The Truth of RastafarI.....Revelations

The 'Hairstyle' of RastafarI has become the definition of Rasta. The 'Doctrine' is unknown, even among those who attend 'Binghis' ('religious' celebrations). As the last 'Elder' died, so too the philosophical/religious basis of the movement. There are many young people born into a 'Rasta' home, locksed from birth, who do not own a Bible nor are familar with its contents. They eat grapes and salt, oblivous to the Book of Numbers the foundation of the Nazerite Vow which defines Rasta; 6:5 "....and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow." There are many adults who try the hairstyle, play along with the 'livity' but do not allow it to impede their lives; drinking, whoring, ready to dye or cut their hair if a sex partner demands it; because to them, there is no Doctrine. In the 30s/40s/50s/60s when society set their face against 'Dirty Rasta' and the need to create a community was survival, people were forced, whether they lived in Bobo hills, or Dungle, to follow particular mandates or be thrown out of the community. As many were not capable of philosophical thought, they went along, repeating what they thought they heard, and because there was no true respect or honour given to the 'leaders' it was imitation without engagement. When Bob Marley became famous in the mid 70s, the world focused on the hairstyle, while Bob tried to explain a philosophy he was not considered the spokesman of. At 'Binghis', ('religious' celebrations) he was a member of the congregation, not a leader. Often he would be scorned by the membership and ceased to attend after a debacle in Bull Bay. Yet the world saw Bob Marley as the ultimate Rastaman, and grasped his words, tying them into a philosophy which they granted credance. But a house on sand does not stand. Without a basis, an explanation, a sense of truth, any philosphy, be it religious or political will collapse. Intellectuals can define the word 'Messiah' and comprehend that Spiritual Redeemer is one who leads people to enlightenment, and be able to define the effect Haile Sellassie had on the generations of 1930s through1960s, as that of a Messiah. But the majority of those who claim to be Rasta are not intellectual nor capable of following such discussion even were it to be given. There are no Rasta schools, no sort of Temple where the accolyte can go to gain some basis, some truth or understanding. "Make It Up As You Go Along", the mid 70s concept which was dispelled by the suviving Elders, is now the standard. As time passes, less and less people know that there was some Doctrine behind the hairstyle, and within a few years, RastafarI will slip into the mists being no more than a momentary 'cult' which having no true foundation, collapses.