Customer Reviews

The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

i would recommend this book to any beginner in this traditional path - it is extremely informative. it's simple enough for children to understand, yet it's chock full of information for anyone of any reading and comprehension level.

not only does Baba Ifa give detail of what the crux of yoruba traditional belief is...he supplies the reader with one of the closest accounts of our history (for a westerner to tell it), and for that he receives many thanks.

in this book you will learn about the different Orisa, songs and prayers for them, what they like as in what is usually offered to them during ritual or prayer, you will learn the basics of Ifá Divination and come to understand this method of connecting with the earth and spiritual forces, you will even pick up some yoruba vocabulary - as Baba Ifá has included familiar phrases from our culture, standard greetings and many other things you would enjoy!

in my opinion, this is the BEST book i've read on the tradition hands down. not to say that there aren't other books out there that are good reads...but this one does not take 40 pages to get to a point, and it's not anecdotal like so many books on the tradition seem to be. it's a very good, and easy read for anyone of any culture.

if you are a new comer to the faith and want to learn more, if you are doing academic research, or if you just like to read about other cultures then this book is definately for you!

This author has a full understanding of the Yoruba concepts, is attuned to presenting information in an organized manner, and in vocabulary that the lay person can fully relate to and understand. The book is so well written, I would recommend it to adolescents interested in studying African religion, religious ceremonies, and philosophy. The book is not meant to create an aura of mystery; rather, it dispels the so-called "secrets" associated with the Yoruba religion. A must for all, particularly for African American adolescents trying to find their way, Latinos who want to relate to their Yoruba roots, and spiritualists looking for the connection. The author does not attempt to convert the reader through his presentation of the rituals; he gives us an "insider's view" of the Yoruba practices.

Before I decided to worship, before meeting Baba Karade, before being welcomed into his Temple, before inititation, there was this book. I stumbled upon Ifa and this book just happened to be the first one that I bought. That was a year and a half ago. To this day I carry it almost every where I go...it stays open!...it is, in a sense, my Bible. It answered my questions as an interested seeker, and it answers my questions as an aborisha (devotee). If you are seeking an introduction into the Ifa faith; if you are looking to further your Ifa knowledge; if you are doing academic research; or if you have an interest in world religions, this book is a clear and digestable understanding of Ifa. Ase O

Mojuba Orisa practitioners and other interested readers about the Orisa:

As a member of the Karade family, it is my observation of Babalawo Ifa Karade, as a most gifted and well oriented guide for those interested in this African tradition. This book is now one of three most inspiring and teachings of Karade's wealth of knowledge. I would urge continued readings by your Amazon.com members on the Orisa and include his latest books "Imoye" and "Ojisa".

Baba Karade has expended much energy and time in dedicating his life to educating the world about this African spirituality. How does he do this? First by example and second by his literary works and sacrifices for all who practice Orisa. Recently, Baba Karade was presented an award for excellence in teaching (a local New Jersey school system). May his books keep all of your readers enlightened and encouraged about their walk on this earth!!!!

May the blessings of Orisa be with all. Thank you for supporting the efforts of Baba Karade and the Karade family. Ase!!

I like this little book, do not get me wrong, it is a good book for the beginners. But I have a few problems with it. First of all the name title of the book, it should be titled the Handbook of Lucumi Religious Concepts, being that this book is more Cuban Santeria Lucumi than African Yoruba. Initiated Aborishas would be able to tell buy the Osun, Eleggua, name of herbs, los collares, the cantos are Lucumi and not Yoruba, and so forth. So for that reason alone it can be a little misleading, as for Baba Ifa Karade giving it a Yoruba title. For those who have little knowledge of the various paths, and are truly interested in Yoruba, this would through them off. Do not get me wrong, I like this ""Handbook of Lucumi Concepts, I just dislike the misleading title of the book. It is a trend these days for people to make the various Ocha ramas more Afro centric, this is not the problem. The problem is that they deny the importance that the Lucumis have had on opening the doors for them. But all in all the book is good. Good for the beginners.

Baba Ifa Karade has given us a fine primer into the grossly neglected Yoruba culture and religion. This is a great world faith that has been denied its proper standing in world rank. The Yoruba deserve the same standing as the Judeo-Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Buddhist traditions. Karade wrote this book to aid the uninitiated (such as myself) in learning of his extraordinary faith. It is heart wretching to learn of the attempted assassination of this faith. It is equally inspiring to learn how many of the traditions were absorbed and transfigured into voudou and santeria and others. Karade gives examples of Yoruba wisdom and compares it to Christian, Islamic and Asian wisdom. I would recommend this for anyone who wants a greater understanding of a remarkable religious tradition that has survived startling tribulations.

The Handbook makes our tradition accessible. A highlight of this work is the wonderful job Baba does in paralleling Ifa with other spiritual practices and beliefs. This facilitates the reader's understanding of Ifa and traditional African spirituality as sacred. Baba's work helps dispel the negative "hoodoo," manipulation cloak which often surrounds African religion. This book makes it easy to return to our tradition and receive the full benefit of our sacred and powerful spiritual science. We give thanks to the divine forces guiding Baba's work!

This book is an excellent book in terms of explaining what Ifa is all about. This was one of the first books I bought when I became interested in Ifa. I have since been initiated, and I use this book religiously. It gives me the guidance I need when I have questions on what I need to do. It has an explaination on various herbs for various orisha, as well as prayers and songs. I can almost find anything I need to know in this book. I do have other books, but this one is the one I use the most. I have recommended it to others who are interesed in studing Ifa. They too have found it to be very informative. My copy now is well worn, I will soon have to order another. I highly recommend this to new devotees. It's a wealth of information.

I met the Author at his temple many years ago. I always recommend this book to my god children. Wonderful novice book for intersted Orisa worshipers. May Ifa continue to bless his hands!

Okay, let's give Baba Ifa Karade an appluase for including the section on meditation and the Orisa. It was on point, and long overdue in a book. He gives information that can be used right away. He exalts the Orisa and the Worship in a clean and dignified way. DEFINATELY LONG OVERDUE! Even if you got one of the many introduction books to Orisa Religion, this is worth owning and sharing. Like his other book Ojise, I loaned it out and almost didn't get it back. In fact, some guys started a study group around my loaned copy. True story. Mo Dupe(thank you) Baba Ifa Karade