In Igbo cosmology, the journey of existence is understood through different cosmic ages, with each of them representing a distinct phase of consciousness and human evolution. Among these, Uga Aka (also known as Uga Okpu or Uga Mbu) stands as the first and most profound age—a time that predates the material existence of humans as we know them today. It is a period marked by non-duality, pure consciousness, and the omniscience of human beings. Uga Aka is the age of Oma—a state of pure wisdom and spiritual mastery.

Characteristics of Uga Aka

Non-Duality and Pure Consciousness: Uga Aka is often described as an age of non-duality. Unlike our current reality, where duality—good and evil, light and dark, male and female—defines much of our experience, Uga Aka was a time when these dichotomies did not exist. It was an age where beings were not bound by the physical and material limitations that characterize human existence today. Instead, they existed in a state of pure consciousness.
In this age, there was no separation between the self and the universe, between thought and action, or between the spiritual and the material. Everything was interconnected, and beings operated from a place of total unity with the universal laws.
The Age of Profound Wisdom: Uga Aka is recognized as the age of Oma, a term that signifies profound wisdom, highest consciousness, insight and understanding. Beings in this era possessed complete knowledge of the cosmos and the laws that govern it. This wisdom was not acquired through learning or experience but was inherent in their very nature. They had an intrinsic understanding of the forces that shape the universe, and with this knowledge came the ability to master their environment and themselves fully.
Pure Spirit and Omniscience: In Uga Aka, beings existed as pure spirits, unencumbered by physical bodies. They were pure energies inhabiting the astral plane known as Ijite. This state of existence allowed them to achieve a level of omniscience—total knowledge and understanding of all things. The limitations of time, space, and matter that we experience in our current reality did not constrain them. As pure spirits, they had the ability to access any knowledge, manifest any reality, and transcend any limitation.
Mastery of Human Potential: Uga Aka represents a time when human beings had achieved the full mastery of their potentials. They were not only aware of their divine nature but were also able to express it fully. This mastery extended to all aspects of existence—mental, spiritual, and even what we might now consider physical. The beings of Uga Aka were creators in the truest sense, able to mold reality to their will, guided by their innate wisdom and pure consciousness.
The Prelude to Physical Existence: Uga Aka is considered the first age of consciousness, and as such, it predates the physical existence of humans in their material form. It is seen as a prelude to the subsequent ages, particularly Uga Chi, the age that follows, where beings began to take on physical bodies and duality started to emerge. In this context, Uga Aka is a foundational state of existence that set the stage for everything that followed.

The Significance of Uga Aka in Igbo Cosmology

In Igbo cosmology, understanding the different ages of consciousness is very important for comprehending the human journey and the evolution of the universe. Uga Aka, as the first age, holds particular significance because it represents the origin of human consciousness in its purest form. It is a reminder of the potential that exists within every human being—the potential for profound wisdom, pure consciousness, and complete mastery over one’s existence.

Moreover, Uga Aka serves as a spiritual archetype for those on a path of enlightenment. It represents the goal of spiritual practices aimed at returning to a state of pure consciousness, where the limitations of the physical world are transcended, and the wisdom of the universe is fully realized. It is the age that inspires the quest for immortality, not just in a physical sense but in terms of the eternal presence of the soul in its most enlightened form.

To Sum It Up

Uga Aka exists beyond a cosmic age in Igbo cosmology; it is the ideal state of being that all spiritual seekers aspire to. It reminds us that at the core of our existence is a state of pure consciousness, immense wisdom, and limitless potential. As we navigate through the physical world and the challenges it presents, the memory of Uga Aka serves as a beacon, guiding us back to our true nature and the ultimate realization of our divine essence.

What other attributes do you think can be attached to Uga Aka? Let us know in the comment section below. If you enjoyed this post, share it with others and help us spread the insights. Yagazie!