Odinala is the native religion of the Igbo people in southeast Nigeria. It aims to maintain harmony between mankind and spiritual forces.
There are no sacred texts of Odinala. But its teachings and beliefs can be found in the rituals, songs, names, proverbs, and customs of Igboland.
The most beneficial teaching of Odinala is that every human has a chi, a divine assistant.
Odinala shrine
Ancient Igbos believed that life is easier when you work with your chi to achieve your goals.
Struggle and hardship were signs of a disconnection between an individual and his chi.
Each village and community in Igboland has its own peculiar form of Odinala.
An individual may develop his own version of Odinala based on these four beliefs:
- Chukwu kere uwa(God created the universe): Chukwu is the mysterious entity that created the universe.
Chukwu’s imagination is so powerful that His thoughts become real, manifesting into a limitless universe .
Chukwu is genderless, but may be referred to as ‘He’, ‘She’, or ‘It’.
- Mmadu niile nwere chi(Every human has a divine self): A small, invisible portion of Chukwu resides in every person.
This portion is called chi. Your chi connects you to Chukwu and helps you solve problems in the spiritual and physical worlds.
- Onye kwe chi ya kwe(If you believe, your god will believe): Your chi works according to your faith and belief in it.
The more committed you are to having a relationship with your chi, the more it helps you accomplish your goals.
You can relate to your chi any way you like.
You can relate to your chi anyway you desire.
You may view your chi as a master, a servant, a sibling, a lover, a secretary, a business partner, or a computer.
There are no limits to what your chi can do for you.
- Ala wu otu (The Earth is one): Odinala is a remnant of an ancient religion practiced by the first humans to walk the Earth.
This religion is not exclusive to Igbos. You’ll find different versions of Odinala across the world.
You will get results from Odinala no matter your background or location.
Odinala will work for the corporate executive in a New York skyscraper, the mountain climber in the Himalayas and the farmer in Nigeria.
You’re free to combine Odinala with another belief system, religion, or philosophy.
These four basic beliefs are the foundation of Odinala.