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

Path to Priesthood (Classical Writings on the Ifa/Yoruba Traditional Religion)
by Baba Akinkugbe Karade

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

Author: Baba Akinkugbe Karade
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2001-06-28
ISBN: 1890157260
Number of pages: 112
Publisher: Kanda Mukutu Books

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

Book Review: A wonderful tale of spiritual discovery and rebirth
Summary: 5 Stars

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.

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

Baba Akinkugbe Karade has written this book so that the readers will know that Africans both on the continent and the Diaspora, have had and still have vehicles for divine realization and actualization. He further states that he has written this book so that people will see that the African traditions exist in America and is a viable way to answer the call "of spirit". Not only does the tradition exist, but there are also people responding to it. I have experienced it and I am still experiencing it. . . This is where my story begins.

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