Mind - Spirit
The Khamau-True Living Artists
by Het-Heru Maatkeru
Webster's dictionary defines a living artist as one who inspires or achieves artistic fame in active function or use. When I think of living artists, the people of ancient Egypt definitely come to mind.
My life took a very different turn 16 years ago when I learned about these ancient people known as the Khamau. Before the Romans renamed Egypt, it was originally known as Khamit, which means "land of the dark or burnt people." I was introduced to this ancient culture when I had the privilege of hearing a lecture given by a scholar of African history. Half way through the lecture, I felt such a strong connection that tears came to my eyes: I had remembered something from long agoäa part of me had found my ancient home.
Thus began my journey into the incredible history and culture of Khamit. I was so amazed at the many contributions that the Khamau brought to the world, which included everything from natural healing practices, to our many arts and sciences. However, what really captured my interest, was learning about their health and spiritual practice called "Ari Ankh Ka," which means "Breath is the life of the Soul."
As I began to learn more, it was easy to make the obvious connections between Ari Ankh Ka and Hatha Yoga, which I have been teaching professionally since 1969. As a teacher, I found interesting that the origin of Hatha Yoga came from Khamit, which was one of the most peaceful civilizations in the history of mankind. I found myself asking this question: Although Yoga is more popular than ever before, why do we live in such a violent time? This led me to ask what is the intent of our Yoga practice? After all, this is the ancient art that originally brought peace to the Khamau. What is our intent for practicing this ancient art? Is it based on the same principles as the Khamau?
Historians speculate that the Khamau lived around 3200 B.C., and followed the seven principles of Maat. These principles were Truth, Righteousness, Law, Order Balance, Harmony and Reciprocity. I could easily see the similarities with the Yamas and Niyamas of Hatha Yoga. It was also important for the Khamau to maintain their spiritual connection in everything that they did, another strong similarity with the definition of Yoga being a "union." Their practice of Ari Ankh Ka symbolized their understanding of the power of breath for physical, mental, and spiritual well being which is known as Pranayama, the fourth step of the eight steps of Hatha Yoga. It was also easy to see a close resemblance of the yoga asanas (postures), with similar images found inside the Khamau's temple walls.
With my introduction to ancient Egypt, I received another gift. Twenty years ago I included psychic/spiritual counseling to my work. My particular intuitive gift is clairaudience (the ability to hear thoughts and to connect with thoughts from the other side). I learned early in my teaching that I have the ability to channel. It was from the intuitive realm that I was able to connect with my spiritual guides, whom I learned, come from this ancient time. It was during a class I was teaching at UC Santa Barbara, that my guides, whom I call the ancestors, told me that they wanted me to focus on healing, using the Chakras (the spiritual centers). I began channeling formulas, using essential oils to balance the Chakras. They were having a profound effect on those using them. I discovered that the Khamau were masters at the art of mixing essential oils for their health and beauty, as well as for spiritual practices. It was one more example that, although these incredibly enlightened people lived many thousands of years ago, their scientific art and teachings are still living today.
When I think of many contributions that the Khamau have made, not only to my life, but so many others, as well, they are truly great examples of living artists. Just as we have learned our health and beauty practices from the Khamau, we can also learn the Art of living in a more peaceful world.
Ab m (from the heart of)
Het-Heru Maatkeru
Het-Heru Maatkeru is a master Khamitic Yoga, teacher, who has taught for almost four decades. She is also a well sought after psychic/spiritual advisor, lecturer, and the President & CEO of A'Set International, Inc. (Home of Nefer Atum Sacred Oils, Sacred Love and Het-Heru's Chamber lines of products).www.nefaratum.com