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The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Papyrus of Ani) · 295 of 357 · tr. E.A. Wallis Budge

Chapter 43 (part 56)

The Egyptians called them " per kheru ," that is to say, " the things which the word or the demand made to appear ," or " per hru kheru ," that is to say, " the things which presented themselves at the word " or " at the demand " of the deceased. The deceased was then called " maa kheru ," that is to say, " he who realizes his word ," or " he who realizes while he speaks ," or " whose voice or demand realizes ," or " whose voice or demand makes true, or makes to be really and actually " that which only appears in painting on the walls of the tomb. M. Amélineau combats this interpretation, and agrees with M. Maspero's rendering of "juste de voix"; see Un Tombeau Égyptien (in Revue de l'Histoire des Religions ), t. xxiii, pp. 153, 154. It is possible that maa-kheru may mean simply "blessed."] {p. 1xxv} and his ka is triumphant.[1] He sits on a great throne by the side of God.[2] The throne is of iron ornamented with lions' faces and having the hoofs of bulls.[3] He is clothed in the finest raiment, like unto the raiment of those who sit on the throne of living right and truth.[4] He receives the urerit crown from the gods,[5] and from the great company of the gods of Annu.[6] He thirsts not, nor hungers, nor is sad;[7] he eats the bread of Ra and drinks what he drinks daily,[8] and his bread also is that which is spoken by Seb, and that which comes forth from the mouth of the gods.[9] He eats what the gods eat, he drinks what they drink, he lives as they live, and he dwells where they dwell;[10] all the gods give him their food that he may not die.[11] Not only does he eat and drink of their food, but he wears the [1. Recueil de Travaux , t. v., p. 189 (l. 179). 2. ###. Ibid. , t. i,., p. 58 (l. 494). 3 ###. Ibid. , t. vii., p. 154 (ll. 309, 310). 4. Ibid. , t. v., p. 148 (1. 239). 5. Ibid. , t. iv., p. 56 (l. 480). 6. Ibid. , t. v., p. 176 (1. 117). 7. Ibid. , t. iii., p. 195 (l. 172). 8 Ibid. , t. v., p. 52 (l. 335) 9 ###. Ibid. , t. iii., p. 208 (1. 234). 10. Ibid. , t. iii., p. 198 (1. 191 f.). 11. Ibid., t. v., p. 164 (1. 56).] {p.
Themes
Eschatological Judgmentsoteriology

Final, collective cosmic judgment as an event in which the wicked are sentenced and the cosmos restored; distinct from psychopomp_journey (individual passage at death) and emphasising verdict where Zoroastrian frashokereti emphasises restoration.

The text describes the deceased judging hearts and subjugating enemies, reflecting a role in the final judgment process.

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Ritual Puritypraxis

The maintenance of a state of cleanliness—physical, moral, or spiritual—required for encounter with the divine.

The status of being 'maa-xeru' (true of voice/justified) implies a state of moral and spiritual purity required for heavenly existence.

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Sacred Namestheology

Divine names or formulas that carry ontological power, used in prayer, liturgy, or magical practice.

The invocation of Ra, Horus, and Thoth, along with the detailed discussion of the title 'maa-xeru', highlights the ontological power of divine names.

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Theurgypraxis

Iamblichean ritual practice that engages the gods directly through consecrated material symbols and actions, on the premise that divine power descends into properly prepared matter — distinct from philosophical contemplation alone.

The deceased uses divine power given by Horus to subjugate the kas of gods and enemies, acting through ritual authority.

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Funerary Navigationpraxis

Texts and rituals guiding the soul through death.

[auto] As part of the Book of the Dead, this passage outlines the deceased's status and location in the afterlife as a result of ritual guidance.

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Maat Cosmic Ordercosmology

The Egyptian principle of truth, balance, and right order underlying both the cosmos and human conduct; the parallel to Zoroastrian asha and Greek dike.

[auto] The passage centers on the concept of 'maa-xeru' (true of voice/justified), which is the Egyptian embodiment of Maat, truth, and right order required for the afterlife.

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Mystical Unionsoteriology

The merging of the individual soul or self with the divine, transcending personal identity.

[auto] The passage explicitly states the deceased 'becomes God' and stands with Ra, indicating a merging of identity with the divine.

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Return To Sourcesoteriology

The soul's journey back to its divine origin, reversing the fall into matter through stages of purification or illumination.

[auto] The transformation of the deceased into God suggests a return to or union with the divine origin.

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Spiritual Ascentpraxis

A staged journey of the soul upward through heavenly realms or levels of being toward the divine source.

[auto] The deceased is described standing in the north of heaven and by the side of God, implying an ascent to higher realms.

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Theosis Deificationsoteriology

The doctrine — central to Eastern Orthodox and Maximian theology — that the human person is progressively transformed into a partaker of the divine nature by grace, not merely justified or united in passing ecstasy.

[auto] The text explicitly states the deceased 'becomes God and an angel of God' and becomes Thoth, indicating a transformation into divine nature.

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Related passages · 5 parallels
christian_mysticism|The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme|Chapter 12 (part 5)
He now sat in the chair of David, and was the true priest in the order of Melchisedec." ( Three Principles , xxii. 3.) But the victory which the Redeemer had gained over Satan at the time of the temptation could not be sufficient for the p…”
Both passages describe a transformation of the deceased or redeemer into a divine or exalted state, where they gain power over enemies and become united with the divine. They also emphasize the triumph over evil and the attainment of a heavenly life.
christian_mysticism|The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme|Chapter 13 (part 4)
will enter the kingdom of heaven, but those who do the will of My Father in heaven." It would seem self-evident that no being inferior to the Father in heaven can possibly do the will of the Father, because no one can do the will of God unl…”
Both passages describe a mystical union with the divine and a transformation of the individual into a divine or heavenly state. They share themes of divine power, regeneration, and the attainment of a higher, celestial existence.
christian_mysticism|The Life and Doctrines of Jacob Boehme|Chapter 14 (part 7)
This light moderates the action of the fiery will still active in them, the blessings of their good deeds surround them, the hope for still greater glorification is their life, and from the trouble and persecution which they have suffered t…”
Both passages describe the afterlife experiences of the deceased, emphasizing their elevation to a divine status, their association with divine beings, and the rewards they receive for their righteous deeds. The themes of divine power, judgment, and the blessed state of the soul are common to both traditions.
mesopotamian|Enuma Elish: The Epic of Creation|1j
Tutu [Marduk] is "He who created them anew"; Should their wants be pure, then are they satisfied; Should he make an incantation, then are the gods appeased; Should they attack him in anger, he withstandeth their onslaught! Let him therefor…”
Both passages describe a deceased individual or deity achieving a elevated status in the divine realm, gaining power over other divine beings, and bringing order or judgment. The themes of divine authority, protection, and the afterlife are shared across these mystical traditions.
mesopotamian|Enuma Elish: The Epic of Creation|1k
May he hold the Beginning and the Future, may they pay homage unto him, Saying, "He who forced his way through the midst of Tiamat without resting, Let his name be Nibiru, 'the Seizer of the Midst'! For the stars of heaven he upheld the pa…”
Both passages describe the deceased or a divine figure achieving a state of divine power and authority, becoming like a god and exercising control over other divine beings. They also emphasize the triumph and exaltation of the central figure, who is placed in a position of great honor and power in the divine realm.