Spiritual Practices of Ancient Egypt and Their Echoes in Modernity

The mysterious and majestic “Books of Breathing” are a key element of ancient Egyptian
culture, reflecting humanity’s tireless pursuit of knowledge and spiritual ascent. These sacred
texts, dating back to ancient times, are significant, revealing the secrets of life, death, and the
afterlife. By studying the hieroglyphic texts accompanying the vignettes, we delve into the
depth of wisdom in the “Books of Breathing” and illuminate ancient Egyptian beliefs and
rituals related to the journey of the soul.

1. Summoning Divine Servants

The hieroglyphic text opens with an invocation of divine beings, including Amon-Ra, the
supreme god, and Mina, the priest of Khonsu. This highlights the deep reverence and
devotion paid to these deities and reflects the key role of religious practices in ancient
Egyptian society. In the modern world, we can also see parallels in how people seek support
from higher powers, be it traditional religions or new spiritual movements.

2. Burial and Summoning Rituals

The ancient Egyptians believed in the importance of funeral rites for continued existence in
the afterlife. The book calls upon the deceased, expressing the hope that his soul will dwell
among the gods and be buried in the West. This is consistent with the ancient Egyptian belief
in the importance of proper burial rites and the soul's journey to the afterlife, emphasizing the
continuity of existence beyond death. In the modern world, we also see how people place
great emphasis on farewell ceremonies, which reflects our desire to perpetuate the memory of
loved ones.

3. The essence of the “Books of Breathing”

The “Books of Breathing” were intended to provide eternal breath in the afterlife. The
hieroglyphic text contains a passage that directly references the “Books of Breathing”. The
ritual of placing the “Book of Breathing”, created by Isis, next to the heart of the deceased,
wrapped in royal linen shrouds, is described. This ritual is believed to allow the deceased to
breathe like the gods forever, symbolizing the desire for spiritual immortality. In modern
times, we strive for eternity through digital technology, preserving memories and knowledge
on the Internet.

4. A Call for Revival and Transformation

Ancient texts called for the rebirth and transformation of the soul. The beginning of the
“Books of Breathing” attributed to Isis, is a powerful call for the rebirth and transformation of
the deceased. It aims to rejuvenate the soul and body, allowing the departed to join the
heavenly kingdom and shine with divine light. The mystery surrounding this call emphasizes
its sacred and powerful nature, reserved for initiates. Today we see a desire for self-
development and personality transformation through education, meditation, and
psychotherapy.

5. Purification and Judgment

The hieroglyphic text describes the purification rituals that the deceased undergoes, ensuring
his readiness to enter the divine realm. References to cleansing the heart, body, and soul
emphasize the importance of purity on the path to eternal life. Additionally, the text calls for
divine judgment and the ceremony of weighing the heart, confirming the moral integrity and
righteousness of the individual. The rituals of purification and judgment of the soul in the
“Books of Breathing” are reminiscent of modern practices of self-reflection and the desire for
self-improvement, as well as social recognition and the judicial system that evaluates our
actions.

Finally, the hieroglyphic writings accompanying the vignette give us access to the deep
rituals and beliefs recorded in the “Books of Breathing” of the ancient Egyptian era. Analysis
of these texts shows that a person’s desire to understand what awaits him after death, and the
desire for spiritual growth and eternity remain constant, despite all the changes brought by
technological development and social transformations. From invocations of divine powers to
rituals of burial, purification, and transformation, these sacred scriptures reflect people's
undying desire for spiritual awakening and enlightenment. By unraveling the meanings
hidden in the hieroglyphs, we gain insight into the vast legacy of wisdom of the ancient
Egyptians, which illuminates the path to immortality and union with the divine. This
highlights the continuous connection between ancient and modern cultures in their common
quest for transcendence and endless life.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Books_of_Breathing
https://www.attalus.org/egypt/breathing.html
http://www.pseudepigrapha.com/egyptian/BookOfBreathings.htm