Babalawo: The Diamond Sutra (ePub)

While endeavoring to tell this story, I needed clarification on which approach to take. I could present this work in an entirely academic format. However, I am reminded of what my comparative religions professor would say at the beginning of his lectures..." Intellectuals are boring. We will attempt to tell the story from the griot format.

You may have wondered why I am writing this book. This is the third book in my series from the Yoruba-American Theological Arch ministry. Inspired by the library in the Oyotunji Village in South Carolina, these books are intended to educate our children, students, clients, and followers of our beliefs, customs, and traditions.

The first book in the series, "Ile Ifa International," was presented as a format for beginning worship and establishing your spiritual home, or "Ile," as we call it.

The second book, "The Voodoo Kings," was presented to emphasize the elders in the Diaspora and their work. Art...art, love of culture and tradition, and respect for elders and teachers are essential to practicing the tradition.

Due to the demonization of the tradition in Hollywood and other media sources, the beauty and refinement of art and the genius of the literature have been reduced to the default term "Voodoo" to represent the many manifestations of the tradition throughout the diaspora. We love the practice in all its images and attempt to educate beyond the simplifications. It is their birthright for Yoruba Americans, and you should know which tradition resonates with your soul or spirit.

In this latest book. "Bablawo" looks at the Yoruba Americans' future and their vision for the future in the Diaspora.