The Art of Meditation

Ka’at Ibi: The Art of Meditation

The art of meditation has proven itself to be a very useful tool in the lives of those who practice it on a consistent basis for many different reasons. Used by many as a stress-reliever and as a way to relax and energize the body and spirit, meditation does have its benefits. But what I found to be the most beneficial, through practicing the Ka'at Ib (Kemetic Ancient Egyptian meditation), is the ability to heighten the senses or awareness. This entails not only diverse positions, but intense brain work as well. In training the body to adhere to the requests and demands of the brain, there are specific techniques that must be applied.

The truth is that all forms or styles of meditation originated in the Nile Valley and were practiced and taught by priests of the temples throughout Africa. It was a part of their priestly duties to travel throughout the world and teach humanity the ancient meditation known then and now as Ka'at Ib, which, loosely translated, means the awareness of the soul and heart. It should be understood that the word "meditation" really had no place in Kemet (Africa), and even until now, this word is not used in the Kemetic spiritual system as a practice or discipline. In this context, it is simply used to give the reader a sort of familiarity to what the Ka'at Ib can be perceived to be.

Before graduating as a certified Ka'at Ib instructor, I was curious as to what made the Ka'at Ib different from other forms of yoga or meditation. After completing my education, the answer is clear: authenticity.

For some, authenticity is of little importance, being that we live in a world where everything is constantly changing. As with the history of the world in which we live, original methods of doing things have been reconstructed to fit the interests and ambition of those in positions of authority. Spiritual practices and values are not omitted from this equation. Whenever anything is added or subtracted from its original form, it can be safely said that its value and effect will change also.

When I looked at the history and values of Kemet, I found the most intelligent and productive civilization to ever grace the planet Earth. Tens of thousands of years later, the feats of the Kemetic culture remain unmatched and enigmatic in the midst of all the so-called advanced technology that exists today. Scientists and philosophers are still befuddled as to how the Kemetic civilization was able to tap into a different source of intelligence that enabled them to set the standard of all disciplines for the rest of the world. Many have gone on to speculate that beings from another planet were the builders of the pyramids...all because of not understanding the paradigm of thought that was taught and practiced in the temples of the Nile and Niger Valleys.

The Ka'at Ib plays a vital role in being able to fully utilize the intellectual capabilities of the mind. There are certain parts of the brain in all humans that need a specific amount of stimulation in order to allow it to function in its entirety. If this stimulation is not given, just like any other muscle, the brain slowly shrinks and begins to decrease. When certain aspects of the brain are ignored, possibilties shrink. The Ka' at Ib techniques feed the brain the elements that are needed to realize the fullest potential of the mind and its functions. History itself is the proof that it works.

Another vital aspect of the Ka'at Ib is the practitioner's ability to be pure and clean. This goes beyond just taking a shower or having a hot bath, as there is a specific purification ritual that is necessary before the Ka'at Ib begins. The divine world will never come close to anything that is not pure, and the Ka'at Ib teaches how to achieve purity within the self as well as within one's surroundings. The old saying that "cleanliness is next to Godliness" does not mean simply having a clean house, but it does mean having a pure internal environment. Purity plays a major role in how much meditation will affect ones physical and spiritual self. For more information, call 773- 722-7001 or visit us online at www.theearthcenter.com