After God Is Dibia | Ọdịnanị Study Guide #3

After God is Dibia (volume 1) by Professor JA Umeh

We are currently studying the book “After God is Dibia (volume 1)” by Professor John Anenechukwu Umeh. If you like, you can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

What you will need:

• A study guide (you may print or look here)
• A copy of the book (optional)
• Access to the video session (a livestream or the Replay)

Basic knowledge of Igbo language is recommended, but not mandatory.

SESSION #3

In this session we will be studying the Chapter 2 (pages 34–35). We will be reflecting on the numbers 3 & 6 in Ọdịnanị. Below are some questions to reflect on.

1. Professor Umeh calls the number 3 (atọ/ịtọ) the Ikenga number which combines the creative (positve), destructive (negative) and peace/savior (neutral).
2. How do you see these 3 forces represented in the concept of Ikenga?
3. Where else in nature do you see these 3 forces at work?
4. Professor Umeh tells us that Igbo dibias say, “Mmadụ naabọ na-anụ ọgụ, onye ịtọ bata/pụta o kpedoolu fa ya bu ogboọgụ. (when two people, positive and negative are fighting, when a neutral third person comes in or arrives, peace is restored once again.)”
5. What does this say about the number 3 in various situations?
6. How have you seen the number 3 used in science, technology, psychology, spirituality and other disciplines?
7. The book says that the number 6 (isii) represents “double the Ikenga number,” which is Agwụ, representing the head of all in society.
8. What is the common denominator between Ikenga and Agwụ?
9. How do you see this compounding effect at work as one progresses from Ikenga to Agwụ?
10. Further Implications: What are the practical implications of the Igbo numerology & cosmology concepts of 3, 6, Ikenga & Agwụ to further applications in Research & Development of Science and Technology?

A study group is encouraged to spend 5 to 10 minutes discussing each question and exploring their understanding, thoughts and misconceptions of the subject matter leaving room for the more knowledgable people to teach the less knowledgable ones. Care should be taken not to be judgemental, but for everyone to be able to express themselves in such a way to facilitate an encouraging learning environment.