The Creation Conundrum of Ancient Egypt: The Missing Pieces

For many of us, the first introduction to Egypt has been in school through its most famous landmark – the Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient civilisation, known for its incredible architectural feats, was also a hub of art, science and medicine. The Egyptians were brilliant thinkers, creating a moon phase calendar and performing surgeries long before modern medicine.

Yet, despite their genius, they missed one of the biggest mysteries of all – how nature itself was created. In this exploration, we’ll take a closer look at the beliefs about the Creation of Nature that were common in ancient Egypt, and try to understand why such a highly advanced society developed such a myopic perspective on how life and the world came to be.

The Birth of Ancient Egypt

The story of Ancient Egypt begins with the Nile River, often called the ‘lifeblood’ of Egypt. Flowing northward from the heart of Africa, the Nile provided the essential resources for sustaining life in the desert. Its annual floods deposited rich silt on the land, creating fertile plains ideal for agriculture. This abundance allowed a once-nomadic people to settle, cultivate the land and develop a sophisticated society.

Around 3100 BCE, Egypt was unified under the rule of its first pharaoh, King Narmer (also known as Menes). This marked the beginning of the Early Dynastic Period, the first of many eras in Egypt’s long history. Under the pharaohs, Egypt expanded its borders, built its first cities, and began the monumental task of constructing the pyramids – structures that would become synonymous with Ancient Egypt itself.

Significance of Pyramids in Ancient Egypt

When we think of Ancient Egypt, the image that most often comes to mind is that of the pyramids. These colossal structures, built as tombs for pharaohs, are among the most impressive feats of engineering in human history. The Great Pyramid of Giza, constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu around 2580-2560 BCE, stands as a testament to the skill and dedication of the Egyptian people. For centuries, it was the tallest man-made structure on Earth and remains one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

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But the pyramids are more than just architectural marvels. They are deeply intertwined with the Egyptians’s beliefs about the afterlife. The pharaohs were considered gods on Earth (but they were actually only humans, maybe with some supernatural powers), and their pyramids were not merely tombs but grand gateways to the afterlife. The Egyptians believed that the soul would continue to live after death, provided the body was preserved and given the proper rites. This led to the practice of mummification, an intricate process that ensured the preservation of the body for eternity.

Critical Note 1:

Ancient Egyptians worshiped countless deities, including the Pharaohs. Who are Pharaohs? They were monarchs or rulers of ancient Egypt, revered as ‘living gods’, believed by ancient Egyptians to be chosen by gods to lead them. This exalted status raised them to a level where their word was law, and their legacy was immortalised in grand structures like the Pyramids. 

The Pyramids architectural wonders that stand as a testament to their unparalleled tactical thinking and reasoning of ancient Egyptians. These achievements have left a mark on history that no other civilisation has replicated. 

Despite their remarkable intelligence, it raises serious questions that challenge the very beliefs the Egyptians held. If Pharaohs were indeed gods, what does that imply about the nature of God? 

1. Gods are traditionally seen as eternal and omnipotent, so why did these divine Pharaohs succumb to death? Are Gods mortal beings? 
2. Moreover, the Egyptians believed in the immortality of the soul, which they thought would continue into the afterlife, provided the body was preserved through the meticulous process of mummification. But what becomes of the soul in this afterlife?
3. If the soul leaves the body, does it truly live on its own, or does it inhabit another form?

These questions stir deep reflections on the nature of life, death and ‘God’, challenging the very foundations of the beliefs that sustained one of the most ‘advanced’ civilisations in human history.

Gods, Myths and Religion

Religion permeated every aspect of life in Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians worshiped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with specific roles and attributes. Ra, the sun god, was the chief deity, representing creation and life itself. Osiris, the god of the afterlife, symbolised death and resurrection. Isis, his wife, was the goddess of magic and motherhood. These deities were not distant beings but were believed to actively influence the world, and their stories formed the basis of Egyptian mythology.

One of the most famous myths is that of Osiris and Isis. According to legend, a god named Set killed Osiris out of jealousy. He then dismembered Osiris’s body and scattered the pieces across Egypt. These pieces were collected by Isis, with the help of her son Horus. They are believed to have brought Osiris back to life. This myth became central to Egyptian religion, symbolising the cycle of life, death and rebirth.

Temples dedicated to these gods were built across Egypt, serving as both religious and economic centres. The Temple of Karnak, dedicated to the god Amun, is one of the largest and most elaborate temple complexes ever constructed. These temples were not just places of worship but also housed schools, libraries, and granaries, playing a crucial role in the administration of the state.

Critical Note 2:

The overview above reflects the ancient Egyptian belief that life on Earth and in heaven were deeply intertwined, with gods closely involved in human affairs. 

Some critical observations arise at this point:

1. If gods experienced jealousy, anger, and hatred, just like humans, what truly sets them apart from us?
2. Do gods also possess negative qualities?
3. And if these gods themselves are bound by the cycles of life, death and rebirth, who then is capable of leading humanity toward true salvation?

Ancient Egypt: Creation of Nature and Life

Throughout history, regardless of geography, humanity has been relentlessly curious about the origins of life and our place in the universe. The people of Ancient Egypt were no exception, deeply reflecting and searching for answers to how it all began. While their creation theories evolved over time and varied across different regions of Egypt, we will examine one of the most widely accepted version here:

• The Egyptians believed that initially there was nothingness – only darkness, infinity, invisibility and boundless waters existed. They described this as a chaotic void or ‘Nun’. Nun symbolised the absence of order, light and life. 

• The ancient Egyptians envisioned a universe that was born out of this primeval state.

• Central to this creation myth were eight deities, known collectively as the Ogdoad, who embodied the fundamental elements of this primordial chaos. 

• According to Egyptian belief, it was from the interplay of these deities that a cosmic egg emerged. This egg, floating atop the waters of Nun, was the vessel from which the world and all life within it would spring forth. 

• The egg hatched to reveal the god Atum (or in some traditions, Ra), the self-created deity who created the cosmos. 

• Atum, embodying the sun, stood as the first source of light and order in the universe. The ancient Egyptians associated the rise and setting of the sun as cycles of life, death and rebirth.

Atum’s emergence marked the dawn of creation, as he began to shape the physical world and populate it with life. Through his own acts of creation, Atum gave rise to the first gods and goddesses, who would take on roles as the guardians and maintainers of the natural world. 

Critical Note 3:

This mythological narrative reflects Egyptians’ deep reverence for the natural world and what they believe is a balance that sustains life. For them, the process of creation was not a one-time event but a continuous cycle, mirroring the daily rise and set of the sun.

However, some critical aspects demand introspection here:

1. The Egyptians believed that the universe was continuously maintained by the gods, who kept the ‘forces of chaos at bay’. This means the chaos was never eliminated by these gods, it persisted.
2. Egyptian concepts of creation centres on the elements of Nature, rather than Nature in a wider perspective. They hinged a lot on individual forces like air, moisture, earth and sky, and yet, terming them as a dynamic system. Is there a central force who controls these elements of nature?
3. Egyptologists have often used words like ‘Egyptians believed in the interconnectedness of all things’. Where does this interconnectedness originate? What is the root of this intricate web that binds the natural and divine realms together?
4. The Egyptians viewed creation as an ongoing process of transformation and renewal. But does this belief leave any room for liberation, for breaking free from the endless cycle of creation and destruction? Is there an escape, or are we forever bound to this cosmic wheel?
5. Egyptians immensely believed in the balance of the natural and divine worlds, that is the world of humans and gods. What is balance?
6. Moreover, the Egyptians were committed to the idea of balance between the natural and divine worlds – the realms of humans and gods. What is balance? While it suggests a sense of justice, it also obscures the reality that balance always exists between opposing forces. If the worlds of humans and gods are in balance, are they inherently in opposition? And if so, how can they be interconnected?
7. The people of Ancient Egypt also believed in multiple ‘creators’ governing different aspects of nature, rather than a singular Creator.

This multiplicity leads to a deeper, more pressing question for humanity, as pointed out by Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj: Who truly holds the authority to speak definitively about the complete Creation of Nature? Who is the ultimate source, the singular authority behind the cosmos?

The True Story of Creation of Nature

Ancient Egypt is a civilisation that, despite the passage of time, remains vivid in our collective imagination. Egyptians created a world that was very forward-thinking, and yet, failed to unlock the mystery of Creation.

Circling back to the three critical notes in this examination, leads us to the most critical and foundational – Who holds the ultimate authority to reveal the complete Creation of Nature? Our Creator, the Immortal Supreme God Kabir, descends repeatedly into this mortal world to awaken us from the deep sleep of ignorance and disclose the entire truth about not just Earth, but all the multiple universes. 

Supreme God Kabir, our Father, tirelessly spreads His authentic spiritual knowledge to His beloved souls trapped in this endless cycle of life, death and rebirth. Egyptians revered this cycle, but couldn’t escape it without God Kabir’s divine intervention. Even deities are trapped in this cycle, unable to offer salvation on their own.

God Kabir manifests as the singular Complete Saint who alone can provide the true knowledge necessary for our liberation. He is the anchor of authentic spiritual wisdom, holding the golden key to understanding not only the secrets of the world but also the purpose of our existence amid the chaos we often mistake for progress.

God Kabir has once again manifested as Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj to awaken us from ignorance and guide us to our true home, the eternal Satlok. The bridge to unraveling this truth lies with a Satguru (Complete Saint), who serves as the infallible link between us and our Creator, the Supreme God Kabir.

At this point, probing further into the Creation of Nature with mere words seems inadequate, as the true depth of this subject surpasses what can be conveyed through text alone. To truly grasp its profound significance, it is essential to hear it directly from our Creator. Embrace the full understanding of Creation from the Father of all souls, who has come to guide and rescue us in the form of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.

It’s truly astonishing to discover the uncanny resemblance between the ‘egg’  creation story of Egyptians and the actual events that transpired. This revelation also explains the profound disconnect between this deep truth and our relentless quest to understand our origins.

Learn more about the authentic, incomparable teachings of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, by visiting:

• Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
• YouTube: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
• Facebook: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
• Twitter: @SaintRampalJiM

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