New Afrikan Priesthood Training and Qualifications at the Maroon Monarchy of Gànlɔdó
Share
What New Afrikan Maroon priesthood training looks like at the Maroon Monarchy of Gànlɔdó
𞤾𞤮𞤣𞤵𞥊𞥅𞤲 𞤾𞤽𞤧𞤢𞥉𞤲𞤵𞥊𞥅 (Vodún vɔ̌sánú or Vodun priesthood) training involves a structured path of learning and living, focusing on developing virtues, discipline, and wisdom. It encompasses study, meditation, and ethical conduct all aimed at fostering spiritual growth and insight.
Our priesthood adheres to strict rules and ethical guidelines, referred to as 𞤥𞤹𞤧𞤭𞤲 Mɛsin in the Ajã language, to maintain a virtuous lifestyle and guide their actions. 𞤶𞤭𞤶𞤽 Jijɔ (Character) is of the utmost importance.
𞤤𞤹𞤧𞤭𞥊𞤲 Lɛsìn - Meditation
We believe that regular meditation practice is crucial for developing mindfulness, concentration, and a deeper overstanding of the nature of reality. It also helps tremendously as an aid to study and peace.
𞤀𞥁𞤽𞥇 𞤠𞤤𞤽𞤲𞥂𞤤𞤽𞤲 azɔ̌ kplɔnkplɔn - The training process involves a gradual progression, from novice stages to full ordination, with increasing responsibilities and commitments. There are no assembly line, initiation because one has the money or the want type of priesthoods available from us.
Education and study in the theoretical areas
From a New Afrikan perspective, we feel it incumbent to be well rounded - to become an adept (kplɔnkplɔntɔ) of sorts. Therefore, our training also involves the study of certain key Afrikan traditions such as Akom Sese of the Akan people, Odinani of the Igbo culture, Vodún of the Ajã culture, Ìṣèṣè of the Yọrùbá culture, the sacred proverbs of the aforementioned cultures, kwk.... Sacred Afrikan texts such as Odù Ifá, Kpólí Fá, Afá, the Adinkra sacred signs and their meanings, kwk.
Language
The languages we focus on at Gànlɔdó are Yọrùbá, Ajã, Igbo, and Ki-Kọngo.
We also believe that are adept priests should be well rounded from the perspective of what is commonly referred to as Comparative "Religious" Studies. This means the adept should be familiar with other traditions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, kwk.
The Gànlɔdó kplɔnkplɔntɔ (adept) should be well studied in history, philosophy and mythology , especially in direct relation to the traditions she/he lives (we don't use the term "practice").
Martial Arts Theory and Training in the practical arts We believe in being fit, disciplined and trained to defend ourselves by any means necessary. This includes the study and practice of various martial arts such as Capoeira Angola, Kupigana Ngumi, the Ògún fighting arts, Kung Fu, Ju jitsu, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Stick Fighting, Close Quarters Fighting, kwk...
A qualified priest is one who has a detailed, working knowledge of the various steps involved in the most common worship services; can chant special prayers that may be in 𞤸𞤵𞥊𞤲𞤩𞤫𞥊 Hùngbè (language of the deity) or the vernacular version of the languages of specific cultures attached to specific spiritual systems and is familiar with the necessary items for different ceremonies and rituals.
Ultimately, the priest-adepts of our tradition understand and live the 𞤳𞤭𞤤𞤽𞤥𞤦𞤤𞤲𞤵 Kilɔmbonu (Maroon) way of life. They overstand New Afrikan history and what it means to be a New Afrikan. They overstand true politics and their view is of a maroon political view. They know the enemy without and the enemy within. They are dedicated to the process of ReAfrikanization which is based upon family development, and nation building geared towards sovereignty.
Of final note, what can be said of the Gànlɔdó adept can be said about the average family member - citizen of Gànlɔdó. We all strive for the higher order.