Baba Oluwo Faseye Discusses West African Traditions
What about West African Traditions? Come and learn about Baba Oluwo Faseye journey to connect with his Ancestral line
In this episode of ANU Asafo BabaOluwo Ifagbemi Fasaye discusses a variety of aspects of traditional African Religion, specifically Ifa. Based in Seattle, Washington Baba Ifagbemi Faseye is the founder and head priest of the Faseye Institute for the Study of Nature.
Baba Ifagbemi Faseye was formally initiated into several indigenous spiritual traditions such as Tibetan Buddhism, Santana Dharma, and ancestral West African traditions, as well as has mastered other traditional healing methods such as Chinese medicine.
During the interview Baba Oluwo Ifagbemi Fasaye discussed the path of his spiritual walk, citing a common theme mentioned by various teachers such as the practice of honoring ancestors through spirituality. From this insight he began researching the ancestral West African traditions of Nigeria, and went on to become initiated in several priesthoods within the Ifa system. Due to his diverse background, Baba Oluwo Ifagbemi Faseye teaches the essence of Ifa as an universal language, where the goal is to view the common themes and practices and the schools of thought that Ifa teaches.
Baba Oluwo Ifagbemi Faseye calls for us to define what it truly means for Africans in the diaspora who return back to their ancestral roots. When asked how he would describe his world view philosophy he stated that he embraces his ancestors and his African lineage, however he does not agree with the Pan Africanist schools of thought which encourage separatism (the idea that certain groups of people should not practice African traditional religions).
This is because everything and everyone can trace their roots to Africa and states that he looks at the individual and what Ifa states during divination to determine how to interact and interface with people. He also points out that within the Ifa tradition it is difficult to refer to one as a Pan-Africanist when the Ifa tradition has spread all over the globe and there are many people who may not have direct African ancestry who are practicing Ifa.
Baba Oluwo Ifagbemi states that his spiritual and healing background assist him with balance, restoration, and encouraging humanity. Due to his diverse background he is able to have a balanced perspective when working with individuals.
Most traditional practices have more in common than what is realized and due to his study of those traditions he has a broader appreciation and perspective for the human condition across the globe. Ifa is a lifelong process and is developed and personalized over time.
Baba Oluwo Ifagbemi Faseye urges people to think about West African traditions and other traditions verses “what works”. If the goal is to assist people in their human condition, then one must practice African Traditional Religions in ways that work and produce results.
We have to be comfortable in the place that we are now, and not necessarily depend on Africa to give us the insight on where to move next. We must trust in ourselves and let the Ancestors guide us to healing.
To learn more about Baba Oluwo Faseye discusess West African Traditions please listen to the BlogtalkRadio show Baba Oluwo Faseye and African Slavery here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/enlightenmentandtransformation/2013/11/03/oluwo-faseye-african-slavery