Kemetic Teachings: Principles of Maat
We don’t hear the word “principle” much any more. Not be be confused with the word “principal” which refers to the first or most important person in rank,
the meaning of "principle” includes:
-a moral rule or belief that helps you know what is right and wrong that influences your actions
-a basic truth or theory
-an idea that forms the basis of something
(Merriam Webster Dictionary)
The PRINCIPLES OF MAAT were the moral rules and beliefs that guided the behavior of Auset and all the people of Ancient Kemetic society. They were the moral rule that helped the people know what was right and what was wrong, and influenced their actions.
In his book, African Contributions to Civilization, Tony Browder names the principles of MAAT. These seven principles are:
Truth, Justice, Harmony, Balance, Order, Reciprocity and Propriety.
My brief understanding of these principles is as follows:
Truth is the ability to understand the difference between the real and the unreal. This, of course, is subject to the definition of reality. In this case, reality is grounded in the belief that Spirit is the Greatest Reality, undergirding, giving life to, permeating all else that exists. Therefore, for example, one truth is that human beings are spiritual beings and every other experience is the basis of and result of that truth.
Justice is the state in which there is equity for all persons, for all creatures and for the planet on which all of these rely for life. Equity means that all have equal opportunity for basic needs to be met (food, shelter, water, safety, medical care, dignity, respect, community…), to live in peace, to fully and meaningfully participate and contribute to society, to offer gifts, talents, and or essence, toward the good of the whole.
Harmony is that state of being in which different expressions of God’s Spirit — human beings, animals, plants, etc., move together in ways that create alignment and beauty. It is important that each expression be authentic and express fully all that it is created to be. It is only through authenticity that harmony can truly be achieved, and occurs naturally when each entity is being true to itself — to it’s spiritual reality.
Balance is a state of homeostasis in which the internal and external environments of an individual, or group are aligned with God, one another and the rest of creation. It is the experience of existing in the place where opposites meet, the creation point, where new life is generated and new possibilities come into being.
Order is a state of being in which things occupy the the place and space for which they were created. This means they are arranged in ways that are uncluttered, free of excess, clear.
Reciprocity is the reality that what comes around, goes around, as above, so below — as below so above, whatever has a front has a back — the bigger the front, the bigger the back, etc. There is a motion, rhythm of cause and effect, give and take, forward and backward to every aspect of creation.
Propriety means to be and to do what is right, according to the truth that all human beings are spiritual beings. Right means to live out those behaviors, words, actions, thoughts, and feelings which do no harm to another being, creature or aspect of Creation, beginning with self.
The Principles of MAAT were a value of the Egyptian culture. It was expected that Pharaohs and their families embody these principles, along with every person who was part of the community. They were not only to be studied, but life was to be lived in such a way that these principles guided all actions and relationships. One who did not live and or rule and lead by these principles was considered unfit for the position, at least during the times Egypt’s of greatest spiritual heights. Obviously, this meant that teachings about how to live in order to find union with God, was part of the life training of the people from infancy onward. The purpose of this union was both for the good and benefit of the individual, but even more so for the society and the world. The idea was for each person to live a life in which the principles were embodied externally as well as internally. There was special training for the leadership and for priests, in what we have come to call the “Mystery Schools.” But the basic principles were available to all. People came from other countries and cultures to study these and other teachings of Kemet, including Greeks, such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, who took their learnings back to their own people and reinterpreted them. This was apparently a common practice between 640-322 B.C. (Stolen Legacy)
I mention these principles because they are the foundation for my understanding of the ‘Nine Steps to Spiritual Freedom' that I see in Auset 's Journey that give us insight for our spiritual quests in the 21st Century.
Next we'll look at some connections between Auset's journey and the Principles of MAAT.
How do these principles resonate with your experience?
Share in the comments section below.