Udja
These postings were saved from the original school web site ending 3/31/15 and are included here as a research archive of those proceedings for current and future students to review and learn from
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Level 1 Audio Assignment Discussions
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This topic contains 52 replies, has 13 voices, and was last updated by Seba Dja 23 hours, 34 minutes ago.
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Level 1 Audio Assignment Discussions for Level 1 Udja-Use this forum to post your Audio assignment work
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Lesson 1 – An Evening wSebai Maa and Seba Dja Why in Shetaut Neter important-show_ (1:30:09)
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words
One of the main teaching brought out in the audio recording is the importance of practicing the integral system of Shetaut Neter to find peace, balance and abiding happiness in one’s life. The teaching pointed out that all four disciplines of Shedy are important to practice as they are tools to purify the personality so one could have the proper vessel to receive the teachings in a balance way. All practices work on a different part of the personality, so integral not only means going forward sometimes you have to go backward to make sure all are with you in practice every day. TN, meditation etc. are tools for strengthening one’s will power. Devotion is the tool for cleansing the emotions. Devotion not only through chants and prayers but also in daily life one should be devoted to the divine by seeing and serving the divine in others. Since ego personalities are the majority of our surroundings this could be rather difficult to do, so daily practice is needed. Wisdom teachings is the tool to purify the mind through studying, listening and reflecting. Digging deeper into what one has read. Maat Ari is a tool to practice self-less service. In doing so the ego is put into its rightful place and the ‘Self’ is able to lead.
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
I am currently not implementing all the practices of Shedy consistently on a daily basis. Recently I have not been doing TN and meditation every day. I however practice a vegetarian diet daily, selfless service, and study of the wisdom teachings most days. Devotion in the extended form, beyond prayers and chants needs some work as well.
3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice?
I will implement the teaching/s I am not currently practicing by adhering to the suggestion by Seba Dja in this lecture. If I’m not able to do all my postures one day, I will do what I can. If I can’t meditate for a full amount of time recommended. I will do what I can, at least the minimum of 5 minutes. I will also continue to seek to see the divine in others and eliminate the obvious focus on ego personality.
Keymaster
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This reply is to Akua for (Lesson 1 – An Evening wSebai Maa and Seba Dja Why in Shetaut Neter important-show_ )
Udja
Indeed, the spiritual work of Shedy is progressive and should not be seen as something you flip a switch on and then all of a sudden you are changed and perfect. That is the idea of many people in the culture who want an easy pill for every ailment and it does not work that way. It works gradually and in degrees with good association like this forum and the online programs, classes and conferences, etc. to help the mind stay on the path as it were. The personality has created mountains of aryu that need to be handled and will but over time and with the right effort.
Definitely do not think that if you are not doing everything or in the prescribed amount, that you are not progressing. If you start small but stay consistent, then you will succeed and this is one of the mandates of this program, to provide a venue where the shedy can be engaged in a balanced manner with food for the mind and heart, which is the foundation in wisdom and devotion, and then also right action and will so Maat and Uaa (meditation). So this is what we are working on and as you progress, it gets easier.
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Participant
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Reply to Akua Lesson 1 Audio Q & A
Udja,
What does the acronym TN mean? Dua.
Htp
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja AhmadPtah-El,
The acronym TN means Tjef Neteru- Short for Tjef Neteru Sema Paut- Movement of the Gods and Goddesses in Union Kemetic Yoga system.
htp
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Dua Akua.
Htp
Participant
(71.59.4.235)
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words.
The main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording to me was that I agree that people are searching and seeking what a higher level of spirituality can only bring. There are many other religious systems such as Buddha, Islam, Christianity just to name a few that are operating daily just to keep the minds of individuals enslaved. I think that it first start with the student willing to learn as was mentioned in the workbook pg. 16 4th paragraph. “However, even the greatest teacher cannot teach a person who is not qualified to learn.” I think that once one becomes aware and know who they really are and capable of manifesting then one would be more eager to take the spiritual aspect of life to its fullness and really reap the benefits of what life have to offer.
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
Yes, I am implementing the teachings from both. I am implementing the Daily Worship principles. Some days I can practice in it entirety and then there are days when I might practice for only five minutes, But I worship daily at least three times a day and I also participate in the weekly blog talk radio broadcast. I am currently reading “Egyptian Yoga The Philosophy of Enlightenment and Introduction To Maat Philosophy. I have also attended the Temple here in Atlanta on several occasions. I hate that my work schedule don’t allow me to spend the time that I want to spend towards my studies. I try implement the teachings as much as possible and to the best f my ability.
3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice?
The hardest is the food because my two sons are not ready to give up the old diet completely. So I am constantly battling with that issue but at the same time not allow it to take me out of my place. I sat down and spoke with them as well as with my husband and we agreed that they are only going to eat what we prepare and what we buy. That was understood, but when they are out with friends they may go and eat fast foods which is not approved of in our households. They are the ages of 15 and 21 and they know the importance of the diet change and the consequences of the fast foods but haven’t changed. I am not sure what else to do but continue on my vegetarian diet an they will have to see for them selves.
Keymaster
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Reply to: Rajiha December 30, 2014 at 9:34 am
Udja
The spiritual journey – that means when a person decides to allow the exploration of spiritual answers in life – to become the prominent aspect of life and they move to adopt a religion or spiritual philosophy – this occurs usually when a person has come to a certain level of maturity in life after living sufficiently and having suffered disappointments and having become tired or the struggle with children, lovers, pursuing wealth, security, riches etc, then there dawns in the heart a feeling for something more but also having past a certain place in life where those other activities are giving way to older age (children growing up, divorce, working in the world etc.) all that leads to unconscious awareness of the futility of ordinary life —and again, there dawns a feeling, a tendency and desire for more, for an authentically satisfying life. Then the person takes the spiritual prospect of life seriously but if twisted by ignorance they tend towards orthodox religion and the most intensely negative (ignorant-dull) move towards fundamentalism. The more pure move towards spirituality and philosophy instead of orthodox religion.
On the issue of shedy practice – this is normal for our hectic world but try as you are- continue to insist and include at least 5 min per day and if anything practice the simple Med for Level 1 and that will be a siid for your more advancing practices both formal and informal. The informal is everything you do when not doing formal. So at work, traveling to work, preparing meals, bathing, etc. all that time is informal and you are to gradually (through practice and understanding) not allow the mind to be overstressed with the duties of life or the aryu you developed to put you where you are today. Realize that you are definitely working through that aryu and in doing so with good cheer and detachment and understanding you will gradually extricate yourself and reach the goal.
Indeed as Andrew mentioned, in his communication to you, children have their own aryu and made their choice to incarnate to your family. So you are responsible for caring and offering guidance and it is theirs to accept or reject it and reap the shai and rennenet (consequences) as we all must. So you are to gradually understanding this and reduce your stress over their fate for that is not in your control. In your control is the example you present and that fulfills your duty. You may care for them and love them as spirit beings and aspects of God as yourself and us all. Anything more than that, egoistic sentimental caring, leads to bondage, suffering and delusion – and of course incapacity to attain the goal of the teaching. So, this is a gradual movement, an artistic movement, an understanding movement of doing our duty and releasing the grip on life which we can never hold.
HTP
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
Lvl 1 Wk 1 Audio Assignment
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words.
One of the main teachings brought out in the lecture was that of a balanced and integrated approach to the purification and development of ones’ self. Another teaching was that the ego personality must be purified and it is through the purification that the mind and senses are rendered subtle so that one may transcend them. The ego personality is transformed to be of service to the higher self. Through the four disciplines we change the four aspects from a negative expression to a positive expression. We don’t get rid of the ego complex we just purify it and render it now in the service for the divine as represented by the defeat of Set who now works to protect the Barque of Ra from Ra’s enemies which were the same henchmen of Set.
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
I am currently practicing the morning worship which include the devotional aspect for the feelings, reading of the wisdom scriptures and the meditation practice for Lvl1 aspirants as well as the quick program for the Tjef Neteru before my morning practice. I am making a transition from a vegan diet to a raw diet but I have decided not to rush this as I don’t want to slip back into a vegetarian diet. The path of Uashu is escpecially important in my practice since I am a customer service agent and the ability to go beyond the egoistic aspects of people and begin to see the divine basis really helps to keep my mind calm and allows me to focus more clearly on the work at hand and well as giving the caller what they expect which is good customer service. The practice of Maat aslo is very important as I try to “ha sema Maat” which really provides a more stable form of happiness than the praises of the customers which will change depending on the situation.
3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice?
I currently don’t engage in the noon and evening worship on a steady basis as well as the formal meditation practice for the wisdom teachings. I study and reflect during the day but I need to begin to have a formal meditation practice on what I am reading and reflecting on. I am going to begin by just chanting and then rereading what I have been looking at for that day and go into a reflection based meditation as to help the wisdom teachings go deeper into my mind for the evening worship then eventually move into doing the full evening worship program. For my noon worship the best way to help with that is to get my lunch taken care of the night before which will allow me the time to chant or read some teachings for at least five minutes during my lunch period at work.
Keymaster
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Reply to Andrew Garrow –Lvl 1 Wk 1 Audio Assignment
UDJA
Of the points you mention as the take away or Maut of the teachings presented in the audio lecture, very important is the concept of being balanced and integrated. This does not mean that the practice cannot be intense (shemsu udja) but whether intense or easy the practice is to be in balance. In other words, the intensity of an advanced practitioner may be ok for them and they can maintain the normal duties of life while practicing at intense level while another person, a beginner say, may find that level impossible to sustain – they must build up to it. Indeed, the purification of the personality, that is to say, the aryu in the Ab or unconscious mind, is what is purified, thus rendering the personality lucid and capable of discerning the transcendental reality. And indeed the ego is not destroyed but rather purified and sublimated, transformed into a servant rather than a master. On the issue of vegetarianism definitely move towards vegan and elimination of gluten. It is not necessary or advisable to be 100% raw, we recommend at least 75% raw and that is with salads, juices and other preparations. Some foods are actually better lightly cooked – like tomatoes and broccoli. –the important thing is that 100% of the food should be live food and not dead and or processed food.
On the issue of shedy proceed with your current efforts and definitely if you cannot prepare lunch beforehand at least make the observance with the daily emails. As we progress we will hopefully implement some features that may assist the shedy support for all aspirants in the program.
HTP
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
Udja Rajiha,
In response to your post:
As a single parent of a 15yr old I know exactly how difficult it can be with your kids diet. My daughter still eats a SAD diet but I use any opportunity I can while we are together to point out the problems of such a diet. I have gotten her to eat vegetarian for the beginning of the year but it didn’t last long. As she visits her mother every other weekend who has no concern to change her diet it always has the possibility to be a frustrating situation. Thankfully I have built up enough discipline where as to still maintain my diet and cook for her as needed.
The biggest tool I used to help myself stay peaceful in this situation is detachment. Ultimately she has here own path to follow so as you’re doing, I try to be the best example for her that I can with the diet as well as the teachings. I am thankful through the boundless love of the divine that she is beginning to see what a healthy diet should be and she has had the time to feel the difference when she refrains from meat. She supports my path and hopefully in time she will begin to realize the importance of diet past weight gain or disease and understand what it means to eat to live and not live to eat as the society teaches us to do.
Htp
Participant
(99.7.114.47)
Level 1, Week 1, Audio Assignment
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words.
The teachings of Shetaut Neter as discussed in the audio recordings focus on the balance of the higher and lower parts of the personality as a state of peace and fulfillment. Seba Dja mentioned that our ultimate goal in life is to seek happiness and joy, and many times we are seeking this happiness and joy in ways that are not effective and/or fulfilling. Shetaut Neter provide a pathway to achieving the joy and happiness that many (myself included) seek in their daily lives. The teachings incorporate holistic (mind, body, spirit) approaches to cleansing and improving the “old self” through meditation, devotion, proper eating, etc.
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
There is no teaching that I have completely implemented so far, however I am coming to terms or a level of understanding with the seeing the divine in all creation. I think this is very challenging because there are people in this world who can really push your buttons, so to speak, but I am realizing that perhaps that many people have allowed parts of their personality to overtake their self-realization that they are a divine being. This understanding applies to myself as well as the self-realization of being divine and seeing that same aspect of myself in others, thus shaping or reframing they way I perceive, communicate and react to people who have not reached the level of self-realization.
Another teaching or aspect of teaching that I have practice is removing meat from my diet. This has not been a difficult task for me, but I do need more discipline in staying away from the junky foods (chips, snacks) that I eat occasionally.
3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice?
Implementing the teachings in my life and spiritual practice will require a lot of discipline, practice, and studying. WIth the many obligations and responsibilities that I have in my life as a single mother, teacher, and graduate student in the last year of earning my Master’s Degree, I place my spiritual practice in these teachings (Shetaut Neter) as a priority that will better help me not only navigate the many roles in my life, but also allow me to reach a state of divine peace that I very much need.
Keymaster
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Reply to jocejones—Level 1, Week 1, Audio Assignment
Udja
Dua for your post. As you progress in the teaching you will first come to an understanding of what happiness really is, as opposed to what the ignorant masses have come to believe and then through the teachings and practices of Shetaut Neter you will be able to move towards and reach it. The key is staying with the teaching even though disappointments and the trials of life, allowing oneself to be mentored and being supported by a like-minded community.
Indeed, out of ignorance and error most people have allowed their egoistic nature to overtake and cloud their sense of spiritual nature and not until a certain level of maturity is reached will there be rekindled in the personality a desire for spiritual awakening which is really just throwing off the error and living by truth (Maat). When this movement starts, there is realignment in all dealings with the world as there is realignment with how we deal with out higher self.
As you are engaged in many activities it is useful to remember that the spiritual teaching should not cause undue stress. As you pursue the duties and challenges of the world allow it to be a center of peace so there is no need to rush or strain. Rather, find a rhythm with life and incorporate your spiritual studies and exercises as possible and always focus on peace (Hetep). Know how to work with mind, when agitated, do some postures, when introspective do some meditation, when studious do some reading of the text or of the class forums and when feeling high do some devotional chant, etc. All this will elevate, sustain and help you forward even through hard times.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
jocejones Level 1, Week 1, Audio Assignment
Comments on your response from Seba Dja Re: 1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words? Seba Dja mentioned that our ultimate goal in life is to seek happiness and joy, and many times we are seeking this happiness and joy in ways that are not effective and/or fulfilling.
Seba Dja commentary:
Udja,
Ny, this is a good paraphrasing. I would just emphasize that this happiness that everyone is seeking is synonymous with the word Nehast, or Enlightenment. To differentiate from the general time and space transient happiness, we sometimes refer to it as “abiding happiness” and to the general time and space transient happiness as “pleasure” or jokingly, as a spiritual teach would put it, “hoppy-ness” since one has to jump (or hop) from one pleasurable situation to another to try to experience happiness in general life, when one is depending on the transient things of the world to feel “happy” (really pleasure).
Htp,
S. Dja
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
jocejones Level 1, Week 1, Audio Assignment
Comments on your response from Seba Dja
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)? … I am coming to terms or a level of understanding with the seeing the divine in all creation.
Seba Dja commentary:
Udja,
This is called scheru (or skheru) in the wisdom texts of the precepts of Sage Ani.
This is a copy of a response to another aspirant (Charles), but it fits here, so I’m sharing with you also:
The answer to this question is “What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?, is Khemn …ignorance, which S. Maa also pointed out in his response. Reflect on the Maa Ur, Great Truth: “an-Maat swy Saui Set s-Khemn” – “Lack of righteousness brings fetters to the personality and these fetters lead to ignorance of the Divine.”
So, what you are referring to as the herd mentality is a general lack of righteousness in society which causes fetters which include: lack of expansion of consciousness {Saiu Set – biggest fetter}, anger, hatred, greed, envy, etc.
HOWEVER, even aspirants who have not attained Nehast are technically part of this “herd mentality”…part of this ignorance of Self, to the extent to which they are not-enlightened.
Since Nehast occurs when an aspirant overcomes her/his ignorance of Self, an aspirant AND ONLY the aspirant, controls his/her attainment of Nehast by her/his practice of the Shedy disciplines in an integral manner which will then, as Great Truth # 4 teaches: “ari Shedy Rekh ab m Maakheru” – “The practice of the Shedy disciplines leads to knowing oneself and the Divine (Nehast).”
It is of GREAT importance to start changing your focus from the world being an issue/obstacle, to your own ignorance of our Self being the obstacle. With the former, you have no control, and therefore, your Nehast, enlightenment will always elude you. It is like saying that you can only become enlightened when the world becomes enlightened. That is not going to happen, and that is also not a correct reflection. Enlightenment is an individual process. It has to be your true attainment and not a false attainment because the world became a nicer place. It’s easy for people to be “spiritual” when they are in a spiritual environment and there are no challenges to the personality (no one giving trouble or attitude). And this has its benefits.
But a real test of true spiritual attainment is when you are placed in a challenging worldly situation and are able to manifest your spiritual awareness of yourself as Self, even in the midst of the challenge. So, the world is to provide that opportunity to cultivate, practice and manifest that spiritual proficiency.
As you continue to find yourself in the same predicaments over and over, perhaps with the same or different actors (other souls) you will start to notice that you no longer interpret, respond to or experience the situation as you did before. Perhaps now you are more righteous, or and more calm or and more detached and or able to reflect on your Higher Self, etc. Perhaps you can figure out what you are being tested to do, from a spiritual perspective of your Shedy practice, and therefore, now you are focused on passing the test.
So, that the world does not really change, or that general society as a whole is not mystically based, provides an intensive training and testing ground for mystical spiritual aspirants. You will quickly know if you truly have overcome anger…as your Higher Self will place you in situations to show you that you still have more work to do, until the work is done! Even then, the situations of challenge will continue, but now you will merely be “strutting” your spiritual stuff!, and serving as an example to other striving spiritual aspirants, that they too CAN use this world for their spiritual growth; that it is NOT an obstacle.
The world is just a giant spiritual school with “spiritual kids” (souls) of all ages. Physical age does not correspond to soul age, since souls go through Uhem Ankh, reincarnation. So a very advanced soul (Masters level soul), when it incarnates to complete its attainment of Nehast in this lifetime (get it PhD in soul school – ex. Nehast), will be in the body of a little baby, while at the same time, a very immature – first grade level soul can be in the body of an old person, having just moved in this lifetime from kindergarten level soul to first grade soul.
So, in this earth school, just like in the school you attended, you had students in different grades getting F’s and students getting A+. Similarly, the same is going on in this earth soul school, except that we have PreK level souls and PhD level souls in one school; it’s like earth is a private school for souls. We refer to the A’s a Good Ariu (Karma) and the F’s as “Bad or Negative or Adverse Ariu (karma). A’s mean that you learned your spiritual lesson and you get to move forward to the next level of learning, moving closer to Nehast. F means that you will have to re-take that lesson, course or grade again. So, if you don’t pass a spiritual test, life will somehow put you in circumstances again, where you will be tested to demonstrate that level of spiritual proficiency again…and hopefully pass the next time. This is a process of lifetimes, Until the soul gets to the Master’s level in school school, at which point, that soul can complete the Master’s & PhD in this very lifetime, and that is the goal for aspirants in the FORMAL Mystical process of Shedy practice…to attain Nehast in this very lifetime.
So, everyone here is on this earth planet soul school is on the INFORMAL path of yoga, if they know it or not. When they don’t know it, they are in that “herd” mentality you referred to. But their souls are still being judged/graded (recall the judgment scene in the 42 precepts of Maat) by their own Higher Self.
Being on the formal path of Sema (Yoga – mystical science) is like taking an accelerated course…with awareness of the process and knowledge of what what you need to do and how you need to change and with the practice of the Shedy disciplines in an integral fashion, which are the tools to achieve this goal. Thus, it is a more direct path than the “stumbling towards enlightenment” informal path of the masses of souls.
So, as a KMT mystical teaching says, “there is no mediator between a soul and its Enlightenment.” Likewise, there are no external obstacles to your Nehast. You have all that you need within you to attain Nehast, since you are already essentially the Higher Self; really, all you really need to do is to realize this fact intuitionally…realize your true essence, your true Self, discover your true nature, the Self.
This is another reason no one or no thing can block your Nehast…because YOU ALREADY ARE THE HIGHER SELF. Nuk Pu Nuk – I am that I Am…I am the Self!
It’s up to you to realize this Truth…and that is what the work of Shedy is doing! But its all in your hands…not up to the world, if you realize this truth in this lifetime, or a future one. The goal is to work to do so for this lifetime!
HTP,
S. Dja
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
jocejones Level 1, Week 1, Audio Assignment
Comments on your response from Seba Dja
Re: …but I do need more discipline in staying away from the junky foods (chips, snacks) that I eat occasionally.
Seba Dja commentary:
Udja,
In the transition, at least switch to higher quality type of “junky foods” which maybe baked, or have non-trans fat oils, or items like kale chips http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dgrocery&field-keywords=kale+chips&sprefix=kale+chips%2Ctoys-and-games%2C665
or dried okra chips: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_10?url=search-alias%3Dgrocery&field-keywords=okra+chips&sprefix=okra+chips%2Cgrocery%2C176&rh=n%3A16310101%2Ck%3Aokra+chips
HTP,
S Dja
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
jocejones Level 1, Week 1, Audio Assignment
Comments on your response from Seba Dja
3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice?
Re your comment: Implementing the teachings in my life and spiritual practice will require a lot of discipline, practice, and studying. WIth the many obligations and responsibilities that I have in my life as a single mother, teacher, and graduate student in the last year of earning my Master’s Degree, I place my spiritual practice in these teachings (Shetaut Neter) as a priority that will better help me not only navigate the many roles in my life, but also allow me to reach a state of divine peace that I very much need.
Seba Dja commentary:
Udja,
So, instead of thinking of your shedy as “one more thing” to add to your busy schedule, which makes mental strain, instead think of it as a way to do what you already do, that will enhance what you already do, and spiritual what you already do, and will in time, allow you to more and more incorporate other aspects of the disciplines that do require specific time to practice (formal meditation).
Shedy Rekh: Your participation in this course counts towards your Shedy Rekh – practice of the Wisdom teachings, listening/reading and reflecting. When you have more time available, you can later incorporate the meditation on the teachings, but for now, you are doing quite well in this Shedy, taking this course.
Shedy Uaa – Meditation: at least try to do the meditation that Sebai Maa has recorded for this program, which is very short…so at least try to do this daily, if not, once or twice a week. If not, you have to breath to survive anyway, so as much as possible bring your awareness to your breath throughout the day, and take a few conscious deep yogic breaths, perhaps while chanting Om or other Hekau (mantra), just for a few seconds. Or as I have often said before, at the very least, before you head out the door, just kneel before your altar, and bow down to your own Higher Self, and just repeat the Hekau, Om or other Hekau, and let that be your formal meditation for now. Eventaully, as the practices integrate into your life more, you will find yourself remaining there for 2 minutes, or 5 and then 10, etc., building gradually.
Shedy Uashu: Devotion: You can listen to the Sunday or Thursday night devotional worship programs on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/shetautneter on Thursdays at 8 pm or Sundays at 8:30 am. They also end with a meditation, so that would also count towards your Shedy Uaa (meditation practice), in addition to your Uashu, devotional practice.
Also, the practice of Scheru, which you are already incorporating (striving to see and serve the Higher Self /Divine in everyone and rise beyond your ego relative to others), as you engage in your family life and life in the world, school, work, family, friends, etc., is also the practice of Uashu or Devotional Shedy. The world provides lots of practice sessions; some will be more successful than others, but you will over time become more and more proficient if you continue to practice in an integral manner.
Shedy Maat Ari: Your line of work/job/career/studies should be one that is useful/helpful to humanity, and not something that harms humanity. This being the case, strive to see yourself not as the ego-personality engaging in the work, but rising beyond this to see that the good being done through your actions is instead the Divine Self working through you. Your mind and body are as if instruments in the divine hands, which the divine are using to do the good works your ego-personality is doing. This purifies your actions, so they are not egoistic (I – the mind body ego personality am doing these actions), but rather, I am the Divine Self, and these actions are being done by ME, not the ego personality, since I am all that is. This also encourages an aspirant to evaluate her/his actions and continue to alter his or her actions to come into line with Maat, the Divine, Righteous actions, over time.
So, Just by reflecting in this way, and shifting your mind set every so slightly, and making these slight changes in your understanding, even as you engage in your currently hectic schedule, you can then say, YES, I AM PRACTICING INTEGRAL SHEDY!!
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Lesson 1 – An Evening wSebai Maa and Seba Dja Why in Shetaut Neter important-show_ (1:30:09)
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words
The main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording are that Shetaut Neter is an authentic path which will lead one to authentic fulfillment; meaning that one will be able to deal with the highs and lows of life. The 4 components of Integral Yoga are implemented to purge and strengthen the personality, to put one in sync with nature, and to help the aspirant understand the higher aspects of the Shedy Disciplines.
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
Ni. I am implementing the teachings given in the book and lecture. I perform morning devotionals 3-4 times a week and I perform the evening devotionals on the days when I am not able to perform the morning devotionals. Also, I perform the GLM (Glorious Light Meditation) 3-4 times a week and perform general meditation on other days when I don’t perform the GLM. I chant daily and sing along with songs that I have added to my Mp3 player.
3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice? I would like to practice selfless service by giving free Tai Chi classes to a group of teens near where I live. I have the contact information to set it up but I am prioritizing my life first.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: AhmadPtah-El—–Lesson 1 – An Evening wSebai Maa and Seba Dja Why in Shetaut Neter important-show
Udja
You appear to be on the way to good organization of your time and practice of the shedy disciplines; this serves and will serve you well in the advancement through the teaching you will receive in this program and our other materials and programs. The daily shedy is a foundation and key to being in a good frame of mind to understand and experience the wisdom imparted so continue in this regard.
In reference to the dealing with the highs and lows of life, the teaching is dedicated to indeed handling those but also understanding the cause of them and even eradicating them altogether. More will be understood about this statement as you progress.
HTP
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Udja Sebai Maa,
The shedy disciplines has given me a structured format to follow, which has improved my prioritization, discipline, and organizational skills.
Eradicating them altogether, I do comprehend. Getting rid of the “root cause” clears up the “symptoms.” Dua for the insight Sebai Maa.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
U
Indeed, and the profundity and metaphorical aspects to this teaching will develop as you practice further.
HTP
Participant
(50.170.117.248)
Lesson 1 Audio Assignment, An Evening wSebai Maa and Seba Dja, Why is Shetaut Neter Important, 1:30:09
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words
The main teachings I noticed in this recording were:
• The pursuit of happiness is universal. However, most people turn to things such as food, money, sex, or other people, which do not provide lasting fulfillment. Once people decide to pursue spiritual fulfillment, people often turn to paths that still do not lead to lasting peace/fulfillment. Through Shetaut Neter, an aspirant learns the mythic teachings that lead to eternal happiness.
• In Shetaut Neter, there is an emphasis on achieving holistic health.
• Purification is achieved through the 4 disciplines of yoga: yoga of wisdom, yoga of devotional love, yoga of selfless service, and yoga of meditation. Intentional effort to follow each of the 4 paths is necessary in order to purify the entire personality. The entire personality must be purified in order for spiritual enlightenment to occur.
• In the creation myth, the five dieties Asar, Aset, Heru, Set, and Nebthet come into being. These represent cosmic principles that, when harmonized in the invididual, make the individual a vessel for the divine. The individual then experiences Nehast or spiritual awakening, and becomes one with everything.
• In our relations with others, both detachment and attachment are necessary. We should detach from the personalities of others. We should attach to the divine within all people. Also, we should learn to see ourselves as vessels for the divine. We should engage in positive action, but detach ourselves from the results.
• The ari or kharma of an individual determines the situation into which the individual is born. The individual is born into circumstances that reflect the consequences of the individual’s past actions. Also, the circumstances allow the individual to pursue the desires that the invidual has accumulated over lifetimes.
• Raising children properly is a difficult task in today’s world. Moreover, having children does not, in itself, provide lasting happiness. When we do have children, we cannot trust the television or the public school system to raise them. The best option is to raise children within a community of like-minded, conscious people.
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
I am attempting to implement all of these teachings. I am learning about the mything teachings of Shetaut Neter. I try to work on all four paths of Yoga; I would like to purify my personality in order to experience the divine more fully. I try to see difficult experiences as the opportunity to correct past mistakes. I try to see personalities as just passing images, and to see people as divine and part of myself. I try to teach my children to see the divine in themselves, and to differentiate between positive and negative influences. I always worship at least once per day, and usually 2-3 times per day.
3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice?
I work on all four paths of Yoga, but I think I need to focus more on my meditation practice. I want to be able to meditate for an hour or more, but I don’t know if that is feasible for me right now. Sometimes I meditate for 5-10 minutes, and I’m not sure whether or not I’m ready for more.
Also…I’m not really following the Initiatic Way of Education right now. I realize I need to formally ask to be initiated, and I apologize that I have not. I guess I’m nervous about taking that first step.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Response to Lindsey Hunnicutt
re your comment: • The ari or kharma of an individual determines the situation into which the individual is born. The individual is born into circumstances that reflect the consequences of the individual’s past actions. Also, the circumstances allow the individual to pursue the desires that the invidual has accumulated over lifetimes.
Comment by Seba Dja: And also, it is important to note that ariu is both positive/prosperous (lucid) and negative/adverse (agitated and dull)…so when speaking of consequences, although implied, it is good to note that it refers to both prosperous and adverse consequences, because generally, in society, there is a focus or emphasis on “bad” karma (ariu) only. But good (lucid) actions equally create future lucid/prosperous ariu.
Also to note that the real objective and the ultimate objective of ariu/karma is not just to allow people to pursue desires, but to provide certain lessons and learning through a process of “trial and error” in seeking after those desires, and yet not being fulfilled, that true happiness can not be found in worldly objects or situation. In other words, the bad ariu/karmas are really just situations which are meant to teach, train or elicit spiritual mature actions for the person(s) to learn spiritual lessons and evolve. Of course, most people fail to even perceive situations as teaching or training or testing certain spiritual proficiencies. When people fail to learn or attain certain spiritual lessons or to attain certain spiritual qualities that the situation was designed to achieve, then they must face a similar situation again…in other words, another attempt will be made to retrain and re-test the soul, in the future of this lifetime, or future lifetimes, until the soul passes!
So, negative ariu are just failed attempts at spiritual proficiency in a certain area, that have to be repeated, much like a child in school has to take make up tests or repeat the same grade, until she/he passes with a certain level of proficiency.
From this perspective, THERE REALLY IS NO GOOD OR BAD ARIU/Karma…there are only situations being presented to give souls the capacity to learn, grow and attain spiritual qualities and evolve towards Nehast…very slowly through the path of trial and error – non mystical studies, or a bit more directly and effectively through engaging in mystical studies.
Realize to be at a level where one is ready to engage in mystical studies is a very high attainment indeed!
Aspirants tend to see only their level of spiritual immaturity. However, it is also important to recognize your level of spiritual maturity!
As a spiritual teacher who taught gnostic (mystical) Christianity said when asked about her level of spiritual evolution put it,
“When I look where I am and where Jesus is, I still have a long way to go! But when I look at where I am, and where I was when I consciously started this mystical process, there is a great distance…I have come a long way!”
Response to Lindsey Hunnicutt
re your comment: • Raising children properly is a difficult task in today’s world. Moreover, having children does not, in itself, provide lasting happiness. When we do have children, we cannot trust the television or the public school system to raise them. The best option is to raise children within a community of like-minded, conscious people.
Comment by Seba Dja: Ny, raising children is challenging…but also realize that the children’s souls initiated their incarnation into this world…with the challenges and obstacles. So, while it is true that being in a society of like minded conscious people would be helpful in raising conscious children, their souls did not incarnate in such a society or group. What I’m saying is that as a parent, you do your best to input positive ariu (Maat, etc.), but realize that also, their souls need to have certain experiences that this world, in this time in history, can provide.
HTP, S. Dja
Participant
(71.59.4.235)
Udja, this is in response to Lindsey Hunnicutt comment about raising children. I experienced a similar situation like that with my children over the past year.I have two sons ages 21 and 15 and I have had the hardest time trying to show them the importance of a healthy diet. My husband had been trying to convenience me to just leave them to do their own thing and we just do what we know is the right thing to do according to Maat. So we have decided to just not stress ourselves over their lack of knowledge and rebellious spirit, so we continue on our journey. People ask the question how can you eat one thing and your kids eat another thing, and I simply tell them because they refuse to do what they know is the right thing to do I can’t allow myself nor my spirit to be degraded in such a manner. I tried to explain to my children the importance of eating a healthier diet and maintaining a certain level of character at all times but it seems as though they don”t want to listen. I still have deep love and all for them but they will just have to see by the way that I live an the results that would be shown. I just don’t think that it’s no love issue but more of a spiritual battle for them. They know that I love them but they just can’t grasp the concept of the spiritual system. We come from a background of Christianity. So upon me being introduced to Shetaut Neter I started to explain that to them but they understands some of it but not enough for them to really want to practice the principles. So I continue to do what I do practice my principles and they still may look at me kind of weird when I’m listening to some of the songs on the Egyptian Yoga website so I turn it up louder when they start to look like that. When I started to set up my Altar they was looking again. My point is no matter what they might think I explained to them that they have they own journey and purpose for their lives and I have my own. I would not try and force what I believe on them nor try and force them to live the way that I live for I know that the way that I am living they can’t help themselves but come aboard, or reject it and I just don’t think that they would reject totally. If they did I would just continue on my journey and love them for who they are and from a distance because they are gong to have to grow into the Men that they are going to be and I can’t stop them only love and educate them. I hate it for them because of their lack of knowledge but I believe that they will come along totally as they grow they will grow.
Hotep
Participant
(66.194.68.226)
Response to Rahija re: raising children
Dua for sharing your experiences. My children are still young, ages 4 and 19 months. I do have moments of anxiety about what their future experiences will be, and whether or not I am doing everything I can to help them as they move through life.
From what you wrote, I see that even though our children will make mistakes, we can still trust that their growth process is ultimately their own, and will continue over time. This is a scary day and age to raise children, but I am inspired by the way that through it all, you are able to maintain your sense of peace.
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Response to Lindsey Hunnicutt
Comment: 3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice?
I work on all four paths of Yoga, but I think I need to focus more on my meditation practice.
Comment by Seba Dja: I’m posting the same reponse I gave to Andrew Garrow. It addresses the issue of meditation as far as your wanting to focus more on meditation.
Response by Seba Dja:
Remember the Virtues of the Initiates:
(4)”Have faith in your master’s ability to lead you along the path of truth,”
(6)”Have faith in your ability to act with wisdom,”
What you said is appropriate at a certain level of spiritual evolution, but there is a subtle nuance that you should keep in mind as you advance in the teachings.
While indeed weak will power is an obstacle to Spiritual Enlightenment, Nehast, realize that this means you need to advance your concentration and meditation practices. Uaa, meditation is the spiritual therapy to increase will power….by allowing it to be REVEALED in one’s personality (not by creating it).
However, there is another point I wanted to make. Really, Ignorance of Self/Egoism, is the greatest obstacle for incarnated souls. Yet, it is still important to realize with every reflection about the Self, about your-Self, that you are ALREADY the Self. So, all the spiritual work is NOTabout “becoming” the Self (although we at times discuss it in these terms). But rather, it’s about having this aspect of who you are already, revealed to you.
Thus, increasing will power is ONE of the means to promote this revelation of your essential nature…but NOT just increasing will power, but INTEGRAL practice of which meditation is part. So, this focus on will/meditation should not occur alone. What I mean by this is that the “informal” meditation practices (Uaa, Rekh, Maat – Devotion, Wisdom, Righteousness) are EQUALLY important, and should be sited when “weak will” is also sited. These are the FOUNDATION for PROPER development of Will power. Otherwise, you probably know people with very strong wills, but also very egoistic wills, that are in fact leading them away from the path of Nehast. So even if your meditation itself is not your strongest feature of your Shedy currently, if you are practicing the other aspects, you are STILL working towards cultivating your will power…but in this way, your will power will develop in a spiritually positive way, that will be beneficial.
And although I used the world “cultivate”, be aware you ALREADY are of STRONG WILL…because you are essentially the SELF…ALREADY. You just need to engage in the practices that will allow this aspect that you already are/have…strong will (the Self), to be dusted off, and be revealed.
So, own your will power as a feature of your Higher Self, as who you are ALREADY, as your essential nature, and UNVEIL it, rather than relating it to the weak ego, and as something you must struggle to develop through the weak ego or as an obstacle. From Virtues of the Initiates:
(10)”Learn to distinguish the real from the unreal.”
It’s harder to start from scratch to create something than to find something already created, already there, just covered over, and to remove the cover and reveal it in its perfection. So, don’t seek to “create” will in yourself, but continue your practices and allow it to come forth from your HS into the personality…by reflection on your TRUE ESSENCE…NUK PU ASAR (or Aset, or Net, or whichever your tutelary divinity is, or the Higher Self, or the Supreme Being).
Assert: I DO POSSESS THE WILL POWER TO DISCOVER/REVEAL MY ESSENTIAL NATURE…afterall, I AM the HERU! Nuk Pu HERU!
THERE (REALLY) IS NO OBSTACLE TO ONE’S HAPPINESS…BECAUSE ONE’S TRUE ESSENCE IS HAPPINESS!
Can water not be wet?
Can the sun not be light?
So too, you ARE happiness, as you ARE the Self.
Just sometimes (well, maybe a lot of times : )) you forget this about you.
Re-MEMBER it through the teachings (as Aset re-membered Asar…wisdom rendering the soul dismembered by the ego whole again…to be revealed as the SOUL, SELF!)
The obstacle is identifying oneself with the ego-personality and expecting for that ego-personality to allow one to experience true abiding happiness. This can’t happen, because the ego-personality is not the source of the true happiness.
At THIS VERY MOMENT…AND AT THIS VERY MOMENT…AND THIS ONE TOO…AND THIS ONE TOO…you can choose to identify yourself as: I AM THE TRUTH OF THE TEACHINGS…I AM HAPPINESS…NOTHING CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME…NOTHING CAN OBSTRUCT THAT…
…even when I forget, nonetheless, I AM STILL ALWAYS THE SELF!
Virtues of the Initiates: (5)”Have faith in your own ability to accept the truth” HTP, S. Dja
Response to Lindsey Hunnicutt comment Also…I’m not really following the Initiatic Way of Education right now. I realize I need to formally ask to be initiated, and I apologize that I have not. I guess I’m nervous about taking that first step.
Comment by Seba Dja: Udja, in a way, you have already undertaken an initiation of sorts…it’s a “contract” with your Higher Self to strive to attain Nehast. Initiation through a preceptor is a formal manifestation of that, relative to a teacher and teaching. However, aspirants should not enter into this just for the sake of doing it. It is good for aspirants to gain insight into the path, and even interactions with the teaching and teacher, to see if there is compatibility. Different teachers have different styles, and so, it is good to find a teaching and teacher that your personality finds “appealing” to work with, and can trust. So, there is not need to feel pressure to be initiated. As you cultivate yourself further, you will become a more qualified aspirant, and better able to recognize a qualified teacher, and then you can make a wise and confident decision about initiation.
HTP,
S. Dja
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: LindseyHunnicutt—-Lesson 1 Audio Assignment, An Evening wSebai Maa and Seba Dja, Why is Shetaut Neter Important,
Udja
In reference to your comment about “attempting to implement all of these teachings” you are to keep in mind that the teachings themselves do not advocate “undue” stress in following the teachings. Undue means unwarranted and unhelpful and unnecessary as well as unrighteous stress. A person gives themselves undue stress in many ways such as worrying about things they cannot control but also worrying about things they imagine or desire, which they do not actually need. If you are attempting to incorporate the teachings and you are challenged to some extent but that does not cause you mental agitation does not cause disease, does not cause unnecessary burden and or unrest, then that is good stress and good effort. So do take on some stress to the extent outlined and no more until you are ready for more and of course, then the things that stressed you out before will no longer bee stressing you out and you will be moving forward.
On the issue of initiation, you are to realize that you are already an initiate; and I refer you back to the Kemet University Egyptian Mystery School information site: http://www.egyptianmysteries.org/
Read the section entitled:
“MYSTERY SCHOOL STUDIES AND THE PROCESS OF INITIATION”
After you read this section, take a little time to reflect and come back and post your thoughts on this issue such as can you see yourself in the context being explained? And what adjustments in your thinking do you need to make in order to relieve stress about this issue and then benefit from the opportunity you have before you? and any further questions you may have on this issue.
HTP
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja Lindsay,
Dua for your insight. I just wanted to add that I am also a parent (4 children , 3 boys and 1 girl) that often wondered on the fate of my children in today’s society and how I could ‘buffer’ their experiences. This led to undue stress over the years and I have since let some of that control go. I still battle with some issues such as homeschooling vs public schooling but I see that as they get older they evolve into their own personalities and seek to also understand life from their perspective. The recent comments made about the choice of souls to reincarnate during this time has furthered clarification and understanding and indeed peace on the issue. My role is to care for them and guide them through example but it’s up to them to accept of reject this guidance.
Htp
Participant
(66.194.68.226)
Response to Akua re: raising children
Dua for your words, Akua. Like you mentioned, we have learned that our children’s souls chose to reincarnate in this moment in history for a reason. As I grow spiritually, I hope to begin to let go of the undue stress I suffer in regards to this subject, as you have.
Htp
Participant
(66.194.68.226)
Response to Sebai Maa: Audio Lesson 1- An Evening wSebai Maa and Seba Dja, Why is Shetaut Neter Important- Additional Assignment
Dua Sebai Maa,
After completing the reading you assigned to me, I see now that I can already consider myself an Initiate. I still have formal initiation on my mind; however it does not seem to be feasible at this time. I hope to revisit the idea of formal initiation at some point in the near future…
In the meantime, I see that the Egyptian Mysteries program can be considered informal initiation. I feel as if I have already begun to benefit from the program; in particular, I feel like I am somewhat closer to understanding what spiritual enlightenment is, and how it will be achieved. Dua again for the opportunity to participate in this program.
Practicing devotional worship and shifting my perspective to be more in line with what is espoused by Shetaut Neter has overall brought much peace to me already. The 3x daily worship has been helpful for establishing a sense of order in my life, and of course is helping me to feel more in touch with my divine nature. Seeing my daily experiences as a dream, and seeing the divine in people as real and their personalities/actions as illusions has been very helpful in terms of how I relate to and interact with others. Also, Shetaut Neter has helped me to be more accepting of the experiences that come my way, particularly when things go differently than I initially wanted and/or expected.
As far as following Shetaut Neter, there are only a few fears/doubts that I have about “myself” and my ability to advance spiritually that are the cause of my stress (I will talk about the stresses of parenting in a different post.) Practicing detachment from these specific thoughts seems to help relieve my anxiety. Also, remembering to see others (and myself) as divine, as opposed to personalities, helps to lessen my fears about how I am perceived by others during this process. Whereas I used to dislike the term “detachment” because I thought it implied coldness and/or disconnection, I now experience it as something helpful in the face of intense emotions. This is the adjustment I have made (am working toward) in order to be able to benefit from this program.
Htp
Addendum:
The “near future” for when I will revisit the idea of formal initiation has come sooner than I thought…
Could you elaborate on the process of how one becomes formally Initiated? As far as I know, there are no spiritual preceptors practicing Shetaut Neter in my area (Seattle, WA). Or, are there? How often does one need to meet with a spiritual preceptor in order to qualify for formal Initiation?
Htp
- This reply was modified 2 months, 2 weeks ago by LindseyHunnicutt.
- This reply was modified 2 months, 2 weeks ago by LindseyHunnicutt.
- January 15, 2015 at 5:03 am #1459 Edit | Move | Split | Trash | Spam | Reply
Keymaster
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REPLY TO: LindseyHunnicutt–Response to Sebai Maa: Audio Lesson 1
Udja
I think your reflections here compared to your previous post are in the direction I wanted you to go. Very good. Indeed, you and all who have engaged this course program have the capacity and if you follow the path and are able to make the adjustments and clear the obstacles in the personality –which is not a question of if but when -you will attain the goal.
I see also from what you have said about “Whereas I used to dislike the term “detachment” because I thought it implied coldness and/or disconnection, I now experience it as something helpful in the face of intense emotions.” Indeed you are understanding that detachment and dispassion is towards the illusion and ignorance and we can care for life, for family, humanity and Creation as well as the Divine but rightly and not with ignorance or delusion. Then our emotions help us to attain enlightenment and don’t lead us to degradation and suffering. I think you will benefit even more as you progress to level 2 studies since there we will work on precisely purifying and sublimating feelings which are the source of emotions and that purity frees us from the grip of delusion and allows us to attain the mythic wisdom and enlightenment.
On the issue of initiation –the completion of the Level 1 studies qualifies an aspirant to receive Shems initiation, which signifies formally adopting Shetaut Neter and Sema Tawi as your religion and spiritual path-philosophy. This program (Level 1) qualifies as your study group/congregation though you may also consider starting a study group in your area as well. We usually do formal initiations at annual conferences though this can also be arranged through the internet with a one on one skype connection for those in areas too far or too expensive to travel.
HTP
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
Level 1 Assignment 1: Audio: An Evening with Sebai Maa and Sebai Dja: Why SN
1. What are the main teachings brought out?
The main teachings is that Shetaut Neter is an holistic system, having all practices needed to purify the self into revealing the true self. When practiced holistically, no aspect of the personality if left out so the outcome will be a transformed being able to follow the path toward spiritual evolution.
Accepting that going forward sometimes involve going backward in the process allows us to keep our ego detached from the process and allow our divine self to lead, sublimating or surrendering to the divine. Negative Ariu not to mention a general poor state of health/being will develop from taking personal interest in fulfilling the lower desires. Even when an outcome appears “good”, attachment to that outcome may still be coming form a place of ego.
Seeing the Neteru in all things/people/situations/ and self is a form of devotion to them or at least it provides a way to serve the higher self at all times and not only in a formal setting.
- Are you currently implementing the teachings? If so which ones?
Yes, Wisdom-surrounding myself with the teachings and reflecting on them.
Meditating formally and informally-reminding myself that I am divine and moving accordingly. Reminding myself when I fell like I mess up or that I am not worthy of saying I am divine that that is all I can be and that one day it will be more evident with steadfastness. Right action-doing my best ,being honest and forgiving.
I have reduced a lot of unnecessary outside stimulation that was giving me too much to process and increasing my agitation. So, I stay home more outside of work and a few must-do errands and school meetings. I fill the extra time with reading, resting, listening to kemetic music/meditation tapes and organizing my home.
3.If not, how will you implement in your spiritual practice?
What I d not do much of is share my thoughts much about what I am learning. So I live in my own self sometimes and rely on my own intuition and understanding. This forum helps me to do that and get to get steered in the right way of thinking.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Olapeju—Level 1 Assignment 1: Audio: An Evening with Sebai Maa and Sebai Dja: Why SN
Udja
Very important points were gained here, namely, “Accepting that going forward sometimes involve going backward in the process” and “Reminding myself when I fell like I mess up or that I am not worthy of saying I am divine that that is all I can be and that one day it will be more evident with steadfastness.” These points are perhaps the most important teaching of shedy because if one cannot realize that the path is not just straight up and that regardless of failures that one is essentially the Divine and that the ego has made the error that needs to be corrected so that spirit, which is already here, can be revealed; if this is not the foundation of the Shedy, the shedy will be limited and the ultimate attainment will remain elusive. The other excellent point if of the second step of religion and wisdom SEMA. If one only reads and reflects within oneself and do not discuss and confirm ones understanding then that understanding cannot be corrected when necessary and the ego will taint the understanding in favor of its own survival and not towards the end of enlightenment. Thus Khnumnt Nefer {GOOD ASSOCIATION} is an integral part of success on the path and those who engaging in it are far and away practicing at a higher level than those who do not.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja Basu Olapeju
Agreed, a good review…and continue to Nuk correctly (I am the Divine Self); Nuk Nut, the sky, not the pesky dull or agitated clouds. Let the clouds go by:
Nuk Nut,
I am the sky
I watch the clouds go by
They don’t bother/trigger/affect me
Because as the sky, Nut, I’m FREE
HTP, S. Dja
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
Dua Sebai Dja
I was visualizing myself looking into the sky watching the clouds go by. All this time we are the sky itself. Amazing how a little detail can be there yet hidden until the right time. I was wearing a blue shirt at the moment I realized in Nut I am the sky, I got chills. Nuk Pu Nut.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja,
Dua for sharing your Nefer (beautiful) blessing of insight & revelation from the Goddess (Nut). Ny, Nuk pu Nut!
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja,
Dua for sharing your Nefer (beautiful) blessing of insight & revelation from the Goddess (Nut). Ny, Nuk pu Nut!
Participant
(170.98.106.254)
Level 1 –work-1 audio assignment
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words
The main teachings brought out in the audio lecture were about purification of the personalities. One’s personalities must be pure in order to obtain enlightenment and true happiness. In order to purify theses personalities one must practice all of the Shedy disciplines simultaneously. Then the personalities can be expressed in a divine matter, which will ultimately lead one to spiritual enlightenment
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
I am currently implementing some of the teachings that are in the book. I converted over from pescetarian to Vegan. I practice the yoga postures in The Journey of Ra. I listen to the prerecorded teaching on blog talk radio at least twice a week. I’m also reading the book parents guide by Dr. Muata Ashby, which has helped me see my relationship with my children in a different light. I also have several other books which a read, The book of coming forth by Day, Kemetic Diet, African religion Volume 4, and Devotional worship. On Sunday I attend the Temple of Amun in Charlotte NC, Lead by Priest RaTem and Priestess Amuntyt.
3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice
I will implement the teaching that I am not doing by practicing more meditation, quieting my mind and being consistent in daily practice. Since starting this class I have made the commitment to start with at least 5 minutes of mediation each day. I will start working on detachment, letting things go that does not serve me in obtaining enlightenment. Work on good association by going to conferences and meeting more like minded individual on the same spiritual path.
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Dee Dee- Level 1 –work-1 audio assignment
Udja
Welcome again to this classroom. This is a good start. Of the items you have included in this post the transition to full vegan and the commitment to 5 minutes of meditation are perhaps most important and they will serve as a seed to a foundation that will open the doors to the vast and glorious wisdom of the Kamitan teachings. Dont forget that if you have any questions on these or any of the other items do not hesitate to ask.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Reply to Dee Dee Level 1 Audio Assignment Discussions in the forum Level
Udja,
Welcome to the program. Your reflections are good, and your commitments related to meditation and diet are good goals to strive to achieve at this stage in your spiritual evolution.
My comment is in response to your answer for the question: 1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words: “The main teachings brought out in the audio lecture were about purification of the personalities. One’s personalities must be pure in order to obtain enlightenment and true happiness. In order to purify theses personalities one must practice all of the Shedy disciplines simultaneously. Then the personalities can be expressed in a divine matter, which will ultimately lead one to spiritual enlightenment”
I just wanted to clarify the use of the term personalities in plural. I was not clear if you were referring to the personality of an individual or of many aspirants, hence plural, personalities.
When we are referring to an individual, we use the singular, personality. And we say there are four main aspects of the personality, the will, the emotion, the intellect, and the action. Each of these is cleansed by practice of one of the Shedy disciplines, Meditation (Uaa), Devotion (Uashu), Wisdom (Rekh), and Right Action (Maat Ari).
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(73.165.239.248)
Level 1 Lesson 1
AUDIO ASSIGNMENT:
An Evening with Sebai Maa and Seba Dja : Why is Shetaut Neter important?
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words.
Shetaut Neter is an authentic mystical spiritual path designed to help the seeker experience expanded awareness and discover the source of true happiness. It is an integral system with a balance approach to the spiritual disciplines. Shetaut Neter promotes the integration of the four aspects of the human personality; emotion, intellect, will, and action. The Yoga disciplines of Devotion, Wisdom, Meditation and Service bind together or infuse the four aspects personality transforming the human personality into awakened consciousness where the individual experiences inner joy, peace, and fulfillment that is not depended upon external reasons, people or circumstances.
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
Distractions and work load seem to hinder me from implementing the teachings on a consistent basis.
3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice.
I will work on developing a schedule that will allow me to set aside time to practice Shedy on a consistent basis. This will help me to control the many distractions.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO Theressa Holmes -Level 1 Lesson 1 AUDIO ASSIGNMENT:
Udja,
in reference to your answer to #3:
“3-If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice.
I will work on developing a schedule that will allow me to set aside time to practice Shedy on a consistent basis. This will help me to control the many distractions.”
This is a common issue especially but not exclusively affecting novice aspirants and along with implementing the solutions which you have stated, central to handling the issue of distraction is also what we have tried to create here and what we are seeking to improve in the next few months, a dynamic environment to experience the teaching in a vibrant community of aspirants with adept guidance. So spend time in this web page and http://www.egyptianyoga.com play the music, read articles and also visit the youtube page to see free presentations . Most of all interact with other students and attend conferences so you can have a well rounded experience. Then you will find that the teaching grows on you and it becomes effortless to stay on track and even joyous to do so as well as eventually you will not need the community but rather you will become internally sustained; at which point you will become a pillar of the community of shetaut neter and your service will be its own reward; peace, comradery and enlightenment.
HTP
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording?
Shetaut Neter is a integral approach to Spiritual enlightenment. It aids aspirants on a spiritual path towards obtaining enlightenment that is devoid of egoism.
Explain in your own words
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
Yes.
Currently I stopped eating Flesh of any kind. I am practicing a transition vegan plan as outlined in the book “Kemetic Diet”. I would currently classify myself as a Vegetarian (cooked Vegetables) but I have a transition plan and I plan to be “Full” vegan by 2016.
I practice Meditation 20 Minutes every Morning. I am new to meditation so I am currently sitting in a lotus position for 20 minutes quietly breathing via my stomach.
Every Morning I do the offering ritual (short Program) as outlined in the devotional worship book. (I don’t have a alter but I practice anyway ☺)
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja
This is a good progress. The integral aspect cannot be overlooked as it is important to your success. There usually is one aspect or path of the Sema (yoga) that is prominent but all have a role to play in the spiritual evolution.
20 minutes focusing on the breath is very good and you can later add 20 minutes in the evening as well. This has in addition to creating new powerful and positive aryu and leading you to calmness and clarity – lucidity of mind – it has many positive physiological aspects that promote overall health, mental balance, low blood pressure, etc. so definitely continue in this way. This will be a strong foundation for your studies and wisdom that you will receive in this program.
Later towards the end of the study of the workbook in part 1 of Level 1 studies the issue of an altar and setup will be discussed.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Charles replied to the topic Level 1 Audio Assignment Discussions
Udja,
Re:
I practice Meditation 20 Minutes every Morning. I am new to meditation so I am currently sitting in a lotus position for 20 minutes quietly breathing via my stomach.
This is good.
But also I would suggest that you practice the session that Sebai Maa has on this website.
The link is: http://www.egyptianyoga.com/AsaruCollege/simple-meditation-technique/
HTP, S. Dja
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
Level 1-Lesson 2
I was introduced to the chanting technique this week as an introduction into meditation and I was astonished at how easy it was for me to flow directly into a deep meditation. I also noticed that the “Om Ra Ptah” chant seems to help me focus more and visualize better during meditation.
Another addition this week was the incense and this made the meditation reminiscent of a worship experience I’ve experienced before.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja
It is a positive development whenever there is a kind of harmony in which the spiritual practices can flow more easily though that may not always happen in the same way every time especially in the struggling phase of spiritual practices (before attaining proficiency and having cleansed the unconscious aryu to a certain extent). So it is important keep in mind that the spiritual practice is a marathon and not a sprint to the finish line but also it is important to remember that there is a finish line eventually and it is to be reached in full form, with poise, purity and through relentless effort no matter if there is a good or bad day in meditation and through whatever the world throws at one. Then those aryus of relentlessness overpower any worldly aryu and the question of good or bad meditation days becomes moot.
HTP
Participant
(73.41.39.196)
Lesson 1 File: GS12- An Evening w/ Sebai Maa and Seba Dja Why in Shetaut Neter important-show_3576833.mp3
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words?
I loved the brief “mission Statement” on Shetaut Netjer from the host on Blogtalkraido.com I want to add.
The underlining essence behind all that exist in creation can be found in a transcendental essence which is referred as “self”. This method used to achieve these discoveries became the practice called Shetaut Netjer.
Why Shetaut Netjer? What makes Netjerism more beneficial? Why would one leave his current beliefs for netjerism? a)Why Netjerism, To find fulfillment/abiding peace ,thru a complete holistic system and philosophy. b)Shetaut Netjer is a viable path of spiritual evolution from the understanding of the mystical teachings to understand the ultimate goal of life. c) For the inter-peace to be able to entertain any thought and still have an authentic abiding peace within oneself thru everyday to day life , the holistic philosophy of Shetaut Netjer.
Is the purification of the personality a prerequisite for higher spiritual revelation? It indeed is a prerequisite and just as important in order to be a proper Vessel for the study and practice of Shetaut Netjer’s entire fulfillment. The Netjer being the governing characteristics of humans, in its purest form, If one takes the characteristics of the Netjer and can harness them in harmony then the initiate would be ready to learn.
Importance of Shedy: Shedy helps keep balance in time and space as well as keeps one in sync with nature itself in higher planes e.g. Earth, Heavens, Netherworld.
Helps purify your felling and emotions, clears ethical conscience, subdues desires with diet, takes the edge or on edge felling away. Quiet time + meditation= Strong Personality
Purification of intellect: Wisdom purification thru process of refection. The process gives the initiate a real feel of the teachings.
Conduit of divine: detachment from physical concerns while maintaining abiding peace.
- Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)? being able to entertain thought without being emotionally tied to the question or answer. I have this ability and its presence has helped my tremendously in understanding polar opposite sides to one story unbiasedly.
- If not then how will you implement the teachings you are not currently practicing, in your life and spiritual practice? I can’t meditate for a full amount of time recommended, I will find a way to work in the minimum five minutes a day at least, I will also continue to seek to see the divine in others no matter my current situation is with the other person, as to grow with the divine, I have to be as the divine.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Reggie Butts—-Lesson 1 File: GS12- An Evening w/ Sebai Maa and Seba Dja Why in Shetaut Neter important-show_3576833.mp3
Udja
One clarification: where you stated “felling and emotions,” this should be “feelings”. These are two separate aspects of the personality in which feelings are the deeper sum total result of aryu and that when awakened gives rise to emotions. This is explored throughout the program later.
“Feelings are good servants but poor masters.”
-Ancient Egyptian Proverb
On the point of: “being able to entertain thought without being emotionally tied to the question or answer.” This discipline develops gradually as the wisdom aspect grows and as feelings are purified through study of the teaching and participation in devotional exercises (daily worship program, rituals, etc.). This is an important key to spiritual evolution as it must develop so as to not have the intellect thwarted by dulling emotions that overwhelm the mind and compel it to actions that are either later regretted or actions which cause the formation of new intensified egoistic aryu that carries one farther away from spiritual realization and closer to egoistic misfortune. Studies have found that inmates that have practiced meditation discover the means to not act on emotions and get themselves into trouble. This is accomplished by understanding what is happening and how they fell into such mental degradation and also through the meditation practice which allows will power to develop through the quietude and comfort of being with oneself and in peace instead of being afraid of being with oneself and being instead always active, emotional and engaged with the fighting world of human experiences. Actually, all human beings are inmates and actually sometimes those who are not in jail but out in the world have it worse because they are free to be distracted and directionless or indulging in delusions, egoism, fears, addictions, etc. etc…while inmates have some opportunity to apply themselves to the teaching. So it behooves all aspirants, whether they are in or out, to take advantage of the opportunity to hear and act on this glorious teaching!
Indeed, proceed as best you can with meditative practice even if it is 1 minute and even if the mind is wary and eventually that is the seed of indomitable will and the subduing of ego.
HTP
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
Level 1-Lesson 3 Audio
1-What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words
- In Ancient Kmt there was no concept of the “Devil”. This is a external concept derived from the internal Set like qualities of a individual. Setian qualities have demonic like characteristics so once externalized (which is wrong) you get a “Devil”. Set represents the lower spiritual forces that are required for all beings living in the current time and space dream reality. Set also represents the ego of a person-ality that has been filled with ignorance and delusion.
- Conscious- Subconscious Unconscious Mind- if these are removed then you have the Neberjer (Great Spirit) from which all of the neteru are derived. Conscious/Subconscious/Unconscious is represented in ancient Kmt as Amun/Ra/Ptah.
2-Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
Yes (All of them Listening Ritual and Meditation)
Ritual
Every Sunday I attend our ritual worship service at the temple of Amun in Charlotte NC and our teacher and guide is Priest Ra Tem. His lectures provide an in depth and detailed understanding of the gods and goddesses and their aspects. This allows me to internalize this information and identify areas in my life that I need to improve upon.
Listen
In addition to the worship services I listen to the lesson as identified in our Egyptian mysteries class and blog talk radio reflections pod cast.
Meditation
I meditate once a day for ten minutes (chanting Om Amun Ra Ptah)
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Charles—Level 1-Lesson 3 Audio
Udja
Indeed, this is an important teaching of the issue of a so called “Devil” This guilt and the idea also of original sin and a personality out to tempt, and enslave the soul in damnation forever is a powerful and also deluded notion that leads to fear, more delusion, weak will, acquiescence in the face of that temptation and spiritual atrophy since there is a devil out there and I am weak so “the devil made me do it”!!!
Rendition of Ancient Egyptian man with a shedy room, an altar for personal spiritual practice in a room in his house
Indeed there is no devil, only ignorance that has led to error, negative feeling, detachment from humanity, that leads to egoism, selfishness, callousness, cruelty and all manner of negative aryu that goes on for lifetimes of suffering all the way around. This is what the teaching of shedy has been designed to alleviate and resolve. So keep up your practice and consultation with your mentor Priest Ratem as all this will complement the teaching you are receiving here.
“Know thyself as the pride of creation, the link uniting divinity and matter; behold a part of God Itself within thee; remember thine own dignity nor dare descend to evil or meanness.”
-Ancient Egyptian Proverb
HTP
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
Udja,
What is the purpose of the door on the Altar?
thanks!
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
The door is the division and passageway between the physical and the astral. In the temple there are several doors and there are divinities watching over them as well as designated priests and priestesses. These are passageways between physical areas of the temple but also between levels of conscious awareness. In Neterian metaphysics you can have a “false” door in a tomb but it is not “false” as it is referred to by egyptologists but rather a passageway to the astral plane and since no physical body, only the mind and soul use it, it can be located on a wall with 50 feet of rock behind and there is no problem!
khem
The door of the khem or “Holy of Holies of the temple (or shedy room) into the place where the divine image is kept shetaut (hidden) is the ultimate passageway to revealing the ultimate truth; and since this is Level 1 studies we will “leave it there” for now… Suffice for now to say that it is watched over by a designated priest or priestess and only aspirants of a certain attainment are allowed to even enter the room and let alone open that door until there is full readiness –of course that readiness is attained through practice of shedy in varying degrees of intensity, seeking purity through honest inner and outer guidance.
HTP
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Level 1 Video Assignment Discussions
Member Home Page › Forums › Level 1 › Level 1 Video Assignment Discussions
This topic contains 76 replies, has 11 voices, and was last updated by admin 22 hours, 59 minutes ago.
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Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja-Use this forum to post your video assignment work
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
The important themes that I took away from the video lesson 1 was:
- There are nothing wrong with desires. It is when desires become exaggerated and uncontrolled that they present a problem. ex. There is nothing wrong with have a desire to attain money to take care of ones’ basic needs of life and for the time when working is not physically possible but when we make that the focus of life is where to problem comes in. We can easily forget that money is an aid to the destination but not the end goal.
- The antiquity of the yoga disciplines originating in Egypt has been documented by Indian writers. These include Hatha Yoga postures know as Thef Neteru as well as the names of the Gods and Goddesses having an Egyptian foundation before the classical Sanskrit era where the more popular Sanskrit names are used.
- The most important theme in my opinion was of not wasting time on those who are on a religious path or those who practice the major Orthodox Religions as well as many other forms of incomplete religious practices. A true seeker of truth and real knowledge will indeed have a different approach to the Kemetic teachings than those who are only sampling the teachings. I have personal experience on this issue right now as we are taking the class. I have friends who read the Kemetic teachings by Sebai Maa but like the borgs only take what they want and leave the rest and they are a distraction. It is hard for me at times because I want to bring them along with me but it truly doesn’t work that way. It is only so much you can offer to a person but it is up to them if they want to “eat the pudding”. The path to Nehast is a path of self discovery that is aided by good association but still it has to be an individual effort to reach enlightenment. Plus too much conversing with those on religious path can lead to egoism as I have experienced the mind will tend to create division and ultimately a superiority complex making you think you are better then them not realizing that you were once them in a previous life and that ultimately in the highest sense they don’t exist and neither do you. It is only Pa Neter and this is what the end goal is of the Kemetic path is to reach Nehast.
Htp.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja
I am glad you were able to login and make these comments. I think the website is working in a better configuration now.
These are very good reflections and I think you got out of the materials what was intended. I can tell that you have been gaining in understanding of the philosophy through your study and associations with us in the past and I think you are starting to recognize what the spiritual path, an authentic spiritual path, is supposed to be. That is what this fist level of study is intended to impart. In reference to desires; this is a good working understanding for this level of study and as we progress you will see how that understanding will mature further. Indeed, as to the issue of family and friends, there is a teaching that “you should speak to those who understand you” and this relates to your spiritual family in the teaching. Those who are dabbling are at a particular level and that is ok for them, but for you, who aspire to more, that would be moving backwards. It is critical to understand this so as to not allow those other associations to be obstructions either by having wrong ideas about them and trying to include them or leaving them all together which may not be necessary: in other words establishing the proper balance which is part of this program to work out. This does not mean to leave them altogether, but it means not thinking they are with you or on your same path; for that you will find it here in this program as well as the conferences and our other programs. So with this understanding keep up the work you have started and move with us towards the higher goal that you have embarked on.
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Lesson 1 – Intro to SN short part 1b.mp4
List the important themes presented
The important themes presented in this video are:
- The Creation Myth- how creation and religion came into being
2. Authenticity of Kemet and Kemet spiritual system – as coming before other known religions as an advanced culture for spiritual evolution
3. Shetaut Neter – Ancient Religion of Kemet (Neterians are followers of Shetaut Neter)
4. Shemsu Neteru – Feeling, thinking, becoming like Gods and Goddesses who gives us entry in penetrating the mysteries of the Divine
5. Shedy – four disciplines that purify the four aspects of our personality which lead to enlightenment
6. Four Great truths of Shetaut Neter
7. Virtue/Truth – purpose of life
8. Three stages of Religion – Myth, Ritual and Mysticism
9. Heru / Set – Opposites of creation that needs to be brought into harmony- represents our higher and lower selves.
Explain what impressed you most in this presentation
The explanation of the three important stages of religion and using Aset as a specific example gave practical steps in understanding the teachings of the Temple of Aset which is to listen, reflect and meditate on the teachings. Listening to the myth then living it (shemsu Neteru) leads to the third level which is mystical experience. I specifically liked that the reenactment of the myth is to revive in us the feelings associated with the characters in the myth. I experienced this at the Neterian Conference last year when Sebai retold the story of HetHeru using sound (his voice) and visual effects. Also at the 2014 conference through chanting of the name of Gods and Goddesses and meditating on some of them.
The Four Great Truths of Shetaut Neter sums up the answers to some questions of life such as Who am I? Why am I here? And what is my purpose. Who we truly are, what we have become and why and also the way to find ourselves back to our true essence, the truth which is the purpose of life. I also thought that the pattern presented in this video outlined the underlying theme in the Hetheru myth, we are at our essence one with creation, Divine but due to ignorance of this which is caused by unrighteousness we ultimately fall into ignorance of our Divine nature, just as Hetheru did when she became Sehkmet. Devotion to the Divine is the way back to our true nature and shedy is the way to achieve this great spiritual awakening, Nehast.The truth.
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
this reply is to Akua – Lesson 1 – Intro to SN short part 1b.mp4
Udja
well done. I think you caught all the most important messages in the presentation. In your case I think the attendance at the conferences has served you well as I detect a comfort level with your current understanding and feeling with the teaching so far and this is what is desired, to have a comfortable and firm seating in the foundations of the teaching. As you move further you will gain a similar grasp of the other main mythic traditions and you will see how much depth there is each and as you do meld that growing knowledge with of myth with the tools of the shedy disciplines you and the other aspirants in the program will be able to move comfortably among them and be able to take and assimilate and live the glorious teachings they provide. Then too will come the depth of the Asarian myth followed by the mysticism of the Pertemheru.
Indeed, the three stages of religion and Great Truths are pillars of the Neterian teaching. Of course everything from 109 is foundational and as you proceed these will become as familiar to your life and experience as any other aspect you currently know. So continue in this manner of understanding and we will build on that.
HTP
Keymaster
(209.156.3.10)
Udja Aspirant Andrew,
Relative to desires, there are 3 types in general: dull desires (to hurt others, etc.), agitated desires (engaging in actions…”to be happy”), and lucid desires (desires to attain Nehast and all that is needed in practical life to accomplish this). A desire must first be Maatian – and one needs to understand that true abiding happiness is not to be found in anything in the external world…only pleasure which is transient and limited…and this is just a tiny ray of the happiness that is your true essence, as the the Higher Self. So desires to pursue anything in the world with a dependency on it to feel happy will ultimately fail when that thing on is depending on externally collapses. So desire to experience your higher Self. This is not an abandonment of the world, but a proper relationship with the world. Informal meditation (Maat – Selfless service/righteous action, Wisdom studies, Devotion) is to be performed relative to the worldly interactions…seeing and serving the HS in others, seeing beyond their ego-personality even while at the same time handling the practical reality of their ego-personality while applying Maat. HTP. S. Dja
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja Seba Dja,
Dua for your response to Andrew’s reflection. When you said “seeing and serving the HS in others, seeing beyond their ego-personality even while at the same time handling the practical reality of their ego-personality while applying Maat” is the way to handle the ego personality also based on knowing their state of mind (dull, agitated etc.) and responding accordingly per the teachings, hereby applying Maat? Can you please expound on this a little more.
Dua
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja,
Re Akua’s question:
Udja Seba Dja, Dua for your response to Andrew’s reflection. When you said “seeing and serving the HS in others, seeing beyond their ego-personality even while at the same time handling the practical reality of their ego-personality while applying Maat” is the way to handle the ego personality also based on knowing their state of mind (dull, agitated etc.) and responding accordingly per the teachings, hereby applying Maat? Can you please expound on this a little more. Dua Htp
Response: The following KMT mystical spiritual wisdom gives further insight:
“Strive to see with the inner eye, the heart.
It sees the reality not subject to emotional or personal error;
it sees the essence. Intuition then is the most important quality to develop
Practical reality has a place in mystical spiritual practice…it’s the training ground for developing spiritual proficiency…the “informal meditation” disciplines of Uashu (Devotion), Maat (Righteous actions and selfless service) and Rekh (Wisdom…listening, reflecting, meditating and acting on the teaching).
Maat allows situations to be handled in a spiritual manner ethically. A higher aspect of Maat is feeling that you are essentially the Higher Self as you are involved in actions (which automatically implies that you will be acting with Maat)…which you are essentially. So, keeping awareness of your “NUK PU ASAR (or Nut or Aset…whatever your tutelary divinity) essence.
Likewise, as you interact with people, seemingly individual ego-personalities acting egoistically (through dull, agitated or agitated lucid mind), you strive to remember the deeper teachings of who they essentially are, regardless of if they are aware of it or not. This is the deeper practice of Devotion.
Parents do this with their children…when they say, focus on the behavior being bad, not the child being bad. When children behave badly, the parent continues their love for them…that love does not waiver in the face of their behaving badly, even as the parent disciplines the child. Even if a child commits a serious crime, that parent still loves the child, even though not agreeing with the choice that child made. So, even a child acting with anMaat (unrighteousness) does not stop the parent from feeling love towards the child.
So too, as you handle “spiritually immature souls” in the world, and even souls that are “behaving badly (anMaat), you can still continue to allow that love of the Higher Self (this is now the discipline of Uashu-devotion) to flow towards their essential nature, even as you are not pleased with their behavior, even as you know they have lessons to learn…that may take lifetimes.
Also, when you are interacting with others, and you become aware of their level of spiritual attainment, if you deem them to spiritually immature…you handle accordingly.
Again, this is like dealing with physical age. If you see a toddler crying and having a tantrum because they want to go live on the moon, you won’t be able to scientifically explain why that can’t be. You may say something like, okay, we will go when you grow up. Only grown up children are allowed on the moon. When the child grows up, then you can give a different, scientifically based answer…and the child will even laugh at it’s toddler desire.
So, too, approach people and deal with people at their level; this reduces disappointment, and increases harmony, as you can still have good relationships with people in your lives/families/friends/work, at all levels. Maybe with the dull person, you can watch a TV show that you both like, to spend time with that person. With the agitated person, you can go shopping with them once in a while when you need to purchase some new clothes or gifts. And you can engage in spiritual interactions with the more lucid personality. But also, you can allow for others to change/grow as well, but this will be based on their actions, so you will be able to adjust to them as they change.
Another mystical spiritual proverb tells: “To teach one must know the student; to know the student one must know the student’s symbolism.”
So, these type of “assessments” are normal adaptation methods for humans and even non-human animals (we naturally develop different ways of interacting with different people and animals, and even parents interact with each child differently, according to the child’s “symbolism” {level of spiritual maturity}). And even children know which questions to ask their mother versus their father. All this is a sort of knowing the other person’s symbolism, and this is an important aspect of growing spiritually as well.
Please let me know if this response answered your questions.
HTP, S. Dja
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja Seba Dja,
Dua for such an in depth response. Ny, your response answered my question. It served as a valuable reflection point for me. I have been asking this question in different ways for a while now and it’s beginning to come together for me where it is now applicable. My current understanding based on reflecting on your response is ;
1. If someone is behaving egotistically, if I Nuk properly, come into alignment with Self/Asar/Divinity, Maat will automatically be present and I will be able to see this reflection(Divinity) in the other person, hence separating their behavior/action/ego from their Higher Self.
2. It is important to develop intuition, this allows one to know a person’s level of spiritual maturity which leads to actions/responses to harmonize the interactions we engage in – also knowing this allows us to live and interact in physical reality on different levels, in different relationships without attachment
3. I should practice, practice, practice (Informal Devotion)
Htp
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Replying to Akua. Udja. I like that you mentioned to Hetheru Myth. One aspect of the Myth shows how ignorance can lead us to take drastic negative measures in life. So we must always be mindful of our actions.
Htp
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja AhmadPtah-El,
Dua for joining this study group. I’m grateful that this forum is available to us and I look forward to everyone’s contribution. Ny, I agree ignorance definitely blinds our ‘vision’. The first two virtues of a spiritual aspirant (and usually the ones that stick out in my memory) are 1. control your thoughts 2. control your actions . I think these are first for the exact reason you state, so we can start becoming mindful. Dua
htp
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Udja Akua. I am happy and grateful to participate in this forum. In regards to the first two virtues, I agree with you.
Htp
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
Udja Sebai Maa,
In response to your comments, I have taken a step back from talking about the details of spirituality with my friends. I am beginning to see that only in this environment can one really deal with serious questions about oneself and how to mature as well as the answers that follow. If one has not accepted a spiritual path as authentic and is not beginning to allow ones life to be transformed by it then they wouldn’t be able to fully follow any advice coming from that path as well. I have realized that in doing the meditation I am paying more attention to the thoughts that arise and that alone has been helping to pull back and not say many things I would normally say in the course of a given conversation. I have also been reflecting on the balance of ones relative life and their spiritual movement. I am shedding the old thought process that one has to get rid of everything and everyone in order to grow not saying that I should indulge in it but I’m not trying to develop extreme views anymore.
Htp.
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja Andrew,
Dua for adding your insights on your experience in trying to spread the teachings to others and the futility of such efforts. I have had similar experiences in my short time on the path. In the beginning I was so excited I couldn’t shut up, then it dawned on me that it’s not being received as intended to people I wanted to understand it. As Seba Dj mentioned at the Neterian Conference, truth is relevant to the level of one’s consciousness. As you also add, Nehast is a path of self-discovery. I am too learning to just accept others where they are and continue to work on myself and just be an example of the teachings. Seba Dja also touched on this at the Neterian conference when she said if you want a world of nehast you have to first obtain it. . Dua again for your insights and contribution to this.
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Reply to Akua Nyarko
Udja
Again, good reflections. Also, I would add that your experiences of coming into the teaching, becoming excited and wanting to share your newfound wisdom and benefit of the teaching is quite normal and so is the realization that only those who are ready can share in it just like you can’t force a mango tree to give fruit before it matures to a certain level. However, this shows your positive capacity in wanting and trying to share for that is also an innate human/spiritual trade, to have something good and wanting to share it with those most in need of it. However, only when the aryu, the unconscious mind, is able to allow it to be received will the conscious mind be able to contemplate it. Otherwise it is as if the person lives in a different world and indeed they do. Coming into this realization you the aspirant sublimate those feelings and effectively, maatianly, put them to work where they can be most effective, to elevate yourself and your community (spiritual community and also your neighborhood where you live) by doing service in the temple as well as your shedy disciplines and for your neighborhood doing good works in the community to uplift the environment, but not necessarily preaching Shetaut Neter! But rather doing good works and only giving wisdom if it is asked and to the extent that it is asked and to the extent of one’s knowledge and not overstepping into speculation or imagination.
HTP
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja Sebai,
Dua for adding the importance of where to channel the energy that comes with wanting to share the teachings. More and more I am seeing where living the example of the teachings is important on the spiritual path and the shedy disciplines such as Maat ari is a way in which to exemplify this. Dua
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Reply to Andrew Garrow
Udja
These are good reflections and this positive line of thought is the way to progress on the spiritual path.
HTP
Participant
(71.59.4.235)
Udja Andrew
I think that the meditation aspect have really helped me a lot as well. I encounter on a daily basis the relationship between people that strongly believe in Jesus Christ and I used to not talk about my spiritual life around them because I knew that they wouldn’t understand me but what I did encounter was that when I was asked about my spiritual system they didn’t understand it but some could relate and they say that they could see a similarity between their religion and my spiritual system. What I don’t understand is when I ask someone about Shetaut Neter or Maat they never heard of it but at the same time are so quick to criticize. That’s why meditation is so important to me. It keeps me with a sound mind and spirit to maintain through this system of the world and it’s followers. I think surrounding ones self with like minded individuals plays an important role in my spiritual walk. I think quiet time is good but reflecting and networking with like mined other spiritual Aspirants is awesome and at the same time the Aspirant is making an impact in some others lives.
Hotep
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
Dua Seba Dja,
I will continue to reflect on and apply your wisdom given.
Htp.
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
The important themes presented in the video are:
1. Understanding the basic foundation of Shetaut Neter/Neterianism; due to the fact that what Western Historians/Anthropologist covered up that which they did not understand with dogma.
2. Neterianism is a spiritual system formulated to assist a Neterian to achieve enlightenment. There must be present, a righteous student and preceptor for spiritual evolution to be effective. This is accomplished through myth, ritual and mysticism. Also, it is one whole system of spirituality consisting of different traditions which are based on one teaching.
3. The Nubians and Ancient Egyptians are the same people and the Dogon and Yoruba has documented that they are descendants of the Ancient Egyptians. We here in the Americas are also connected to the Ancient Egyptians via the “Middle Passage.”
4. The Founder of Neterianism is Lord Khepri via the Creation Myth.
5. Shetaut Neter is what the Ancient Egyptians called their form of spirituality.
6. Who are the Neterians- they are those who consider themselves Shemsu (followers). They follow, feel, act, think and become like the Neteru (cosmic forces), hence they get access into deeper spirituality.
7. While learning Neterianism, we must understand that the Neteru are “crutches” to assist the mind in developing and gaining understanding of Neterianism. The Neteru are aspects of the all-encompassing Divine.
8. African and Eastern Concept of Divinity is that Divinity is in creation and creation is a manifestation of Divinity.
9. Understanding the images of the Neteru helps shape the mind in understanding the cosmic forces of Divinities.
10. The main purposes of Life are to achieve a state of consciousness apart from bodily concerns, men and women are to become God-like, and we must control the forces of the cosmos instead of being a slave to the cosmos (i.e. astrology).
11. Neterianism has 3 stages: Myth, Ritual, and Mysticism.
12. When coming into and learning Shetaut Neter, one must implement listening, reflecting, and meditation on the teachings.
13. The most important myth is the Resurrection of Asar and that we must reenact the myth because revives the Neteru in us and it is the process of Shetaut Neter.
14. The Four Great Truths
15. Sema Tawi- Heru is the higher self of the personality, Set is the lower self of the personality. Heru and Set also represents Upper and Lower Ancient Egypt. The scriptures tell us so. We become the character and we must control the lower self to resurrect Asar.
16. Shedy Disciplines- Enlightened Intellect, Enlightened Actions, Enlightened Feelings, Meditation, and following a Kemetic Diet.
What impressed me most in this presentation is how Sebai Maa expounded on The 3 stages of Neterianism and how we must utilize all three to activate the Neteru in us. Viewing this presentation and having the opportunity to attend the 2014 Conference, it gave me a better understanding, appreciation, and new perspective on the requirements of being a Neterian and achieving spiritual enlightenment utilizing an authentic spiritual system. During the conference, I was able to view and participate in all aspects of the 3 Stages. Dua Sebai Maa and Seba Dja!
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: AhmadPtah-El —The important themes presented in the video are:
Udja
Additionally, Western Historians/Anthropologist sometimes also follow a party line so they can keep their defunct industry (Egyptology) reputations and positions since if they were to make the corrections needed they would necessarily lose the prominence and other scholars such as afroicologists, philosophy and religious studies faculty would become more prominent since it would become self-evident that not only is Ancient Egyptian culture African but it has an extensive religious and socio-ethical philosophy comparable to that of the major world religions that is as viable and worthy of study as any other. They might indeed also lose their positions since it is obvious that Egyptologists, the way that the discipline is currently setup is not qualified to present the history, religious studies, philosophy, philology, psychology, science, etc. fields that are present in . By maintaining the character as an ancient civilization that is dead, then they maintain control over it so to speak.
Though everything in the universe is connected and certainly everything on earth is affected (to some degree-but not completely) by what happens in the milky way galaxy and the Black Hole at the center of the galaxy, that mostly refers to the physical matter comprising the physical world and body but also the subtle matter which composes the mind of the human being. Nevertheless, when a human being moves away from exclusive physical conscience, through practice of shedy, then the effects of nature, other people and planets, etc. are reduced. When the human is not caught up in ignorance and egoism (being controlled by their unconscious aryu) and when they are able to rise above that physical nature (becoming aware of the spirit nature beyond time and space), then they do not have to be concerned with astronomical or astrological effects.
HTP
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Dua for your insight Sebai Maa. Much appreciated.
Htp.
Participant
(50.170.117.248)
1) Video: Intro to Shetaut Neter Part 1B
2) The major themes presented include:
b. The Egyptian religion can be traced to around 7-10,000 B.C., when there was enough rain to create the observable water damage to the Sphinx.
c. The Ancient Egyptian Religion predates and shares commonalities with other religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism.
d. Shetaut Neter means the spirituality of the hidden essence. Shemsu Neter refers to the followers of the Neter, or the supreme divinity.
e. The Neteru represent aspects of the Neter, or the supreme divinity. By getting to know the Neteru, we learn about the supreme divinity.
f. The concept of God from a Western perspective is a personality that is separate from creation; this image of God leads to strife between people. The concept of God from the Ancient Egyptian (and Eastern) perspective is an all-encompassing supreme being that includes and is within all people.
g. The purpose of life is salvation/spiritual enlightenment.
h. The world is a dream/illusion, and cannot provide true happiness.
i. There are 3 stages of religion: (Myth, Ritual, Mysticism). The myth is the story that presents the teaching. The ritual is the devotional practice. Mysticism is reenacting the ritual through life.
j. All Egyptian mystical traditions as descendant of 1 original teaching.
k. The 4 truths of Shetaut Neter suggest that practicing the ancient Egyptian religion leads to freedom from ignorance, and knowledge of the divine.
l. The divine is both male & female.
m. The three-times daily worship represents creation as Khepri in the morning, Ra at noon, and Tem in the evening.
3) I liked learning about how the connection between the Ancient Egyptian religion and other religions may have occurred: in 5500 B.C. when ancient Egypt was under attack by the Persians. It makes perfect sense that the religion could have spread as Egyptians were taken away as slaves, or fled to other parts of the world as refugees, e.t.c.
I also enjoyed the visual image of the Nubians and ancient Egyptians, and the lesson that followed. It was gratifying to learn that since trade existed between ancient Egypt and West Africa, we as descendants of slaves from West Africa may have ancient Egyptian heritage also.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: LindseyHunnicutt—1) Video: Intro to Shetaut Neter Part 1B
Udja
Dua for your post
The teaching of the three stages of religion is of paramount importance for all aspirants. The matnu or myth, presents teachings about the nature of existence and the origins of the soul as well as the mythic wisdom of a culture through a legend or epic through which the characters of the myth work out the situations that unfold the origins, culture and traditions of the culture. That mythic teaching is ritualized, reflected upon and lived through traditions, holidays, reenactments and observances, study, chant of divine name and reflections on the teaching of the mythic wisdom. Then in the last state the flowering of the myth and its ritualization comes together in a mystic experience that is beyond actions and worldly feelings or thoughts. This is achieved through advancing the philosophy, advanced meditation and withdrawal of the senses from worldly control. This process allows one to discover the underlying essential nature of self.
HTP
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Lesson 2 – Intro to SN short part 2b.mp4
List the important themes presented
- Basic Daily observances of Shemsu – origin, practices
1. Worship – two forms, public and private
2. Glorious Light Meditation (origin and components of practice)
3. Maat Philosophy – Judgment scene – Divinities associated with
it
4. Disciplines of the postures – teachings of ancient Egyptian
theater, journey, act and feel like the divinities, meditative
session
B. Learning how to think/Reason – learn from spiritual preceptor,
learning to apply teachings - Authenticity of spiritual aspiration – have faith in
preceptors ability to lead you to the truth, surrender to
teachings, be committed
6. Integral practice – each part of personality is to be
harmonized and developed in a balanced way
7. Reflection – important to allow time to process teachings.
8. Wisdom – knowledge plus experience = wisdom. True wisdom is
intuitional understanding/direct understanding of a
subject which comes from listening, reflecting and
meditation
Explain what impressed you most in this presentation
In the explanation of the judgment scene someone made a comment about Asar-Sokar and his form as King of the netherworld and the form of Heru being identical. Sebai answered saying yes but also the form of Ra and Ra-Herakuti being the same as well. I liked the explanation that they are the same Divinity just manifested differently based on different situations. This made me think of the other Neteru’s as well being from the same source but manifesting different aspects of the Divine. I hope to gain more understanding on the aspect of the trinity of Ra, Heru, Asar that Sebai mentioned in the future.
I particularly appreciated the explanation of reasoning and learning how to think and how this is important to acquire from the spiritual preceptors. This is important to be able to apply the teachings to our lives. The explanation of yoga of wisdom further helped me in my understanding. If I understand correctly, being able to reason and think properly will give way to intellectual brightness. In a sense one will have the capacity to understand the teachings, the process of training the mind for true wisdom which is intuitional understanding of a subject. Intellectual brightness by itself does not equal wisdom, Information is not wisdom. Knowledge plus experience equals wisdom. This is why integral practice is important, this is where we experience the philosophy and teachings. Listen, reflect meditate. This in itself is a process that requires time and patience. For example though this video was only 20 mins long it took me longer than I thought to be comfortable with its contents were I felt that I completely understand. I replayed it quite a few times as well.
htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Akua Nyarko—Lesson 2 – Intro to SN short part 2b.mp4
Udja
Dua for these reflections. Indeed you obtained very salient points from the presentation. Definitely, the task of an aspirant-in terms of the wisdom study- is to learn how to reason like the preceptor, how do they think about things, with what basis of logic but also with what intuitional insight. So an aspirant may not know a particular answer not having full wisdom or experience, but they can learn to reason by first asking what would the preceptor say about this?, what would he think?, how would she think about this issue?, etc.
The path of wisdom cleanses the mind and trains it to think correctly, philosophically, and then leads it to one pointed concentration, which opens up the transcendental insight of intuitional realization.
The divinities are indeed aspects of each other in different contexts and in different mythic teachings and sometimes they are aspects of themselves in different modes to express particular teachings to persons in particular levels of spiritual evolution. This is a hallmark of advanced religion and henotheistic theology. Ra, Her and Asar are actually aspects of the one divine and rightly you have gained this wisdom from the presentation. This teaching with these divinities is explored further in the program.
Over the years I have noticed that I have conducted many lectures that we have archived and that contain very relevant teaching but many people gravitate towards live presentations – a normal feature of humanity. However, an avid aspirant reads and listens and views all they can to feed the desire for wisdom and realization and they read it again and again until the teaching has been fully assimilated and internalized and even then they may go back to it in the future as it is pleasurable to engage the mind in a process that reflects truth, expansion, glory. .. For this reason these special tapes have been selected for specialized concentrated study and as you see if you go over them there is much wisdom to be mined so people who see them once and move on to the next of something else without stopping and concentrating are missing out. In this program I then can concentrate on augmenting the teaching through the Q and A section and thereby the tapes take on a different level of dynamism, relevance and teaching power.
HTP
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Dua Sebai,
” The path of wisdom cleanses the mind and trains it to think correctly, philosophically, and then leads it to one pointed concentration, which opens up the transcendental insight of intuitional realization ”
Dua for this insight Sebai. This compliments my understanding of a section in lesson 3 book assignment that I just completed which state that everything that affects the mind conditions the mind.
Ny. I do find that it is very pleasurable to engage the mind in the wisdom teachings that reflects truth. There are so many recordings available that I am not sure I could get through them all at a pace to accommodate purposeful reflection in this lifetime I give thanks that you picked the ones that benefits us at this level. Dua!
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja
Indeed, there are two important points in your reply; first it is very auspicious to take pleasure in studying philosophy for this portends a keen intellect and one backed by feelings which if purified by devotion becomes a powerful potential spiritual movement. Much of the power comes from the purity of devotional feeling because it does not allow the intellect to philosophize ad infinitum, which is what happens to many aspirants who have above average intellectual capacity, focusing on the philosophy and missing the important and transcendental points so they stay at the level of mind and do not progress to intuition. To that, also indeed, it is not necessary to go through all lectures we have ever given but to gain the teaching that opens the doors to enlightenment. To that point, these are definitely some essential presentations and there are more, yet the goal is to gain and understand the teaching and not to go through endless studies. After all, this is not orthodox religion, that strives to keep people hoolked on faith. It is mysticism which seeks to help aspirants discover the truth of their existence now and not at some future post-death time and place based on faith and a life of ignorance, delusion, and unabated egoism and still hoping for heavenly rewards at the end!
HTP
Participant
(170.98.106.254)
Udja Akua Nyarko, I too feel like the most impressive topic mention in video 2, was the importance of apply both the wisdom teaching and practice togather in order to obtain enlightenment. Funny I was thinking the same thing as far as the video being only 20 minutes long but I had to play it a few times my self to write down all of the inforamtion to make sure I undertood what was being said, A lot of good information in a short space of time.
Participant
(50.170.117.248)
Lesson 2: Video Assignment
1) Video: Intro to Shetaut Neter, Short part 2b
2) The main themes I noticed in the video were:
a. Public vs. Private Worhip
i. Public worship was conducted in the temple, led by priests and priestesses.
ii. Private worship was conducted privately before an altar created in the home.
b. The Glorious Light Meditation System
i. This is the oldest known formal meditation system.
ii. It includes instructions for postures, chants, and visualization.
c. The Judgment Scene from the Pert M Heru text
i. God Asar-Sokar: avian form of Asar as King of the Netherworld
1. Part of the Hawk Trinity of Ra, Asar-Sokar, and Heru
ii. Goddess Meskhet: determines where people will be incarnated
iii. Three possible fates after death:
1. Heart is heavier than Maat (due to worries, anxiety, sinfulness, e.t.c.): Soul will suffer, then reincarnate
2. Heart balances with Maat: Soul will reincarnate as a helper of Asar
3. Heart is lighter than Maat: Soul will sit on Asar, and become one with him
d. Sema Tawi Postures
i. Provides a physical and mythological workout
ii. Aspirants learn to act and feel like divinities
iii. Can also be seen as a meditation system
iv. Reenaction of mythic drama (like ancient Egyptian theater)
v. 5 phases: Khepri (creation), Earth phase, Transition, Higher Self, Establishment
vi. Is a contrast from Yoga as practiced in modern-day Western Society
1. Western Yoga focuses mainly on the physical
e. Learning from a Spiritual Preceptor
i. The preceptor teaches aspirants how to think, feel, and reason in ways that will lead to spiritual enlightenment
ii. Aspirants should not carry their own “will” into the relationship
1. The preceptor’s answers should not be debated
2. Many aspirants fail due to not wanting to change their way of thinking
f. What is wisdom?
i. Wisdom= knowledge + experience
ii. Information does not equal wisdom
iii. Intellectualism is not equal to enlightenment
1. The intellect only allows aspirants to understand the teachings
iv. True wisdom involves intuitional understanding
1. Intuition is direct understanding.
v. This is achieved through: listening, reflecting, and meditating on the teachings, to ultimately become one with them.
3) What impresses me the most is the intricacy of ancient Egyptian mythology. It seems as if every character and event within the myths represents at least one specific thing; and everything relates to each other in a deeply meaningful way.
For example, I had never previously heard of the Hawk Trinity of Ra, Asar-Sokar, and Heru. One of the books about Shetaut Neter that I have is the Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Gods & Goddesses. After I watched the video, I looked at the section of the book that is about the Hawk Trinity. I read that the hawk is a major symbol in Anunuian mythology because it flies high above, and sees everything from the tiniest object, to entire regions. Then, I read that the hawk trinity represents the supreme divinity in different planes of existence; Ra is perfection in the heavens, Asar Sokar is perfection in the Netherworld, and Heru is perfection in the physical plane.
I continue to be amazed by Egyptian mythology and mysticism.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: LindseyHunnicutt—Lesson 2: Video Assignment
Udja
You got many important points from the presentation. Dua
Indeed, Ancient Egyptian Theurgy or the science of religion – practiced by our ancestors is indeed extensive and glorious for its breadth and depth but mostly for its glorious living teaching , the shetitu or philosophy that reveals (nehast) the shetaut (mystery) in shetaut Neter. And this is what we seek to live and share with those who are qualified to hear and understand. All of these points you are gaining are to be remembered and reviewed so as to keep them as salient ideas. Consider that the world relentlessly gives its presentation which humans perceive as an illusion and thus become deluded by that. By doing regular shedy and reviewing the teaching regularly say review the archives once monthly, then you are also engaging a counter movement towards reality, sanity and enlightenment that defeats the illusory perceptions of life.
HTP
Participant
(209.118.240.155)
Udja Lindsey Hunnicutt,
Ancient Egyptian mythology has impressed me also. In the past, I had always shunned mythology, especially Greek and Roman mythology while in school. Their stories never made any sense to me at all. For example, Romulus and Remus- The two orphaned brothers who suckled on the breasts of a female wolf. It was taught in school that the two brothers started civilization. Ever since I started studying Ancient Kemet mythology via SN, I have a greater appreciating and understanding for mythology and it’s purpose. Also, I separate Kemetian mythology from all others because I now know the purpose of mythology.
Participant
(71.59.4.235)
Intro To SN short Part 1
List the important themes presented:
The most important themes presented to me are as follows, I think that things that people aren’t used to seeing or exposed to daily are hard for them to adapt to. Many people hate to think outside of the box and try something different because I think that they are afraid of failure. Even though they parish for lack of knowledge they allow themselves to not change. I just don’t understand the concept of Christianity. What I mean by that is that people who are followers of Jesus Christ how can one not see that it’s not working for them. I used to believe in Jesus Christ as well but I always felt within my spirit that it wasn’t enough for me. I had always had a feeling as though there was always something missing in my life under that teaching. It didn’t seem to move my spirit. I did that because that was all that I knew at that time. When I became older I started to explore different teachings. That’s what got me to where I am. I allowed myself to try different things and listen to different teachings. I think that it’s crucial to allow the spirit to be exposed to all teachings. Then one have to have the right spiritual enlightenment at least the basic (knowing and recognizing). It starts with self first. I learned that there was contact between North East Africa and West Africa through the trade routes. Because our Ancestors was brought to the United States as slaves those ancestors are related.
Explain what impressed you most in this presentation.
What impressed me most in this presentation was learning about Who are the Neterians. From my understanding they are people that consider themselves Shemsu, and Shemsu means followers. Following means to do something like, acting like, to feeling like, thinking like, and finally becoming like. That is where I am trying to manifest. To become more like the divinities to have a higher level of concentrated peace and greater insight into the teachings.
Hotep
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Rajiha—Intro To SN short Part 1
Udja
Your reflections about Christianity from your perspective are appreciated. Most people in humanity live lives of what Thoreau called “quiet desperation”. They are desperate and yet subdued due to conditioning, fear of change, inferiority complex, ignorance of their own capacities to change and since the intellect is atrophied by all that they lack in imagination, optimism and will to forge ahead. Their lack of ethical conscience forces them to follow paths of self-destruction, like voting for a corrupt system in which the two dominant parties are arms of fascism or eating meat and smoking, environmental pollution and just living in a toxic society are known carcinogens. It is important though to realize that we were once like that either earlier in this life or in a previous one so we can have understanding and compassion but always answering the call of our own higher aspiration and in so doing also showing a better way for those who are able to listen. And for those who cannot listen now, they will get it in a future lifetime.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Reply to : Rajiha
Re: What I mean by that is that people who are followers of Jesus Christ how can one not see that it’s not working for them.
Udja,
Souls are at different levels of spiritual evolution/maturity on the path. Most Christians would indeed argue that their religion IS working for them, for without it, they would be much worse people.
At their level of spiritual evolution, it is what they are capable of…orthodox religion, because it makes them a little good (give up a little bit of ego), and also allows them to hold on to their ego-personality, the sense of I-ness and my-ness, which is so hard to give up. It is a stage of spiritual evolution for souls…but souls mature past this stage…sometimes taking years and sometimes lifetimes. HTP, S. Dja
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
Lesson 1 Assignment 1: Intro to SN short 1b
List the important themes presented
1.Establishes Kemetic cultural/spiritual civilization as the oldest evidenced by the stiations on the Horemakhet from water damage established by geologists around 7,000- 10,000 B.C.E.
2.There is an incredible distance between the civilization of Ancient Kemit and the practice of the other major religions such as Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. which are often times credited as being the ancient ones. Although our ancient practices may have seemed lost for thousands of years, it was always in existence and being practiced by many all over the world under the disguise of other names and sometimes for other purposes besides Enlightenment. Everything comes from the all but may only reflect a part of the all as the Hyksos concentrated on Set.
3.It gave solid answers to the potentially awkward questions we may face in ourselves and to others such as what is this “religion” about and who founded it. As a follower of Shetaut Neter, I am assured that I am standing in truth, whether I can articulate the best answers on the spot or not, they are there. I am relieved and impressed with creation’s ability to come forth in such divine order and precision, that after billions of forms later the same formula works to create, dissolve and completes the only purpose in life, to awaken.
4. Although there and many temples in Ancient Kemit and also other authentic teachings, they al come rom the same teachings and can be distinguished by the fact that they have the three stages of religion, myth, ritual, mysticism.
5.The Four Great Truths
What impressed me the most is the way the Four Great Truths said it all and also paralleled the phases of the posture system. Truth 1-Time before creation, creation and part of Geb/ Earth phase. Truth 2- Animal/transition phase. Truth 3-End of Animal phase (Heru), Triple Goddess phase. Truth 4- Establishment/Transformation/Nehaust. I keep seeing the same story over and over. You born, face some challenges, overcome them, then…..! You wake up, go through the day/work/school/life, you learn some lesson for the day then go to sleep.
6.By consolidating the powers of the Neter we can somehow go into that sleep with our consciousness of the divine/ourselves as the same divinity intact.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Olapeju—Lesson 1 Assignment 1: Intro to SN short 1b
Udja
A good review
It is also interesting to note that the last recorded use of the Medtu Neter is 450 ACE meaning that Buddhism came in around 500 BCE and Hinduism around 800 BCE and Taoism around 500 BCE and Christianity 0 CE which means that Ancient Egyptian religion and philosophy existed as early as 10,000 down to at least 450 ACE so all those that are considered world religions today came into existence during a period in which Ancient Egyptian religion was still widespread and existed during the development phase as well and as I have documented had an extensive influence especially on Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity.
“By consolidating the powers of the Neter” really means joining (sema) the disparate nature of ego consciousness so as to regain the unitary state which underlies the states of consciousness,(unconscious, conscious, subconscious and the waking, dream and dreamless sleep states.
HTP
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
Level 1 Lesson 1 video: Intro to SN short 2b
The important themes presented
1. Daily observances were practiced in different locations and by different people depending on the type of observance. Ex: the inner courts were used for official worship and not usually attended by ordinary people. More is revealed the more we go in.
2. Glorious Light Meditation is the first known formal meditation system. It was actually inscribed on the tomb of King Seti I. It has specific instructions to be followed and includes a circle with a dot in the center.
3. The Justice Scene, like the rays of the sun depicts aspects of the same oneness/self: Asar king of the netherworld in the hawk form seen in the trinity of Asar-Ra-Heru; Anpu son of Asar and Neberhet; Djehuti representing the scribe of the gods; Meskhet the birthing stone. Maat/Ostrich Feather determines if the heart will suffer and reincarnate-mystically
• Reincarnation happens when the heart is heavier than the feather- choice of being man/woman
• Moving on to serve in the house of Asar happens when the heart is balanced with the feather-choice of being god/goddess?
• Sitting on the throne and being one with Asar happens when the heart is lighter that the feather-choice of knowing Ra/Asar in hawk form?
4. The Justice scene needs to be deeply and thoroughly understood to discover the cosmic balance between the us and the universe being shown.
5. The posture series is not only a physical workout but a mythological workout. It is a reenactment of the mythic drama from creation to establishment-carnation to Asar. By integrating the practice in our spiritual journey and not just extracting the health benefits we can harmonize with and begin to move, think, feel and reason like the neteru and preceptors. Integral practice and Surrendering to the teachings by listening, meditating and reflecting and following instructions keep the ego in check.
6. What was most impressive is the teachings about intuition and wisdom. In intuition you just get it, it’s already there. To make sure that what you got is really “it”, the intellect is first purified to be embraced by wisdom, intuitional wisdom. The purification is done through the teaching-listening, reflecting, and meditating.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Olapeju—Level 1 Lesson 1 video: Intro to SN short 2b
Udja
An important point you selected For #6 – for this we can also add that once the intellect has been purified and ethical conscience and humility become the foundation of the personality then also the teaching that has been learned and the experiences derived through the teaching are verified with the spiritual preceptor as a final fail-safe to prevent diffidence andhance the chance of retaining delusions and thereby failing at the spiritual practice.
HTP
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
Dua Sebai, I’ve longed to understand intuition for many years and could see how one con be really intuitive and yet not advance as much in spiritual practice. Diffidence,I looked up, means “modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence, also doubt and uncertainty.”
“A delusion is a belief that is clearly false and that indicates an abnormality in the affected person’s content of thought. The false belief is not accounted for by the person’s cultural or religious background or his or her level of intelligence. The key feature of a delusion is the degree to which the person is convinced that the belief is true. A person with a delusion will hold firmly to the belief regardless of evidence to the contrary. Delusions can be difficult to distinguish from overvalued ideas, which are unreasonable ideas that a person holds, but the affected person has at least some level of doubt as to its truthfulness. A person with a delusion is absolutely convinced that the delusion is real.”
From your response I conclude that by being shy, uncertain , etc. false beliefs I don’t even know I have will not get a chance to be purified and that my preceptors have methods to ensure that the delusions are gone?
Keymaster
(208.114.116.218)
Udja
Keeping in mind that dictionary definitions may be helpful in some ways but are necessarily limited due to the culture in which they were engendered, the capacity for cognition (including intelligence) is indeed affected by the environment, culture, diet, geography, etc. Sometimes members of the general population as well as an aspirant, are unable or unwilling to accept a teaching due to upbringing, believes, obsessions or other factors —contributing to the bottom line which is the sum total of aryu in the unconscious mind and this we also refer to as a content that is responsible for obfuscating the truth from the awareness of self/Spirit/The Divine, etc. – in other words –absence of the knowledge of self or spiritual ignorance.
Fear, insecurity, dependency, weak will, etc. are due to ignorance and ignorance due to the accumulation of negative, worldly aryu and this is the cause of ordinary delusion as well as willful delusion; willful delusion may be defined as the active refusal to accept, believe and apply the wisdom teaching. These might be differentiated by the willingness to accept a new teaching that contradicts the delusion. Those strongly in the grip of delusion (dull minded) cannot accept and may also seek to prevent themselves from believing and even actively work against the wisdom and or its dissemination. Those who are deluded due to ordinary ignorance (agitated minded) but who are trusting in the teaching and preceptor and themselves, can accept and progress. The preceptor cannot work with the dull minded –for them the preceptor allows his/her partner to handle them (the partner is the world of hard knocks).
We might also add that diffidence is any deviation from insecurity about and or misunderstanding about the teaching.
Indeed, an authentic preceptor has the capacity to make sure that the aspirant will learn what is necessary BUT it is up to the aspirant to be able to accept, understand and apply that teaching so as to make it effective.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Response to Olapeju replied to the topic Level 1 Video Assignment Discussions
Re: 6. What was most impressive is the teachings about intuition and wisdom. In intuition you just get it, it’s already there. To make sure that what you got is really “it”, the intellect is first purified to be embraced by wisdom, intuitional wisdom. The purification is done through the teaching-listening, reflecting, and meditating.
Udja…also, acting on the teaching is another important aspect of purification, after it has been listened to, reflected on, and meditated upon.
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(209.118.240.155)
Intro to SN short part 2b
The Important Themes in the Video Presented Were:
Daily Worship Observance
1. Public Worship – Assisted by the Priests and Priestesses for the commoners at the temples inner court.
2. Private Worship – Conducted at home
3.
Glorious Light Meditation System
1. The first known and recorded meditation system with instructions
2.
Judgment Scene, Maat Philosophy
1. Neteru guild
2. A persons actions determine where they will go after death (weighing of the heart and the 3 realms)
3. Main goal in Maat Philosophy is to discover cosmic balance (balance between the person and the universe).
Discipline of the Yoga Postures: Mythological and Physical Workout
Learning from a Spiritual Preceptor
1. Troubleshooting: Learning how the world works by applying reasoning and thinking
2. Leave the ego behind when committed to the Spiritual Preceptor and teachings
3. Pleasure seeking and spiritual teachings DON’T mix (aspirant is sure to fail)
4. Aspirant must surrender to the teachings.
5.
Integral Yoga Practice to Lead a Spiritual Life
1. Harmonization of the personalities
2. 5 Stages of postures
Process the Teachings Through Reflection
1. Wisdom Yoga
a. Knowledge + Experience = Wisdom
b. Information alone doesn’t equal wisdom
c. Intellectual brightness doesn’t equal spiritual enlightenment
d. Intellectual brightness helps one to understand the spiritual teachings
e. Intuition (ah-Ha!) is not using intellect to understand
Wisdom Teachings: Allows one to develop and purify the intellect so that one can reach an intuitional understanding of a subject.
1. Listening 2. Reflection 3. Meditation – So the aspirant becomes one with the teachings.
Explain what impressed you most in this presentation
What impressed me the most in this presentation was the explanation on how we must become like Asar and when we judge ourselves in the afterlife, we either reincarnate, serve Asar, or sit on the throne of Asar. Becoming like Asar is the heart of Maat Philosophy. We must live righteous and have cosmic balance between self and the universe; which is the goal of spirituality.
Also, I thought that the explanation on Mythology and Physical workout was interesting because Sebai Maa stated that we must think, feel, and act like the divinities while studying the mythology and preforming the postures. We will grow to understand the divinities and that this is a very important step that an aspirant should learn. This will lead to becoming the divinites.
Finally, I was impressed by the explanation on how the aspirant should learn how to think and reason from his/her spiritual preceptor. The example of the auto mechanic was excellent and how the preceptor is like a trouble shooter. The preceptor gives to the aspirant insight of what is really going on in the world and that is where yoga philosophy/SN come in handy. Understanding how it works and how to apply the teachings. Also, how the aspirant should leave the ego/self-willed nature behind when he/she finally accepts a spiritual preceptor. This being said lead to me reflecting on Sebai Maa’s reply to my lesson 2 reading assignment: “truth and depth are hardly understood and appreciated until the spiritual path has been pursued with honesty and humility for a sufficient amount of time.”
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Reply to: AhmadPtah-El—Intro to SN short part 2b
Udja
You got many important teachings from this presentation and it is good to review them again and again until it is fully inculcated.
Expounding on the issue of “Pleasure seeking and spiritual teachings DON’T mix (aspirant is sure to fail)” it is important to note that physical and spiritual pleasure and enjoyment are allowed and encouraged for spiritual aspirants. This relates to the kind of pleasure you feel when based on the truth of the teaching, like you realize the meaning of an important teaching, or when you feel good having attended a spiritual ritual, having felt glorious vibrations after a chant session or the joy of being alone and in peace without mental agitation due to the pressure of ego. In these forms of pleasure and enjoyment you are not experiencing the full bliss of spirit but you are moving towards that and this is a positive movement. What is not beneficial is the fleeting pleasure of physical human relations, loud parties, the cacophony of sports games, political rallies or boisterous behaviors as such and even worse when in support of ignorance, negativity or injustice (chanting for the destruction of other countries, enemies or against other groups or races. Etc.)
So take pleasure in being humble, pure of intellect, healthy and in being an aspirant, a select road on the path in an authentic teaching, leading to enlightenment.
On Mythology and Physical workout —perhaps one of the aspirants in this program who has attended the mythic Level 2 practice of Tjef Neteru could add some insights as to the practice and the experience of this discipline.
HTP
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
In response to Sebai Maa’s Reply to: AhmadPtah-El—Intro to SN short part 2b
“So take pleasure in being humble, pure of intellect, healthy and in being an aspirant, a select road on the path in an authentic teaching, leading to enlightenment.
On Mythology and Physical workout —perhaps one of the aspirants in this program who has attended the mythic Level 2 practice of Tjef Neteru could add some insights as to the practice and the experience of this discipline.”
I am beginning to experience the pleasure of practicing an authentic teaching by an authentic teacher, the peace of mind that comes from practicing the teachings. It is pleasurable when I can handle someone’s ego peacefully or work through an emotional situation with a customer and come away not effected by it and able to move on. In feeling that happiness has definitely been a motivation for me to continue with the work of purification even in those hard times when I want to let go.
Htp.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Re: Andrew Garrow In response to Sebai Maa’s Reply to: AhmadPtah-El—Intro to SN short part 2b
Udja,
Reading about the pleasure you deriving from your practices reminded me of the following:
There is a story of 2 aspirants. One was more devotional. He spent his days chanting divine chants and signing divine songs. This was his primary form of worship.
Another aspirant spent his days in intense yoga exercise and meditation.
One day an enlightened sage was walking through the forest where they both would practice. The sage came upon the aspirant practicing yoga and meditation and austerities. The aspirant asked the sage, “I have been practicing for over 10 years now. How much longer must I practice before I attain Enlightenment?” The sage said, “you have to practice for 10 more years.” This aspirant got very upset at this news. “10 more years? 10 more years! I have to continue to do this for 10 more years!!! I have been practicing so intensively and now I have to continue for another 10 years!” The aspirant when on ranting and complaining.
The sage continued to walk on, muttering to herself, “I better not tell him that outburst just increased his time to attain Nehast by another 5 years!” [recall the Shedy calculator from the conference].
The sage came upon the other aspirant, the devotional aspirant. This aspirant asked the same question, how much longer to Nehast. The sage pointed to a nearby tree filled with hundreds of leaves, and said, “see how many leaves on that tree, it will take that long”.
This aspirant became more joyous and started to sing louder, and thanked the sage, saying, “At least I know now that I WILL attain Nehast! Thank you for this wonderful news!” He continued to Sing and Chant Divine Chants and Songs, enraptured in his bliss.
As the sage walked on, she muttered, “With his devotional attitude, this aspirant will actually attain Nehast in 2 years.”
So, the point of this parable is that if one views Shedy as a joy process that is leading to a joyous outcome…and even in the moment of its practice, is creating joy (removing negative ari), then on one hand, it does not matter “when” you attain Nehast, because you are enjoying a wonderful quality of mystical spiritual life and devotional worship. One the other hand, if an aspirant is only performing Shedy as a means to an ultimate end, but not enjoying the process, there will be some small benefit, increased concentration, increased relaxation, but there will not be the benefit of attaining Nehast anytime soon.
The Shedy disciplines are a 24/7/365 process…of pouring libation on the Hetep Slab…a one pointed flow of the mind to the Divine. Personal practice of Meditation and Tjef Neteru and Reading/studying/reflection on spiritual scriptures. Then while “in the world”, applying Maat and Maat Ari and Uashu, Righteousness, Righteous Actions and Devotion. All of these are to be embraced as joyous processes, not as tedious processes leading to some ultimate joy. Peace is in every step. If you want get to a state in the east, you have to get in your car and drive east. So, to get to peace, you must become peace…and that becoming process is in the Shedy disciplines.
If you are enjoying some really good ice cream or pie (vegan or vegan raw of course…smile!), while you are enjoying it, you don’t think about when it’s going to end, how long it will take to eat it, or that you have to eat it. No, you savor every mouthful.
Similarly, the practice of the Shedy disciplines are to be embraced in a way of savoring and enjoying wonderful delicacies…joyously, and looking forward to them.
Then you become like the aspirant joyously singing divine songs. He did not care how long it took to Nehast, because he was already experiencing divine joy and bliss! His path to bliss (Nehast) was bliss (joy in his practice of remembering the divine and worshipping the divine)! Do you think he will stop his practice even when he does attain Nehast? No, because it has become who he is.
So, the Shedy disciplines become who you are…your essential nature, and when that occurs, you attain your essential nature, Nehast.
You are on your way!
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
Re: Response to Andrew Garrow’s
In response to Sebai Maa’s Reply to: AhmadPtah-El—Intro to SN short part 2b
…..I am beginning to experience the pleasure of practicing an authentic teaching by an authentic teacher, the peace of mind that comes from practicing the teachings. …
Dua for your expressions Andrew. There is a tremendous relief that is felt knowing this is it, that this path/teaching/religious practice/purification process/ is it….it’s authentic….
There are sooo many things that bring pleasure…to know this life is pleasureful and is revealing the essence bringspeace of mind indeed.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Reply to: AhmadPtah-El—Intro to SN short part 2b
Udja,
Very good summary. Dua for highlighting the S. Maa quote:
“truth and depth are hardly understood and appreciated until the spiritual path has been pursued with honesty and humility for a sufficient amount of time.”
It is a good spiritual habit to write (or type) down words like this that impact you, and post where you can see it often to reflect upon, and draw out even deeper meanings. It definitely should be in your journal too! : )
The formula you noted: Knowledge + Experience = Wisdom, is important and will likely reappear again in the teachings, so definitely commit ti to memory!
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(50.170.117.248)
Lesson #3: Intro to SN Short part 3b, 41 min.
1) Intro to SN Short part 3b
2) The major themes I noticed include:
a. Yoga as originating in Egypt
i. Most, but not all, Indians will ignore the concept that Yoga originated in Egypt
b. Set as a deity
i. One of several dieties without a temple
ii. In the late period of Egypt, he was associated with the attack on Egypt because the attacking group chose Set as their patron
iii. In the beginning, Set was seen as benevolent
1. Represents the lower nature that is not necessarily negative
2. Drive for food, money, e.tc. is natural, but when exaggerated lead to negative events such as wars
iv. Should not be considered the devil
v. Represents a person’s ego when the person is caught in ignorance
vi. *The devil does not exist in Egyptian religion
c. Dhejuti & Ra as the mind
i. Ra represents the mind in totality
ii. Djehuti represents the cognition of the mind
d. Direct experience of the divine
i. Creation is illusory
ii. The trinity Amun-Ra-Ptah is used to interact with the world
1. If one aspect of the trinity is dissolved, the whole system falls, and direct experience is achieved
2. The precursor of the trinity is Neberdjer
a. If we go beyond the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind we have Neberdjer
i. This represents the Self transcending time & space reality
3. Two ways to go into the astral plane
a. Unconsciously
i. While asleep & dreaming,
1. All events seem normal
b. Consciously
i. It is possible to be conscious while asleep & dreaming
ii. It is also possible to go into the physical world consciously & see the world as a waking dream; when this occurs as a perpetual state, it is enlightenment
iii. Purification and meditation are used to promote consciousness
4. Advanced meditation techniques
a. Manipulate certain energy centers, e.t.c. to push consciousness to occur
b. Taught to entry-level priests & priestesses
c. Others on an individual basis
d. Not taught to ordinary people
i. These receive only general techniques
iii. Negative perceptions of Egyptian religion
1. Described by other religions as polytheism or debauchery, e.t.c.
2. In the bible, many people go to Egypt for refuge (including Jesus, Mary & Joseph)
3. Mohammed visited Egypt
4. Still, people have misconceptions. Others simply want to use Egyptian teachings to augment their practice of another religion
a. Don’t waste time pursuing relationships with these people, or trying to convince these people of the value of Egyptian religion
iv. No true seeker is barred from Shetaut Neter
1. The practice and experience of a teaching is what gives it meaning
2. Using teachings from Egyptian religion to enhance understanding of another religion is not encouraged
a. Those who want to learn the teachings but still follow their other religion are not true seekers
3. Other systems do not have the experience of enlightenment as a goal
v. Mysticism
1. More than going beyond orthodox practices into meditation, e.t.c.
2. Better defined as “growing into the awakening of the all-encompassing divinity”
3) What impressed me the most was the teaching about consciousness versus unconsciousness in the astral plane and physical world. I realize that it is beyond my full comprehension at this time. Still, I like the idea of working toward a state of consciousness that persists whether asleep and dreaming or awake and in the physical world.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Reply to: LindseyHunnicutt—Lesson #3: Intro to SN Short part 3b,
Udja
Much was reviewed in this study.
For more specifics on the issues raised about the relationship between Christianity and Ancient Egyptian religion see the books Mystical Journey from Jesus to Christ and African Origins Volume 2 –This is not a formal assignment, just useful information if there are any questions in this area because clearing out such questions helps purify the aryu (unconscious mind) and that enhances the overall spiritual practice.
A comment on ” the idea of working toward a state of consciousness that persists whether asleep and dreaming or awake and in the physical world.” This can be understood in part via analogy: a doctor or lawyer or engineer do not stop being a doctor or lawyer or engineer when sleeping, showering, driving a car, on vacation etc. In the same way, an enlightened person is always enlightened even if they are not immersed in their transcendental consciousness all the time through meditation and withdrawal of the senses. Yet they are always aware of their true nature no matter what they are doing just as a good mother is always aware of where her children are no matter what she is doing. Enlightenment is this and more, for an enlightened person is always aware of the illusoriness of the world and the nature of the Divine as being Creation and self within -even when concentrating on worldly tasks.
HTP
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Re: LindseyHunnicutt Lesson #3: Intro to SN Short part 3b, 41 min.
Udja Lindsey,
The points you highlighted were very significant. Good review.
I just had one comment about the Two ways you mentioned to go into the astral plane.
You stated:
a. Unconsciously
i. While asleep & dreaming,
1. All events seem normal
b. Consciously
i. It is possible to be conscious while asleep & dreaming
ii. It is also possible to go into the physical world consciously & see the world as a waking dream; when this occurs as a perpetual state, it is enlightenment
iii. Purification and meditation are used to promote consciousness
My comment would be that for b), consciously entering into the astral plane, to also note that process occurs in meditation (when it moves beyond the concentration phase). Meditation, where one can experience the astral plane (duat), is the positive counter part to the dream experience, which also is an experience of the astral plane, but considered to be a negative experience, in that it does not lead to Nehast, because it does not decrease the ariu, because the person is not aware of their astral experience since they are asleep. Of course, the sleep and dream experiences are nature’s way of rejuvenation and de-stressing, without which, the human body and mind cannot be sustained. So to say they are negative experiences is not to take away from their health benefits, but to point out they don’t reduce the airu (karmas) and lead to Neahst, as occurs in meditation.
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
Re: Response to Lindsey on …..short 3b
Dua Lindsey for your breakdown of the ways to enter the astral plane: consciously and unconsciously.
Dua Sebai Dja for your response and further elaboration.
I once thought meditation was about experiencing a particular event and use to be disappointed when “nothing happened”. Now I realize being able to stay “awake” and at peace while being still is the first step….concentration which happens over time.
When I can keep the mind focused long enough over time to actually enter a meditative state then the events I may or may not experience are still witnessed with a sense of peace knowing they are transient and are not the goal; all the while remaining awake/conscious.
The goal is always to know thyself your/my true essential nature which takes time and continuous practice, formally and informally.
I noe enjoy meditation more because I’m not waiting for something to happen.
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
Level 1 Lesson 3 Video: Introduction to SN short 3b
List the important themes presented
1. Continued Evidence of the Ancient Egyptian origin and/or contribution can be seen in the development of more popular practices such as Hatha Yoga, tantric practices, and previously used Buddhist names. These relationships have been acknowledged on few but credible levels by authors on the topics.
- The lower forces such as desire, sexuality, power, etc. are not in themselves negative. Utilizing them correctly can assist in discovering the divine. If used from a place of ignorance and disillusionment, these forces will serve the ego instead of the divine. Mastery of the lower forces is needed to move inward. Set who is the god symbolizing the lower forces was once considered benevolent .Set did not have a temple because the Hyksos, who invaded Ancient Egypt, used these qualities in ignorance of the divine beginning the association of Set with evil/devil.
- The different temples expounded on different aspects of the teachings and together fits like a puzzle….like a colony?
4 .Neberdjer is the state of enlightenment, it is before Amun Ra Ptah. It is the only reality. Going through time and space from this reality is wakefulness- remaining awake. Time and space exists through the conscious, subconscious and unconscious mind, Amun Ra Ptah. Neberdjer is what is left once these are dissolved. Through applying the teachings, in particular meditation, brings us to Neberdjer.
- A true seeker of the truth trusts the teachings and the teacher. Seek enlightenment, recruitment is not necessary, the teachings speak for itself.
Ancient Egypt has the oldest recorded religion and culture. All else comes after, historically. Not all that comes after have preserved the essence of the teachings of Kemet which ultimately leads to the goal of enlightenment. A true teaching has myth, ritual and mysticism. When that teaching is discovered, trust it. Neterian spirituality from video 1b is at least on par with any other system in the world and has the ability to lead to spiritual enlightenment. - Mysticism is not just going beyond the ordinary, it is growing into awakening the all-encompassing divinity. If driven by ignorance of the divine, even practitioners of mystical religions can lack the ability to apply wisdom.
- Consciousness needs to be forced or pushed.
What impressed you the most?
After listening to this video I kept hearing a resounding theme of how incorrect thinking can lead us ignorance of the divine. What may be considered evil is in fact useful and what may be considered mystical may be detrimental. Do not identifying with the conscious, subconscious and unconscious mind because they too will dissolve. Meditation is essential. I was brought back to video 1b several times particularly to 35:45, The Harper’s Song on the correct outlook on life and the words, “Nothing on Earth is abiding…… prepare yourself for going to the west….prepare yourself for your passing”
Keymaster
(186.43.144.60)
Udja
Very well.
A few points. Mysticism “is growing into awakening the all-encompassing divinity” but also transcends that concept. In other words, Mysticism is the philosophy, practice and experience that which is beyond what can be known through time and space instruments such as microscopes and minds…
Indeed, the Harper’s songs are powerful in helping one to develop dispassion about the worldly objects and beliefs as well as the desires and the feelings that give rise to them. An aspirant must take care to use that teaching to develop dispassion but not as a goal but for the purpose of cleansing the mind and bolstering will to follow ethical conscience (Maat) and lead a meditative lifestyle (the full practice of the main disciplines of shedy) that leads to enlightenment. Without this plan the dispassion can become dull and devolve to depression and apathy, as well as degradation and failure on the spiritual path.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Olapeju Level 1 Lesson 3 Video: Introduction to SN short 3b5.
Udja,
Good reflections and review.
I wanted to emphasize one point in reference to the statement you wrote:
“Ancient Egypt has the oldest recorded religion and culture. All else comes after, historically. Not all that comes after have preserved the essence of the teachings of Kemet which ultimately leads to the goal of enlightenment. A true teaching has myth, ritual and mysticism. When that teaching is discovered, trust it. Neterian spirituality from video 1b is at least on par with any other system in the world and has the ability to lead to spiritual enlightenment.”
I responded yesterday to another aspirant that when we say KMT has the oldest religion, we inherently mean “complete religion”, that is, containing all 3 levels: myth, ritual and mysticism.
You mentioned both of these above (religion & also myth, ritual and mysticism), but I wanted to be sure you connected them, not just as a teaching (you stated: true teaching has myth, ritual and mysticism), but as a religious process. WE sometimes use the term “authentic” (authentic religion), to emphasize that we are speaking about true or mystical religious practice, which includes all 3 levels of myth, ritual and mysticism.
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
LvL 1 Lesson 2 Intro to SN short part 2b.mp4
The most important themes presented were:
1.) The two forms of worship which included the more private practices held by the priest and priestess in the middle and inner courts as well as the outer courts where public worship could be performed for the rekhyt.
B.) Also that processions were held where the divine image was taken from place to place. I can only imagine how beautiful this would have looked with the divine image and all of the other priests and priestess fulfilling their special roles in the procession. As in modern times a parade can be a dramatic event and I can begin to see how much of an impact this would have had in ancient times for the rekhyt as well as those inducted into the teachings as this definitely serves as a hallmark to a society dedicated to spiritual evolution.
2.) The different forms of Asar ; when he dies and is resurrected as king of the underworld that he takes on a different form and really there is no disagreement in the teachings as the different deities are expressing the different characteristics of Pa Neter and ultimately ourselves. The depth of the teachings really came out in this portion of the video.
3.) The GLM Meditation is the oldest known recorded meditation system in this current creation period. This has major implications for me on the historical side of things. Personally the authenticity of the teachings were never a problem for me and has never been a road block in me studying the teachings but to see that indeed this is the oldest recorded meditation out dating Buddhism and other forms of Indian Spirituality does give a certain feeling of confidence in what one is studying. The other example is when Sebai Maa gave us the exact scriptures where Shetaut Neter is derived and who is the creator of Shetaut Neter. I think in this day and age when people are creating new religions and new forms of spirituality to suite their own personal needs to know that one is following an authentic teaching is of utmost importance.
4.)42 precepts of Maat.
* The idea to be grasped is that this is more than just a set of principles for acting righteous but this is the very cosmic order of the universe. This is what all of creation has been established on. In coming into harmony with Maat one is actually coming into harmony with the Divine. When I look deeper into this I begin to see how Maat philosophy is the guide for my daily practices which promote regularity which is a feature of Maat. It helps to bring to focus the differnet concepts which promote purity of mind and action as coming into harmony with Maat we begin to do the will of the Divine which regardless of how it may look on the exterior are the actions and will of the Divine. Also if practiced as a whole for society it has a wide variety of applications to promote harmony and peace for humanity as a whole. Also the practicing of Maat there is a harmony and peace that begins to settle in ones mind when one is living a righteous life. When one begins to feel correctly about what we are experiencing throughout our day to day lives. In living in harmony the mind begins to settle and certain anxieties and worries begin to fade.
5.) The concept of submitting to the teacher and the teachings once a path has been accepted by the student. More now than ever am I realizing the importance of letting go of ones previously held notions about spirituality. Indeed we may have some understandings about the teachings but we must be ready to shed our ignorant views about not only the teachings but about life in general. We should retrain our feelings and thoughts as to come into alignment with the teachings and the correct methods for practice. In retraining our thoughts we can begin to retrain our actions and when we begin to think and act in accordance with the teachings we can begin to purify our hearts and see the subtlety of the teachings and the depth of our beings at least intellectually in the beginning.
The themes that impressed me the most:
1.) The depth of Ancient Egyptian religion. The variety of deities that serve to elucidate different aspects of the Divine which are all needed for a complete understanding. The wisdom of the Kemetic sages who created the myths to better help with certain personalities who had certain inclinations to certain forms of worship. This is utterly amazing and albeit confusing when I first began to study Kemetic Culture but know through Sebai Maa and his books I am beginning to see the harmony of the teachings. Not only just studying but also reflecting on the teachings one can see that Kemetic Culture has always been a Monotheism as I was also under the impression that It was Ankhnaton who ushered in the first Monotheism for Egypt.
2.) The depth of Maat philosophy. It is more than a set of codes to be practiced but Maat is the very foundation of life. The spiritual implications are already known but also Maat has a physical element to it to. As this is the foundation of what creation was built on and it is Maat that holds creation together, this is also recognized in the phenomenal universe and is recognized by scientests by different names. Scientits my call it gravity. The force which holds everything in its place.The other forces that holds atoms together. Essentially I am saying that there are forces to hold the physical universe together, forces that keep everything in balance so as to have a physical existence in the first place. Maat is that balance for our physical lives as well as spiritual lives even the physical implications have little to do with this current study.
3.) The importance of letting go and surrendering to the teaching and the teacher. Going into to the teachings with a spirit of honest and humility. Going with the intent to learn and not to just gather knowledge and try to debunk it at a latter time. True aspiration does require one to submit. Pleasure seeking and trying to practice spirituality can never work. These are opposing ends of the spectrum of life , either living to satisfy ones sense pleasures or to satisfy the inclinations of the soul for self discovery.
Another aspect to this is relearning how to think and the correct practice of the teachings. I also liked the idea of asking ourselves how would the teacher react, what would they say. I think this is a good way to circumvent our own egos, so that we may have a better way of choosing the correct actions.
Keymaster
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REPLY TO: Andrew Garrow—-LvL 1 Lesson 2 Intro to SN short part 2b.mp4
Udja
Appreciated your extended thoughts. Years ago in one of the seminal Joseph Campbell lectures, perhaps POWER OF MYTH, he recounted a story of a Jewish man he know, who lived through the 1930’s and World War 2 and attended the Nazi parades and he said it was all he could do to stop himself from raising his arm and shouting “Heil Hitler”! This signals the power of ritual for positive or negative and in our practice ritual is to be used for engendering positive aryu through righteous action which is at the same time devotional as well as affirming the wisdom of the teaching.
Indeed Neterian religion may be thought of as a Monotheism but technically this form of monotheism is a kind of Monotheistic Polytheism but the religious studies technical term is “Henotheism” the concept that there is one supreme being that emanates cosmic forces to do its will {the religious philosophy of Ancient Egypt (Neterianism) refers to those cosmic forces as “Gods and Goddesses-Neteru}. That was the exoteric aspect of Neterianism. The esoteric aspect is mysticism, which is beyond thism {the concept of a single god or many gods}.
HTP
Participant
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Level 1 Lesson 4 Video Assignment “Intro to SN by Dja -conference 2008 part 1.wmv”
Udja Sebai Maa & Seba Dja,
I may be missing something, but, I don’t see the title “Intro to SN by Dja…” on the video playlist.
How can I access this video?
Htp,
Lindsey
Keymaster
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Udja
this particular video is part of a “PLAYLIST” so when you open the video player go to the playlist tab and you will find part 1 and part 2 of the video
Keymaster
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Re: Lindsey Hunnicutt: I may be missing something, but, I don’t see the title “Intro to SN by Dja…” on the video playlist. How can I access this video?
Udja Lindsey, Did you get thought with this or do you still need assistance? If you still need assistance send and email to Sebai Maa: sebaimaa@aol.com to let him know.
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
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Dua, Seba Dja
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
List the important themes presented
The important themes presented in this video are:
1) The Kemetic spiritual system and its Origins
2) Correlation between the Original Kemetic Yoga and Hindu Yoga
3) The Importance of Diet and Spiritualization
4) Shetaut Neter (Neterianism)
Explain what impressed you most in this presentation
This presentation allowed me to understand how the source Religion (Neterianism) easily correlates to societies most prominent religions of today. I was able to begin to see the mystical in the myth and the strong connect between the two.
These presentation allowed me to see a connection between the mind/Body/Spirit and the different roles they all play. I am beginning to realize that my ego personality is not reflective of my Spirit.
Htp
Keymaster
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REPLY TO CHARLES
Udja
This is a good beginning for your studies.
The importance of these items (1-4) cannot be overstated as they are foundational to the success on the spiritual path.
This wonderful teaching (of the mystical in the myth) is perhaps the most important secret to successfully being able to decipher the wisdom of mythic teaching. In order to gain the wisdom it is important to know that myth is metaphorical language that contains a deeper teaching and that myth is not a lie or some imaginative but substance-less story meant for ignorant and gullible people of ancient times. In fact it is the loss of the intellectuals and atheists of the present who mock mythology and have missed the goldmine of spiritual teaching that leads to understating and spiritual awakening that they will not gain due to prejudice, hubris and egoism. This wisdom is further explored in Level 2 studies but it is important to know that it is there even in level one studies so you did well in highlighting this issue.
Indeed, who you are, the spirit, is separate and different from “what you are” the ego personality, the gender, the ethnic group, the nationality, etc, etc. and you again did well by highlighting this issue since the more you remember this and become comfortable with it the more effective your spiritual practice will be and the more assured of success on the path.
HTP
Keymaster
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Udja,
Ny, as S. Maa said, seeing the mystical in the myth is important, as the mystical aspect of religion is the third final step that the myth and ritual, the first two steps, lead to.
HTP,
Seba Dja
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
Level 1 Lesson 2
List the important themes presented
- Pert M Heru Judgment scene
• Different forms of divinities
• God Anpu Son of Asar
• Djehutie is the scribes of the Gods
• Goddess has her head on a birthing stone
• Maat determines where a Person will be reincarnated
o If your heart is equal with Maat you will server Asar in the netherworld
o If you heart is lighter than the scales of Maat you will sit on Asar (or become one with Asar – The Devine Spirit
o Maat is about being righteous and discovering a righteous balance between you and the divine. This is the purpose of spirituality.
• 42 Precepts/laws of Maat
3-Explain what impressed you most in this presentation
I learned that the Glorious Light Meditation is the oldest meditation system is present day history. This system comes to us from Ancient Kemet. This information can be found in the tomb of Sage King Seti Uaa Sage King. The scripture were found in his tomb and they give posture and visualization instructions.
Keymaster
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Udja
In this presentation there were many important themes and they are so important that you will hear them again and in so doing they will grow on you so that you will get to know them as Christians know the main points about the story of Jesus. From a historical perspective, indeed the Glorious Light Meditation can be dated to at least that period but likely existed much earlier. There are several other documented meditation systems from ancient Kamit and it is important to understand a context for their origin and the legitimacy they are to be accorded, among other reasons, so that aspirants may feel confident in them and realizing that when they are practiced they are awakening a stream of energy that was practiced and experienced in ancient times and which led our spiritual ancestors to the same enlightenment we are leading ourselves to.
HTP
Participant
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The important themes I found in this video are as follows:
Who are Neterians? Neterains are those who follow the spiritual path of Shetaut Neter or hidden divinity. The Neteru are the gods and goddess that will guide us on our spiritual path. In the video there was also a mention of the purpose of life, which was to remember who you are. In the Devotional worship book, pg 9 It states that “Men and women are to become God-like through a life of virtue and cultivation of the spirit through scientific knowledge, practice and bodily discipline”
Steps or stages to religion are Myth, Ritual, and Mysticism
The four great truths of Neterians:
1. The Neter the supreme being is one and alone and as Neberjer, manifesting everywhere and in all things as the form of Gods and Goddesses.
2. Lack of righteousness brings fetters and these fetters causes ignorance of the Divine
3. Devotion to the Divine leads to freedom from the fetters of Set.
4. The practice of the Shedy disciplines lead to knowing oneself and the Divine. This is called being true of speech.
Sema Tawi: union of the two lands ( upper and lower Egypt) or joining of the lower and higher self.
Shedy disciplines: Sedjm- listening, Maat- right action, Uash- Devotion to God, Uaa- Mediation. The disciplines will purify the heart. Examples would be to have a vegan or vegetarian diet, practicing of the postures, and daily worship.
The most impressive part of this video is that it states that this life in but a mere dream in the whole realm of things. You shouldn’t waste your time with worldly possessions that you can’t take with you. One should focus on what is real, which is knowing, learning or remembering who you are.
Another thing that I found impressing was that we had a genetic connect with the people of Kemet. I knew that all people originated from Africa, but as an African American knowing where in Africa is very important to me.
Keymaster
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U
Very good.. it is important to know that the GREAT TRUTHS OF SHETAUT NETER contain, encapsulated, like a scientific formula, the entirety of the teaching of the mysteries, which if fully understood would mean enlightenment- nehast. So all of the books, the practices, meditations, chants, rituals, etc. are done to cleanse and make the mind and heart lucid so that it may come to understand the deeper meaning –understand or saa means know and feel and is not just intellectualism, it is an experience. This is what the aspirant wants to lead him/her self to.
Indeed, this worldly existence is like a dream and only the enlightened know the full experience of this wisdom so the aspirant is to take it on faith from a source which they trust until they can experience it for themselves –though having said that – those aspirants who have made such effort, like attending this course or conferences or seeking initiation, already know it is true but they have not experienced it in fact and that is what spurs them on. Other people can’t face it or can’t allow their mind to grasp it and it is huge but no more so than going to sleep at night and falling into a delusion that seems as real as the waking state. And I assure you that the experience of infinity and eternity is dampened by the experience of individuality and ego is and so as the teaching says those aspects of the personality (Set) are to be controlled and in fact they are to be subdued and made to serve the royal path (Asar-Aset-Heru) of life.
HTP
Keymaster
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Re: Dee Dee replied to the topic Level 1 Video Assignment Discussions in the forum Level 1 2 weeks, 2 days ago. The important themes I found in this video are as follows: Who are Neterians? Neterains are those who follow the spiritual path of Shetaut Neter or hidden divinity. The Neteru are the gods and goddess that will guide us on our spiritual path.
Re: The Neteru are the gods and goddess that will guide us on our spiritual path.
Ujda,
Dua for your reflections.
I wanted to also emphasize that the Neteru are aspects of our own spiritual essence, not something outside of us. ex. Aset is our Intuitional faculty, Heru is our spiritual aspiration, etc.
HTP, Seba Dja
Participant
(73.41.39.196)
Video for lesson1 : Intro to SN short part 1b
List the important themes presented;
1. Timeline of Shetaut Netjer’s construction amongst other common religions
2. Who was the founder? The first Netjer, Lord Khepri, Who brought the physical world and spiritual teachings into existence.
3. What is Shetaut Netjer? Name for their ancient spirituality, Shetaut=Hidden Netjer=Divinity
4. Who are the Neterians? Anybody who considers themselves Shemsu Netjer, Shemsu= followers of Netjerism
5. Netjer= the supreme division, Highly evolved spiritual teachings that enables mind to understand divinity
6. Purpose of life: Achieve state of conscience from bodily heart & concerns, thru a life of virtue from a cultivated soul thru scientific knowledge, practice, & body discipline
7. Happiness is viable stuff one dies with…
8. 3 stages of religion; Myth, Ritual, Mystical, Myth, Story about divinity/philosophical teachings, Ritual, Believing myth and putting into practice becomes/is ritual, to live the myth is ritual, Mystical, Doing as the myth says as ritual becomes/incorporates into the mystical experience
9. Sema=Union unification of heru+set, Upper+lower, Higher+lower
10..The four great truths of Neterians:
A. Netjer, the supreme being is one, and alone as Neberjer, manifesting everywhere and in all things as the form of Gods and Goddesses.
B. Lack of righteousness brings fetters causing ignorance of the divine
C. Devotion to the divine leads to freedom from the fetters of Set.
D. The practice of the Shedy disciplines lead to knowing oneself and the Divine.Truth of Speech. Purified thru virtue.
11. Male/female balance
What impressed me most about this Presentation?
What impressed me the most about the presentation was the supreme division. Ive studied a bit on the gods of Kemet not to in depth because I knew it was going be be misunderstood, i’m a practical person so when I heard that the Netjer is a metaphor relating to understanding the different aspects on divinity it just put the missing piece to the puzzle together. Now when I study up on the Netjer I’ll have a deeper comprehension as to what i’m reading and how to apply it on my path.
The metaphor of the Netjer being crutches to assist the mind over stand divinity, that alone interests me in the understanding of Shetaut Netjer even more because since I learned everything is related to the metaphysical Ive been trying to connect the dots, and the comprehension of the Netjer will give me a clearer understanding.
Keymaster
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REPLY TO: Reggie Butts–Video for lesson1 : Intro to SN short part 1b
Udja-Greetings
Good to have you with us.
The 11 points you have listed are salient themes of the teaching and should be reflected upon and will be revisited throughout the program. One item to make sure it is correctly discussed is the word you used in the phrase supreme division. It should be Supreme Divinity.
Indeed, all religion is metaphor for understanding the mythic nature of life, the mundane reality. Though this aspect of the teaching is focused more in Level 2 studies, suffice to say that the mythic wisdom contained in the myths of Ancient Egypt leads to a realization that transcends the mythic symbols themselves; that is the goal of myth in the context of the three levels of religion, myth-ritual-metaphysics. The Level 1 studies are a foundation for entering into the advanced aspects of mythic wisdom which is founded on understanding the intricacies of myth and language of myth which conveys the higher philosophy of the Neterian teaching so you are right to be impressed and you will be more so as you continue your studies.
HTP
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
Video Intro to SN short part 3b.mp4 Level 1-Lesson 3
The Neberjer manifest as Amun Ra Ptah and this trinity can be correlated to the conscious , subconscious and unconscious mind. Each member of the trinity has a specific role and purpose but all three personalities are in actuality ONE (Neberjer). Once a aspirant learns to detach them self from their personalities (peel back the onion) and transcend time and space then one is able to commune (realize) with Neberjer.
There are several aspects to “peeling back the onion” and these aspects can either be a negative or positive experience. Dreaming unconsciously is considered a negative experience, because one of your personalities considers the dream a reality. I find this quite interesting seeing I used to consider time and space a reality. When the personality considers the dream a reality the ego attempts to immortalize the personality in time and space and create dream world objects to fill the space and waste time. Dreaming consciously is considered positive because the personality understands that it is only useful in time and space and that the spirit is divine. Once this is realized one is operating in a state of wakefulness or as an enlightened being.
Keymaster
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REPLY TO: Charles—–Video Intro to SN short part 3b.mp4 Level 1-Lesson 3
Udja
Very important reflections.
Udjati -Eyes of Heru
Additionally, we may say also that conscious dreaming is dreaming the world experience with conscious awakening; meaning that the world and the physical universe appears as a reality according to a person’s concept of reality and as you said “I used to consider time and space a reality.” It is real, just not the reality people think; and that is the delusion and thus we refer to that conception as having the consistency of a dream. So being fully conscious we discover the hidden shetaut reality behind Creation and thus we become awake in that world experience while most people, from our perspective, remain in the dream, the delusion. This awakening is what it means to –using the analogy of the onion- peel back Amun-Ra-Ptah and we are left with Neberdjer and it is that Neberdjer that is the ultimate reality behind what the physical reality appears to be to the deluded, the spiritually ignorant. That same Neberdjer is also the innermost reality of oneself as well –Let us not forget that even the personality, the personality becoming aware is part of that outer and inner ultimate reality. When this is fully understood and then realized – it is the attainment of the goal of all these studies. Stating the goal and realizing it are two different things, until they become the same the aspirant works to understand and purify the mind and feeling (aryu), working towards that goal. Then Heru’s eyes, which are aware of the inner and outer realities (sun and moon) become our eyes!
HTP
Participant
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Level 1 Lesson 2 Intro to SN part 2b 20:15
Glorious Light Meditation.
Prayer and worship in Ancient Kemetic settings, Public and Private. The first known formal meditations system, Purifying the conscience, balancing the aspects of personality, Seating yourself on the symbol of Ra while meditating. Obtaing Sema/union of self.
Judgement Hieroglyph
Feather of Ma’at weighing the heart in afterlife amongst Asur king of the Netherworld.
*Heart heavier than Ma’at Feather= Unrighteous; weighed by worry, sorrow, fear, etc. One will suffer then Resurrect
*Heart equal to Ma’at Feather= Moderate heart; Some peace yielding to moldy desires. One will Serve Asur in the Netherworld
*Heart weigh less than Ma’at Feather= a transcended conscience; One will sit on the throne of Asur
Coming across this in my studies Ive come to the basic understanding of Ma’at Philosophy. Dua and Respect.
The Discipline of the Postures
Both a physical and mythological extrasise. If one can let go of will and accept his spiritual preceptors guidance with the postures, one can feel & act like divinity, develop reason: i.e. how to think, feel without attachment, becoming more whole in the process.
Concept of Shemsu Netjer/ System of the postures “Advanced” Five phases
*Khepri with Creation
*Earth postures
*Transcendent postures
*Anamorphic postures
*Higher self
Listening, Reflecting, Meditating= Purifying the intellect
One shouldn’t confuse mass amounts of knowledge with spiritual brightness, they are not one in the same. Mass knowledge can assist with the understanding of spiritual brightness, however; it cannot replace/substitute the experience form spiritual practice. Therefor knowledge is great but wisdom Knowledge + experience supersedes.
I’d say the breakdown of the Ma’at Philosophy would have to be what impressed me the most. Ive had a understanding on this concept from studies but I had no clue it was Ma’at Philosophy, 1,& 2,I had no idea the myth behind the resurrection process is tied directly into it.
HTP
Keymaster
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REPLY TO: Reggie Butts–Level 1 Lesson 2 Intro to SN part 2b 20:15
“MAAT is great and its effectiveness lasting; it has not been disturbed since the time of Osiris. There is punishment for those who pass over it’s laws, but this is unfamiliar to the covetous one….When the end is nigh, MAAT lasts.”
-Ancient Egyptian Proverb
Udja
Indeed Maat philosophy is actually the foundation of Kemetic secular as well as non-secular wisdom. It is the foundation of laws governing society and human interactions as well as the movements of stars and the planets. Even when she is not seen her essence is necessary so aspirants most be grounded in basic mmaat philosophy in order to succeed on the spiritual path.
The GLM or Glorious Light Meditation is remarkable in that it is one of the earliest extensively documented formal meditation practices and it was enjoined for everyone clergy and non-clergy. So it was widely practiced and therefore there is a lot of psychic energy (positive aryu) that has been developed around its words of power (HEKAU) chant and thus it is a powerful system.
HTP
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Participant
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Level 1-Lesson 4 Video (Intro to SN by Dja -conference 2008 part 1.wmv)
What are the main teachings brought out in the audio lecture recording? Explain in your own words
What is true health? True health is when all three bodies (mind, physical and Soul) are in perfect harmony and their goal is enlightenment. In today society people feel that if their physical body is in optimal shape that this directly reflects their spiritual and mental condition. That is an incorrect conclusion because there have been several people that are athletic and have been diagnosed with cancers and other dis eases.
How do we obtain Optimal Health? Good question. I’m glad you asked ☺. Optimal health is obtained initially by understanding “the purpose of life” in Neberjers reality. Once one begins the journey to this realization you begin to realize that the scale you perceived normal on needs to be modified. In essence the first step to obtaining optimal health is realizing the true meaning of the Ankh (Beginning Principal of life)
The second step to obtaining optimal health is ensuring that you feed the mind, body and soul the fuel needed to obtain a high level of consciousness. The mind (ka) is fed by communication and this communication could be visual, hearing or mental impressions. An example of this is watching Scandal (☺) or engaging in a religious debate that bears no fruit; simply put it’s a waste of time (and space). The opposite of a dimmed eyed of Heru is listening to lectures and teaching of current and past saints, sages and wise ones. This positive practice sharpens the eye of Heru and is divine food for the Ka. Once the ka is being fed divine food the ari become saturated with positive divine energy and the being is on the path of achieving enlightenment.
The third step to optimal health is by ensuring you feed the body the nutrients needed for the Ka to flourish. As an example if your body is hurting and aching you will be focused on the pain and not meditating or seeking divine counsel. One of the methods of feeding the natural body is through consumption of high alkaline foods or as some may say “Foods with high vibrations”. Your stomach is a direct conduit that fuels the spirit and ka and foods with the highest vibration produce the highest result.
In summary
You can fuel a jet with octane 87 (regular unleaded for car typically) but you wont fly.
Are you currently implementing the teaching given in the book and the lecture? If so which one(s)?
Yes, My entire family is Vegan (No dairy, No Flesh) and we are transitioning to raw vegan by June 2016.
We also practice meditation and attend weekly worship sessions.
Keymaster
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REPLY TO: Charles—Level 1-Lesson 4 Video (Intro to SN by Dja -conference 2008 part 1.wmv)
Udj
You have well discerned the thrust of the assignment, that there is more concern than jst the food for the body but there is also concern for the food for the mind and soul also.
It is a positive development that you are incorporating the disciplines as a family; this helps reinforce the individual practice and provides more venues for practicing the teaching at home and in non-formal temple time, with others who are familiar with it as well.
The vegan development is also very positive and healthful. You may also consider that some foods are not optimally nutritious when eaten completely raw, like tomatoes and broccoli; rather, they can be slow cooked at low temp that does not damage the enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients but sufficient to open the availability of those nutrients and thus provide greater capacity for deriving the nutrition from those certain foods.
HTP
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This topic contains 22 replies (+ 1 hidden), has 8 voices, and was last updated by Andrew Garrow 4 weeks, 1 day ago.
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Udja-Use this forum to post your general questions not related to Audio, Video or Readings
Participant
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Udja Sebai Maa and Seba Dja and all fellow classmates,
I just wanted to say greetings and I look forward to the good association through the teachings. Htp.
Keymaster
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Udja
We are pleased to have you in the program and look forward to a fruitful association.
HTP
Participant
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Udja
This is Aspirant Rajiha and I was wondering could any tell me how to change my avatar picture I’ve tried several times but it din’t change.
Htp
Keymaster
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Udja
to change the avatar go to this new post:
http://www.egyptianyoga.com/AsaruCollege/change-avatar-picture
HTP
Participant
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Udja everyone,
We have a full moon today and I was wondering what is the pholosophical meaning of the full moon in kemetic tradition
Dua
Htp
Keymaster
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Udja
In Neterian philosophy the full moon relates to the monthly ritual of the putting back together of the pieces of the body of Asar.
Conversely, in relation to the God Djehuty, his symbol is the crescent moon meaning increasing intellect and of course when the intellect is full it is also the progenitor for the resurrection of Asar, the soul.
The moon also relates to the left eye of Heru and Ra, the eye of intuitional vision.
HTP
Participant
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Udja in reverence to the full moon. I have been hearing a lot of people say that when it’s a full moon or new moon there are certain rituals that should be performed during these times? Is there any truth to this and if so what are the benefits? Another question what is the purpose of the new moon or any significance to how it relates to Aspirants or Shemsu followers?
Hotep
Keymaster
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REPLY TO Rajiha
Udja
I missed this comment from you earlier.
In one level human beings, as the tides of the ocean, are affected by the movements of the moon and other heavenly bodies. However, if the effect was absolute then the horoscopes and fortune tellers would never be wrong. They are wrong because it is more complicated than that and the effect from the moons, planets and stars is only one component of a larger equation which includes the contents of the unconscious mind (aryu). Indeed, as part of the Creation and since all things in the Creation are connected, to that extent our physical nature can be affected but the more ignorant the personality, the more it is controlled by nature and its ego. Conversely, the more wise and the more control the soul has regardless of the external conditions.
Having said that, there is also a rhythm of the Universe and part of that rhythm is expressed in the movement of the sun (365 days) and the moon (28 days +-) etc. and when we harmonize our body and mind with the nature and when that nature is reflected in mythic wisdom (14 days waxing (putting back together the body of Asar with the climax at the full moon) and 14 days waning (tearing to pieces-with the climax at the new moon)) then we do a monthly ritual reenactment, reckoning and reconstitution that leads to greater awareness, sensitivity and synchronization with our higher essence of being (Asar). In this way the ritual, the myth and the wisdom come together to bring one closer to the self-existent reality that is masked by the apparent but illusory disharmony, distraction and ignorance that grips the personality. So the observance of the lunar cycle is an integral discipline of the Asarian Tradition. We may introduce some of this Ritual practice in Level 2 studies, though those who are interested may consult the book African Religion Vol. 4 although the rituals are not specifically outlined there but the philosophical underpinnings of the Asarian Resurrection myth and its teaching are discussed in more detail.
HTP
Participant
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Udja,
What is the importance of having a Kemetic name and how does it relate to your spiritual path? Htp.
Keymaster
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Udja
the naming issue is important because knowing the proper name of things is what protects from delusion and fear and leads to enlightenment. This teaching comes straight from the PertMHeru.
Now, we must make differentiation between the cultural name and the initiatic name.
A secular name is like John or Jane (western) but also Mustafa, Mohammed, Arab/Islamic or Montezuma (Native American), or Nyota, or Jomo (African Names, etc. These relate to a culture.
The cultural name relates you to secular society and the initiatic name relates to your initiation in the temple as concerns entry into higher wisdom and also understanding of that wisdom. The highest initiatic name is Asar but just because a person calls themselves Asar does not mean that they have achieved Asar consciousness in an initiatic sense. So the spiritual name when achieved supersedes the cultural name, so if you have the cultural name Jane, or Jomo, and you become an initiate (Shems-follower of Shetaut Neter) then your initiatic name Shems is a title that comes before your given name or cultural name.
Having said all that, for the most part, in modern culture people use names to denote individuality or family affiliation, etc. and usually the name is given by the parents with ignorance and or egoism, selecting without rhyme or reason except pride or ego. Sometimes though a name is given with thought and intent behind it and that thought and intent has energy which affects, impels the personality of the person being named. A Christian name such as Joseph or an English name such as Reginald relates to those cultures but what does Zashiksa mean? Many names are given because they sound good or relate to a defunct culture that relates the person to that defunct culture with its intent and energy.
If a name is given with wisdom and intent, considering the parentage and desired outlook for the person incarnating then that name can serve to help the person on their higher journey of life.
Having said all that, it is important to understand the overall context of this answer. All names occur as per the aryu of the person and they can, at a certain level of maturity, seek to change their name and outlook through their Maat ary (self-effort being righteous, pure and true) so as to transform the personality to a higher state. In this context it is more important to change the lifestyle than to change the name, but outward changes can help to keep the mind focused on the higher ideal they want to pursue; It is perfectly in order to take (adopt) a positive cultural name (a Kemetic name) to reflect one’s higher perspective/aspiration and intent in life and help direct one’s thoughts, feelings and energies towards the higher essence of the character and wisdom that the name implies; for example, taking the name of a god or goddess such as Ra, Heru, Hetheru, etc. However, initiatic titles should not be adopted or given before an authentic attainment has been achieved.
Yet, we have all seen people called Jesus, Maria, Mohammad, Krishna, etc. commit acts of terror, crime, greed, etc. So there must be more than changing the name, there must be honest internal transformation and that only occurs through treading an authentic spiritual path such as Shetaut Neter under proper and expert guidance that steers away from outer egoistic trappings (Set) and towards the path of truth (Maat). As the realization of the higher truth dawns it becomes evident that who one truly is is beyond names and forms, though names are used for the practical realities of life.
HTP
Participant
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Udja Sebai Maa is there a book or listings of names that one would choose from when that time comes or would the High Priest or Priestess assist one with changing their name?
Hotep
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Reply to Rajiha
Udja
I am not aware of any books specifically discussing Ancient Egyptian names that are reliable and/or readily available for the general public but there are scholarly articles and thesis and some older publications –out of print- available that include some names. For the positive cultural name an aspirant may select that based on their increasing knowledge of the teaching and their inner feeling as to what they feel related to—meaning, in accordance with their aryu: for example, if the aspirant feels a certain kinship and affinity to a particular divinity when they see the image and hear about the character and mythic journey of that personality then there is resonance and it could be auspicious to adopt that name-Examples of these could be Rameses or Nefertari. As for the name incorporating a spiritual icon such as a name of a divinity, there too the aspirant may choose based on their devotional feeling and affinity for the iconography, character and mythic wisdom of the desired divinity. However, the aspirant may seek guidance in confirming their ideas about the divinities by consulting with a qualified clergy who knows about the specific divinity symbolism in question or knows how to find the information –has experience from studying the myths and their psycho-spiritual mythic wisdom (Psychomythology) and has experience with researching the hieroglyphic text to make sure the correct aspect of the divinity is being referenced in the name and the correct grammar are used when assigning a name, especially if it is an aspect, and not a main form, of a divinity being considered. As for the initiatic name/title, that should remain under the discretion and dispensation of the teacher and given at the appropriate time when there is attainment of the particular level of initiation, Shems, Asar, Unut, Ab, Hem, etc.
HTP
Participant
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Udja Sebai Maa,
Re: Kemetic Names
Thank you for that explanation as it clarifies my understanding of having a Kemetic name, but more importantly the development of the higher self.
Htp.
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja Sebai Maa, Seba Dja,
In the book ” Initiation into Egyptian Yoga” I read where one should refrain from meditating within 24 hrs after engaging in sex, could you please expound on the reason for this?
Dua Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Akua Nyarko the book ” Initiation into Egyptian Yoga”
Udja
The injunction is given because sexual activity (that is not part of a tantric practice) causes much energetic, hormonal and mental agitation in both male and female personalities and that can substantially disturb the capacity to achieve mental balance and meditative peace (oneness of feeling and one-pointedness of thought). During sex there is a desire and feeling of personalized pleasure and connection with an other, other than one’s own self, reinforcing the ignorance of egoism and delusions of individuality, companionship and sentimental love. That is considered a lower form of desire and or love that is to be sublimated into a connection with the higher self in the form of all nature, all humanity and all Spirit (a tantric movement). Until that higher movement is engaged where sex is spiritualized, then it is recommended to keep the activities separate with sufficient time to come back to a modicum of balance, order and meditative inclination that is less affected by the aforesaid agitations.
HTP
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
I have had difficulty breathing in the past that was greatly improve since doing yoga but the difficulties return occasionally when exposed to too many irritants internally or externally. Those irritants could be excessive dust, chemicals, smoke of any kind including some incense, etc.Breathing techniques, lots of water, remaining calm and creative imagination is my usual remedy.
What I noticed this time though was that I had little relief until the sun came up. As soon as the sun “rise” the symptoms magically went away as if nothing happened, as soon as the sun was “going down” they reappeared.I remember waiting patiently(not so much) for the sun to return one night knowing it will make everything better! What in me correlates to the sun so I can always have it with me, anatomically/physiologically. Is Nuk Ra Akhu symbolic for that cosmically.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
To Olapeju:
Re:I have had difficulty breathing in the past that was greatly improve since doing yoga but the difficulties return occasionally when exposed to too many irritants internally or externally. Those irritants could be excessive dust, chemicals, smoke of any kind including some incense, etc.Breathing techniques, lots of water, remaining calm and creative imagination is my usual remedy.
What I noticed this time though was that I had little relief until the sun came up. As soon as the sun “rise” the symptoms magically went away as if nothing happened, as soon as the sun was “going down” they reappeared.I remember waiting patiently(not so much) for the sun to return one night knowing it will make everything better! What in me correlates to the sun so I can always have it with me, anatomically/physiologically. Is Nuk Ra Akhu symbolic for that cosmically.
HTP
Response from Seba Dja:
Udja,
Ny, that would be an appropriate chant.
Physically, I suspect the sun removes a lot of moisture from the air, moisture that holds pollens and dust, etc. On a practical level, there are some suggestions below, some you may already have tried.
Diet wise, if you are not completely vegan, that would be a next step. If you are, then gluten free may be the next step. If you are already, then staying away from certain foods that tend to mold easily may be a consideration (peanuts, berries, mushrooms, etc.)
Vitamin C is naturally anti-histaminic.
Personal Air Purifier to wear (I usually wear one when I travel…need to order a new one for myself, especially before KMT trip). I don’t believe amazon.com has the newer model that I see on this image, but you can search further:
http://www.sharperimage.com/si/view/product/Personal-Air-Purifier/201383
Air purifier in the home – good quality.
Here are some articles and excerpts with suggestions to consider or understand:
http://www.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/9-habits-make-allergies-worse?s=9: Hay fever sufferers would benefit from a quick rinse as soon as they get home from work or after being outside for a while, says allergist Stanley Fineman, MD, a physician at the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic. That’s because hidden pollen particles can get trapped on your body, hair, clothes, and shoes—continuing to trigger symptoms after you’ve returned indoors.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AllergiesSeasonal/story?id=4520835: There’s several reasons why symptoms may be worse in the morning. Pollen counts are generally higher in the morning compared to later in the day. Also some allergens may be more common in the home. These include dust mites, pet dander or pollen from flowering plants. Therefore a person may have higher exposure to allergens once they get home. Exposures increase over time so that by the morning, their allergy symptoms may be worse in fact. Also allergic responses have an early phase, which occurs within minutes of exposure to the allergen, and a late phase that builds up over time. Therefore it’s common for most symptoms to reach their peak in the early morning.
The ways to reduce the problem are several. If dust mites are causing the allergy, then frequent washing of bed linens is crucial. Additionally there’s special bedding that is commercially available that reduces the viability of dust mites. Air filters may be helpful as well by improving air quality in the home. You should carefully inspect the home to make certain that there aren’t any areas conducive to growth of mold.
If you’re prone to pollen allergies, slip off your shoes, throw your clothes in the hamper, and shower as soon as you get home to avoid dragging particles all over your home.
Nocturnal Asthma
Nocturnal asthma refers to asthma symptoms that seem worse in the middle of the night, typically between 2AM and 4AM. Interestingly, nocturnal asthma can affect someone with any type of asthma.
http://www.lung.org/associations/states/colorado/asthma/Asthma.html
Factors that can cause your asthma symptoms to worsen at night may include sinus infections or postnasal drip caused by allergens such as dust mites or pet dander. Your body clock may also play some role. The body makes adrenaline and corticosteroids, which protect against asthma. Levels of these two substances are lowest between midnight and 4AM, making it more likely you will experience symptoms during these times.
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/nocturnal-asthma-nighttime-asthma
Nocturnal Asthma Causes
The exact reason that asthma is worse during sleep are not known, but there are explanations that include increased exposure to allergens; cooling of the airways; being in a reclining position; and hormone secretions that follow a circadian pattern. Sleep itself may even cause changes in bronchial function.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11211575: Efficacy of naturopathy and yoga in bronchial asthma–a self controlled matched scientific study.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/neti-pot/faq-20058305: What is a neti pot? And why would you use one?
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/sinus-pain-pressure-11/neti-pots: Nasal Saline Irrigation and Neti Pots
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
Udja Sebai MAA, Sebai DJA
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja,
Just sharing this Nefer Song that Shems Arit shared with us in Level 2…she wrote and is singing it:
Words are:
“Look to the One, the One behind this feeling. Look to the One, the One that is the All, the One behind it All!”
Participant
(71.59.4.235)
Udja Sebai Maa I wanted to know how could one contact or obtain contact information on how to locate a mentor?
Htp
Keymaster
(186.43.144.60)
Udja
the mentorship notice was more specifically meant for those students who were already working with one of the mentors before they signed up for this program.
They were in a study group with one of the priest or priestess teachers. If you like I can inquire with them as to if any are available to take on a new student at this time. If so then you would have the mentorship from this classroom and also outside mentorship in which you can also grant them access to your classroom login credentials so they can monitor your activities and best see how to assist you in a complementary way to this class and my teaching.
HTP
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
Just wanted to say Udja and welcome to Dee Dee and Charles and any other new students.
Htp
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Udja-Use this forum to post your Book reading assignment work
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Lvl1 Wk 1 Reading Assignment. Pages 10-20
- The relationship of the Egyptians and Ethiopians is that they are the same people.
- The Ancient Egyptians were a colony of Africans from the south who migrated to the northeast part of Africa.
3a. Yoga philosophy is a set of disciplines used to move one from a limited consciousness to a Universal Consciousness.
3b. Ancient Egyptian Religion is called Shetaut Neter.
4a. Initiation is a conscious choice to adopt a teaching and to embark on the task of basing your life on it in order to purify your mind and body through the teaching , so that you may
become a conduit of transcendental forms of experience.
4b. Initiation should be thought of less as an event and more as the process of embarking on a journey of spiritual living which will lead to spiritual enlightenment.
- The Kemetic Yoga Counselor helps the seeker to restructure and channel those energies which arise from disappointments and frustrations into a healthy dispassion of the world
and its entanglements, spiritual aspiration and self effort directed at sustaining a viable personal spiritual program.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja
this reply is to Andrew (Lvl1 Wk 1 Reading Assignment. Pages 10-20)
Indeed this part of the workbook seeks to impart a correct understanding and framework for engaging the initiatic process – which has been misunderstood and misapplied. It is important to set these groundworks so that we can proceed to do more advanced work as we progress.
HTP
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Lesson 1 – Introduction to Egyptian Yoga – WB pg. 10 – 20
- What is the relationship between the Egyptians and Ethiopians? Egyptians and Ethiopians share the same geographical (Africa, black land) and physical (blackness) identity. They are the same people.
- Who were the Ancient Egyptian? A colony of…Ethiopians…….from the south who came to the north east part of……Africa……….
- What is Yoga Philosophy? Yoga philosophy is a high philosophical integral system that unifies the individual soul with the Universal soul.
- Egyptian Religion – Shetaut Neter is a Yoga system, a path to develop spiritual enlightenment and insight into the nature of oneself and the Divine.
- What is the Initiatic Way of Education? This ancient way of education involves the passing down of the wisdom teachings by an authentic teacher to a spiritual aspirant via the process of the initiate listening to, studying and meditating on the teachings.
- What is Initiation? Initiation is more of an embarking on a journey of………spiritual living…………………………..which leads to spiritual……enlightenment………………….
- How does the Kemetic Yoga counselor help the seeker? The Kemetic Yoga counselor help the seeker break the cycle of pain and pleasure, anguish, disappointments etc. by re directing the energy which come from these states of mind to spiritual aspiration, dispassion and self-effort. This is done through a spiritual program such as Sheti.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja
this reply is to Akua for (Lesson 1 – Introduction to Egyptian Yoga – WB pg. 10 – 20 )
In these points covered in this section I would highlight the issue of the ethnicity of the Ancient Egyptians –it is included not because we are trying to elevate people of a particular “race” since Is you have or will learn that is illusory and there is no such thing as “races” but only one “Human Race”. Instead it is done because it is truth and is proponents of Maat we must value truth above all or else we will fail in life and the spiritual journey.
The term Sheti can also appear as Shedy. In this upcoming 2014 Neterian Conference this discipline of Shedy will be studied in detail and the recordings will be made available in this program for students and you will see the glory and depth of this technology and how to use it to your benefit and enlightenment the way our spiritual ancestors did
we look forward to that.
HTP
Participant
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Level 1 Book Reading Assignment Discussions Pages 10-20
1. Week 1 Topic #2 Origin and Brief History. Who was the first…and most ancient civilization……………….to developed a complete……religious……………. system?
Ancient Egypt was the first & most ancient civilization to create a religious system that was competed with all (3) stages of religion, as well as an advance spiritual philosophy of righteousness, called Maat Philosophy, that also had secular dimensions.
QUESTION
What is the relationship between the Egyptians and Ethiopians?
I think that there is no difference between the Egyptians and the Ethiopians, they were of the same blood line but just resided in different geographical locations throughout north east part of Africa, to south of Egypt. I think that because of where the Egyptians lived during that time their language was different so they might have used different words and pronounced words differently but meant the same as what the Ancient Egyptians would use.
Topic #3
Who were the Ancient Egyptian? a colony of…Ethiopians….from the south who came to the north east part of…Africa…….
Topic #4
What is Yoga Philosophy?
A) Egyptian Religion
Egyptian mythology, when understood as a system of Yoga (union of the individual soul with the Universal Soul or Supreme Consciousness), gives every individual insight into their own divine nature and also a deeper insight into all religions and Yoga systems. It’s a system that one would have to experience on a higher spiritual level. It’s an experience that one have to experience through the spirit.
QUESTION
What is the Initiatic Way of Education?
it was a system for education and government which was able to sustain and provide for the needs of Ancient Egypt for over 5,000 years. Therefore, it is useful here to briefly describe the Temple System of education and a method in which its wisdom can be applied to modern society. One can experience these qualities by listening to, study of and meditation upon the teachings in a proper environment and with proper guidance.The teachings of Yoga and Mystical religion are the means by which an ordinary human being can rise to the state of spiritual enlightenment, inner fulfillment, peace and abiding happiness in life. workbook pg.16
Topic #6
What is Initiation? Initiation is more of an embarking on a journey of……spiritual living…………………………….which leads to spiritual……enlightenment…………………….
How does the Kemetic Yoga counselor help the seeker?
In the beginning, the Kemetic (Egyptian) Yogic Teacher helps the individual to somehow turn the anguish, disappointment and pain experienced as a result of interaction with the world into a desire to rise above it, as symbolized by the lotus rising out of the muddy waters. The Yoga counselor needs to help the seeker restructure and channel those energies which arise from disappointment and frustration into a healthy dispassion of the world and its entanglements, spiritual aspiration and self-effort directed at sustaining a viable personal spiritual program or Sadhana or Sheti(also written as Shedy). An aspirant is like an athlete. He or she needs coaching and practice in order to attain mastery over the lower nature. In every area of your life where you have achieved success, it is because you studied and practiced, if not in this lifetime, in a previous one. Spiritual Enlightenment cannot be achieved through magic or through unnatural means. It is achieved through understanding and hard work, not ordinary work, but those activities which lead to purification of the heart. . Therefore, a counselor of Yoga must first achieve a high degree of understanding and personal – spiritual emancipation since the subtleties of the mind must be well understood. The teacher must be able to be a refuge for all people, have an extensive knowledge of the teachings pertaining to his/her level of attainment, and enthusiastically pursue all forms of Yoga. The term Guru means one who enlightens or imparts spiritual wisdom and eradicates ignorance. Basically it would be the blind leading the blind if the Leaders/ Teachers/Preceptors/Priests didn’t first allow themselves to be used as such a vessel. To even humble themselves to show such strong desire and passion to lead is needed.
Keymaster
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This is a reply to
Rajiha—Level 1 Book Reading Assignment Discussions Pages 10-20
Udja
Well done. On the issue of the ethnicity of the Ancient Egyptians it is important to understand that they recognized ethnic differences and differences of hue of skin but DID NOT ascribe those to racial types as is done in modern times. They never considered other peoples as belonging to a different species of inferior beings. And in order to move towards enlightenment we as Neterians must see the world from their perspective and without the disease of racism put forth in modern times which even infects some persons of color today.
Three ingredients are necessary for the successful spiritual evolution: An authentic teaching,authentic teacher and qualified aspirant. This is what we are seeking to provide, an environment where all those elements can come together and as we progress that process will unfold.
HTP
Participant
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Lesson 2- Introduction to Egyptian Yoga – WB pg. 21 – 22
Before proceeding with the book any further, it is important that you assess yourself so that you may begin to reflect on your current status in terms of your position in life as well as your spiritual evolution. Answer the following questions and keep them for your own record. They will serve you by helping you to understand what you feel at the present time and what direction you want your life to take.
1- How would you describe your knowledge of religion and philosophy?
Religion and philosophy are tools to lead human beings to their true essence, the Soul. It is a means to know they self through asking important questions in life such as who am I? Why am I here? And what is my purpose? However answers to these questions come from authentic religious systems where an individual can experience within themselves oneness with the Divine, the goal of life, spiritual Enlightenment.
2- What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
I see that relationships are the greatest obstacle to my happiness and fulfillment. Learning to ‘relate’ to others not on the spiritual path is especially challenging for me.
3- What do you see as the most important need that you have?
I have a need for abiding peace and happiness. A stable consciousness. The need to truly know myself and the universe around me. A need to experience the oneness of the Divine, of All.
4- What is your current or previous religious affiliation or faith?
My current religious affiliation is Neterianism, previously Rastafarianism and Christianity.
5- What role do you feel religion or spirituality plays in your life?
Spirituality plays a very important role in my life, it is currently my main focus. It gives my life meaning and purpose. It answers questions I have had about life and most importantly it allows me to take full responsibility for my life through my thoughts and actions which is very liberating. I think it gives a sense of freedom because I am engaging in introspection and no matter what I face because of my ariyu, I know that through the disciplines of shedy (the teachings) I will prevail and move on to the purpose for my life, Nehast. This thought keeps me grounded and at peace especially in those not so good times.
6- Have you had any previous Yoga instruction? If so where and what was (is) your experience?
Ny, I have had two formal Yoga instructions through the Tjef Neteru Sema Paut Yoga Certification level 1 and 2, both held in Jamaica. The first certification focused on the physical postures and was my first introduction to Yoga as a Spiritual Path and a way to attain Enlightenment/Truth. I experienced insights and other experiences I called psychic phenomena’s during the daily TN Yoga sessions and meditations led by Asar Aunkh. One such experience was during a meditation session where I saw a zooming in of my vision as I was going through a dark tunnel in my minds eye. Another was me seeing my self-leaving my body and walking around in the neighborhood the certification was taking place. At this point I had not read any of Sebai’s books but I knew, my Soul knew my experience had to be followed upon. This I did by reading of the books and attending my first Neterian Conference. The 2nd certification covered the metaphysical aspect of the postures. We learnt to think, act, feel and become the Neteru. This experience furthered my understanding into my own personality through embodying the characteristics of the God’s and Goddesses.
7- Have you received any advanced religious instruction?
Ny, I have been studying with Unut Unshen for the past 10 months and have received valuable instructions from him.
8- How do you see your life?
I see my life as a blessing. A blessing to have found the teachings that can lead me to transcend the mundane reality of worldly existence. A blessing to be on the path toward spiritual enlightenment.
9- What do you think of your own potential to succeed in life?
I am optimistic that I have the potential to succeed in life because I know the source of my happiness and joy is my Higher Self, God. My commitment to the path will assure my success.
10- If you could, what would you like to do with your life?
Besides the goal of Nehast, I would like to help others learn how to heal themselves physically, mentally and spiritually through proper diet of the body first and its connection to mind and soul. I have the desire to do this by becoming Naturopathic Doctor.
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja
I appreciate your positive feeling and optimism with the teaching. As with most who tread the path one of the hardest issues to master is that of relating to others especially ones not on the path but also those in the path as well. Ultimately, the harmonization in relationships does not come in the interactions but through self-development, detachment and dispassion. Ironically, through the interactions we are given opportunities to become more dispassionate and self-fulfilled and you are on your way to that.
I think your outlook and goals for Naturopathy are laudable and you have correctly kept Nehast at the center of all things.
Now you are to keep a record of this self assessment (in your spiritual journal) as you will do it again after some time of engaging in this study. I am sure that if you were to compare yourself today versus that person that you were before working with Asar Un Shen and the certifications and this last conference you could detect many substantial changes. And there is more to come. At first there are gross changes and then come the subtler ones. What is also important is changing but also transforming, to become seated at higher and higher levels of spiritual experience.
HTP
Keymaster
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Response to: Akua Nyarko comments
Re: 2- What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
I see that relationships are the greatest obstacle to my happiness and fulfillment. Learning to ‘relate’ to others not on the spiritual path is especially challenging for me.
Seba Dja’s comments:
It is important to note that “everyone” is on the spiritual path…since there really is only Spirit! People have different levels of awareness of this and different expressions of it according to their level of spiritual evolution, but no one is devoid of Spirit…impossible.
So, shift the way you view others…it’s not a matter of Spiritual path vs Non spiritual path, but more along the lines of “formal” spiritual path (conscious awareness that this earth plane is a “spiritual development school” for souls) vs “informal” spiritual path.
It is thus a matter of recognizing where is the person on their spiritual journey…just starting out, been on it a while, falling off the wagon so to speak or advancing.
Recognize that you, especially as a parent, already have demonstrated your capacity to relate to people/souls at different levels of spiritual maturity. Reflect how you related to your children as babies, when they could not even speak, and when they were toddlers, and when they had their terrible twos tantrums, to where they are now, and where they will be when they are more mature. So, you have already demonstrated your propensity to relate to souls at different levels of spiritual evolution.
Also, I’m sure that you relate to each of your children slightly different. Likely one is more sensitive, and must be approached slightly different than the other. They likely feel they get differential treatment between you and their dad…and this may indeed and should indeed be the case, as they are unique souls with individual needs, some of which are different from each other.
So, simply extend this way of interacting with your biological children to all of the Goddess’ children…your spiritual siblings…in the world.
These types of reflections can be very helpful in opening the heart…towards the spiritual quality of universal love…Mer!
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja Seba Dja,
Dua for your comment. I was referring to the spiritual path of Shetaut Neter and relating to others that are not on this particular path. However I have since reflected based on your comment to another question and corrected the error in my thinking of the ‘spiritual path’. It is true, everyone is on a ‘spiritual path’ since there’s only Spirit no matter if they are aware of it or not. I have come to understand also more fully what it means to see the Higher Self in others, devotion to the Divine, devotion to Spirit. I will continue my quest and apply this reflection to my daily interactions with my spiritual siblings Dua!
Htp
Participant
(71.59.4.235)
Udja
This comment is for Akua Nyarko I see that you stated that you was studying for 10 months. How was that experience? Was it more of a one on one experience or a classroom or group session? I was thinking about if such one on one would be offered?
Htp
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja Rajiha,
Dua for being a part of this group and sharing your journey with us, I definitely look forward to our interactions. I began studying on my own Nov. 2013. At the 2013 Neterian Conference I met Unut Unshen and asked to be apart of his study group. He had a pre-requisite that I had to complete prior to joining so I didn’t get started until March 2014. I am still apart of this group. We meet via internet approximately every 2 weeks and practice Shedy in it’s entirety. He also has a discourse for our meeting and a question and answer session. He has guided me over the past 10 months with any questions I have, choosing the right books , Shedy etc. However there was still the two week gap so I spent most times studying on my own. This forum offers a place I can come to everyday to fill that gap. It also helps to have direction so I can reflect on the teachings better. I strongly feel this is my ‘one on one’ experience, as I am in direct communication with our preceptors.
htp
Participant
(50.170.117.248)
Reply to: Akua Nyarko, re: Lesson 2 Book Assignment, Jan. 3
Akua,
I also find it challenging to relate to others who are not on the spiritual path. I try to remember to see everyone as divine, but there are times when it becomes very difficult! Sometimes I find myself caught up in a negative emotional response to someone’s behavior, which takes me in the wrong direction.
What strategies do you use in these situations? Lately, whenever I find myself upset about something or someone’s behavior, I sing the song Seba Djaa taught us at the conference:
I am the sky
I watch the clouds go by
They don’t bother me
Because I’m free
I find it to be very helpful.
Htp,
Lindsey
Participant
(66.176.120.169)
Udja Lindsey,
Dua for reminding me of this song :-). It’s an awesome strategy to remind ourselves not only that we are all Divine and already at peace but also that this too shall pass’ as in the difficult situations that we find ourselves in with ‘other’ or ‘others’ we interact with. As Seba Dja indicated there’s only Spirit so there’s only one path whether people are aware of it or not. However, while in the situation like you said sometimes it’s the last thing we remember. I can’t say I have a direct strategy because in past situations as soon as I think I do I realize I don’t. I am realizing now that at all times in all situations I am only in control of me, my thoughts and my actions and this is one of my current strategies, just being aware of my thoughts, feelings, etc. I find that compassion plays an important role too because you let go (diffuse) easier when you can recognize the place in which someone is coming from (ego) especially if you have been in there shoes at one time or another, at least this is my thinking for now. I have faith that one day through dedication to the teachings my true essence, harmony/balance and peace (MAAT) will be revealed to me and no longer will I be affected by my outside environment or things and situations I have no control over.
Htp
Akua
Participant
(170.98.106.254)
Well said Akua Nyarko, I was brought up under the influence of chirstianity saying that we are all born in sin. It make more sense to me that we are all Divine individual that have forgotten our way. And yes, once you understand that people are unknowning (ignorant) then the things they said no longer affect me the way it use to in the pass. In one of Dr.Ashby’s books it stated that you can not get mad at a baby for doing something wrong because they simply do not understand, the same goes for the adults whom are blinded by thier ignorance. HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
LindseyHunnicutt replied to the topic Level 1 Book Reading Assignment Discussions
RE: Sometimes I find myself caught up in a negative emotional response to someone’s behavior, which takes me in the wrong direction. What strategies do you use in these situations? Lately, whenever I find myself upset about something or someone’s behavior, I sing the song Seba Djaa taught us at the conference:
I am the sky
I watch the clouds go by
They don’t bother me
Because I’m free
I find it to be very helpful.
Comment from Seba Dja: Ny, so you are using one strategy…to let the “clouds of agitation and upsetness go by” and they will. It is good to have a tool kit of strategies…so what when one does not seem to be working, you can reach in a try another one for the particular situation, much in the way if you find the screwdriver tip is not the right fit, you will reach into the toolbox and try to find one that fits what you are trying to use it for.
The key point is to realize that although the issue may need a practical solution…the immediate situation for you to handle BEFORE seeking to work on the practical is to see if you can meet the challenge of this spiritual test…of keeping the mind balanced, and pass this test of whatever provocative situation the universe has set up for you based on your ariu.
So, chanting the chant is perfectly.
Other aspects of the Shedy discipline can be also used, depending on the situation & mental state.
Sometimes you may want to breathe deeply, for example, when you need to continue to listen to the other person, for example, your boss, and if you chant you will be tuning them out and can’t do that, because you need to pay attention to what they are saying.
You can go for a walk in nature/neteru, to “cool” off…and chant as you are walking; you will also be breathing deeper as you walk. You can do walking meditation, by chanting Hetep or Om with every step.
You can go meditate if the circumstance and frame of mind will allow. However, if the mind is really agitated, this may be difficult…however, the Glorious Light Meditation may facilitate even the very agitated mind, since it incorporates breathing and chanting and reflection and visualization.
You can also practice a some/all of the Tjef Neteru postures, again, if the situation/surroundings/mental state allow for this.
You can also pray.
You can read a spiritual text, if the mind will allow.
All these are methods/strategies/tools to “pass” your spiritual test of the provocation, meaning, not allowing the situation to trigger you to act out of egoism, but rather, overcome the egoism and act out of the Higher Self.
So…continue on..just watching the clouds go by…not letting them bother you..bacause you are FREE…Nuk Nut!
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(66.194.68.2)
Re: Lesson #2 Book Assignment, pp. 21-22
Dua, Seba Dja!
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
Udja Akua Nyarko,
I definitely agree that these higher teachings have been a blessing and I as well feel blessed and extremely grateful that I am able to partake in such an association.
Htp.
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
Dua Sebai Maa,
“Ultimately, the harmonization in relationships does not come in the interactions but through self-development, detachment and dispassion. Ironically, through the interactions we are given opportunities to become more dispassionate and self-fulfilled.” Thank you for this wisdom as I need to incorporate this into my understanding about the nature of relationships.
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
Lvl1 Wk 2 Book Assignment Pgs 21-22 Self Assessment
1- How would you describe your knowledge of religion and philosophy?
I have a decent understanding of religion and philosophy as it relates to the main orthodox religious paths. I have also read books on Buddhism and other forms of Indian Yoga.
In my previous school of learning we were studying the similarities of religious philosophy with Ancient Egypt and of themselves.
2- What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
Not having the will power to follow through and discover the truth of the teachings.
3- What do you see as the most important need that you have?
Enlightenment.
4- What is your current or previous religious affiliation or faith?
Current religious affiliation is Neterianism. I grew up Christian and moved to 5 percenter { a sub sect of Islam) , then moved to a religious group call Ancient Egyptian Order but It didn’t deal much with Egypt.
5- What role do you feel religion or spirituality plays in your life?
It plays the most important role in my life. It is the foundation for how I view the world and gives me the understanding of how to think, feel, and act.
6- Have you had any previous Yoga instruction? If so where and what was (is) your experience?
Very minimal experience with meditation via a tape series.
7- Have you received any advanced religious instruction?
No
8- How do you see your life?
I see my life as an awakening to my true calling in life which is spiritual enlightenment. I have never had a career path in life. I always chose to do things because there were a basic affinity for it or things that my parents wanted me to do. I have always felt incomplete because I never knew “what I wanted to do” with my life but that changed once I began to study Shetaut Neter. It was only then that the illusionary need to become something in life began to subside and the true importance of life began to take root in my mind. Although since I am a single parent I need to be able to support my family as well as my spiritual growth I am beginning to see the grace of the divine take care of my needs as I tread this path to enlightenment and leave my “career” up to the divine to manifest in my life when the time is right.
9- What do you think of your own potential to succeed in life?
I feel that I have the potential to reach enlightenment in this very lifetime. My will is weak but through the correct practice of the teachings, through the initiate process, and through good association I feel that I will be successful in reaching the ultimate goal.
10- If you could, what would you like to do with your life?
I would like to become a teacher so I could inspire people to attain the highest goal in life just like the teachings inspired me. Studying spirituality has brought meaning to my life like no other endeavor has been able to do. As I have had no formal training or initiation apart from this class, the book series have laid a foundation for those who want to intensify their lives even further and join the Priesthood. I know I’m not ready at this time but I have began to restructure my life so as to one day be in the position for that to happen. As I once allowed myself to be deterred from being a spreader of truth since coming into contact with Shetaut Neter and Sebai Maa and Seba Dja, I have realized the importance of putting the truth back out there to those who are ready. In upholding the truth we uphold Maat. In the upholding of Maat in our lives we move closer to the harmony of the teachings and the divine.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja
Now that you have created this self-assessment you are to keep it in your journal as you will look at it again in the future.
A few points on what you said. You mentioned will power twice in your statement and Will power is important. Through an integral program such as this you are bound to develop will power. In order for that to happen this means that the studies cannot remain at the level of intellectual study but you must also practice the meditation disciplines and devotional disciplines as well. Many have been successful in intellectual study of the teaching and or Kemetic history and failed to elevate themselves spiritually. Another important ingredient is Khnumt Nefer or good association, keeping company with people of like mind and engaging with them in a spirit of comradery and positive feeling; most prominent in this area is association with elevated personalities who have tread the path and who are versed in explaining the teaching to avid aspirants. So your task is also to become an avid aspirant, faithful, respectful, ethical, determined, regular and peaceful.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja Aspirant Andrew:
Re your comment: 2- What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
Not having the will power to follow through and discover the truth of the teachings.
Commentary by Seba Dja:
Remember the Virtues of the Initiates:
(4)”Have faith in your master’s ability to lead you along the path of truth,”
(6)”Have faith in your ability to act with wisdom,”
What you said is appropriate at a certain level of spiritual evolution, but there is a subtle nuance that you should keep in mind as you advance in the teachings.
While indeed weak will power is an obstacle to Spiritual Enlightenment, Nehast, realize that this means you need to advance your concentration and meditation practices. Uaa, meditation is the spiritual therapy to increase will power….by allowing it to be REVEALED in one’s personality (not by creating it).
However, there is another point I wanted to make. Really, Ignorance of Self/Egoism, is the greatest obstacle for incarnated souls. Yet, it is still important to realize with every reflection about the Self, about your-Self, that you are ALREADY the Self. So, all the spiritual work is NOTabout “becoming” the Self (although we at times discuss it in these terms). But rather, it’s about having this aspect of who you are already, revealed to you.
Thus, increasing will power is ONE of the means to promote this revelation of your essential nature…but NOT just increasing will power, but INTEGRAL practice of which meditation is part. So, this focus on will/meditation should not occur alone. What I mean by this is that the “informal” meditation practices (Uaa, Rekh, Maat – Devotion, Wisdom, Righteousness) are EQUALLY important, and should be sited when “weak will” is also sited. These are the FOUNDATION for PROPER development of Will power. Otherwise, you probably know people with very strong wills, but also very egoistic wills, that are in fact leading them away from the path of Nehast. So even if your meditation itself is not your strongest feature of your Shedy currently, if you are practicing the other aspects, you are STILL working towards cultivating your will power…but in this way, your will power will develop in a spiritually positive way, that will be beneficial.
And although I used the world “cultivate”, be aware you ALREADY are of STRONG WILL…because you are essentially the SELF…ALREADY. You just need to engage in the practices that will allow this aspect that you already are/have…strong will (the Self), to be dusted off, and be revealed.
So, own your will power as a feature of your Higher Self, as who you are ALREADY, as your essential nature, and UNVEIL it, rather than relating it to the weak ego, and as something you must struggle to develop through the weak ego or as an obstacle. From Virtues of the Initiates:
(10)”Learn to distinguish the real from the unreal.”
It’s harder to start from scratch to create something than to find something already created, already there, just covered over, and to remove the cover and reveal it in its perfection. So, don’t seek to “create” will in yourself, but continue your practices and allow it to come forth from your HS into the personality…by reflection on your TRUE ESSENCE…NUK PU ASAR (or Aset, or Net, or whichever your tutelary divinity is, or the Higher Self, or the Supreme Being).
Assert: I DO POSSESS THE WILL POWER TO DISCOVER/REVEAL MY ESSENTIAL NATURE…afterall, I AM the HERU! Nuk Pu HERU!
THERE (REALLY) IS NO OBSTACLE TO ONE’S HAPPINESS…BECAUSE ONE’S TRUE ESSENCE IS HAPPINESS!
Can water not be wet?
Can the sun not be light?
So too, you ARE happiness, as you ARE the Self.
Just sometimes (well, maybe a lot of times : )) you forget this about you.
Re-MEMBER it through the teachings (as Aset re-membered Asar…wisdom rendering the soul dismembered by the ego whole again…to be revealed as the SOUL, SELF!)
The obstacle is identifying oneself with the ego-personality and expecting for that ego-personality to allow one to experience true abiding happiness. This can’t happen, because the ego-personality is not the source of the true happiness.
At THIS VERY MOMENT…AND AT THIS VERY MOMENT…AND THIS ONE TOO…AND THIS ONE TOO…you can choose to identify yourself as: I AM THE TRUTH OF THE TEACHINGS…I AM HAPPINESS…NOTHING CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME…NOTHING CAN OBSTRUCT THAT…
…even when I forget, nonetheless, I AM STILL ALWAYS THE SELF!
Virtues of the Initiates: (5)”Have faith in your own ability to accept the truth,”
HTP, S. Dja
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
Dua Seba Dja,
Thank you for your wise words. I do need to remember that I do Have all the qualities of the HS already in me and they just need to be revealed through the integrated practice of shedy. I will agree that meditation is not my strong point but since the lvl 1 meditation has been given I have been practicing it for 10 minutes everyday along with my devotional practices and also focusing on basing my actions on Maat. I am always the HS and this is a truth I need to accept regardless if I am consciously thinking about it or not. I will continue to reflect on this wisdom.
Htp.
Participant
(99.7.114.47)
Level 1, Book Questions (p.10-20)
1) What is the relationship between the Egyptians the Ethiopians?
The Egyptians and Ethiopians are the same group of people. These names reflect geographical location.
2) Who were the Ancient Egyptians?
They were a colony of Ethiopians from the south who came to the north east part of Africa.
3) What is Yoga Philosophy?
Yoga Philosophy is an Egyptian spiritual practice that focuses on uniting the divine self with the Supreme Being.
4) What is the Initiatic Way of Education?
The Initiatic Way of Education is the decision to apply the spiritual way of life through learning, practice, reflection and meditation of teachings.
5) What is Initiation?
Initiation is embarking on a journey of spiritual living which leads to spiritual enlightenment.
6) How does the Kemetic Yoga counselor help the seeker?
The Kemetic Yoga counselor empowers the seeker to transform their negative energies to a positive perception of the world that will enhance their spiritual practice and daily life.
7) How should a beginning spiritual aspirant think about the different level of aspirants?
A beginning spiritual aspirant can look at the different levels of aspirants as a attainable goal or level that one can work towards. In the same aspect, a beginning aspirant should also understand that the different and higher levels require the work and discipline to achieve.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO jocejones—Level 1, Book Questions (p.10-20)
Udja
on Question #3: Yoga may also be understood as a unity of harmonization or melding of the lower concept of self (the individual) with the concept of spirit or higher self. This will be explained further as we move forward but your other answers are good as well.
HTP
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Reply to JoceJones.. Udja,
I like your answer to question #6. The Kemetic Yoga instructor has so much to impart at the right time when the student is ready.
Htp
Participant
(108.202.222.169)
Htp.
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Level 1 Book Reading Assignment Discussions Pages 10-20
1-Week 1 Topic #2 Origin and Brief History. Who was the first ancient civilization to develop a complete religious system?
The Ancient Egyptians was the first ancient civilization to develop a complete ‘religious’ system which consisted of 3 stages of religion, and an advanced spiritual philosophy called Ma’at (Righteousness); which had several secular dimensions.
2-What is the relationship between the Egyptians and Ethiopians?
The relationship between the Egyptians and the Ethiopians is that they are the same people. It is documented by the Egyptians that they were a colony of Ethiopia. The phonetic similarities of their languages and definition of words also prove that they are the same people.
3-Topic #3Who were the Ancient Egyptians? A colony of Ethiopia from the south who came to the north east part of Africa.
4-Topic #4 What is Yoga Philosophy? A) Egyptian Religion
Yoga Philosophy is the discipline of balancing of the higher self with lower self and it promotes spiritual development and harmony of mind and body through mental and physical disciplines including meditation, psycho-physical exercises, and performing action with correct attitude.
5-What is the Initiatic Way of Education?
The Initiatic Way of Education is the traditional way of a Preceptor/teacher taking on a worthy student/disciple and passing down sacred or spiritual information to him/her.
6-Topic #6 What is Initiation? Initiation is more of an embarking on a journey of spiritual living which leads to spiritual enlightenment.
7-How does the Kemetic Yoga counselor help the seeker?
The Kemetic Yoga counselor coaches the seeker by disseminating the Shedy teachings. The Kemetic Yoga counselor has already walked the path of what the aspirant is seeking. Page 30, 4th paragraph in the book Initiation into Egyptian Yoga says “In the beginning, the Kemetic Yogic Teacher helps the individual to somehow turn the anguish, disappointment and pain experienced as a result of interaction with the world into a desire to rise above it, as symbolized by the lotus rising out of the muddy waters. The Yoga counselor needs to help the seeker restructure and channel those energies which arise from disappointment and frustration into a healthy dispassion of the world and its entanglements, spiritual aspiration and self-effort directed at sustaining a viable personal spiritual program or Sadhana or Sheti/Shedy.”
8-How should a beginning spiritual aspirant think about the different levels of aspirants?
The beginning spiritual aspirant should think of the different levels of aspirant as spiritual schools of higher assessment and education. Prerequisites are required before on can move on to the next level. The aspirant must experience, know and live each level before moving on.
Assessment questions:
1-How would you describe your knowledge of religion and philosophy?
I would describe by knowledge of religion and philosophy as being above average since I have read well over 100 books on the 3 monotheistic religions, Buddhism, Tantra, Kemet Philosophy, Yogi Philosophy, Taoism, Yoruba, Santeria, Voudon, Gnosticism, etc.
2-What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
My greatest obstacle to my happiness and fulfillment in life is accomplishing goals and tasks within time and space. Things do not always go as planned, there is never enough time or sometimes I procrastinate on doing things. This in turn leaves my slightly frustrated at times. Now I understand that this is part of my ari and that I can do certain things within the Shedy Disciplines to circumvent and overcome my obstacles.
3- What do you see as the most important need that you have?
My most important need is a spiritual discipline to help me to transform myself, hence the reading and studying of so many books in the past.
4- What is your previous religious affiliation or faith and how do you think that relates to what you are following now?
I was multi-faith taking what I needed from each to assist in my spiritual development. It relates to what I follow now (Neterianism) because all religions and faiths derive from Kemet either directly or indirectly.
5- What role do you feel religion or spirituality plays in your life?
Spirituality plays a very important role in my life because my main goal is to reach enlightenment through the Shedy Disciplines.
6- Have you had any previous Yoga instruction? If so where and what was (is) your experience?
Yes. In Mount Vernon, NY (mid 1990’s). I felt grounded and at peace with myself but I felt that something was missing. We did a great deal of meditation and reflection.
7- Have you received any advanced religious instruction?
Yes. Sufism and Gnosticism.
8- How do you see your life?
Currently, I see my life as being fulfilled in Spirituality since coming into the Shedy teachings, and starting a career that I will enjoy doing as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. I am grateful.
9- What do you think of your own potential to succeed in life?
I hold my potential to succeed in life at very high standard. My will power is strong and the Shedy Disciplines I feel, will keep me focused, balanced and lead me toward enlightenment (with the aid of my preceptors and instructors).
10- If you could, what would you like to do with your life?
I’m living and doing it now.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO AhmadPtah-El —-Level 1 Book Reading Assignment Discussions Pages 10-20
Udja
Dua for your posting. Maat philosophy may be thought of as having two aspects, one secular and one non-secular. The secular refers to the courses and legal system upon which the society of Ancient Egypt was based and governed. The non-secular side relates to the purification of heart that occurs when a person acts based on the precepts of Maat; then their heart becomes lighter and they are called Maa-Kheru or true of heart/mind/unconscious. So the secular leads to the non-secular and thus a society based on Maat or similar will lead (facilitates) its citizens to what is good and spiritually uplifting. Of course, those who are immature, dull minded, psychotic or sociopathic will tend towards chaos and or crime but that is a minority. A Maatian society serves most of the people at varying stages of evolution leading towards the highest. In contrast a society based on greed like the USA facilitates the basest feelings, emotions and thoughts in most people so the tendency is to lead people to the secular, the egoistic and selfish and the criminal; thus the society as a whole tends towards barbarism, war, massive criminal schemes, torture and atrocities.
So the important thing to understand is the Maatian ideal of society and for the individual spiritual practice so you can know that just because it is within the law to do something in the barbarous society it is not necessarily ok based on Maatian Law and ethical conscience which is what an aspirant follows first and foremost. Also this is given to show the importance of living by Maat for facilitating one’s own personal spiritual evolution.
HTP
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Udja Sebai Maa,
I am keeping an electronic folder and a personal journal. Also, you’ve “hit the nail on the head” in regards to my (and others) experiences. Dua for your reply. I am grateful.
Htp
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Udja Sebai Maa,
Thank you for your reply. I totally agree and as more of us evolve spiritually with the Shedy Disciplines, we can implement change of this sick society to a Maatian society.
Htp
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO AhmadPtah-El—Assessment questions:
Udja
Keep your current personal assessment in your spiritual journal as you will use it for reflections in the future.
Many of the experiences you related are not unusual and are challenges for many others. Often in the beginning the spiritual search releases a large quantity of energy that impels a person to read voraciously and explore many spiritual systems. Sometimes that movement becomes dull, meaning it is tainted by egoism in that a person thinks they can do all the spiritual search on their own and even pick and choose elements they like from different systems and leave the rest behind! –this is euphemistically referred to as “salad-bar spirituality”. In time an aspirant matures to understand the general tenets of new age or orthodox or mystic systems but they still miss the keys to make it work and become effective. Indeed, this wondrous journey of the mysteries is designed to take that to the next level and onwards to the goal of life.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Comment to AhmadPtah-El
Re: 2-What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
My greatest obstacle to my happiness and fulfillment in life is accomplishing goals and tasks within time and space. Things do not always go as planned, there is never enough time or sometimes I procrastinate on doing things. This in turn leaves my slightly frustrated at times. Now I understand that this is part of my ari and that I can do certain things within the Shedy Disciplines to circumvent and overcome my obstacles.
Seba Dja’s comments: Udja, I’m posting my response to Andrew Garrow’s answer of this question here for your reflection as well.
This is in response to your feeling that accomplishing goals and tasks in time and space is your greatest obstacle to attaining Nehast (happiness and fulfillment). Htp, S. Dja
Response by Seba Dja:
Remember the Virtues of the Initiates:
(4)”Have faith in your master’s ability to lead you along the path of truth,”
(6)”Have faith in your ability to act with wisdom,”
What you said is appropriate at a certain level of spiritual evolution, but there is a subtle nuance that you should keep in mind as you advance in the teachings.
Really, Ignorance of Self/Egoism, is the greatest obstacle for incarnated souls. Yet, it is still important to realize with every reflection about the Self, about your-Self, that you are ALREADY the Self. So, all the spiritual work is NOT about “becoming” the Self (although we at times discuss it in these terms). But rather, it’s about having this aspect of who you are already, revealed to you.
Thus, increasing will power is ONE of the means to promote this revelation of your essential nature…but NOT just increasing will power, but INTEGRAL practice of which meditation is part. So, this focus on will/meditation should not occur alone. What I mean by this is that the “informal” meditation practices (Uaa, Rekh, Maat – Devotion, Wisdom, Righteousness) are EQUALLY important, and should be sited when “weak will” is also sited. These are the FOUNDATION for PROPER development of Will power. Otherwise, you probably know people with very strong wills, but also very egoistic wills, that are in fact leading them away from the path of Nehast. So even if your meditation itself is not your strongest feature of your Shedy currently, if you are practicing the other aspects, you are STILL working towards cultivating your will power…but in this way, your will power will develop in a spiritually positive way, that will be beneficial.
And although I used the world “cultivate”, be aware you ALREADY are of STRONG WILL…because you are essentially the SELF…ALREADY. You just need to engage in the practices that will allow this aspect that you already are/have…strong will (the Self), to be dusted off, and be revealed.
So, own your will power as a feature of your Higher Self, as who you are ALREADY, as your essential nature, and UNVEIL it, rather than relating it to the weak ego, and as something you must struggle to develop through the weak ego or as an obstacle. From Virtues of the Initiates:
(10)”Learn to distinguish the real from the unreal.”
It’s harder to start from scratch to create something than to find something already created, already there, just covered over, and to remove the cover and reveal it in its perfection. So, don’t seek to “create” will in yourself, but continue your practices and allow it to come forth from your HS into the personality…by reflection on your TRUE ESSENCE…NUK PU ASAR (or Aset, or Net, or whichever your tutelary divinity is, or the Higher Self, or the Supreme Being).
Assert: I DO POSSESS THE WILL POWER TO DISCOVER/REVEAL MY ESSENTIAL NATURE…afterall, I AM the HERU! Nuk Pu HERU!
THERE (REALLY) IS NO OBSTACLE TO ONE’S HAPPINESS…BECAUSE ONE’S TRUE ESSENCE IS HAPPINESS!
Can water not be wet?
Can the sun not be light?
So too, you ARE happiness, as you ARE the Self.
Just sometimes (well, maybe a lot of times : )) you forget this about you.
Re-MEMBER it through the teachings (as Aset re-membered Asar…wisdom rendering the soul dismembered by the ego whole again…to be revealed as the SOUL, SELF!)
The obstacle is identifying oneself with the ego-personality and expecting for that ego-personality to allow one to experience true abiding happiness. This can’t happen, because the ego-personality is not the source of the true happiness.
At THIS VERY MOMENT…AND AT THIS VERY MOMENT…AND THIS ONE TOO…AND THIS ONE TOO…you can choose to identify yourself as: I AM THE TRUTH OF THE TEACHINGS…I AM HAPPINESS…NOTHING CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME…NOTHING CAN OBSTRUCT THAT…
…even when I forget, nonetheless, I AM STILL ALWAYS THE SELF!
Virtues of the Initiates: (5)”Have faith in your own ability to accept the truth,”
HTP, S. Dja
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Dua Seba Dja,
This is a huge lesson within a lesson for me. Dua for bringing clarity in helping me to acknowledge my higher self how to operate from my higher self. I shall reflect and apply.
Htp.
Participant
(50.170.117.248)
Lesson 1: Book Reading Assignment
QUESTION
What is the relationship between the Egyptians and Ethiopians?
The Egyptians are the descendants of Ethiopian travelers who moved Northeast and established a new colony (Kamit.) Essentially, the Egyptians and Ethiopians are the same people.
Topic #3Who were the Ancient Egyptian? a colony of…Ethiopia……………………….from the south who came to the north east part of…Africa…………………….
Topic #4 What is Yoga Philosophy? A) Egyptian Religion that restores union of the individual soul with the Universal soul.
QUESTION
What is the Initiatic Way of Education?
In the Initiatic Way of Education, the seeker consiciously decides to pursue a way of life that leads to spiritual enlightenment. The seeker must humbly approach a Spiritual Preceptor who is willing and able to share the teachings that lead to enlightenment.
Topic #6 What is Initiation? Initiation is more of an embarking on a journey of…spiritual living………………………………..which leads to spiritual…enlightenment………………………..
QUESTION
How does the Kemetic Yoga counselor help the seeker?
The Kemetic Yoga counselor helps guide the seeker along the path of purification that leads to spiritual enlightenment. The counselor shares spiritual wisdom with the seeker, and answers questions to sweep away the seeker’s ignorance.
How should a beginning spiritual aspirant think about the different levels of aspirants?
In Level 1, the spiritual aspirant becomes conscious of his/her spirit within. In Level 2, the aspirant becomes pure through spiritual discipline, leading to identification as the divine. In level 3, the aspirant experiences union with the divine.
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: LindseyHunnicutt—Lesson 1: Book Reading Assignment
Udja
well done
HTP
Participant
(50.170.117.248)
Lesson 2: Book Reading Assignment, pp. 21-22
PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
Before proceeding with the book any further, it is important that you assess yourself so that you may begin to reflect on your current status in terms of your position in life as well as your spiritual evolution. Answer the following questions and keep them for your own record. They will serve you by helping you to understand what you feel at the present time and what direction you want your life to take.
1- How would you describe your knowledge of religion and philosophy?
I am unsure.
2- What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
I would say that the greatest obstacle is that I have not yet fully accepted that the world is only an illusion. I get caught up in wanting things to be a certain way, whether it’s “needing” to get through my to-do list for the day, or wishing I had more close friendships, or wanting someone else to treat me differently, e.t.c. I have not fully accepted that the the world and its contents are just images, that perfection cannot be found there, and that ultimately none of these things I desire can bring me lasting peace anyway. So when I don’t get what I desire, I often have negative emotional experiences/reactions that seem to take me farther away from spiritual enlightenment.
However, I realize that everything enjoyable in the world comes and goes. It is difficult to avoid the pattern of having a desire, gratifying it, and then looking for something else to desire. As long as I am caught in that pattern, I cannot achieve happiness and fulfillment.
So, I am practicing detachment from my desires and intense emotions, and I think I’m making progress. But at this point, they do form an obstacle.
3- What do you see as the most important need that you have?
I think that I need to continue along with the purification process until I am ready to let go of the world. But at the same time, I sometimes get impatient with myself.
4- What is your previous religious affiliation or faith and how do you think that relates to what you are following now?
I was raised going to Baptist churches. There were times when I enjoyed the worship services, and when I felt connected with the community. But ultimately, that form of Christianity was not a fit for my personality. Spiritually, I felt I grew to a certain degree as a Baptist, but I thought there must be a way I could develop further. I decided to explore other religious paths.
More recently, I identified with Rastafari. I liked the natural way of living promoted by Rastafari, as well as the emphasis on African history and heritage. I also liked the sociopolitical message that is part of the Rastafari movement, and that mystical experience is involved. Again, I feel like I grew spiritually up to a point. But, I guess I wanted more structure.
When I found Shetaut Neter, I realized that (in my opinion), Shetaut Neter offers the benefits of Rastafari, and more. I think Shetaut Neter offers an even deeper connection to African history. I also like that Shetaut Neter promotes equality between the sexes. Most importantly, Shetaut Neter offers a structured path with the specific goal of spiritual enlightenment. I sometimes wish I had found Shetaut Neter earlier; but I guess I needed to go through a process of evolution to reach this point.
5- What role do you feel religion or spirituality plays in your life?
Religion or spirituality has played a major part in my life since I was 19 or so. I was depressed as a youth. I never seemed to fit into what other people were doing. People asked me, “why are you so quiet?” and “why don’t you want to go the club?”, e.t.c. Exploring religious paths taught me that these things that made me a misfit might actually be positive qualities. Also, I learned that gettting to know the divine brought peace and happiness.
I have carried that idea with me as I’ve moved through life. I discovered that periods of time when I lost sight of concepts such as universal love and spiritual aspiration resulted in difficult and painful experiences for me. So, I plan to not become distracted again, and to place spirituality at the center of my life.
6- Have you had any previous Yoga instruction? If so where and what was (is) your experience?
I took a few Eastern Yoga classes and read related books before discovering Shetaut Neter/Smai Tawi/Tjef Neteru. Eastern Yoga classes didn’t feel culturally relevant to me. Also, the classes might have been relaxing, but I didn’t necessarily feel like I gained spiritual insight. So, I would say that my experience was somewhat positive, but not fulfilling.
7- Have you received any advanced religious instruction?
Not unless it was in a previous lifetime.
8- How do you see your life?
I see my life as an opportunity to find spiritual enlightenment. Also, as I advance spiritually, I have higher capacity to influence others in a positive way. This is important to me, because there is so much suffering in the world, and I would like to make a difference somehow. So, my life is also an opportunity to help others.
9- What do you think of your own potential to succeed in life?
I am unsure. It is unclear to me how close (or far away) I am to the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment. I try to work on purifying myself without worrying too much about whether or not I might achieve enlightenment in this lifetime.
10- If you could, what would you like to do with your life?
I would like to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Keymaster
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REPLY TO: LindseyHunnicutt—Lesson 2: Book Reading Assignment, pp. 21-22
Udja
#1-One of the most important issues an aspirant must display is honesty with him/her self. And that means if you are not sure then it is correct and good to admit that to self and do not speculate or arrogantly make up answers that the ignorant mind suggests. This is the basis of ethical conscience and the opening up of the path of real realization of higher consciousness. This is also one of the primary injunctions of maat, to not lie (to self or to others). Very good.
#2 This can be one of the great challenges of an aspirant, to learn to let go of the world. What you will learn here is wisdom teaching and that takes you only so far. That is why you must also practice the shedy disciplines and you must substitute something higher for what you already know is defunct in the world but yet have been unable to fully let go of. Until this is done there will be limited progress. The letting go begins with understanding and next you must accept what you have understood and resolve that that is your destination regardless of the failures or getting caught up in the world sometimes. With Khnumt Nefer (good association) and the other spiritual practices you eventually overcome the aryu that is compelling you due to weak will. This happens in time and with faith and then with conviction, discipline and peace. So don’t fight the world – learn to understand and accept it and also accept its illusory nature and the higher path and with relaxation (reduced tension) forgiveness of yourself and understanding for your ego self-distractions, frustrations and delusions— forgive the personality and move on relentlessly and peacefully!
#3-the aforesaid is the purification process.
#8-the spirit of selfless service is balanced with the movement towards enlightenment and they work hand in hand so this is positive.
#9-it is ok to be unsure for now and resolve to do what is necessary to have surety (like what was given at the conference in the lecture on the Chapter of the PertMHeru!
#10-That’s it the goal of life!
Keep this assessment as you will be looking at this again in the future
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Response to Lindsey Hunnicutt :
Re: Lesson 2: Book Reading Assignment, pp. 21-22
PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
9- What do you think of your own potential to succeed in life?
I am unsure. It is unclear to me how close (or far away) I am to the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment. I try to work on purifying myself without worrying too much about whether or not I might achieve enlightenment in this lifetime.
Comment by Seba Dja: Response by Seba Dja:
Remember the Virtues of the Initiates:
(4)”Have faith in your master’s ability to lead you along the path of truth,”
(6)”Have faith in your ability to act with wisdom,”
Ignorance of Self/Egoism, is the greatest obstacle for incarnated souls. Yet, it is still important to realize with every reflection about the Self, about your-Self, that you are ALREADY the Self. So, all the spiritual work is NOT about “becoming” the Self (although we at times discuss it in these terms). But rather, it’s about having this aspect of who you are already, revealed to you.
THERE (REALLY) IS NO OBSTACLE TO ONE’S HAPPINESS…BECAUSE ONE’S TRUE ESSENCE IS HAPPINESS!
Can water not be wet?
Can the sun not be light?
So too, you ARE happiness, as you ARE the Self.
Just sometimes (well, maybe a lot of times : )) you forget this about you.
Re-MEMBER it through the teachings (as Aset re-membered Asar…wisdom rendering the soul dismembered by the ego whole again…to be revealed as the SOUL, SELF!)
The obstacle is identifying oneself with the ego-personality and expecting for that ego-personality to allow one to experience true abiding happiness. This can’t happen, because the ego-personality is not the source of the true happiness.
At THIS VERY MOMENT…AND AT THIS VERY MOMENT…AND THIS ONE TOO…AND THIS ONE TOO…you can choose to identify yourself as: I AM THE TRUTH OF THE TEACHINGS…I AM HAPPINESS…NOTHING CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME…NOTHING CAN OBSTRUCT THAT…
…even when I forget, nonetheless, I AM STILL ALWAYS THE SELF!
Virtues of the Initiates: (5)”Have faith in your own ability to accept the truth”
HTP, S. Dja
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Lesson 1 Week 2 Reading Assignment pgs 21-22
Who is Shetai?
Shetai is the Hidden God, incomprehensible God, Mysterious One, or the Secret One.
Week 2 Topic #1: Yoga in Ancient Egypt? The term Sheti is the spiritual discipline or program to promote spiritual evolution that was used in Ancient Egypt.
Topic #2: What is Egyptian Yoga? The term Smai Taui or Smai Heru-Set are Ancient Egyptian words which are to translated as Egyptian Yoga.
What is the path of nature and in light of that, how should a spiritual aspirant think about their spiritual path?
The “path of nature” is the occurrence of the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness without any special instructions from a spiritual preceptor or religious teacher. It is also referred to as “the school of hard knocks.” It involves repeated incarnations, pain and suffering, to teach the aspirant the futility of trying to find abiding happiness and satisfaction in the world rather than in him/herself.
The spiritual aspirant should think about their spiritual path as being the road to “self-discovery.” He/she must first approach others of higher spiritual development to lead them to the road of spiritual development, and once on that road, they must put forth the effort to achieve spiritual and mental liberation from the masses.
Topic #4 The Qualities of an Aspirant? Aspirant must have the primary interest in advancing spiritually
What pushes the aspirant to become “super normal”?
Yoga pushes the aspirant to become “super normal” and it also pushes the aspirant to rise above his/her current level of so-called “normal” mental conditioning (from this society) to conquer the fetters of Set (anger, hatred, greed, lust, impatience, sadness, depression, discontent and the improper use of words within him/herself).
Topic #5 Qualification of an Aspirant? One who is ready to learn Yoga must have a positive frame of mind.
Why is keeping the company of wise important?
Keeping the company of wise teacher or sages is important because:
1) It is seen as a primary way to accelerate the spiritual development of the aspirant because it helps the aspirants mind focus on the teachings
2) The nature of the ignorant/unenlightened mind can lead the aspirant astray from the teachings, therefore the keeping the company of sages or teachers is very important so that the aspirant won’t be led astray
3) Once instructions are given to the aspirant by the teacher or sage, the aspirant is allowed back into the world to test their level of understanding and self-control by practicing the teachings when confronted with ordinary, worldly minded people and situations.
How should a spiritual aspirant think about good association and what actions should they take to insure they will receive and benefit from it?
The aspirant should think about good association by knowing that it is seen as a primary way to accelerate the development of him/herself. The aspirant should take the actions of humbling him/herself to the sage/teacher. The aspirant should regularly attend a temple/classes to receive instruction and counseling on how to correctly apply the teachings in day to day life.
What food does the preceptor provide?
The preceptor provides “mental” food in the form of wisdom teachings so that the aspirant can consume it, digest it, absorb it and allow it to become part of his/her being.
When can you as the aspirant choose those disciplines which suit your personality?
I can choose a discipline which suits my personality once I develop a strong foundation in all the fundamental principles of Shetaut Neter. As an aspirant, I must learn to cleanse myself and allow myself to become a proper vessel for the teachings. Once this is accomplished, I as an aspirant will be ready to choose a discipline.
Keymaster
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REPLY TO: AhmadPtah-El–Lesson 1 Week 2 Reading Assignment pgs 21-22
Udja, very good.
In this section have been given many important teachings related to the initiatic way of spiritual evolution. However, these are only important words and their truth and depth are hardly understood and appreciated until the spiritual path has been pursued with honesty and humility for a sufficient amount of time. Thankfully, that understanding and appreciation develop if an aspirant stays with the teaching despite the ups and downs of life.
HTP
Participant
(209.118.240.155)
Dua Sebai Ma,
I also understand that the this path requires patience and perseverance for the inner teachings to unfold and transform me.
Participant
(99.112.181.182)
Udja Seba Maa,
Your reply was sent to my email address and some how did not show up in this discussion. I will copy/paste it here for all to see. Also, your reply is something that I need to reflect on because I’ve studied many disciplines in the past, picking and choosing what suited me at the time; what Sebai Maa referred to as a “salad bar” spiritual path. Here is your reply/comment:
Seba Dja replied to one of your updates:
“Response to: AhmadPtah-El replied to the topic Level 1 Book Reading Assignment Discussions
Re: Topic #2: What is Egyptian Yoga? The term Smai Taui or Smai Heru-Set are Ancient Egyptian words which are to translated as Egyptian Yoga.
What is the path of nature and in light of that, how should a spiritual aspirant think about their spiritual path?
The “path of nature” is the occurrence of the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness without any special instructions from a spiritual preceptor or religious teacher. It is also referred to as “the school of hard knocks.” It involves repeated incarnations, pain and suffering, to teach the aspirant the futility of trying to find abiding happiness and satisfaction in the world rather than in him/herself.
Comment by S. Dja: Udja Aspirant AhmadPtah-El, “the path of nature” as you stated is the school of hard knocks. However, Enlightenment, Nehast, cannot occur “without any special instructions from a spiritual preceptor or religious teacher.” The path of nature means that individuals are at a state of maturity where they have not formally adopted a mystical path, and teacher, so they are moving towards Nehast, but ever so slowly…over many lifetimes…UNTIL..some point where they mature enough to embark on a mystical path. At this point, they will need a teacher. Some enlightened persons attain their enlightenment early in their life, and sometimes their followers, ignorant of the path, will say they attained it easily, without a teacher or any studying or practicing the disciplines. However, this is because they did this (studied, had teachers, etc.) in previous lifetimes. So, teachers are indispensable on the Initiatic/Mystical path, just as they are in any other professional area
of practical life.
HTP,
S. Dja”
Keymaster
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Response to: AhmadPtah-El replied to the topic Level 1 Book Reading Assignment Discussions
Re: Topic #2: What is Egyptian Yoga? The term Smai Taui or Smai Heru-Set are Ancient Egyptian words which are to translated as Egyptian Yoga.
What is the path of nature and in light of that, how should a spiritual aspirant think about their spiritual path?
The “path of nature” is the occurrence of the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness without any special instructions from a spiritual preceptor or religious teacher. It is also referred to as “the school of hard knocks.” It involves repeated incarnations, pain and suffering, to teach the aspirant the futility of trying to find abiding happiness and satisfaction in the world rather than in him/herself.
Comment by S. Dja: Udja Aspirant AhmadPtah-El, “the path of nature” as you stated is the school of hard knocks. However, Enlightenment, Nehast, cannot occur “without any special instructions from a spiritual preceptor or religious teacher.” The path of nature means that individuals are at a state of maturity where they have not formally adopted a mystical path, and teacher, so they are moving towards Nehast, but ever so slowly…over many lifetimes…UNTIL..some point where they mature enough to embark on a mystical path. At this point, they will need a teacher. Some enlightened persons attain their enlightenment early in their life, and sometimes their followers, ignorant of the path, will say they attained it easily, without a teacher or any studying or practicing the disciplines. However, this is because they did this (studied, had teachers, etc.) in previous lifetimes. So, teachers are indispensable on the Initiatic/Mystical path, just as they are in any other professional area of practical life.
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(172.7.249.94)
Level 1 Assignment 20 Reading-Egyptian Mysteries Progress test #1-10.
1) _____ True or False: The importance of African philosophy is not only for African culture in Africa, but African Culture
outside of Africa, and outside African culture really relates to all humanity in the larger sense. (page 8)True
2) True religion is a process that leads you through three steps:
a) myth, ritual and mysticism. (page 9)A.
b) Aspiration, striving, established
c) Listening, reflection and meditation
d) Outer courts, hypostyle hall, inner shrine
3) Along the Nile River a certain civilization began to appear more than _____________ years ago
a) 7,000
b) 12,000 (page 11)B
c) 3500
d) 10500
4) _____True or False: In the modern Nubian language, nugud means “blank.” (page 12, means black)False
5) The lion represents the astronomical symbol of ______________________. (page 14)C
a) twins
b) scorpion
c) leo
d) crab
6) The Nun waters lifted him and his boat up with his great arms. Who is he? (page 15) C.
a) Asar
b) Anpu
c) Khepri
d) Amun
7) _____True or False: The term Medu Neter makes use of a special hieroglyph, , which means “medu” or “stuff.” (page 16…..it is a staff-walking stick-speech that supports the divine in time and space) False
8) _____True or False: Asar and Aset established the Shetaut Neter,“Divine Mysteries,” ritual worship and Ancient Egyptian
religion. (page 17) True
9) In order to understand Kamit it is necessary to understand the origin of the ancient Kamitans in the land of
a) Kush (page 19) A
b) Syria
c) Libya
d) Canaan
10) The Nubians adopted the worship of _Amun__, particularly in his ram form. (page 20)Amun
Can you please elaborate more on the word or speech “supporting” the divine in time and space. Dua
Keymaster
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Udja
The term Medu in “Medu Neter” {Speech Divine} is a “walking stick” such as what is used by a person when they are hurt or old –something like a crutch or a walking stick. In this metaphor we are to understand that consciousness does not need speech to exist but does use it to operate in time and space so in time and space, the physical reality composed of duality and multiplicity, there language is used to convey, compare, translate, relate, etc. ideas, which derive from thoughts which themselves derive from knowing or consciousness itself. So words “support” consciousness (which is the Divine) in time and space; but of course only to the extent that interactions occur in the realm of time and space and with lower mind. The lower mind is the waking state and walking, and dream and dreamless sleep reality. Beyond that if an aspirant elevates to that level, there is no need for words and there is only Divinity, pure consciousness without duality or multiplicity but rather non-duality and fullness of knowing that does not require words. The lower realm is the realm of intellect and mind. This higher realm is the realm of intuition – which is beyond time and space – where words serve no purpose and therefore have no use.
HTP
Participant
(71.59.4.235)
Level 1 Wk 2 Book Assignment Discussion Pages 21-22 Self Assessment
- How would you describe your knowledge of religion and philosophy? I think that my religious affiliation with Christianity allowed me to advance within my spiritual philosophy. I think that all these religious systems (Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity)originated from the African Spiritual system. The philosophy of the African Spiritual System resonates more with my spirit than any religious teaching. To me religion is based on ones own feelings and ideas when spiritual philosophy have more proof and evidence. All these religious systems are piggy backing off of the spiritual system but some are in denial about it. The religious system tries to portray the spiritual system as though it is null and void when it’s not.
- What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life? The greatest obstacle that I see in my life is not being able to manifest my spirituality to it’s highest form. My schedule is taking up a majority of my time and I just believe that I need to be doing more of spirituality and less everyday 9-5. If I get the opportunity to take my spirituality the next level that would bring me happiness.
- What do you see as the most important need that you have? The most important need that I have is to be able to devote more time towards my spiritual growth.
- What is your current or previous religious affiliation or faith? My current faith is Neteranisim. My previous religious affiliation was Christianity.
- What role do you feel religion or spirituality plays in your life? I think that spirituality plays a significant role in my life. It takes my spirit to a higher level of consciousness. It also gives me understanding on Who I Am, Where I Come From, and My Purpose Here. These are some crucial areas that one should challenge themselves on daily by asking them and being true to ones self when answering them.
- Have you had any previous yoga instruction? No I haven’t had any previous experience.
- Have you received any advanced religious instruction? No I haven’t.
- How do you see your life? I see my life as a privilege and honor to be able to humble myself and allow the spirit to be fed the fruits of life. I think that I am a very humbled individual that always had a strong passion and desire to know where did this earth start, who created it, why do I have to go to church, why is everybody in the church seems as though they are competing with each other, and the list could go on and on. These are the questions that I used to ask myself. Now as I grow within my spiritual walk lot of these questions are being answered. It feels great to know and learn the truth about my African Ancestors.
- What do you think of your potential to succeed in life? I think that I have a burning desire to seek and learn the truth and apply that to my daily life. I think the higher I travel on my spiritual journey the more of a benefit I am to my community.
- If you could , what would you like to do with your life? I would like to become a Spiritual Preceptor as well as a Holistic Healer and Yoga Instructor.
Who is Shetai? Shetai is the Hidden One. The name Amun itself signifies “The Hidden One”, Shetai Shedy (spiritual discipline) is to go deeply into the mysteries, to study the mystery teachings and literature profoundly, to penetrate the mysteries Nehas-t signifies: “resurrection” or spiritual awakening.” The body or Shet-t (mummy) is where a human being can focuses attention to practice spiritual disciplines when spiritual discipline is perfected the true self or Shti ( he who is hidden in the coffin) is revealed.
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REPLY TO: Rajiha—Level 1 Wk 2 Book Assignment Discussion Pages 21-22 Self Assessment
Udja
Very good. Now you are to keep this self-assessment saved in your files as you will look at it again in the future.
One comment on the resonance of religious systems. It is important that the spiritual system that a person follows should resonate with them for that will promote synchronicity, harmony and flow to the spiritual practice. However it is also to be understood that a negative or dull minded person can resonate with a spiritual system of violence and death. So just because there is resonance does not mean that there is authenticity. Authenticity comes from truth and truth is not death and destruction, hatred and fear, but when the obstacles that cause the ego to be fearful and occluded, leading to ignorance, prejudice, and prone to violence are removed, the true and authentic philosophy of spiritual life becomes self-evident.
HTP
Participant
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Lesson 3 – Introduction Into Egyptian Yoga & Neterian Spirituality Workbook pg. 23 – 34
- Who is Shetai?
Shetai is the Hidden God, incomprehensible God, Mysterious One, Secret One. Amun means Shetai.
- Yoga in Ancient Egypt. The term ……Shedy……………..is the spiritual discipline or program to promote spiritual evolution that was……used………………in Ancient Egypt
- What is Egyptian Yoga? The term……… Smai Taui ……………….or…………… Smai Heru-Set ………………….are Ancient Egyptian words which are to translated as Egyptian Yoga
- What is the path of nature and in light of that, how should a spiritual aspirant think about their spiritual path?
With my current understanding of the teachings, the union of the human consciousness with the universal consciousness will occur eventually. However, the path of nature is one where the ‘teacher’ is pain and suffering from repeated reincarnations of seeking happiness in the world instead of within one Self. In light of this, a spiritual aspirant should seek a spiritual path where the teacher and teachings will lead them to find true abiding happiness, the Higher Self/Truth. The aspirant should initiate this instead of waiting on ‘nature’ to free them from pain and suffering and repeated reincarnations.
- The Qualities of an Aspirant. An Aspirant must have the primary…………interest……………..in advancing spiritually
- What pushes the aspirant to become “super normal”?
Yoga pushes an aspirant to be ‘super normal’ by reversing the so call ‘normal’ mental conditioning of the ordinary human being and replacing it with a new way to think, act and be. It is through yoga philosophy/discipline that one learns to conquer behaviors that society deems normal, acceptable and uncontrollable such as anger, sadness, hate etc. It is through yoga that these are seen as symptoms of the underlying cause of pain and suffering which is ignorance of Self. Yoga disciplines allows this re conditioning to take places to expand the mind beyond the limitations of egoism and toward unity with the Higher Self.
- Qualification of an Aspirant? One who is ready to………receive spiritual instructions/learn Yoga………………must have a positive frame of……mind…………..
Participant
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Udja Akua,
In regards to your answer to the question “What pushes the aspirant to be super-normal?,” I always felt it weird that this society would consider what we deem as the fetters of Set, as being normal. It’s so contradictory because when a person is considered to be “over-come” with emotions and it affects their functioning, they are either counseled or medicated.
Participant
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Re: Lesson #3 Book assignment, pp. 23-34, Q#5
Udja Akua and Ahmad,
I also find it interesting that society considers mental/emotional states such as depression, anxiety, and general unhappiness/despair to be normal. I would agree that these states are “normal” in the sense that they are commonly experienced by the general public. However, society attributes these problems to either biology, or to an undesirable set of worldly experiences.
Like you mentioned, Ahmad, mental/emotional distress is treated with general counseling, which often only invites the patient to adopt a different set of worldly thoughts, ideas, or aspirations. Or, patients are prescribed medications that may or may not even be designed to treat mental health, and can have serious side effects, such as raising blood sugar or even WORSENING mental health to the point where patients commits suicide.
While psychotherapy and/or drug therapy (and/or diet therapy) can be helpful to a certain degree, like you mentioned Akua, the main cause of psychological suffering is ignorance of Self.
I like the idea of becoming “super-normal”; it makes sense because through learning the truth about our true Self through Yoga, we transcend the state of mind that would be considered normal in this day and age.
Keymaster
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REPLY TO Akua Nyarko—Lesson 3 – Introduction Into Egyptian Yoga & Neterian Spirituality Workbook pg. 23 – 34
Udja
Indeed
“5. The Qualities of an Aspirant. An Aspirant must have the primary…………interest……………..in advancing spiritually”
In order to be a qualified aspirant one of the features is initiative; an aspirant initiates their quest on the spiritual path by becoming restless about the nature of their existence, which occurs after reaching a certain level of maturity, having experienced the ups and downs of life and having become sensitive to a sufficient degree about their own predicament, the nature of the futility of seeking happiness in the world and the need to seek something higher to live for— instead of banging the head against a wall (the world of human experiences, goals, desires and passions) that does not yield abiding happiness but rather more distractions and disappointments–and that process gives way to aspiration and initiation and intensive shedy that leads to enlightenment.
HTP
Participant
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Lesson #3 Workbook Assignment: pp. 23-34
Q)Who is Shetai?
A) Shetai is otherwise known as Amun, who is the witnessing consciousness or Hidden God.
Yoga in Ancient Egypt? the term……Shedy……………..is the spiritual discipline or program to promote spiritual evolution that was……practiced………………in Ancient Egypt
What is Egyptian Yoga? The term……Smai Tawi………………….or…Smai Heru-Set…………………………….are Ancient Egyptian words which are to translated as Egyptian Yoga
Q)What is the path of nature and in light of that, how should a spiritual aspirant think about their spiritual path?
A) The path of nature is the process of spiritual evolution that occurs through many incarnations where suffering is experienced through cycles of pleasure and pain. This means that a spiritual aspirant should think about past mistakes or misunderstandings that led to pain as a part of his/her spiritual path. It also means that the spiritual aspirant should move away from the path of nature, because it involves a great deal of suffering. A less painful and more effective way to achieve spiritual evolution is the path of Yoga, which occurs through listening, reflecting, and meditating on the divine.
The Qualities of an Aspirant? Aspirant must have the primary…initiative……………………..in advancing spiritually.
- Q) What pushes the aspirant to become “super normal”?
A) Yoga pushes the aspirant to become “super normal.” The aspirant learns through Yoga that all worldly situations, experiences, and relationships are both temporary and illusory; they cannot provide lasting happiness. This knowledge pushes the aspirant to let go of negative emotions/desires such as anger, hatred, depression, and greed. Since these negative aspects of human existance are largely considered normal, rising above them can be considered supernormal.
Qualification of an Aspirant? One who is ready to…advance spiritually through Yoga……………………must have a positive frame of…mind……………..
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REPLY TO -LindseyHunnicutt –Lesson #3 Workbook Assignment: pp. 23-34
Udja
Very good
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
LindseyHunnicutt Lesson #3 Workbook Assignment: pp. 23-34
Re: Supernormal
Q) What pushes the aspirant to become “super normal”?
A) Yoga pushes the aspirant to become “super normal.” The aspirant learns through Yoga that all worldly situations, experiences, and relationships are both temporary and illusory; they cannot provide lasting happiness. This knowledge pushes the aspirant to let go of negative emotions/desires such as anger, hatred, depression, and greed. Since these negative aspects of human existance are largely considered normal, rising above them can be considered supernormal.
Comment by Seba Dja:
Udja,
The idea of being supernormal, as you indicated, relates to being more than general a-mystical society expects of its members…more than just an ego-personality.
But the supernormal state is really to be considered as the natural state of human beings. But this is not the case in Western super hero movies which give super human powers to just one or a few “special” person(s), like it is some special power or gift that no one else has or can get.
But essentially, from the mystical perspective, the essence of everyone is “supernormal” and can be discovered through the mystical process.
If we lived in a mystical based society, we would not have to use the term supernormal for Enlightened beings. These would be the norm. And the un-enlightened would be the sub-normal, or the striving to be normal.
Good review and reflections!
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(170.98.106.254)
Level 1 book reading assignment discussion
- What is the relationship between the Egyptians and Ethiopians?
The Egyptians and the Ethiopians are the same people. - Who were the ancient Egyptian? A colony of Ethiopians from the south who came to the north part of Africa.
- What is yoga philosophy? A) Egyptian Religion.
Yoga philosophy is the joining of the lower self with the higher self in order to obtain spiritual enlightenment. Or as stated in the book “The union of the individual soul with the universal soul”( Introduction to Egyptian yoga and Neterian religion a workbook for new aspirants. Pg. 10) - What is the Initiatic Way of Education?
The Initiatic way of education is the use of yoga and mystical religion in a way to lead one to enlightenment and true happiness. - What is Initiation? Initiation is more of an embarking on a journey of spiritual living which leads to spiritual enlightenment.
6. How does the Kemetic Yoga counselor help the seeker?
The Kemetic counselor should be one that is more advance in the spirituality. The counselor helps the seeker by meeting them on their level of spiritual understanding and guiding them alone their journey to enlightenment. The counselor uses hardships that happened to the seeker as a learning tool to rise above their lower selves. - How should a beginning spiritual aspirant think about the different level of aspirants?
They spiritual aspirant should think about the different levels of aspirants as their spiritual journey to become one with the Divine or enlightenment
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Dee Dee- Level 1 book reading assignment discussion
Udja
well done
These and the upcoming lessons will provide you with a firm foundation for us to build on the deeper meaning of what you have learned in this lesson so keep these answers handy as you move forward.
HTP
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
Dee Dee
“The counselor uses hardships that happened to the seeker as a learning tool to rise above their lower selves.”
This is so true. It’s almost like the spiritual leader has a mirror showing us our reflection and then explaining to us what we’re looking at.
HTP
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
Level 1-Lesson 2 BOOKREADING
How would you describe your knowledge of religion and philosophy?
Prior to the class I would have described myself as having a relatively strong historical and religious understanding but now I would describe myself as a beginner. I have many theories when it comes to philosophy because to me the thoughts or ideas seem to be objectified by the philosopher. As a engineering scientist I have a difficult time seeing the philosophical discipline as a science
What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
The mundane pressures of society and the herd like mentality
What do you see as the most important need that you have?
Understanding who I am spiritually and naturally.
What is your previous religious affiliation or faith and how do you think that relates to what you are following now?
Christian. The two are very similar in that there is a higher being and your spirituality is a personal journey.
What role do you feel religion or spirituality plays in your life?
Spirituality is a major part of life. It is a journey with many test and trials that one must face to accomplish the purpose of life.
Have you had any previous Yoga instruction? If so where and what was (is) your experience? No
Have you received any advanced religious instruction? No
How do you see your life?
I see my life as a treasure hunt. I am searching for the true meaning and purpose of it.
What do you think of your own potential to succeed in life?
I think that my potential to succeed in life is based on me. If I don’t do all that I can to have a well balanced life, I cannot succeed in one area and not the other.
If you could, what would you like to do with your life? I would like to open a nursing home. I love helping the elderly because they have zero filter and explain only the subjects in life that are the most important
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Charles—Level 1-Lesson 2 BOOKREADING
Udja
Keep your reflections archived in your journal as you will want to review them in the future.
You have included several important and interesting reflections that are key to your understanding your path and succeeding on the journey. Firstly, the issue of history; This is good because historical misconceptions and quandaries lead many people astray or on quests that lead them astray from the path of their heart. This is one of the purposes of the new African Origins course, to present the history that is based on evidences and also that is refused by the established culture so as to promote a more peaceful and understanding mind that is conducive to pursuing the teaching.
The issue of science is important as many intellectually inclined personalities fall into the delusion that science, as it has been instituted by the enlightenment and the Newtonian mechanistic conception is the only basis of “correct” knowledge. Many times, though logic may seem right it is often neither desirable nor correct. Further, the science that operates on a quantum level contradicts the waking reality therefore, worldly science may be useful in some practical situations of life but it is neither absolute nor abiding and is therefore illusory and ultimately part of the illusory world. So we cannot say that the science that operates in a dream is real when you wake up!
As you open your heart you will be able to put this contradiction to rest and live in both world in harmony.
I like your analogy of the “treasure hunt.” Indeed there is a treasure and we are hunters after that which is beyond the grasp of the intellectual mind, Nehast (enlightenment), but which can be captured by the wisdom born of persistent pursuit of putting the pieces together of the body of Asar, using the intellect to lead you to go beyond intellect through study, practice of shedy, dispassion, good association and perseverance on the path.
Hetep!
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Udja
I would like to add the following on your comment:
“What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life? The mundane pressures of society and the herd like mentality”
Indeed there is a “herd like mentality” – this is what we call khemn or ignorance. We were all there at some point and now the task is to become detached khak ab observers of it and see what goes on in the world and work to not get caught up in it and instead follow a more enlightened path by attending classes such as this one and also “hanging out” with those who are also trying to follow a virtuous path. In so doing we extricate ourselves and allow the world to do its thing as we do ours –even as we at the same time may facilitate or promote good in the world it is to be done from a perspective of detachment and dispassion; since after all, whether the world is ok or not it is illusory and therefore ultimately to be left behind.
HTP
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
I realize I have a ways to go thank you both for your comments.
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
Reply to Charles re: Level 1-Lesson 2 BOOKREADING
How would you describe your knowledge of religion and philosophy? What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life? The mundane pressures of society and the herd like mentality
Comment by Seba Dja: Re: Obstacles to Nehast
Udja Charles,
The answer to this question is “What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?, is Khemn …ignorance, which S. Maa also pointed out in his response. Reflect on the Maa Ur, Great Truth: “an-Maat swy Saui Set s-Khemn” – “Lack of righteousness brings fetters to the personality and these fetters lead to ignorance of the Divine.”
So, what you are referring to as the herd mentality is a general lack of righteousness in society which causes fetters which include: lack of expansion of consciousness {Saiu Set – biggest fetter}, anger, hatred, greed, envy, etc.
HOWEVER, even aspirants who have not attained Nehast are technically part of this “herd mentality”…part of this ignorance of Self, to the extent to which they are not-enlightened.
Since Nehast occurs when an aspirant overcomes her/his ignorance of Self, an aspirant AND ONLY the aspirant, controls his/her attainment of Nehast by her/his practice of the Shedy disciplines in an integral manner which will then, as Great Truth # 4 teaches: “ari Shedy Rekh ab m Maakheru” – “The practice of the Shedy disciplines leads to knowing oneself and the Divine (Nehast).”
It is of GREAT importance to start changing your focus from the world being an issue/obstacle, to your own ignorance of our Self being the obstacle. With the former, you have no control, and therefore, your Nehast, enlightenment will always elude you. It is like saying that you can only become enlightened when the world becomes enlightened. That is not going to happen, and that is also not a correct reflection. Enlightenment is an individual process. It has to be your true attainment and not a false attainment because the world became a nicer place. It’s easy for people to be “spiritual” when they are in a spiritual environment and there are no challenges to the personality (no one giving trouble or attitude). And this has its benefits.
But a real test of true spiritual attainment is when you are placed in a challenging worldly situation and are able to manifest your spiritual awareness of yourself as Self, even in the midst of the challenge. So, the world is to provide that opportunity to cultivate, practice and manifest that spiritual proficiency.
As you continue to find yourself in the same predicaments over and over, perhaps with the same or different actors (other souls) you will start to notice that you no longer interpret, respond to or experience the situation as you did before. Perhaps now you are more righteous, or and more calm or and more detached and or able to reflect on your Higher Self, etc. Perhaps you can figure out what you are being tested to do, from a spiritual perspective of your Shedy practice, and therefore, now you are focused on passing the test.
So, that the world does not really change, or that general society as a whole is not mystically based, provides an intensive training and testing ground for mystical spiritual aspirants. You will quickly know if you truly have overcome anger…as your Higher Self will place you in situations to show you that you still have more work to do, until the work is done! Even then, the situations of challenge will continue, but now you will merely be “strutting” your spiritual stuff!, and serving as an example to other striving spiritual aspirants, that they too CAN use this world for their spiritual growth; that it is NOT an obstacle.
The world is just a giant spiritual school with “spiritual kids” (souls) of all ages. Physical age does not correspond to soul age, since souls go through Uhem Ankh, reincarnation. So a very advanced soul (Masters level soul), when it incarnates to complete its attainment of Nehast in this lifetime (get it PhD in soul school – ex. Nehast), will be in the body of a little baby, while at the same time, a very immature – first grade level soul can be in the body of an old person, having just moved in this lifetime from kindergarten level soul to first grade soul.
So, in this earth school, just like in the school you attended, you had students in different grades getting F’s and students getting A+. Similarly, the same is going on in this earth soul school, except that we have PreK level souls and PhD level souls in one school; it’s like earth is a private school for souls. We refer to the A’s a Good Ariu (Karma) and the F’s as “Bad or Negative or Adverse Ariu (karma). A’s mean that you learned your spiritual lesson and you get to move forward to the next level of learning, moving closer to Nehast. F means that you will have to re-take that lesson, course or grade again. So, if you don’t pass a spiritual test, life will somehow put you in circumstances again, where you will be tested to demonstrate that level of spiritual proficiency again…and hopefully pass the next time. This is a process of lifetimes, Until the soul gets to the Master’s level in school school, at which point, that soul can complete the Master’s & PhD in this very lifetime, and that is the goal for aspirants in the FORMAL Mystical process of Shedy practice…to attain Nehast in this very lifetime.
So, everyone here is on this earth planet soul school is on the INFORMAL path of yoga, if they know it or not. When they don’t know it, they are in that “herd” mentality you referred to. But their souls are still being judged/graded (recall the judgment scene in the 42 precepts of Maat) by their own Higher Self.
Being on the formal path of Sema (Yoga – mystical science) is like taking an accelerated course…with awareness of the process and knowledge of what what you need to do and how you need to change and with the practice of the Shedy disciplines in an integral fashion, which are the tools to achieve this goal. Thus, it is a more direct path than the “stumbling towards enlightenment” informal path of the masses of souls.
So, as a KMT mystical teaching says, “there is no mediator between a soul and its Enlightenment.” Likewise, there are no external obstacles to your Nehast. You have all that you need within you to attain Nehast, since you are already essentially the Higher Self; really, all you really need to do is to realize this fact intuitionally…realize your true essence, your true Self, discover your true nature, the Self.
This is another reason no one or no thing can block your Nehast…because YOU ALREADY ARE THE HIGHER SELF. Nuk Pu Nuk – I am that I Am…I am the Self!
It’s up to you to realize this Truth…and that is what the work of Shedy is doing! But its all in your hands…not up to the world, if you realize this truth in this lifetime, or a future one. The goal is to work to do so for this lifetime!
HTP,
S. Dja
Participant
(170.98.106.254)
- Lesson 2- Introduction to Egyptian Yoga – WB pg. 21 – 22
1- How would you describe your knowledge of religion and philosophy?
I would describe my knowledge of religion is like that of most western African Americans. My understandings of world religion broaden once I became educated after studying anthropology. This class was truly the first step to my enlightenment. I wrote a paper on the religious cult of Voodoo. At that time I label myself as a Christian; it was an eye opener to see how much Christianity had in common with VooDoo something that I would have never imagined had I not been educated. From then on I knew that there was so much I did not know.
2- What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
My greatest obstacle in life is not needing approval from my family. I always wanted to make them proud and in return it stopped me from learning my true self, because I was busy trying to be with someone else wanted me to be. Leaving Christianity was very upsetting to my family and I’m still faced with a lot of resentment and hostility from my mother and other close family members.
3- What do you see as the most important need that you have?
The greatest need in my life is to understand who I am, where I come from and where I’m going in the level of time and space and on a spiritual level.
4- What is your current or previous religious affiliation or faith?
Christianity is my previous religion. I think it relates a lot to what I am following now which is Shetaut Neter (Neterian). What I know now I can better understand the Bible and the hidden message it was trying to relay.
5- What role do you feel religion or spirituality plays in your life?
Spirituality and religion plays a major role in my life it’s the vehicle that guides me through my journey in life ( time and space) and my journey to enlightenment.
6- Have you had any previous Yoga instruction? If so where and what was (is) your experience?
I have had previous yoga instruction through the temple of Amun with Priest Ra Tem and Priestess Amunty in Charlotte North Carolina. The instructions I received from them helped assured me that Shetaut Neter was the right spiritual path for my quest for enlightenment/ Nehast.
7- Have you received any advanced religious instruction?
I’ve studied religion just slightly in psychology courses but I wouldn’t call them advanced.
8- How do you see your life?
I see my physical being, as good or standard I’m educated married have a home two children the career and business. My spiritual life needs more help. My soul yearns for more because I know its more to be had, which is steady being fulfilled through the teachings of Shetaut Neter
9- What do you think of your own potential to succeed in life?
I feel that anything that I want to do, I came do as long as I am devoted
10- If you could, what would you like to do with your life?
I currently have a career in healthcare and I would like to expand on that. Now that I am spiritual guided I want to be able to help people with their health on a holistic level treating the whole person and not just their body symptoms. I plan on doing that through educating the patient not only on their physical health but their mental and spiritual health as well. HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Dee Dee–§ Lesson 2- Introduction to Egyptian Yoga – WB pg. 21 – 22
Udja
This has been a very descriptive post and you are to keep this in your journal and later you will bring it out again for further reflections.
Indeed, one mark of an avid aspirant is the capacity to live for their own purpose and not for that of others —this is an issue that is discussed in more detail in level 2 studies as it is that important –so it is a big and necessary as well as auspicious change you have made.
You have become sensitive to the issue of what is missing in your life and you have sufficient maturity to know you have the capacity to achieve if you devote yourself to that purpose. You are in a place where your experiences of life with family, children, etc. are now giving way to the higher purppose in life and that is what has led you here to this program and to the place you are in life0- this time and place in history. It is a recognition as well as development and your aryu has opened to allow your development to where you are now and as you continue the practice of shedy there is more to come.
On the issue of health –currently in the works is a Kemetic Diet certificate course that is planned for the Fall. More will be given on this as the time approaches.
HTP
Participant
(24.74.24.51)
I realize I have a ways to go thank you both for your comments.
HTP
Participant
(73.41.39.196)
Lesson 1 Pgs 10-20
Topic #2: Who was the first.. Civilization .. to develop a complete.. Religious System ..
Pg 10: What is the relationship between the Egyptians & the Ethiopians? Ancient Egyptians recorded they were colonies of Ethiopians, basically one in the same.
Topic #4: What is Yoga Philosophy? Egyptian Religion
Pg 15: What is the Initiatic way of education? The temple system. The teacher student method, Being used 5000+ yrs providing adequate Education and government systems.
Topic #6: What is initiation? Initian is more of embarking on a journey of.. Spiritual Living .. which leads to spiritual.. Enlightenment ..
Pg 19: How does the Kemetic Yoga counselor seek to help? By somehow channeling those energies experienced from worldly desires causing anguish, disappointment, and pain into a healthy dispassion of the world and its entanglements. Spiritual aspiration and self-effort directed at keeping a viable personal spiritual program or Shedy
Pg 19: How should a beginning spiritual aspirant think about the different levels of aspirants?
A) Aspirant- Awaking of the spiritual self, becoming conscious of the divine presence within one’s self and the universe
B) Striving- Purgation of the self, The aspirant tries to totally surrender “personal” identity or ego to the divine inner Self
C) Established- Illumination of the intellect, experience and appreciation of the divine presence during reflection and meditation
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Reggie Butts—-Lesson 1 Pgs 10-20
Udja
firstly, you mentioned earlier: “I’m reading the articles and stories and the more I learn the more I find I don’t know…”
this is a very mature and auspicious perspective to have as a spiritual aspirant because it means growing sensitivity and humility to the recognition of the delusion that most people live under and even oneself. From this position the world of wisdom can open because it is not beset with egoism and pride that bolster the ego and cloud the intellect.
That point segways into this post where you listed:
“B) Striving- Purgation of the self, The aspirant tries to totally surrender “personal” identity or ego to the divine inner Self”
This statement should not be understood by anyone as a cultish kind of surrender to whatever the teaching or the teacher says, blindly. Rather, it is a recognition of and a choice for living in accordance with truth, honor and virtue as opposed to egoism, delusion, death and reincarnation and more suffering. Therefore, an aspirant is asked to have faith but that faith is to be allowed to develop into wisdom and then intuitional realization of the higher self. What that means is worked out through the process of initiation-which as you correctly stated is learning a way of life based on truth.
HTP
Participant
(73.41.39.196)
Lesson 2: Pgs 21-22
- How would you describe your knowledge of religion and philosophy?
I’d say I know a little about a lot of different religions. As for philosophy I’m not too inclined with that aspect. - What do you see as the greatest obstacle to your happiness and fulfillment in life?
Myself. I hold myself back because I’m aware of my fears & I know what my “ego” is strong in. Staying in my comfort zone, I have a lot of interests I have a mental barrier I have to overcome. - What do you see as the most important need that you have?
To learn about life. To be able to give life. I wasn’t given the knowledge about life in general, health, social, financial, diet. The way mind mind works and the way the world is are not compatible to me. I have a deep passion to learn about being a whole person so I can give life to my immeate family & closest partners. - What is your current or previous religious affiliation or faith?
Today, shetaut Netjer, I grew up protestant Christan, got involved some in Judaism. It laid a great basis on spiritually even with the limitations on the spirit from religion. In christianty, we prayed for everything teaching appreciation and to be content, for deeper understanding of the scripts I studied Judaism, which showed me how to control my thoughts, introducing me to the tree of life , which I later found to be a direct copy from Kemet. - What role do you feel religion or spirituality plays in your life?
Spirituality has the most important role in my life because it is the key to my peace. I’ve been a spiritual person since a child, as I’ve grown I’ve understood that my spirit is me, I’m him, and together we are at peace. - Have you had any previous Yoga instruction? If so where and what was (is) your experience?
No I have not - Have you received any advanced religious instruction?
No I have not - How do you see your life?
As of rite now I see my life as going thru a gigantic transformation. I’ve changed my thoughts habits lifestyle the last two yrs, I’ve begun humbling myself for myself, no greater reason. Today I have Shetaut Netjer, bringing meaning and purpose to my transformation. Respect. - What do you think of your own potential to succeed in life?
Powerful. I rate success on the appreciation of my performance, so yes i do feel my potential is powerful to succeed in life. - If you could, what would you like to do with your life?
Live off of the land. Grow my own food, well my own water, heal the sick, and tend the injured .
HTP
Keymaster
(108.70.238.178)
REPLY TO: Reggie Butts—–Lesson 2: Pgs 21-22
Udja
These are very introspective reflections. Keep these in your journal as you will look at them again in the future.
One area I would like to comment on is your self-awareness. “I’m aware of my fears & I know what my “ego” is strong in.” In this statement you have referenced one of the most intractable problems suffered by most aspirants, the lack of sensitivity to one’s own failings, which is born of repeatedly living in not only the ordinary world of human experiences – which promotes egoism, but in this society which is above average in egoism, self-delusion as well as narcissism and pathological low self-esteem, along with a little spice of spiritual ignorance that is all thrown into a pot that produces ignorant fundamentalists, ignorant new-age spiritualists or apathetic cultural religionists (people who say they belong to a religion either because they were born in it or like the outer trappings of it but never practice its deeper teaching or traditions). These problems exist due to negative aryu of the person and lack of authentic guidance on the spiritual path and lack of ethical conscience.
Those who come to an advanced teaching have sufficiently positive aryu so as to have a chance to succeed if they are able to apply themselves and make it through the lower stages of shedy purification period. This is the answer to overcoming the mental barriers.
Aset: Goddess of healing
In Chapter 34, Verse 10 of the Pert M Hru scripture, the initiates states that {he/she} has become a spiritual doctor: There are sick, very ill people. I go to them, I spit on the arms, I set the shoulder, and I cleanse them.
Take care to remember that what you may give to the world it may not be ready to receive so it is part of our tradition to want to and enjoy sharing the wealth of the teaching and healing wisdom but not all people have the capacity (spiritual maturity) to be able to use the wisdom or even accept it; therefore, the desire from the heart, to serve and heal is noble, Maatian and commendable, and it is to be done in a spirit of service from the goddess and if you do it in this context it will be useful to all who need and can receive it but it is also an honor to She who is the overseer of all healing and thus a credit to her servants and thus there can always be success in offering that service to the divine and being content in that accomplishment no matter who else benefits. This way the gift remains pure and available and worldly rejections or acceptance will not disturb your attainment which will be pure feeling, pure thinking and pure aryu that lead to enlightenment!
In terms of other religions previously studies, they have a place and what was gained from them will be better understood since Neterianism is the origin of those; therefore with understanding and purification of mind the as well as adept preceptorship the understanding blossoms as the glory of the wisdom is gradually realized on a path wherein it is possible to move forward along the three stages of religious practice.
HTP
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