Perspectives of Odu Ifá on Suicide, Destiny, and the Role of Community
The Cycle of Life and Death in Odu Ifá: Understanding Shango’s Transformation
Blessings to all seekers of wisdom
In the diaspora of Orishá traditions, the understanding of life, death, and destiny is deeply rooted in the teachings of Odu Ifá. These sacred texts offer guidance on how to live a fulfilling life, emphasizing the importance of community, destiny, and spiritual alignment. However, the topic of suicide is often misunderstood within these traditions. This newsletter aims to explore the perspectives of Odu Ifá on suicide, its implications on rites of passage, and the broader concepts of life, death, and destiny, with a special focus on the myth of Shango.
The Tradition’s Perspective on Suicide
A respected Brazilian follower of Candomblé once claimed that those who die by suicide are not offered traditional funeral rites like Asese, Sirun, or Mukondo. He believed this wasn't punishment, but stemmed from the idea that their life's purpose remained unfinished, requiring reincarnation. However, is this accurate? Does Yoruba scripture, Odu Ifá,support this view on suicide and death? I couldn't find any myths, revelations, or proverbs in Odu Ifá that directly endorse this perspective. In fact, the near silence of Odu Ifá on suicide itself might be telling about how the tradition views such an untimely death.
In practice, the Orishá traditions hold life in the highest regard. The act of suicide is seen as a premature end to a life that has not yet completed its destined path. The community plays a vital role in supporting individuals, helping them overcome challenges, and guiding them towards fulfilling their destiny.
The Myth of Shango
One of the very few myths in Odu Ifá Okanran Meji that incorporates suicide is the story of Shango, a powerful Orishá who was once a mortal king. Shango’s journey from a king to an Orishá involves a dramatic turn of events leading to his suicide. According to the myth, Shango, in a fit of despair and feeling overwhelmed by his misdeeds and failures, hanged himself. However, instead of being punished, Shango was transformed into an Orishá, embodying the powerful forces of thunder and lightning.
Interpretation of the Myth
Shango's suicide is not seen as a punishment but rather a transformation. This myth illustrates several important dimensions:
Transformation through Death: Shango's suicide led to his apotheosis, indicating that in Ifá, death can be a gateway to a higher state of being, rather than an end. It shows that life’s trials, even those that lead to death, can result in spiritual elevation.
Misguidance and Misalignment: Shango's suicide was a consequence of his own misguidance and abuse of power, reflecting his misalignment with Ifá principles. This misalignment created chaos and eventually led to his demise, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with Ifá’s teachings.
Failure of Society: The myth also points to the failure of society to integrate and redirect Shango, suggesting a communal responsibility in guiding individuals towards their destiny. This underscores the importance of community support in the Orishá traditions.
Loyalty and Spirituality: Oyá, Shango’s loyal wife, remains by his side even in death, acting as a bridge between life and death. This signifies that spirituality and loyalty transcend physical existence, showing that the spiritual world does not abandon a person, regardless of their actions in life.
Shango as Life
In Ifá traditions, Shango is often seen as the embodiment of life and vitality. Rituals to protect against suicide frequently include offerings to Shango, acknowledging his transformation and invoking his strength to overcome life’s challenges. Shango’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience of life and the possibility of redemption and transformation through spiritual means.
The Relationship between Shango and Obatalá
Obatalá, the father of all Orishás, remains "above" Shango, embodying the ultimate source of faith and guidance necessary for both human and Orishá. Obatalá’s principles guide all beings, and his presence in rituals underscores the importance of purity, clarity, and wisdom.
In rituals designed to protect against suicide, Obatalá is often invoked alongside Shango. This is because Obatalá represents the calm and guiding force that helps individuals stay on their destined path. His involvement in these rituals brings hope, faith, and a sense of connection to the divine, reinforcing the spiritual support needed to overcome despair.
Concepts of Life, Death, and Destiny in Ifá
Ifá teaches that each individual has a preordained destiny (Ori) that they must fulfill. Life is a precious opportunity to realize this destiny, and death is a transition to another phase of existence. Premature death, including suicide, is seen as an interruption in the natural order of fulfilling one's destiny.
In Ifá, death is not an end but a continuation. The concept of reincarnation (atunwa) implies that those who die prematurely, including by suicide, will return to complete their unfinished destiny. This belief underscores the importance of nurturing and protecting life to ensure that each individual can achieve their Ori.
Myths and Proverbs of Odu Ifá
Several myths and proverbs within Odu Ifá illustrate the importance of perseverance and the community’s role in supporting individuals through difficult times. For example:
Proverb: "A wise person does not fall where they stumbled before." This highlights the importance of learning from life's challenges and persevering.
Myth of Abíafìn: Abíafìn, closely associated with Shango, was born into royalty and demonstrated excellence in leadership. His success was attributed to his friendship with Obatalá and the importance he placed on keeping his Ori calm, reinforcing the need for spiritual alignment and community support.
Ifá’s Focus on Assisting and Protecting Life
Ifá is fundamentally about assisting, protecting, and nurturing life. The teachings provide tools and rituals to help individuals overcome challenges and align with their destiny. Suicide, as a form of premature death, is not encouraged, but Ifá does not incorporate the concept of guilt or punishment. Instead, it focuses on the consequences, such as the need for reincarnation to complete one's destiny.
The community's role is crucial in this context. If someone is contemplating suicide, it is seen as a failure of the community to provide the necessary support and guidance. Thus, Ifá advocates for a collective responsibility to nurture and protect each member of the community.
Conclusion
The discussion of suicide within Odu Ifá and Orishá traditions is complex and deeply rooted in the beliefs about life, death, and destiny. While the tradition emphasizes the sanctity of life and the importance of fulfilling one's destiny, it does not punish those who commit suicide. Instead, it views suicide as a premature end that necessitates reincarnation. By focusing on community support and spiritual guidance, Ifá aims to help individuals navigate life's challenges and fulfill their divine purpose.
As we honor the cycles of life and death, may we always walk in harmony with our destiny. With the light of Orúnmìlà illuminating our paths, and the protection of the Orishás surrounding us,
In faith and unity,
Baba Tilo de Àjàgùnnà
DAILY IFÁ
Upcoming in the Next Newsletter:
In our next edition, we will delve into an intriguing question posed by a devoted reader: "Can a vegetarian woman become part of the Ifá Orishá community, practice, and be initiated in the traditions of Orishá in the diaspora, considering the tradition's deep connection to animal sacrifices?" We will explore this question with respect to our sacred teachings, examining how the community adapts and honors diverse practices while maintaining the integrity of our traditions. Stay tuned for an insightful discussion on this significant topic.
Special Content for Paid Subscribers:
As a token of gratitude to our loyal supporters, we offer exclusive access to the weekly predictions based on the revelations of Odu Ifá Owonrin Ogbe. In this Odu the Good lives with the Evil, and it is considered to be the birth of vengeance. This powerful Odu reveals crucial guidance:
If the Odu comes in Ire (Positive): Oya brings assistance, preventing premature visits to the cemetery, and blessings of wealth and answered prayers are on the horizon.
If the Odu comes in Osogbo (Negative): Beware of blindness from punishment, enemies gaining the upper hand, and the need to return all borrowed items to avoid misfortune.
Subscribers will receive detailed advice on how to navigate these potential outcomes, including specific rituals and offerings to Obatalá and other Orishás. This invaluable insight will help you align with the positive forces and mitigate any adverse effects.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to DAILY IFÁ to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.