Orunmila's Vision of the Past
Philosophical Summary
A story where a king was dying of a mysterious illness that no herbalist could cure. Orunmila, divining Ogbè Ìwòrì, did not look at the king's body, but 'looked back' into the king's youth, discovering an oath he had broken to a river Orisha. By addressing the past sin, the present illness was cured. This story establishes the principle of 'Ogbè Wèyìn'.
Sacred Verses
English
A powerful king had grown sick and frail despite all the medicines of his doctors. Orunmila was summoned. He cast Ogbè Ìwòrì. Instead of examining the king's skin or eyes, Orunmila stared back through the years. 'Your body is fine,' Orunmila said, 'but your oath is broken. You promised a river Orisha that you would honor her in exchange for the throne, but once you were crowned, you forgot.' The King apologized and performed the forgotten ritual. His health returned immediately.
Tradition Perspectives
Source: Standard Ifá Oral tradition