Egyptian Yoga: The Philosophy of Enlightenment

Author - Muata Ashby ... [Goo?] [Posters]

This Paperback Book item from Sema Institute was reviewed on 4-Nov-2008.

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1) Paperback Book Egyptian Yoga: The Philosophy of Enlightenment by Sema Institute. Great read even though it contains a few grammatical errors, but the content is well wriitten.¤

2) Paperback Book Egyptian Yoga: The Philosophy of Enlightenment by Sema Institute. Originally written in 1995, I read the 6th edition of "1997-2001". Muata Ashbys book titles usually change quickly and/or are known by alternative titles. "Egyptian Yoga: The Philosophy of Enlightenment" is aka "Smai Tawi: ´Egyptian Yoga´ (Union of the Higher and Lower Self)" and I suspect by further titles also. The author himself regards this early book of his as a classic, which chapters he has turned into full new books in the meanwhile.

Muata Ashby is a Do-It-Yourself author and publisher, which has the advantage that he is able to publish unconstrained by any directives. The disadvantage is the occasional slip of layout etc., such as the half a dozen times in which the text of captions etc. abort in the middle of the sentence.

It should be known that by "yoga" the linking back to God, i.e. the union with God is meant, not really the body exercise popularly associated with the term in the West. Five pages only are devoted to actual body exercise, consisting of little text as such. However, there is a larger section on the seven chakras, energy centers in the body, though other books are dealing with them far more in depth. Also in other contexts, the close connection to India is exposed.

This is a great mystical book, especially for the Imes (time) it has been written. For the revelatory potential, this book is worth five stars. For mystics, who already know about this topic, some subtractions will have to be made. Which is not to say that mystics can´t learn from this book, on the contrary. Depending on the previous knowledge it is sure informing to read about the Egyptian origins of such symbols as the sacred cows and the swastika, which are both popularly blinded as originating from the Indian periphery. Also the (more complex) religious serpent symbol gets elaborated on from the Egyptian source. The symbolic crucification of the spirit on the cross of time and space when it enters into physical form (the body) is decisive to know, for those who don´t know that the Christian cross is derived from the Egyptian ankh/nkwa (life) symbol. Further elaboration on this will be found in Egyptian Yoga II: The Supreme Wisdom of Enlightenment.

Muata Ashby sure dives into the phenomenological approach of egyptology (including India) in contrast to mainstream Western scientists who can´t make anything of Egyptian spiritual wisdom for real. It is breathtaking to know, especially after reading this book, that the ancient Egyptians are still not only advanced in being capable of building pyramids, but also in spiritual enlightenment. Once, we have passed the Egyptian mythology and know the mysticism behind it. This book is rolling back the Nicaean Council of 325 C.E., which decided for Christianity that an external savior figure would be necessary between an individual human and God. (And, of course, the savior´s "official" representatives of the Church.) Muata Ashby is using Egyptian/Indian doors to religion to write in an universal style, i.e. irrespective of the branch of religion the readers may count themselves belonging to. He was even able to bring the concept of reincarnation (and AVOIDING it) somewhat closer to me than The Tibetan Book of the Dead: First Complete Translation (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) and similar Buddhist books I have read recently. He does get a bit repetitive though.

I would have appreciated an elaboration on the Ethiopian part of "Ethiopian-Egyptian" rites, religion, philosophy, etc. For one thing: Is he talking about the area of today´s Ethiopia or today´s Sudan? For another, I am aware that Egyptian society originated as a "colony" from (today´s) Ethiopia, yet little do I know about pre-Jewish/Christian society in Ethiopia, and this book nothing more than references that.

Not everything in this book should be taken at face value, though. Literally, when it comes to the reproduced Zulus´ averment to originate from Mars. At least not concerning biology (DNA) and the supposed pyramids and that huge face sculpture on Mars "discovered" a couple of decades ago. In the meanwhile much more precise pictures have been taken by new Mars probes, exposing CLEARLY natural mountains with no artificial treatment. I have also read various differing findings about the Egyptian obelisks than the single one provided in this book.

Occasionally I was baffled by the inconsistencies in this book. One chapter describes the pyramid texts (and the related so-called "Book of the Dead") as funerary, another suggests a quite inconclusive mystical content. (Read Shamanic Wisdom in the Pyramid Texts: The Mystical Tradition of Ancient Egypt for a clearly mystical, non-funerary approach.) One chapter may be clearly sex hostile, another warns against such extremes. In a nice catch 22, it is stated that one should meditate every day without a day missing, but elsewhere it is said not to meditate 24 hours after sex.

Concerning that mostly rather hostile approach towards sexuality: Ejaculation, even the thought of sexuality would cause energy loss. Personally, I would need some in-depth elaboration on suggestions like that, especially in the shadow of the sex hostile meme pool of religion at large. Supposedly, one would hasten to death with sexual engagement. Yet, the book states, there isn´t death and is making strong points against egoism, this would qualify as in context. While the book harbors all the ingredients of sex hostility, it later mentions sex as a vehicle to unite with God, seeing orgasm as spiritual. Not explaining that either.

Similarly, the book remains inconsistent on the construct of genders. "As we pursue the union of opposites [of genders], we will discover that there are no opposites, only the projected appearance of them." Also: "The sage no longer identifies with the sex of his or her particular body." Yet: the so-called negative confession #27 is translated as: "I have not lusted or committed fornication nor have I lain with others of my same sex." Not only doesn´t this fit with the rest of these declarations of innocence, doesn´t match other translations (no source is provided for this one), but how can the same sex exist, if no genders exist at all? Besides, all the primary god/desses are considered androgynous and sexuality described with/among them - in all varieties. The failure lies in the strong meme pool of the belief in genders making it not really possible for the author to leave that construct, even though intellectually attempting that. "Merging of opposite forces", "andro-gyn-ity", "humans are half-half" etc. all work in the pretext that there IS such a thing as genders. Whereas to REALLY feel that there isn´t, the scientific knowledge is paramount that there isn´t any clearly separable biological differentiation to begin with. Besides, the reader is asked to follow all the 42 declarations of innocence ("negative confesstions"), yet, obviously no Egyptian ever did that, as the provided version consists of a COMPILATION from various differing sources. Plus, e.g. the "Papyrus of Ani" only mentions a SELECTION of the 42 declarations... The consequences of not being able to give these declarations is to get reincarnated again. Which in later branches of religions became interpreted as "hell". So in reality we are basically free to follow them or not, should we decide, reincarnation isn´t that bad after all... In addition, in this book´s world of no gender, most certainly one is more equal than the other: There´s the duality provided of top-bottom, giving-receiving, positively-negatively charged, godly-evil (Horus-Set). Guess, which "gender" is always the first and which one always the latter... No wonder the book is against dualisms in principle, while forgetting that once in a while. Also, some provided Egyptian proverbs are sexist (and others xenophobic), as this one: "...fill [your wife´s] belly... She is a fertile field for her husband... It is by such treatment that she will be compelled to stay in your house." I find the old English translation of thy, thine, thou etc. pretentious anyway, as this makes for needlessly stilted reading, considering that old English is futuristic from the ancient Egyptians´ point of view in the first place.

Even though it is important, yes, to put the concept of emotions, the physical world we live in etc. in mystical perspective, I upwise a little less life hostility / nihilism. We wouldn´t have been constructed this way, if we weren´t to experience it at all. Just be aware of that construct and do not blind it as reality. Separating from emotions, viewing life, relatives, friends and loves with dispassion at all Imes, as suggested may lead to neurosises, similar to the effects of child abuse. It´s intriguing to attempt the Vulcan approach, yet this isn´t the necessary life style for everyone...¤

3) Paperback Book Egyptian Yoga: The Philosophy of Enlightenment by Sema Institute. I am actually rating this book at 3.5 stars. The author obviously spent a great deal of time and effort researching the material presented. Also it seems that a lot of thought and care went into synthesizing a relationship between seemingly disparate world traditions. It provides a summary of many of the world´s great religious and spiritual traditions. This book serves as a springboard into more indepth study of spiritual practice and as a general reference. It provides a wide spectrum of topics and plenty of material for speculation and introspection. The authors seem to have a vision of providing aspiring seekers of knowledge a firm grasp on the truths that underly all spiritual and religious tradition.

There were a few things that bothered me about this book. First, the layout of the book makes reading problematic. Many of the sections of the book have multiple fonts, formats, and sizes that begin to confuse the eye. Also, the book would have greatly benefited from a more consistent style to the artwork. While it is important to try and preserve the original style and look of the art, there is no crime in letting a talented artist reinterpret the picture to add continuity to the images. Many of he sections looked like the product of an old word processing program.

My second concern is the scope. While this book may be the first volume of author´s magnum opus (he has written many other books), his work might benefit from a bit more stylistic focus. A great many authors, especially in the realm of African centered work, tend produce sweeping books that are intended to be compendiums on their intended topics. The authors in this genre try to follow in the footstpes of greats like John Henrik Clarke, St. Claire Drake, and Ivan Van Sertima. The aforementioned veteran authors all benefit from years of academic experience which hones their writing and presentations skills.

My problems with Egyptian Yoga Vol.1 could be solved in a three steps. One, allow a talented and open minded artist reinterpret the art to give a coherent and consistent visual perspective. Two, allow someone with desktop publishing experience to thoroughly format the text and layout to provide a more pleasing reading experience. Three, the experienced eye of an editor could make the prose and ideas presented more accessible and focused.

I give Egyptian Yoga 3.5 stars because it shows a great deal of promise and exposes readers to the beginnings of a many spirituals truths and philosophies. Taken for what it is (an expansive coverage and summary of a huge body of knowledge), it is a good initial effort. The three ideas mentioned above could turn this book from a good effort into a superior one.¤

4) Paperback Book Egyptian Yoga: The Philosophy of Enlightenment by Sema Institute. This book is definately one of the best additions to my library. Dr. Ashby gives a great analysis of the most complex knowledge system known to humankind. Not only does he know what he is talking about, but he is able to transform the wisdom of the ancients into the limited framework of the English language. Very powerful. If one is seeking enlightenment, this book definately provides a step in the right direction.¤

5) Paperback Book Egyptian Yoga: The Philosophy of Enlightenment by Sema Institute. This book is a classic in a multiplicity of fields; incl.,Kemetic (Egyptian) research, Melanin studies, Yoga techniques,Symbology, Comparative Religions, Esoteric materialism (scientifictechnology behind machinery), and others to numerous to mention.Dr. Muata Ashby is a first rate academician and he is a Masterpractitioner of the Art to boot! This is the most cosmopolitan workyou can find on esoteric/occultic syncretism. Every page is loadedwith diagrams, or sublime research on the esoteric connection aroundthe world of the African Diaspora. Take for example page 8:""THE VEIL OF IGNORANCE- As stated in the ancient Egyptiantext, ´The Book of Coming Forth by Day ´, the eternal soul comes to earthto learn certain lessons and to become purified . In the process of evolution, virtues as well as vices areexperienced by us based on our own ´mental disposition.... When thespirit , our innermost self, is ready to make the final´journey home´, back to its source, GOD, it begins to inquire aboutthe nature of its existence and thereby causes pressure on the mind,namely the ego-personality. Our BA , our individualGOD consciousness, begins to apply subtle pressure on our wakingconsciousness in the form of subtle suggestions. We begin to recognizethe wisdom of ancient scriptures and develop an interest in books suchas this one. Becoming in tune with the pressure of the spirit withinis allowing ourselves to be guided by our intuition and the letting goof ideas and thoughts which we know to be untrue or fruitless. Mentalpurification requires the utmost patience with ourselves. Interest inthe world as an Absolute reality (the notion there is nothing elsebeyond ´this´ physical reality) is left behind gradually and newpsychological impressions and experiences are introduced until webecome established in this ´other´ reality. At this point, we wake upfrom the consciousness we have been used to as if waking up from adream this is attaining ´Horushood´, ´Christhood´, or becoming´Buddha´ or ´Krishna´. THAT WHICH IS THE FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH, THESUBSTANTIAL REALITY, IS BEYOUND TRUE NAMING, BUT THE WISE CALL IT THEALL Egyptian Proverb"" Actually the Masculine side of theGodhead (The Father in Christendom) is called the ALL, by theinitiates, the mundane call it Allah. And the Feminine side of theGodhead (Holy Spirit in Christendom) is called the ALL IN ALL {She isthat which is beyond the Masculine side according to the"KA.BA.ALLAH" (this is where Mohammed, a black Arab initiateof the Damascus Lodge; a branch of the Egyptian Spiritual sytem´s maintemple at Luxor, got the word/idea for his God from), purposely hiddenin this book´s name is the word A.L.L.A.H.; Arm, Leg, Leg, Arm,Head. So we have in this Egyptian, (not Jewish like they would haveyou think), artifact - the component structure of man, whom is thephysical incarnation of God/GODESS) & the Feminine side gave riseto the Masculine, this is why She is called the All IN ALL}; by theinitiates, and Allet by the mundane (even though you hardly ever hearabout Her)... Yes, i am scholarly enough to be able to correct DrAshby in this area! The wonderful quote above is so good that thecompany that i work for took it and condensed it into a marketingmotto. Many off the members of KC Board of Trade that i introduce tothis gem, go out a by it for themselves immediately. They come backamazed at how much research quality information is contained in only209, 8.5" x 11", pages. The foreword alone is worth theprice of the entire book. It reads: ""The literal meaning ofthe word YOGA is to ´YOKE´ or to ´LINK´ back. The implication is: tolink back to the original source, the original essence, that whichtranscends all mental and intellectual attempts at comprehension, butwhich is the essential nature of everything in CREATION. The Scienceof Yoga constitutes the teachings required to achieve perfection whichis the original essence of every human spirit. Nature herself offersone path to perfection. The path of learning through mistakes andsuffering, the process of trial and error....Through self discipline,the path of Yoga offers a ´short cut´ to ending the pains of humanexistence...by achieving self-mastery and self-realization, therealization of one´s true nature: GOD. The process is to become aHorus, a Christ, and Enlightened Being, while still alive. To attainthis level of being, we must first control the forces of our own lowernature. In essence, we must learn how to give up our egotisticalideas and allow them to dissolve so that we may discover our deepestself, who is nameless,, bodiless, immortal and eternal....""Wow is there anything else that needs to be said, i think not. But iwill say that if being a TRUTH seeker is what you are then this is theplace, and the time is now for you to make a commitment (envoke asolemn oath to yourSelf) to right now "discover a far awaycountry". There´s no place further than.... "(inner)SPACE thefinal frontier! These are the voyages of the stel´ar ship,Enterprise. It´s mission, to seek out L.I.F.E. (L.iberty, I.ntegrity,F.ocus, E.volution- the fourfold path of self-discipline hidden inJesus´ saying: "I am the Way, the Truth, the L.I.F.E., any thatcome to me shallhave life everlasting".), to search for meaning, to boldly gowhere others have gone on before .... Djhuiti M. AmenRa, CEO/Chairman of Board: TheA.C.M.E. Corporation, Inc....¤

6) Paperback Book Egyptian Yoga: The Philosophy of Enlightenment by Sema Institute. 1. EGYPTIAN YOGA: THE PHILOSOPHY OF ENLIGHTENMENT An original, fully illustrated work, including hieroglyphs, detailing the meaning of the Egyptian mysteries, tantric yoga, psycho-spiritual and physical exercises. Egyptian Yoga is a guide to the practice of the highest spiritual philosophy which leads to absolute freedom from human misery and to immortality. It is well known by scholars that Egyptian philosophy is the basis of Western and Middle Eastern religious philosophies such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, the Kabala, and Greek philosophy, but what about Indian philosophy, Yoga and Taoism? What were the original teachings? How can they be practiced today? What is the source of pain and suffering in the world and what is the solution? Discover the deepest mysteries of the mind and universe within and outside of your self¤

Page Updated: Robert N. Goolsby, 2-Dec-2008, 18845640119781884564017, 381-111-381-831-991-961-511-8

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