jon! kta ma sun ning ibt lyerosuin, Ha we sun ire we ba wa o. Ase Akése: Ad dn ewé onirl (Owéwe) mo ose, a 6 te iyerosun ni Irostn Agbé, Ac pe lfé yi si, Ad daa sind ose, ao pa Akoko adie kan si, a 6 ro éjé ré si ose, a 6 pod po, ao ju ori akoko yen sind igba, ad wa ko ose le lori, a oma fi we. Confluence of water becomes vast and deep The end result bacomes a lagoon Plenty of the water becomes mighty lfa's message for Orunmila When coming fram heaven to earth The Destiny that is devoid of money The efficacious power of Gwewe, lfa, don't compare mine to theirs The efficacious power of Owewe The Destiny that is devoid of good spouse leaf of Owewe, The efficacious power of dwéwwe, Ifa, don't compara mine to theirs. The efficacious power of Owdwe. The Destiny that is devold of children The efficacious power of owowe, If4, don’t compare mine to theirs The efficacious power of Owewé The Destiny that is devoid of house The efficacious power of dwaweé, lia, don’t compare mine to theirs The efficacious power of Owewa The Destiny that is devold of multiple blessings. 25fd: Chia Tink Aye The efficacious power of dveéwe, fa, don't compare mine to theirs The efficacious powar of Owéewe Those who are killed by Ogun beside dogs The efficacious power of owéws, Ifa, don't compare mine to theirs The efficacious power of Owewe Those who are killed by Obaldaye in the market The efficacious power of dwéwd, Ha, don’t compare mine to theirs The efficacious power of Owewd Those whose eyes are being eaten by Vullure at the Ogun shrine The efficacious power of owewe, lf4, don't compare mine te theirs The efficacious power of Owewé The Destiny that is blessed with money The efficacious power of dwewd, fa, please compare mine to theirs The efficacious power of Owewa ‘The Destiny that is blassed with good spouse, The efficacious power of dwéwe, (fa, please compare mine to theirs The efficacious power of Owéwé The Destiny that is blessed with childran The efficacious power of dwéwe, lia, please compare mine to theirs The efficacious power of Owewe The Destiny is blessed with multiple blessings, The efficacious power of owewé, fa, please compare mine to theirs The efficacious power of Owewe Oweweé has no other name, il is Owewe ILis the ase in a rooster that prevents disaster from happening to me Itis the ase in a rooster that brings me fortunes ‘rosin Agbé, please protect me from misfortune ‘rosin Agbé, please bring goodness to me 26 (efi Cot Tpit Awe ‘yérosuin, Ifa has declared that we would not be involved in tragedy Wyérostin, fa please bring blassings to me. Ase. Preparation: We will grind the leat of Orind (Qwéwe) with black soap. Print |roson agbé on lyérosin on Ifa tray and recite the above verse, Then kill a rooster and mix the blood with the soap. Put the Rooster's head in a calabash, and then pul the soap on it. Take a bath with it with a spange from lime to time. This is geod medicine ta enhance.geod destiny. Time to be born and time to die itis incontrovertible that the day child is born, he has also chosen to die. Let us examine the odd. 1. Os¢ ‘Fun Okg sé okd fur Ada se add fun Funfun iednt rifin foods Aaifa fin Olodumard Oba aye Oke se gk fin Ada sé add fun Funfun idgnl ritun "ode Adifa fin Otodumaré Gba drun lio. dwon I maa kun ni wan ideal fur Ti Arye ba riblma, ebo Oledudmard Oba aye nda Ti Enlyan ba nku, ebo Olddumard Oba grun rid. Translation: Okd sé ok¢ fan (hoe breaks and tums white) Ada 56 ada fon (machete breaks and turns white) Crocodile spils white at the sea Cast divination for Olédamaré, king of earth Okd sé okd fin (hoe breaks and turns white) Ada $6 ada fin (machete breaks and tums white} 27is: Chin la: Ae (ei Cava Lie: Aye Crocodile spits white at the sea To Inquire about death, why does death strike and nobody Is Cast divination for Olédumard, king of the sky spared? 7 Both of them divined for more membership Qranmila replied that death is divine benevolence, It has its When people give birth, the sacrifice of Oladomaré, king of advantages. inal Earth has manifested ? Oranmila made reference to stagnant water bringing out Bacause the membership on earth has increased odour. 7 But when paople die, Olodomara, king of the sky is happy If human brings live forever, the flesh will become ae because itis better for Ertl (ife} to leave that person and go back to The membership of heaven has i sed Heaven Pp Ss increas Sq that the person cen come back with another flesh 2. Oyeku pose Ai amd tete ku, Awo ile Alay is brings us to Reincarnation. Is it (rue? Yes as we go on. Al tele kif isz, Awo fhanuje Ti iku bel de, ka yin Oluwa foga;-Awe olcate 9. “worl wédin Awan ni Agbagha Sankdsankd Ti nil rete wail iku wo Peidks Oreineitel Ke sf ablyamo t! ko fee . aye | Kay Pe, dese tf il fl riparni, ff kel s'6ni tt Ai ker Kd si abiyamo ff ko led bf Onn i Qrunmil@ nf, chun rare ni Olooumare fi ku se fun'ni, Baba eni bid bd bini ni pepe, bf 0 ba pé tit! a tun rif baba em Mitel, om td san siwd, iid san eehin tomo O o'omi gaddg, dagde omi ee Yeye eni bid ba bini nl pepe, bf o bet pg tit a tun ribl yeye eni Omi rf gbe won fo rere Jomo Omir gbe won b¢ rere Aaifa fin Grinnilia tf od wipe dun maa mu grun bo says Olgkunnun ka rete wa lo ree gba'wo tuntun bo Gun mda mu aye lo si Gru Translation: inslation: A § . i lia priest The household wh ' There is no mather, who cannot give birth to he seni where everything is working well with wealth, See ee ares taicanrol gis bth t Oromia Success (etc) will never think of dying Our father, having given birth to us soundly, can also be But where there is abject and som i iven birth to improvement, ii ae ae zt mather, having given birth to us soundly, can aiso be They will even pray for death given birth to : When death comes, we should praise God, the diviner of Cast divination fer Orunmita who says he would bring Truthfulness heavenly Mates to earth They are those who see death coming and they make And take earthly mates to heaven adequate preparation, This is the way Ifé described the Elders who visited 4. Osa mel Ordnmila Te’ ba ge pe orf gbogbo ni risun pas! 29Mi: dn Tal Ag (hii: Cobain jie it i es cl Lives Iroc ghogbo T het ti tain minus igbes vd oy in vas ve ees born ‘ a5 ce trina cae ee ai Cast divination for where we inca nt we would live besid shops lea dnes een Bee Ee Gh kom wien apm horas Actes th Bowed ttn bona Let's take palm oil, salt, gin, kola nf | J Oweire 9 iid gbogbo wa lote ; Nobody can predict where he would die and bose eh ee Geneon peo ze yers, divination and seerifice (eho) we can achieve our aim, re ld ja gh wa " Translation: If everyone ts to be buried with caskel, there would be no trees In the forest Cast divination for group of children, ‘coming to earth If everyone is to be buried with-coffin, there would be no trees in the forest Cast divination for Oware (Strugate) Coming from heaven to earth Weare all struggling Those who will die Sracefully are not panty Weare all struggling. 5. Ofdin nogbé Ka dase ala berin Ka da dy winnhwlint B'ekun Old dgainis nif pa thooKes fom tim Adifa fin ibi ta ma gbet Adiifa fain ibi tf won gbe bini Adifét fuln ibi t} ddigbe sun un Atari o mo ibusun Off 6 me ibuighe Aba m'éo. dba mu'yg, aba mot, dba m'abl Aba fi tun ile the se. Translation: Let's cover the elephant with mighty garment Let's cover the tiger with multi coloured cloth Daytime rain beats the hyena on the eyes and nose 30Chapter Three GENERAL PHYLOSOPHY OF IFA 1. Trosun Aweéye (irosin iwarl)- acceptance of different situation, Bia je adun tl tafe tkord ote si Ayé a maa sun nil je Pie ti ie InGnyl f ket mo adn org a fun awon Agbg tt wie ‘gbogho aye i ba fg kik! ajo Aye | bs din lddtintan" worn nf eo 0 nl dwon yoo ribo, kt Orunmila Grunmiia nf kt won wel rubo nitod were won Ati pd Kaye id maa wa bi Oloctimare ti dd aye sf Igbd djd ati Igba @ruin kt oma tase wan ké rubg Grunmita wa je kf did po nt odun nee ttt a ko ft ff ogrun rave Enlyan bere sf soktuinrun, won, si ke! pupe jodun nag, Ohun dgbin ati beébee fo ko dare i Won wa pada wat mba pele) abe Oruinmilé nf eee goke, ebo di giga. Translation: iFwe continue to enjoy life without tasting biterness Life becomes monotonous Those who don't experiance hardship cannot pte the sweetness of wealth ast divination for farmers who wish t ence eae lor rainfall all the time So that they can enjay life ee task enjoy life abundantly, they promised to do Ordinrnila should assist them, Ora i , Orinmité said they should di the sacrifice for thelr insanity, He advised theabat the ss Earth should Remain as God created it. 32 Li Cui Tlanks ye Rainy season and Dry season should remain intact, They failed ta do sacrifice. Orunmild allowed excessive rainfall that year that there was no sunshine at all, People stared getting sick and many people died that year, Plantation that year was a disaster. The farmers came back to bag Oninmil to do the sacrifice Ordnnilla charged them in multiple fold. | Owgnrin Warl- work to earn money Isu-wdn, epo wor, dghaoo won ‘Ohun gbogbe tf enu rig ni o won Adifa fuin won lode Iwart, Won nf kiwon of ribo kf ded lé dee fun wor Wan gigi wan rue if nf kf gbogbe éniyan ko ong atl dda Ki won mda re ako lo sige Ki dag le age Ise nf ride ipeinjur Transition: Yam is scarce, palm oil Is scarce, maize is scarce All food items are scarce Cast divination for people of worl They are asked to do sacrifice so thet they can abundance Thay complied fa says ‘let everybody take Hoe and Cutiass And go to the farm to work Work reduces poverty”. 4. rosdn Afin [Irosan Ofdn)- unrealistic request Oj Ipdn kupon dun nil mu gmode gawd Isekuse Aadifa fin Afin meta, tof¢ if won nf awon fe al duct Adiifa fun Akapd if rf be Idarin Ipdnjel Erd Ipo rd Ofa, ke wa ban! nf wwe ire. a3