Inspiring Lessons from the Igbos for Invoking your Personal Chi

The Igbo peoples of south-eastern Nigeria believe that when a man agrees, his Chi also agrees.

Onye kwe Chie ekwe

In Igbo culture, Chi means a life force, a spirit double, in spirit-land. It controls life on Earth, in other words, his destiny. It will stand next to wherever one stands.

The concept that every life is pre-determined and controlled by destiny or a superior power is thrust upon us since birth. Different mythological texts emphasize the existence of a predetermined life and the weight of our actions in this life and the next.

But what sets apart the concept of Chi and the dichotomy of our relationship with this superior life force is the belief that we can and are responsible for our actions, and when we say ‘yes’, our Chi also says ‘yes’. So, are we not at the mercy of Chi’s veto power over our lives?

Chinua Achebe elaborates on the role of Chi in Things Fall Apart. Although Okonkwo invoked his Chi and often felt that it was good, and he could achieve many things in his life. In the end, he believes that his Chi was not made for great things. He hopes to make amends, but he fails.

To understand this life force, it is vital to understand the Igbo culture. The Igbos are known for their ‘hustling spirit’, which makes them excel in different areas of life — business, family, community, and relationships.

The Igbo way of life and their beliefs are anchored in Chi. They believe in the existence of two worlds — physical and spiritual. Chinaeke, Chukwu or Olisebruwa, the Supreme Being occupies the highest realm and is a protector of human destiny. The Supreme Being imbues the newborn with an attribute of his Spiritual nature which will continue on Earth and be the guiding spirit that makes their life. As per Igbo philosophy, one’s success or failure results from one’s choice with their Chi before birth. The Chi also coaxes the person to make those choices that they can cope with. This is a very significant event for the person as this person enters into a pact called iyi-uwa or the oath of life where they have tremendous powers to use their qualities on Earth and one’s personal god supports the individual to achieve what is chosen.

As explained in an Igbo proverb,

Obu etu nya na Chie si kwu — that’s the agreement you reached with your Chi.

At birth, one does not remember this agreement. So, how does free will manifest itself? Another proverb further emphasizes it,

Chi onye adighi n’izu ihe anaghi eme ya. — No matter how many divinities sit together to plot a man’s ruin, it will come to nothing unless his Chi is there among them. A successful person is called

onye Chi oma — a person of good Chi. If a person fears something wrong, he says Chi m ekwena! — my Chi doesn’t permit it.

Also,

onye cholu iga Chi ya n’iru ga agbagbu onwe ya n’oso which means whoever wants to go before or run ahead of his Chi will run himself to death or Ife si na Chi, which means good fortunes and misfortunes comes from Chi.

In Things Fall Apart, this scenario is attributed to Okonkwo, who fails despite his best efforts. Why? He tried to outrun his Chi.

Here are a few more exciting beliefs on Chi:

· Mmadu anaghi akari Chi ya — You cannot be greater than your personal God.

· Oka onye ka Chi ya -He who is greater than one is also greater than his Chi.

· Ofu nne na-amu, ma ofu Chi adi eke — Siblings may come from the same mother but have different personal spirits.

· Onye Chi ya akwatughi, o nweghi ihe na-eme ya- You will remain unharmed if your personal God supports you.

But the Igbo philosophy also emphasizes that an individual always has room for renegotiation with one’s Chi. The Igbo world is not absolute and is flexible and fluid and not altogether controlled by Chi, making an individual helpless. If an individual consults with their relatives and respects ancestral guidance, it will help them alter the course of their destiny.

A fascinating thought! In Okonkwo’s case, his failure is also attributed to many deviations that he made, disrespecting his relatives, leading to his Chi abandoning his will.

Nothing can stop human will. Even the Igbo’s philosophy of Chi supports the human spirit — when a man says yes, his Chi says yes.

As we enter the New Year, let us move forward and say yes. Your Chi will definitely say yes.