|
The Ifa Foundation of North
America is proud to introduce American Ifa.
American
Ifa is the result of more than 25 years of study and examination of
the ancient philosophy of the Yoruba culture of West Africa.
Long before
the advent of what we now consider scientific truths, the Yoruba discovered,
and utilized, the basic energies that comprise the matrix of our planet.
Far from being primitive, or simplistic, these Truths required brilliant
analytical techniques, and analysis. The understanding of these Truths,
and the sophisticated instructions for utilizing them, allowed the Ifa
Devotee to maintain health, balance and fulfillment in their life. With
them, the future could be glimpsed and the present could be modified.
As other philosophies
encroached on the Yoruba culture, these universal truths, which had been
freely open to adapt to change and cultural differences, suddenly became
codified. This desire to "freeze frame" the inherently fluid YorubaTruths,
by writing them down as "the word," began to castrate the power and truth
the energies had to offer.
Other corruption's
of these Truths came along. The Christian Missionaries imposed a "Devil";
Tribalism, Nationalism, Catholicism; all took increasingly devastating
bites from the effectiveness of these universal truths. Each and everyone
had their own agenda.and it was no longer the agenda of understanding
and utilizing the inherent energies of the universe for the benefit of
all.
Equally destructive,
as the freeze frame western religions retreated from the Cartesian logic
of Science, they turned away from the secular world. They offered you
the proposition that you could either be spiritual, or you could be temporal,
but you couldn't be both. In so doing they took the integrated holistic
view of the Yoruba philosophy and ripped it into two parts.
American Ifa
is based upon putting those parts back together again. We are stripping
away the Nationalism, fear, dependence and contradictions that have adhered
themselves like barnacles to the hull of this beautiful and powerful philosophy.
It is about effectively freeing these basic universal truths to function
in the Western society we are part of.
Most important,
it is about being able to practice and utilize these truths without segregating
ourselves from the rest of society or our community. It is not a philosophy
for the superstitious and uneducated. It is a powerful system designed
by, and for, thoughtful, intelligent individuals who want the very best
from this lifetime.
If you seek
to go back in time, if you thrive on the psychodrama of evil eyes and
spells, this is not the site for you. If, however, you want to be successful,
if you want long, loving and lasting relationships, if you want to be
a worthwhile part of your family and your community, if you want to be
involved in a career that brings you challenges and rewards, then American
Ifa can give you the tools to do so.
American Ifa
After more than
25 years of examination and study, The Ifa Foundation of North America
has reached the following conclusions:
- Religion was meant to be
the repository for the highest levels of practical knowledge
and wisdom
- Religion was meant to demonstrate
the practical application of Universal, and timeless truths, for improving
our lives
- For Truths to be Universal
and timeless they MUST be able to adapt, and apply, to the context
and culture they are to be utilized in
- Ethical behavior and good
character are the only logical ways of applying these truths
- Timeless and Universal Truths
must apply to all people, regardless of race, nationality, gender
or sexual orientation, in order to be valid
- For a philosophy to be meaningful,
it must address all aspects of our existence. This includes the temporal/monetary
aspects of our lives as well as the spiritual and emotional components
of our energy matrix.
- Ifa is a philosophy for
applying practical Universal truths to achieve success in all aspects
of our lives.
- Truth, regardless of where
it is discovered, belongs to all people
- For truth to be worthwhile,
and meaningful, it must create independence and personal empowerment
- Fear, control, manipulation
and dependence destroy, and render useless, those Truths
- Truth, as wisdom, must continue
to grow and adapt if it is to be meaningful
- Truth must enhance the symbiotic
relationship between individual, family, community and Earth if its
capacity for change is to be worthwhile
In the coming
weeks we will explore each of these areas in order to provide thoughtful
Westerners' the logical understanding of Ifa.
Blessings!...
Philip Neimark
Oluwo
|
