THE RASTAMAN (part 1)
True Rastafarians are rarely questioned with genuine honesty regarding the knowledge which they hold so sacred. The most devoted members try to avoid the casual scrutiny to which they are generally subjected. When possible they seek refuge away from the polluted cities in preference to higher heights, both mental and physical. They do not wish to be at the other end of the cordless mike of the curious.
How does one then define "Rastafarianism"? It is difficult, firstly because Rastas do not acknowledge this word. The correct word is "Rastafari" (pronounced Rasta-far-I). "Rastarianism", like any "ism", has to Rastas, connotations of temporariness, of superficiality, of being considered as just another movement due no more respect than any other "ism",
such as "capitalism" or "communism". An "ism" is easy to take lightly. An "ism" is open to skepticism. "Rastafari", on the other hand, embodies a totality that cannot be qualified. It is positive. It suggests permanence, profundity, an entire way of life. One believes in an "ism". With Rastafari, one knows. The word "belief " is not in the Rasta vocabulary. Rastas know that Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, is the Messiah. This knowledge, Rastas hold, is accessible to all people, though few arrive at it. Everyone, regardless of race, is a Rasta deep within; it is up to the person to recognize this.
Therefore one does not turn Rasta, Rastafari turns one. One does not become Rasta. One becomes conscious of Rasta. Rastafari is becoming.
His Imperial Majesty is Jah (the Rasta word for God) who appeared in the flesh for the redemption of all blacks exile in the world of white oppressors. "Jah" is an abbreviation of the Biblical "Jehovah" ; Rastas cite Psalm 68:4 as a specific instruction for use of his name: "sing unto God, sing praises unto his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him." Haile Selassie I is known to be Jah because of direct descendancy from Solomon and David, and because of his inherited title, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah, which indentifies him as the living Jah whose coming was foretold in the Bible. (revelation 5: vs.2-5)
Again, in Revelation 19:16 and Revelation 22:16.
The name "Ras Tafari" means "head creator" in Amharic. "Ras" is a title given to Ethiopian royalty. Rastas know that Ras Tafari is the living Jah, that Ras Tafari is not dead. Rastafarians hold that newspaper reports of Selassie`s alleged death in 1975 are merely western propaganda designed to subvert the truth. This is what Bob Marley meant when, on October 4, 1975, in Jamaica`s national stadium where he was performing along with Stevie Wonder, he declared:
(Jah live, children, yeah! Jah-Jah live, children, yeah...
Ethiopia is viewed by many Rastas as the promised land, Zion, where black people will repatriated, in an exodus from the western countries where they have been in exile. It is Ras Tafari who will determine the date of this repatriation. for some Rastas, the name "Ethiopia" refers to all of Africa (as in fact it did originally). some Rastas see Zion not so much as a physical place but as a state of being, a living reality which one perpetually heads towards, but few reach. Only the proper passages in life can lead you there. "Babylon" is an evil force, be it a place, person or persons, or way of life. Babylon is anti-progressive, its mission apparently being to make life uncomfortable for righteous, peace-loving man. England, for instance, can be referred to as "Babylon". The police are Babylon. Western culture is Babylon. Politics, or "politricks", is a part of Babylon. Babylon is the place to beat a hasty retreat out of.
(extract from: Bob Marley, Reggae King of the world)
