Clergy Book Assignment by Bastu Baket
For Post 23368 pgs. 230-237
Udja,
Chp. 10 Pledging One’s Life to the Temple
Sebai Maa further expounded the meaning of Arit Ankh – “take an oath of life” of how important and serious the meaning of this oath truly is. Many of us have taken an oath or vow but this type of pledge is “Pledging your life to the divine, the highest objective of the life oath.” So, it is a vow on your life and of your life, not merely a temporary commitment.
Adoption of one teaching, one path and one teacher were also highlighted otherwise one can be distracted and their concentration on the teaching will not be optimal. “Follow one path and other paths can be ancillary.” The various Temple deities and their philosophies all lead to the same desired goal of Nehast, but choosing one path that truly resonates with you, will avoid the trap of digging many holes to get to the source of the water to quench one’s thirst for knowledge and wisdom. The importance of having a competent, viable spiritual preceptor who understands the teaching and can explain it, is an immeasurable wealth. Therefore, one is to respect and follow their example and guidance for one’s own good.
An important challenge that aspirants face in modern times, is indoctrination into Western culture beliefs which is a detriment to bringing the original teachings to new aspirants. They want to practice “salad bar” religion mixing beliefs from various other traditions which taints their authentic Ancient Egyptian practice.
Commitment to Serve God
On pg. 232 a key to the meaning and the definition of being a “servant of God” as it relates to the clergy was shared. Selfless service by acting as a conduit and instrument of the Divine with love, compassion, and devotion, with awareness of being that Divine instrument not an individuated ego awareness will help to bring healing and peace to the world and humanity. I appreciated the analogy that was given that to be free of ignorance and illusion, worldly ego consciousness must die as Asar died in the Asarian Resurrection. Therefore, when clergy serve, they are serving as Asar did through Divine conscious awareness not worldly ego consciousness.
The Ritual of Initiation/The Hieroglyphs of the Initiation Rites
Various hieroglyphs of the term “Bes” and their definitions were given. The term Bes “relates to initiating into the spiritual philosophy, which is the fire of wisdom that allows one to elevate in spiritual consciousness, i.e., to burn away the ego personality.” This differs from many who believe initiation is something that bestows some mysterious, magical power and elevates one’s ego in status. Two basic elements were given of the ritual of initiation of purification by the waters of Nun the Primeval Waters representing returning to the undifferentiated pure state and anointing relating to the expansion of consciousness in the mind.
Dua Sebai Maa, Seba Dja and Hemu
HTP
