Level 1, Lesson #4 Video Assignment: Intro to SN, Dja- conference 2008 part 1, 1:00:47
List the important themes presented:
Spiritual experience through Shetaut Neter does not have to occur by visiting Kemet; in fact, many people visit Kemet and do not have a spiritual experience. The spiritual experience can occur any place where the teachings are lived instead of just discussed, such as in the Temple of Aset in Georgia. In the temple, aspirants are reminded that they are Gods.
Having a sacred space is necessary in order to take a break from the involvement of the world, so that people can remember their true, divine nature.
Aspirants can come as they are to the temple. While aspirants may come intoxicated with blood (desire for flesh), and beer (worldly pleasure), the sages will add mandrake (intoxification with the bau or souls of Ra; fullness of peace derived from self-knowledge) that will enable the aspirants to grow spiritually. Aspirants should also sprinkle themselves with mandrake through spiritual practice.
We are the eye of Ra that needs to be healed and nurtured. We are like Hetheru, a goddess, who became so consumed by the world that she almost killed her brother. Her degradation represents the degradation of humanity that is currently occurring.
Shetaut Neter is the ancient African religion that was practiced in ancient Egypt (Kemet.) Shetaut Neter can be translated as “secret or hidden divinity.” This term is not new, but can be found in the ancient Kemeten texts. The influences of Shetaut Neter can be found in all major religions, though these major religions are not the same practice as Shetaut Neter itself. Both western and “traditional” African religion as they are currently known are missing the mystical aspect of religion.
Followers of Shetaut Neter can be called “Neterians.” “Shemsu neter” refers to a follower of Neter, or a person who follows the teachings of Shetaut Neter. Lord Khepri is the founder of Neterianism who brought forth creation from himself, and sustains it by sailing his boat.
“Africa will not be free until its leaders pray to African Gods and Goddesses without apology.” Many who describe themselves as “afrocentric” go to modern Christian churches, which is a contradiction.
The only relevant family lineage stems from the Paut Neteru, or company of Neterian Gods and Godesses. We are all linked by life-force energy to the divine, thus we are divine ourselves.
The purpose of human life is to rise above the senses and desires of the physical body. Following the teachings of Shetaut Neter will ultimately lead us to nehast, or spiritual enlightenment. We do this by development through the 4 shedy disciplines: Yoga of Devotion (emotion), Yoga of Meditation (will), Yoga of Selfless Service (action) and Yoga of Wisdom (reason.)
Explain what impressed you most in this presentation:
I liked the discussion about blood, beer, and mandrake on the menu. While at this moment, we may sometimes find ourselves caught up in carnal desires and seeking worldly pleasures, the mandrake we receive from the Sages and our own spiritual practice will ultimately lead us to success on the spiritual path.
