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ADURA
Adura
is the Yoruba word for prayer. Prayer is common among all people
of color around the world. Adura is essential to the Yoruba. It
is through adura that we petition on behalf of others. It is through
Adura that we give thanks for blessings seen and unseen. It is
through Adura that we ask for peace, good health, longivity, children
and prosperity. It is through Adura that we communicate with Olodumare,
the Orisa and the Ancestors. Adura is man talking to the spirit
world.
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DAFA
Like
Adura, Dafa is also essential to the Yoruba. Dafa is the process
of divination used by priest of IFA. IFA is the scripture of Olodumare
as given to Orunmila, his Prophet. Within the 256 Odus of IFA
are the 360 degrees of wisdom, knowledge and understanding of
the Universe. IFA is complete; and within the IFA system is the
resolution to all oF life's problems and the answers to all questions.
IFA says, the only thing in life that cannot be changed the the
day on which we come to earth and the appointed time we are to
leave. Everything else can be altered with the proper sacrifice
and obediance to the guidance of IFA. The Yoruba rely on divination
to guide there lives. Divination is done before a baby comes into
the world. Divination is done so that man might know his destiny.
Divination is done before any major or life affecting decision
is made. As Yoruba, we go to IFA for direction on what to do,
what not to do and the proper sacrifice that must be made.
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EBBO
Ebbo
is the Yoruba word for sacrifice. Sacrifice is a major component
in this religion and all of the major religions around the world.
Without sacrifice, nothing is accomplished. We pray, we divine,
we sacrifice. The proper sacrifice needed is always determined
by the priest and divination. In IFA we go for a reading, and
a Babalawo (Father of Secrets) will consult IFA on our behalf.
IFA will speak through the Ikin (kola nuts) or Opele (divining
chain). We are taught that sacrifice is only half of being obedient
to the counsel of IFA; the second half is; doing or not doing,
what we were told. The Ase of sacrifice is strenthened with a
"clean heart and righteous intentions". Sacrifice guarantees success,
only when we do what we are told. In Adura, man speaks to the
spirit realm. In Dafa, the spirit realm speaks to man. In Ebbo,
we make an offering to either Orisa or Ancestors who interceed
with Olodumare or other Orisa on our behalf. These are the three
most important components in the Yoruba system of religious beliefs.
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Centre
for Yoruba Cultural Studies, Ile Ife, Nigeria
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