A debt that is ignored only becomes heavier

Philosophical Summary

In the Yoruba worldview, a 'debt' (Gbèsè) is a hole in the fabric of one's character. Whether it is a promise made to a fellow human or a sacrifice owed to the Orisha, the energy of the debt remains active until it is balanced. To ignore a debt is to allow it to 'grow' (tó ń wú), eventually becoming a burden that can collapse one's prosperity or health.