About RasTaFarian 'TITLES'... Let's Reason

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[sistahvee]

Bless Up Family

InI have been meaning to REASON with the I's here regarding the use of RasTaFarian Titles for some time.  Unfortunately, with time being what it is, InI have never gotten around to it and in another two weeks InI will not have useable internet access for a couple of months as InI tie up the loose ends in InI's mission in T&T. 

It has been a Wonderment to InI that so many THINK it is a simple RIGHT for them to give themselves Titles that they don't and never had the intention of LIVING up to as soon as they stop brushing their HAIR and using Ital shampoos.  Let's Reason here for just a moment.

  In all areas of life Titles are used to define one's position.  Whether one's position is a simple, common position or a Highly RAspected position.  Kings and Queens to servants and slaves are given Titles.  When one wishes to become an EXPERT at something in our current worldwide society, one goes to school of HIGHER LEARNING and persues one's degree in the specified areas.  One receives a Degree, Certificate or Diploma as a result of successful completion of one's course. 

When one wishes to cook well, one MUST spend time in the kitchen as this is the ONLY way to accomplish that goal.  To be a Machanic one studies vehicles and its parts.  To be called DOCTOR one must study the Human Body and learn the internal workings of the internal and external workings of the human body.  Nurse, Income Tax guys, Builders, Carpenters etc.etc.  One thing is common in all these TITLES.  It is the END RESULTS. 
Yet, as RasTaFarians we refuse to acknowledge this fact.  Anyone with an uncombed head of hair, wearing ice, gold and green and able to say Irie with or without a computer, has now taken it upon themselves to give THEMSELVES RasTaFarian Titles.  InI have been privy to twenty year old EMPRESSES and QUEENSand YOUTH attempting to become TEACHERS to ones who have been studying the Rasta lifestyle for decades.

Ones who have just started learning about this Culture have GIVEN THEMSELVES the RIGHT to automatically JUDGE and Challenge years of studying. 

It is InI's Ilief that To He who much is given, Much is required.Yet InI, after twenty five years of this Trod has never accepted that InI have learned ALL there is to learn.  Each day another miracle is found.  There is still so much for InI to learn and Do before InI feel the right to Title Iself Empress, Queen or another of such RASpectable ranking as InI always find there is something still lacking.

Yes, in InI's other life InI am TEACHER and take that RASponsibility seriously.  InI am aware at all times that InI am being looked to for Guidance.  InI am a well RASpected writer in InI's own Rights and is always taken aback when another copy of one of InI's books are presented to InI for autographs.  It is still amazing to see displays in bookstores carrying InI's books.  YET WHEN IT COMES TO RASTAFARI, InI am mostly SISTAH.  InI have yet so much more to learn.

InI state this at this time as so much fighting is now taking place among RasTafari.  So many Houses are being attacked by other Houses.  It has become that Rastas are becoming like all the rest of the world.  InI am the Biological Mother of two young men, 23 and 20.  They have the habit of telling InI that InI am a DYING BREED.  That very few still RASPECT the term RasTaFari.  InI have tried to show them that this is NOT true.  Yet, scrolling through the Rasta sites and viewing the MULTITUDE of DISgruntle among Rastas InI have learned something again.  Rasta has changed.  The Icept of Raspect has changed within RasTaFari.

So, Little Sistahs, Big Sistahs, Princesses, Queens, Empresses, Prince's, Teachers,Ras.....Is it yet possible to Restore the RASpect to the Titles that we carry as RasTaFarians?  Is it yet possible to learn through studying exactly what these TITLES Represent and give back the Raspect that is Due?

Nuff Love

Sistah Vee

[Fanamos]

Greetings.
I am new to Rasta and have not been trodding long and although I have made but a few posts I read plentiful.  I do not wish to comment on Sistah Vees reasoniong on titles as I agree with sistahs opinion.  The part of her post I want to reason on is,
 “InI state this at this time as so much fighting is now taking place among RasTafari.   So many Houses are being attacked by other Houses.   It has become that Rastas are becoming like all the rest of the world. ”
I too have noticed the fighting that is happening, arguements instead of reasoning.  EveryIs opinion and view is as valuble as his Breddas & Sistahs and they are all worth sharing and reasoning pon but the Infinite possibilities of unique thoughts and feelings towards a subject do not have to be presented or defended in the negative way, surrounded with negative energy as I have witnessed in posts made recently.  Some have even resorted to name calling! Positive movement, Positive vibration, OneLove, Peace and Inity seem to have been casted aside by the egos of many and replaced with negative feelings towards Breddas & Sistahs and in a few posts some are actively tryin to cast negative energy on their Breddas & Sistahs via words which cause negative thought and on some levels emotional distress.  Although many of the name calling instances are minor insults with no major aggresive definitions to the words used they have still been said with the wrong intention, to hurt and to try and segregate themselves from the other in some way, usually putting themself above and placing the other below, forgetting that we are all equals, blessed with life, linked and loved by creation and forgetting to unconditionally Love all creation and place our Breddas & Sistahs opinion as equal to our own, even if it differs. 
Disagreements do not have to be of negative origin, reasoning with a different point of view presented with Positive energy through the words choosen to define the opinion is always educational, whether it strengthens or changes the previous thoughts one might have had on a subject.  All the Breddas & Sistahs posting and reasoning on this site are clearly filled with passion.  The Divine Flame roars from your hearts, this can be seen by everyI in your posts and I thank all for sharing their opinions, I have learnt much since loggin onto Rasta Nick.
Let us reason with Positive thoughts and share our feelings, opinions and points of view with Peace and OneLove.  Bun out da negative energy and don’t let yourself argue negativley like the rest of the world!

Blessings.
Peace.
OneLove.

[Ras Adam]

Yes I, sister Vee.
I have been feeling the I's on this forum who nah like I (and other I's) profile-name "Ras Adam," especially when dem don't agree with Iman.   

Ras means "head," "duke," "prince" or so on. The reason why a rasta (or a believer in Haile Selassie I) can call himself Ras, is not with the traditional use of the word. It is a transferred meaning, just like you, Sister Vee, is not really biologically
my "SISTER". Iman believe that all believers in JAH is Ras', princes, princesses, Kings, Queens, Empress, Emperor and so on. (different ages, different wisdom, but still..)
 I am not physically appointed a "duke" in Ithiopia. Like you are not appointed my sister by Iman.
Mentally Iman a Ras - all man come down from the bloodline of Adam (very topical) & Eve. Therefore all man is ras if just dem know, in Iman sight.
Mentally you my sister, Vee, because of our common bloodline (humans) and extra because of our faith in JAH - maybe even more because of our common interest & love to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie 1st.
When my name is Ras Adam, I don't mean that I am better than any other - Iman don't call Iself "Ras Betwadad". Ras for I is just a position-name for where Iman stand. Iman a man who try to live righteous, believe seriously in JAH almighty Israel God.
And if one cannot tolerate others choice of name, then it is actually just too bad. One cannot sit and decide what is okay to name and what's not - very basic. Raspect all.

And then Iman would like to comment one sentence:

YOUTH attempting to become TEACHERS to ones who have been studying the Rasta lifestyle for decades.

I will just say one thing, the child David was wiser than any of the long-white-bearded scholars. ITES.

I would love this reason not to become a unrighteous argue or DIScussion. I like you wisdom tone, sistah Vee.
Give thanks for reading what I write.
ITES for I&I Idren & Istren forIver - JAH

[sistahvee]

Bless Up Ras Adam

The I has placed a smile on InI's face.

The I is correct.  The man-made REASONS for Titles are Different from the Reasons RasTaFarians use them.  First of all it is necessary to acertain that NOT EVERY WORD OR LINE WRITTEN in a Reasoning is being directed to any particular  individual unless that is specified in the Reasoning.  That's from Rasta Reasoning Class 101.  Read the post from earlier this year regarding the I's of Reasoning.

However, the principles are the same.  Regardless of what is being studied it is a process.  It is Impossible for a young girl child to KNOW what it FEELS like to be MOTHER.  It is a process of learning.  A young man-child CANNOT be free to drive a car.  These are the same rules that apply.

RasTaFari IS NOT, regardless of how it appears these recent years, a CLUB that one can join just because one likes the way the Club Members wear their hair or the kind of ways they prepare their foods.  RasTaFari is a PROCESS of BECOMING ONE WITH JAH AND JAH's Creation.  It is NOT a HAT one can PUT ON and then Take off those moments when it does NOT match one's outfit.

Now regarding InI's CHOSEN Title.  Only in InI's own little world am InI 'Sistah Vee'.  In the majority of the RasTaFari communities InI am EMPRESS VEE.  That is a TITLE InI have too much RASpect for to use in InI's everyday life. The work InI do as an Empress is sacred to InI and hence the Reason for InI's separation. One REASON it is NOT used online is the FACT that it is TOO IMPORTANT in the REAL world where Blood and skin is real, unlike the online world.  However that is a CHOICE InI make as it suits InI's purpose. 

Now let's clarify this by saying it was MANY YEARS of seeking and learning before elders in the RasTaFari communities gave InI that Title...  InI HAD to go through the Process.

Please let us NOT start an ARGUEMENT among 'others' by giving the Impression that we are in Heated DISagreement.  REASONING IS ABOUT DISAGREEMENTS and then OVERSTANDING. The REASON the I give for being called RAS is the INTERNET version of who is a 'Ras'.  It has absolutely NOTHING to do with the manner in which Titles have been REVERED by RasTaFari for years before and still.  Today anyone who smokes the Herb, REGARDLESS of why they do, is under the Impression that they can GOOGLE RASTAFARI, read a few pages and form a 'BELIEF' and Overstanding of matters such as the use of Titles. 

No Idren.  Let InI clear up a bit of that non-sensical Iliefs.  First of all, NOT ANY BELIEVER has a RIGHT to call himself Ras.  Grant it he may and could.  But that is DIFFERENT from having a RIGHT is it NOT?  That's the Internet REASONS, certainly NOT RASTAFarI.  Being Mentally a Ras is quite normal.  Many Rastas are Rastas years before they take the vow.  Some never take the vow.  What The I SIGHTS is the I's Jah given RIGHT.  What the I states as FACT is NOT.  There IS a difference.

Yes Iyah, as the I has stated Ras to the I is just a position-name.  It makes a statement to the world and InI as RasTaFari am proud of that fact.  It is NOT a matter of TOLERANCE of other's names.  And for the record as this topic has the potential to get 'ugly', this topic is one that MANY HERE AT NICK's have asked InI and InI just have not had the time to RASpond till now.  It has NOTHING...May InI please repeat nothing to do with the tensions now floating around.  It is about REASONING not FINGER POINTING.  About the Istory of where and why RasTaFari uses Titles.  Nothing more and certainly nothing less..  That does NOT mean 'some' may not use it as an opportunity to 'attack' others unfairly.  However, that's the major problem when we have internet Ras among Jah's people. But that is just a Fact.  Not a Reason for DIS Raspect. Sheeps and Goats.  Reason with them, determine their levels of Truth and Love and seperate the sheep from the goat based on H.I.M.'s teachings.

Now..How can the I say that David was wiser than any?  Take another look and meditate on that Icept.  Look at the UN_WISE choices David made throughout his life.  He was just a man-child like many before and after him.

For the I's own Overstanding, InI am aware when InI am in the company of RasTaFari, internet Ras, wanna'-be-Rastas, and those seeking to learn the Process and Develop their Irituality through REASONING and study, the RasTaFari school so to speak.  InI do NOT doubt the I's Love, Passion nor Ilieve it or not the I's position as RasTa.

Now regarding the Adam and Eve Icept the I has presented, InI will just say that that particular thought is a matter of Opinion as the majority of RasTaFari Ilieve differently after through studying of actual events porported in the Ible and the FACTS regarding the Ible's Istory.  So let us just agree to disagree on some finer points and enjoy the strength that comes in Reasoning and learning from each other. 

May Jah Itinue to Guide and Teach the I Ras Adam. 

Nuff Love

Sistah Vee
Posted on: November 21, 2007, 02:39:48 pmHere are links and Reasoning here regarding the Ible and it's Istory to explain fuller what InI stated above

http://forums.rasta-man.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,4468.0.html
Posted on: November 21, 2007, 02:49:20 pmhttp://forums.rasta-man.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,4073.0.html
Posted on: November 21, 2007, 02:51:22 pmhttp://forums.rasta-man.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,4233.0.html
Posted on: November 21, 2007, 02:52:45 pmfinally Iyah.. Here are the REAL I's of Reasoning

http://forums.rasta-man.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,4060.0.html

[ke]

yes I feel ya sista,
I see so many brothas and sistas fighting and arguing about silly things like who has stronger faith in HIM and who is right and who is wrong.. it make me very frustrated to see that, it just doesn't make sense to me..
blessings
your brotha ke.
 

[Molliebaz]

Thank you Sistah Vee for your reasoning on this subject of titles.   I am what my man calls " a big woman" which means I am old enough to be grandmother to most people on this site.  It has amused me how so many people bestow titles upon themselves on this site, yet in over 30 years of association with RastafarI - I have not come across many people who consider themselves worthy of titles.  True rasta should be humble.  My partner, Dread, has been trodding this path over 30 years, and he does not bestow a title on himself, yet he wears his "crown" with pride.  People like Jah Shaka, the famous sound system person ( put his name in Google and read about him ), a good friend of Dread  - has been spreading Jah's word for many many years, promoting H.I.M , silently  doing good for his bredren - he is a humble man .   

I often wonder if people such as these would be slightly offended to think that what they would term as " likkle youths" are calling themselves Ras, King, Emperor.  There is a big difference in being interested in RastafarI and living the life through the good and the bad times. 

Many years back there was a tune by Max Romeo called " Rasta Bandwagon" it seems there are still many that wish to ride it.  A lot of the so called "Ras" will be here today and gone tomorrow, when the fad has passed yet some of us really do live this lifestyle.

I know this post will be controversial and I welcome those who truly wish to walk with Jah, and I beg you to seek Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding - but I find there is no comparison between people like Jah Shaka and somebody who thinks if they smoke a spliff in the school playground and wear a red gold and green bracelet with their school uniform they deserve the  honour of a title.

I quite expect there to be some who are upset by my comments and this "big woman" is ready for all those who want to argue instead of reasoning. 

Rasta needs the youth, and I live by the " each one teach one" motto - but let's have some Raspect for those with " time served" and wait till we have earned a title that others think we deserve, instead of crowning ourselves.

May Jah guide and protect you all.

One Love   Molliebaz

[Ras Adam]

Ites sistren of Adonai almighty I.

There is no big DIScussion, because Iman agree a long of the way with I&I on this subject.
About the David wisdom, sorry, I can't find no information about the subject at the moment. If Iman find it I will post it. But my point was that sometimes "time" is not a factor for wisdom, even brains. Monkeys can be smarter than humans - in acting with moral. Also children. If one has studied theology in 20 years and says "JAH hates everyone" - and a newcomer says "No, JAH love his children", the newcomer is right. Seen?

Iman appreciate your accept of Iman Ilief, Ission, love & position - because you speek not with the tongues of the wicked. Ites Sister.

@Molliebaz:
Iman know Jah Shaka's music, an love it indeed, because he know how to praise JAH with righteous music as King David.
Iman just think that sometimes, JAH ras "elders" can judge the "newcomers" - which is unwise. Also when they are "living the life through the good and the bad times." Starting out righteous. 
 When people ask what Iman am, Iman say a jew. I don't say "a rastaman".
One can take away I cloth, house, all that Iman own, and Iman will still love an have faith in Adonai the Holy Israel God JAH - an know that Haile Selassie 1st is the 225th king, in the Holy King line of King David.
Here it come again: Haile Selassie say that no one should judge others faith, because only JAH know how to judge for 100% reality.

Ites both righteous sistren, may JAH be with the I's.

[sistahvee]

Bless Up Ras Adam

InI Overstand the I's position Ras Adam.  Seen...

InI am leaving for Trinidad in a few days Ras Adam, and so InI will not be as free to meet here with InI's Rasta Family for Reasoning.  Regardless of WHAT name the I chooses to Identify with, InI RASpect an Individual's character above all else as character makes a man.  It has been InI's experience with Reasoning with you Little Brother, that the I is wise beyond years and have Overstanding where many do not, with Humility that makes for an Amazing Character by whatever name a man chooses to call himself.  InI have never had any issue with the I nor the I's views.  It has been a pleasure Reasoning with the I and InI hope to be able to do so again in the near future.

Nuff Love

Sistah Vee

[Molliebaz]

Wise and beautiful words Sistah Vee.  Truly, a man is judged by his deeds.

Ras Adam, Shalom, please overstand,  I welcome young conscious bredren.  You are the life blood of RastafarI.   It gives me joy to see the next generation spreading the words of Jah.   As somebody so devoted to Jah, I am sure you will agree that there can be people who  I call  "false Rasta" - because to them it is a fashion thing - this month they are Rasta, next month they are something else.  We should welcome all into the fold, but at the same time we should have the discernment to separate the sheep from the goats.  Many fall by the wayside, some get strangled by weeds, but some put down strong roots and flourish.

Give Thanks and praises to The Most High.

One Love

[Empress AliJah]

Give thanks Sistah Vee whom InI and all I will miss but keep in our thoughts and prayers, and WILL hear from in the very near future may Jah watch ova Guide Strengthen and Itect the I on the next chapter of the I's Journey and Struggle,
@ Molliebaz give thanks fi the I's words, Rasta is a LIVITY [liFE] and InI couldnt agree more some call Rasta today and bun we tomorrow, The Rasta youths of today are the next generation of Elders fi tomorrow so at times they have to be challenged  when reasoning not to undermine them but to let them see how much Overstanding they have when defending the Faith,Thats why it is InI's ilief that correction at all ages is a good thing it keeps InI and all I in check, strengthens brings overstanding and Inity,
InI love All the reasoning here on the forum it brings InI sooooo much Joy to Know RASTA LIVES in all I hearts
Peace and Love
 
Posted on: 29-11-2007, 13:24:36

H.I.M   UTTERANCES
 
INCAPABLE OF DESPAIR

"OUR OWN LIFE HAS DEMONSTRATED THAT WE ARE INCAPABLE OF DESPAIR.MEN WILL DIE IN DEFENCE OF PRINCIPLES; MEN WILL SACRAFICE THEIR ALL RATHER THAN COMPROMISE THEMSELVES AND RENOUNCE THAT WHICH DISTINGUISHES THEM FROM BEASTS-THEIR MORAL FACULTY.BUT IF THIS FORCE IN MEN CAN BUT BE AWAKENED AND FOCUSED ON THE THE PROBLEMS OF EACH DAY, WE SHALL, GOD WILLING, SURVIVE EACH DAY TO THE DAWN OF EACH TOMORROW,AND IN THIS SURVIVAL,GUARANTEE TO OUR CHILDREN AND OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN A LIFETIME OF PEACE AND SECURITY UNDER JUSTICE AND RIGHT UNDER GOD".

Give thanks
Peace and Love

[Ras Adam]

Ites Sistrens.
Iman give thanks for all your positive reasoning, an that you can see my personal righteousness is not for fun, fashion nor in vain.
May JAH bless the I sistrens hearts with all that is good - fulfillment of love in all ways.
Sistah Vee, Iman wish you the best of joy an safe travel on your way and in Trinidad.
Iman truly and surely love the humble, love-able and righteous ways of I sistrens in here.

ITES and Iternal blessings of Love to you, an to all that is good.

[phoenixtears43]

Bless up Sistah Vee, Thank you for the guidence.  Maybe InI was too quick to take this title, who knows?  I do not claim to be a teacher, I am young, physically and mentally, spiritually definitely.  InI am still struggling with many issues running through my mind, and there are many things I must work out.  I definitely understand what you are saying, we do not have the right to grow locks, listen to reggae music, and title ourselves as RAS.  Unfortunately I do not have the ability to reason with other Rastafari in person, or learn from elders in my community, alas, there are none.  Who knows, Title or not, i know my own dedication to Ras Tafari, and my willingness to help any Is who ask for guidance.   


blessed love

~Ras Matthew

[Ras Adam]

Raspect Brother Matthew, for that humble sights.
ITES Guidance

[ke]

yes blessings to the I brotha Mathew..
blessings.
ke.

[Wahine]

In my own humble opinion.. You shouldn't give yourself a title until someone of seniority tells you can.