A FILOSOFIA DE ÒRÚNMÌLÀ-IFÁ E A FORMAÇÃO DO BOM CARÁTER.

Abstract

This theoretical and bibliographical research aims to describe the Cult of Òrúnmìlà- Ifa, which originated from West Africa, especially from Nigeria, Benin and surrounding countries, also being practiced in Brazil. Therefore, we sought to understand the yoruba culture, a little of its history and characteristics. For understanding the Òrúnmìlà-Ifa philosophy is critical to apply the interpretive analysis of the Yoruba´s worldview. The worldview of this people is based on a hierarchically structured system from a Supreme Being, called Olodumare, arch-deities, ancestors, natural phenomena and Orisa. It´s holy city, Ilé-Ife, is considered by the Yoruba as the origin of mankind. The Yorubas perform various ceremonies and rites of passage to iniciate people in Òrúnmìlà-Ifa, one arch-divinity, a spirit, an adviser of Olodumare, with transit between heaven and earth, responsible for organizing and ordering the world´s pathaways of the good and peace, creating then a cult with his name. It is noteworthy the ancestry cult, being the ancestor a person or entity revered for his-hers virtues and ethical and moral teachings. The Yoruba respect and obey the elders, whose values are orally passed from generation to generation, forming an model of principles meant to shape the formation of good character (Ìwàpèlè), peace, peaceful coexistence and respect for others, animals and nature. With the Africans diaspora, the Cult of Òrúnmìlà-Ifa (and others) had been spread to several countries, including Brazil. The Cult of Òrúnmìlà-Ifa has its own philosophy that leads people to form self-awareness and driving the social and religious life of the community.