Greetings Malformedpeach,
I will do I best to answer your questions
I must first say that Ras Tafari is the pre-coronation name of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I (Power of the Holy Trinity), The Lion of Judah, Elect of God, Earth's Rightful Ruler. When one associates themselves with "Rasta" or RasTafari, they are claiming a living tribute to the Life and Teachings of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I the First.
With that being said, RasTafarI is not a "religion." It is a way of life, and like all ways of life, it is very diversified with many different beliefs and customs. This is why I can only answer these questions from I own experience and faith---which is a fundamental part of RasTafarI livity; to spiritually grow and develop knowledge from connecting actions and reactions in daily life. Since we all have different life experiences, I and I do not consider RasTafarI to be an exclusive trod with strict dogmas or partial adherence.
Everyone has potential to live rightly, that is, by giving full respect and consideration to Jah Creation. When I first discovered the Collective Peace that Haile Selassie I pursued and defended, I felt something penetrate deeply into I spirit. My worldview was transformed and refined the more I learned of HIM story and History untold to I as a youth--- Like how RasTafari came to the U.S. and met with high government officials and fiercely stood for righteous international relations and communication. I was inspired to do right, for I had been exposed to the true light and likeness of what humanity and world governance should be.
Before this realization, I had been introduced to Cannabis. The herb for I was a way to fully expand I scope of the world---sort of like coming out of the long, dark Babylonian tunnel and emerging to see the magnificent light of Zion. Ganja is a tool for ones trying to find themselves as it brings forth heightened levels of Creativity and awareness. It is healing, as the herb brings rest for those who need it and inspires natural meditation to gain access to situations from a fresh and Higher perspective. Granted, everything we ingest or take in from the environment has the ability to profoundly effect who we are, so RasTafarI are strictly conscious of the things I and I eat, drink, or smoke. In I sight, each one has their own balance to achieve, so what some may prefer may not be the way for others. However Cleanliness is a must, and over time, Ital becomes the plain solution.
RasTafarI children are concerned about all things vital and natural; Ital. I and I prefer to pray and eat and live in a way that is not harmful or destructive towards the Earth's many life-giving processes. While still a work in progress, I do I best to live with respect for each life and work of Jah. It is a constant obligation that future generations depend on.
I hope you can come to feel the grace and power of RasTafarI, and may the improvement we seek be met with full coherence.
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