Ẹ̀SAN: TIMELESS AND ALL-ENCOMPASSING PRINCIPLE THAT GOVERNS THE UNIVERSE.
The concept of Ẹ̀san bears similarities to the Sanskrit word "Karma," which also implies a universal principle of cause and effect. Esan is an all-encompassing principle that inevitably expresses itself, regardless of time or space. It is not something that is given to someone as a reward or punishment but rather an inherent consequence of one's actions.
In the Ifa, Ẹ̀san is recognized as one of the causal factors of mental ill-health. The concept of retribution is closely tied to Esan, where an individual's actions have consequences that can affect their well-being. Ifa teaches that what one sows, they shall reap without exception or prejudice. The opposite of Esan is "Èèrè" or "Èrè," which refers to gain or harvest.
The Odu Ìrosùn Ìká, provides insight into the concept of Esan. The verse tells the story of Orunmila, who made divination for Ogun, revealing that Ogun's wicked plans would ultimately boomerang on him. The verse serves as a warning against destructive attitudes and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and accountability.
Ẹni tí ó kún’lẹ̀ t’ó gbìn Ìkà
Orí Oníkà ni ìkáà hùú lé
Adifafun Ọ̀rúnmìlà
Níjọ́ tí ó nlọ́ tẹ Ògún n’Ífá
Se’ra rẹ̀ Se’ ra rẹ̀
Ẹní dá eérú ni eérú ńtọ̀
Se’ra rẹ̀ Se’ ra rẹ̀
Ṣ’ìkà ṣ’ìkà fi ìdajì ṣe ara rẹ̀
Adifafun Inú Kògbùn
Ó gb’èrò ibi
Wọ́n ní dẹ̀hìn bọ̀ wá báa jà
A ní kí ó wá rú’ bọ
Kí ó kọ Ìwà Ìkà sílẹ̀.
Translation.
The one who stoops to plant wickedness
The wickedness will sprout on his head
Ifa message for Orunmila
When he was going to initiate Ogun into Ifa
Undo yourself, Undo yourself
Ashes follow whoever throws it up
Undo yourself, undo yourself
The wicked will always undo himself with half of his wickedness
Made divination for Inu Kogbun
Who plotted wickedness
They said his actions shall turn upon him
He was advised to make ebo
And forsake the attitude of wickedness entirely.
Ogun approached Orunmila for Ifa initiation, but unbeknownst to Orunmila, Ogun was secretly plotting against him due to his own prowess in crafting weapons for war. Prior to the initiation, Orunmila performed a divination ritual, which revealed the Odu Irosun-Ika. This revelation exposed Ogun's destructive intentions, warning that his plots would ultimately backfire and have devastating consequences for himself.
The concept of wickedness is a destructive attitude that generates stress for both the perpetrator and the victim. Ifa proscribes such behavior, emphasizing the importance of consideration and compassion. The line "Undo yourself, Undo yourself”
serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's actions.
In conclusion, Esan is a timeless and all-encompassing principle that governs the universe. It is a fundamental aspect of existence, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. Through the Ifa, we can gain a deeper understanding of Esan and its implications for our well-being and the world around us.
Note: Inukogbun was the name of the one whose life served as a precedent of Ogun’s case.
Fayemi Oyesanya
F.O.B
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