A Foundational Mansion of the Rastafari Movement
🔥 1. Overview of the Nyabinghi Order
The Nyabinghi Order is one of the oldest and most spiritually grounded mansions of Rastafari. It emerged in the 1930s in Jamaica and draws its name and spirit from Queen Nyabinghi, a legendary African warrior empress of resistance from East Africa. The Nyabinghi mansion is known for its strong focus on worship through drumming, chanting, and reasoning, and its unwavering reverence for Emperor Haile Selassie I as the living God (Jah Rastafari).
🦁 2. Theology and Core Beliefs
- Jah (God) is Haile Selassie I, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
- Nyabinghi is strictly monotheistic and teaches total reliance on the Most High.
- Belief in self-discipline, natural living, and spiritual warfare through chant and prayer.
- Advocates resistance to all forms of oppression—spiritual, political, and economic.
🪘 3. Worship and Nyabinghi Groundation
The heart of Nyabinghi practice is the “groundation” or binghi gathering—a sacred ceremony of:
- Drumming (three core drums: bass, fundeh, repeater)
- Chanting psalms and hymns
- Reasoning (open spiritual discussion)
- Lighting fire (symbol of purification)
- Fasting and prayer
These ceremonies can last for days, especially around holy days like:
- July 23 – Birth of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I
- November 2 – Coronation Day
- August 17 – Marcus Garvey’s Earthstrong
🌿 4. Livity and Way of Life
Nyabinghi Rastas live a life that reflects:
- Ital living – clean, natural, plant-based diet with no additives or chemicals
- No alcohol, no tobacco, no processed food
- Natural grooming – locks are seen as sacred; no cutting or shaving
- Simple, modest clothing – often homemade, with headwraps or turbans for women and tams for men
- Gender separation during certain rituals for purity and respect
📖 5. Sacred Texts and Teachings
- The Holy Bible (especially Psalms and Revelation)
- Kebra Negast – linking Ethiopian monarchy to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba
- Speeches and writings of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I
- The life and work of Marcus Mosiah Garvey
🎶 6. Nyabinghi Chanting
Nyabinghi chants are psalm-based spiritual songs often accompanied by drums, used to:
- Uplift the spirit
- Call for justice
- Praise Jah
- Strengthen unity
Examples include:
“Holy Mount Zion, Jah Jah land…”
“Jah Rastafari, ever living, ever faithful, ever sure…”
“Let the words of I mouth and meditation of I heart…”
🛐 7. Sacred Rituals and Observances
- Sabbath (Saturday) Rest and Worship
- Morning and Evening prayer
- Fasting – especially on Wednesdays or for spiritual preparation
- Nyabinghi Firelight Ceremonies during high holy days
🗝️ 8. Key Values and Discipline
- Unity – One aim, one God, one destiny
- Purity of heart, body, and speech
- Resistance to mental and physical enslavement
- Spiritual strength through chant, prayer, and overstanding
🧘🏾♂️ 9. In Correctional or Re-entry Settings:
To support a Nyabinghi Rastaman or Sistren, chaplains or staff should provide:
- Access to Bible and Psalms
- Respect for dreadlocks and head coverings
- Ital food options
- Space for daily prayer and reasoning
- Recognition of Nyabinghi holy days and gathering rituals
- Instruments for drumming (where permitted), or alternative means to express chant and devotion
🔊 Common Sayings
- “Give thanks for life, I and I give praises to the Most High.”
- “Jah live within I and I.”
- “Rastafari is not religion, it is life!”
Contact for Support & Clarification: Sanctuary of the Rastafarian Order (SOTRO)
Email: support@jahlove,ca
Web: www.jahlove.ca