On the evening of February 22nd, in the inviting ambiance of the Common Room at the Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR), an event unfurled that beckoned the searching and the sincere alike: "What is the Point of Life? Theosis in Yoruba Traditions." Ayodeji Ogunnaike, esteemed Visiting Scholar at CSWR and Assistant Professor at The University of Virginia, guided attendees through the interwoven paths of Yoruba spirituality, addressing the enigmatic queries that touch the very essence of existence.
In a cosmology teeming with myriad òrìṣà (divinities), the Yoruba tradition offers a tapestry of answers to the age-old questions: "What is the point of life?", "Why am I here?", and "What should I do with my life?" Ogunnaike grounded his inquiry within a Yoruba conception of theosis – an ontological melding with the òrìṣà one venerates. This pursuit, though outwardly straightforward, unravels into a complex odyssey due to the numerous òrìṣà and their multifarious manifestations.
Ogunnaike’s discourse traversed several pivotal facets of Yoruba spirituality, from divination and mythology to sacred arts, ritual practices, and the transformative journey towards self-realization. At the heart of these explorations lay the Yoruba concepts of orí (akin to "destiny" or a spiritual twin), àṣẹ (sacred power or authority), and ìwà (character or existence). Ogunnaike related that these elements coalesce in creative and personalized ways, shepherding each practitioner towards their unique manifestation of theosis.
Drawing from his rich research into the global òrìṣà tradition, Ogunnaike offered insights into the evolutionary journey of Yoruba deity worship from its practice in Nigeria and Brazil to its status as a widely celebrated Indigenous African religion. His upcoming book, "Forms of Worship: How Órìṣa Devotion Became Religion in Nigeria and Brazil," delves into this transformation, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between Afro-Brazilian and West African cultures.
From Neoplatonism and cosmic intermediaries to the personal and collective ramifications of theosis, Ogunnaike shared Yoruba beliefs regarding how a specific oríša one is born under guides one’s destiny, cultivating a unique character (ìwà) and manifesting it within the world. He went on to illustrated how this spiritual odyssey demands both inner and outer metamorphosis, necessitating good character and diligent care, alongside the understanding and application of àṣẹ.
Venturing into the societal and ethical dimensions of Yoruba spirituality, the Q&A following Ogunnaike’s talk enlivened a discussion regarding the challenges of commercialization and the authenticity of spiritual practices in the modern era. Ogunnaike underscored the significance of seeking reputable Yoruba guidance in the spiritual domain, highlighting the role of community festivals and digital platforms like WhatsApp in connecting with trusted Diviners, and maintaining the integrity and openness of the tradition.
No less meaningful a question than in any other era, "What is the Point of Life?” emerged not only as a scholarly exploration but as a beacon for those seeking to engage questions of existence through such an abundant tradition as that of Yoruba spirituality. Ogunnaike's talk offered a compelling narrative of a life imbued with purpose, character, and cosmic harmony, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the potential for divine-human unity.
Story by Tristan Angieri, MDiv '26