Acclaimed lecturer celebrated for his vast knowledge of the world’s religions
Dr. Oldoinyo Laetoli LeBaaba was a unique human being whose commitment to indigenous cultures was as distinctive as his appearance.
Adorned with jewelry, rings and facial markings, LeBaaba was heralded around the world for his allegiance to sharing ancient ways of life and knowledge.
His dedication to preserving the legacy of indigenous /aboriginal cultures came to a close with his passing in Los Angeles on May 6. He was 70 years old.
An Interfaith Memorial Service will be held for LeBaaba on Monday, May 22, at 1 p.m., at The Church of the Recessional, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 1712 S. Glendale Ave., in Glendale. The memorial is open to the public.
Born, raised and educated in the U.S., LeBaaba embraced his Maasai ancestry and promoted the concept of the cultural diversity of indigenous people throughout his adult life. He even lived and studied with tribal people in Africa, India, China, Papua New Guinea, Borneo, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, the Amazon basin and Europe.
His friend, Shri Natha Devi of Eagle Wings Enlightenment Center, noted, “Beyond any particular ethnic, exclusive tribal, social or cultural identity, wherever indigenous or tribal people are endangered, or the ecology is threatened, Dr. LeBaaba felt it was his home, identity, and life’s purpose for being.”
LeBaana’s appearance reflected his deep affinity for indigenous people. Frequently attired in red and black East Indian robes, he dismissed wearing shoes decades ago and his face featured symbols honoring the Borneo, Amazon Shamans and the Maasai Tribe.
He said, “As I travelled throughout the world, I witnessed the indigenous/aboriginal people were becoming extinct upon the earth. I made the sacrifice to offer my body as a living temple that represented all indigenous/aboriginal people on earth to not become extinct.”
LeBaaba further asserted that, “The real problem in life, i.e., the source of all suffering and human peril is a global miscommunication, nescience (ignorance) and the lack of diverse cultural appreciation, which stems from spiritual-nescience and the lack of a primitive, true, symbiotic understanding of our interdependent selves – an interdependent and conscientious ecology (i.e., Spirit/God – Psyche – Soul) that is the base fertility, consciousness and life of all (living) things as parts of one and multiple Totemic and Animist Life or Reality.”
A popular guest on syndicated talk shows and on college campuses, LeBaaba was a tribal elder, yogi, occultist, metaphysician, lecturer and counselor. He also received an honorary Doctorate in Esoteric Metaphysics from the University of Metaphysics in Los Angeles.
“He was very astute in the knowledge of world’s religions including Theosophy, Cultural Anthropology, Tribal-Primitive Society, Psychology and Humanities,” said Devi. “He will truly be missed worldwide for his excellent knowledge and selfless sharing of the wisdom of the ancient people of Mother Earth.”
A Go Fund Me page has been established to assist with his funeral expenses. To donate, visit gofundme.com/baabasarrangements.