Customer Reviews

Path to Priesthood (Classical Writings on the Ifa/Yoruba Traditional Religion)

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

 

 

A wonderful tale of spiritual discovery and rebirth

Baba Akinkugbe Karade is an American of African heritage and wrote this wonderful account of his spiritual pilgrimage and his discovery, embrace and initiation into the great religious tradition of his ancestors, that of the Yoruba people of West Africa known as Ifa, in order to illumine for his readers the truth that Africans both on the continent and throughout the diaspora are heirs to a glorious tradition, one whose origins stretch back into the primoridial mists of antiquity.

The Ifa religion dates back to the time of its prophet Orunmila said to have lived in the Ife region of what is today Nigeria between approximately 2000-4000 BCE. He was said to be born of humble African parents and imbued with supernatural gifts and deep spiritual wisdom. Notwithstanding centuries of oppression at the hands of colonizers Ifa continued to survive, even the unspeakable horrors of enslavement. Wise leaders hid the religion behind a protective camouflage of Christian saints amd symbols, giving birth to the various offshoots of Ifa known as Santeria, Lucumi, Candomble, Vodoun and Rootwork or Hoodoo. The Ifa religion survived, and grows and thrives today

As immeasurably ancient as the tradition is, it possesses a treasure beyond value in its message for contemporary society: one of healing and wholeness after centuries of injustice, denial and marginalization. Through his love of the tradition and his heartfelt enthusiasm for its critical teachings, Baba provides his readers with a solid rationale for its continuance and growth: that the African traditions exist in America as well as Africa, and provide a viable and particularly effective means to answer the call of spirit.

Baba's writing style is deeply personal, and he does not hesitate to put all of his emotional cards on the table: one cannot help but feel what he feels (at times anxious, humbled, empowered and filled with awe) as he makes his journey to the priesthood. As one reads Path to Priesthood one feels as though one were engaged in a heart-to-heart conversation with a trusted guide and teacher.

Of the several works I have read on African spiritual traditions, I would unhesitatingly recommend this be one of the first books read by one who is new to this tradition. Once reading, I could not put it down until I had shared and completed with Baba his soul-stirring journey.

I have read several books related to the Ifa/Yoruba experience and this particular book was very personal. As I read through the book I could not help but connect with the feelings that the author expressed.

I became so engrossed with the book that I could not put it down. It gave me a lot to think about because I could relate to his desires of discovery. What Akinkugbe Karade presents here is a gem for anyone who is curious about how you become involved in the Yoruba tradition.

Only heaven knows the way to Salvation!

Peace and blessings Baba. Inu mi dun!! Your book is an inspiration to all those in the diaspora who wish to come home to tradition and be on the path to knowing self again. It is a deep honour to our ancestors and their ashe which helps keeps Ifa alive. Modupe Egun

To anyone who reads this book. Please note that you do not necessarily need to travel to Africa to be initiated into the tradition, but can do it right here in the USA and in the west.

Modupe Olodumare, Orunmila, Egun and all the empowering Orisha. Ashe, ashe-o ashe.

Kaa ma w'orisha Your loving wife

Iya OluYomi

This book was very informative and educational :) It was a great read and I finished it in less then 2 days :)

I can't even begin to describe how disappointed I was with this book. Advertised as a "deeply moving personal account" of a journey through the Ifa tradition, I expected more than I got. The chapters are short with at least one full blank page between each. With all the blank pages removed, the book would be half its current length. If someone picks up a book like this, they're looking for one of two things: information or connection with the story being told. The information about the tradition, its history, or its practices is minimal. I understand that some things are secret, but so much is left out that the book falls far short of teaching its readers anything. Pick up Joseph Murphy's African Spirits in America if you're looking for basic information presented in a readable format. I read this book not so much for information as I did because I wanted to connect with other people who've been where I am in the study of Ifa--namely, I fell into it by accident and it appears to have recruited me. The sole stated reason for the author's decision to follow this orisha tradition was so he could "feel more African." That's great for him, and I hope he's happy, but that doesn't help anyone but him. Likewise, if he ever has any doubts, fears, or anxieties about the tradition, he keeps them to himself except for mentioning a few minor annoyances in the week prior to getting initiated to Ogun. Overall, the book is of extremely limited use, and I'm sorry I shelled out the $15 for it.