Chukwu

Article summary

Chukwu (also known as Chineke or Olisa) is the supreme being of Odinani, the traditional spiritual system of the Igbo people of southern Nigeria. The name is a compound of the Igbo words chi (spiritual being or personal spirit) and ukwu (great), meaning "the Great Spirit" or "the Great Chi." Chukwu is the source of all things, the creator of the universe and all living beings, and the ultimate authority over both the earthly and spiritual worlds. All lesser spiritual forces in the Igbo pantheon are understood as emanations, servants, or manifestations of Chukwu rather than independent deities. The Igbo believe it is impossible for humans to fully conceive of the unlimited greatness of Chukwu. Chukwu is understood as omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient, without beginning or end, and beyond complete human comprehension.

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