Mastery Through Moderation

Ikadi
Did not allow the cat to have wealth
Including those in the farm
Elegbara said:
House cats, do not be excessive
On the day we put meat down
If you steal it
When we cook a nice stew
If you swipe it
You are overdoing things
Being excessive does not allow the cat's wealth
To become more than the farmer's
Overdoing things

- Holy Odu IkaOdi

Ifa consistently advises us to do things in moderation. The wisdom of Orisa Lifestyle encourages balance, not extremism. In the Holy Odu OturaIrete, for example, Ifa teaches this way: You have been initiated now go back and re-initiate yourself. How does one re-initiate himself? Through moderation. Speak, but not too much. Eat but, do not over eat. Drink, but do not get drunk. Go into business but don't incur debt.

Consequently, Orisa Lifestyle does not lend itself to fanaticism or zealotry. The elders will sometimes say "Do what I do is the beginning of a fight." The tradition quickly recognizes personal autonomy and seeks to protect it at every turn. In this regard, the longer you practice, the more you will realize how important it is to not get carried away.

Sometimes, the message of moderation contradicts the American tradition of conspicuous consumption. After all, we are only 5% of the world's population but we consume more than 50% of the resources and generate more than 50% of the world's waste. This makes Orisa Lifestyle a faith that enables transformation for many American devotees. It requires us to reexamine our assumptions and gradually adjust our values. Eventually, in teaching moderation in all things, Orisa Lifestyle helps us to make a more meaningful contribution to our very own futures.

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