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ISEDA TABI KADARA (NATURAL GIFT OR DESTINY)

Many traditions believe you have a DESTINY that determines who you become. That we are pre-ordained to be something or do something in our short lives. In Yoruba culture, it is called KADARA or ORI. Many hold on to ISENTAYE (prophecy) based on KADARA. The question is, is there truly KADARA or ORI, or our natural gifts and learned habits that make ways for us…? Do I accept I am destined to be poor, to be childless, to be the scorn of society, accept my fate, and resign to the background all my life?

If KADARA is true, do we then say the creator is fair? Why will he destine one to die young or not amount to anything, no matter what, and then give others KADARA/ORI to always be on top, beautiful, rich, loved… I know those who will say they believe in destiny wholeheartedly, and they have benefited from knowing that they are pre-determined to be great. These people are not wrong; that is the story of every human being. We are all pre-destined for greatness; we just need to find our place and reject the notion of the negative connotation of KADARA. People of faith know this better, especially the Christian faith.

The Yorubas also believe in ISEDA (natural gifts) and ATUNDA (learned gifts). I am more in tuned that these are what often determine a man’s trajectory in life. I am an example of that. What I lack by nature, I learned them, especially when I know that it can open doors for me. I tell people who say, “People do not like me no matter what, but they like Lagbaja.” The question is, why is it that people do not like you? Perhaps, you have inherent and imbibed characters that are repulsive – you are self-centered, you are greedy and stingy, you do not respect the opinions of others but your own – you dominate discussions, you are quick to anger, you are violent, you are resentful and incapable of empathy… Whereas the other person is an epitome of humility, is kind and generous, shares little, friendly, acknowledges the views of others while at the same time they disagree, he/she is respectful and accommodating, knows how to listen and not always wanting to say something…


IWA (Character) is a function of ISEDA and ATUNDA, and IWA is what makes your destiny a positive one, not just what you think the DIVINE has written about you that cannot be unwritten… The Yoruba will say, IWA L’EWA OMO ENIYAN – your character is what cloth you with beauty… who does not like beautiful things and people.
I hope I made sense to someone…

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