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| Temples and Priests | |
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| Topic Started: Feb 16 2009, 09:20 PM (480 Views) | |
| Astennu | Feb 16 2009, 09:20 PM Post #1 |
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I'm kind of curious what opinions people have on what Atenist Temples should look like and what elements should be involved in them? I also want to know peoples opinions on Atenist Priests. |
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| Astennu | Feb 16 2009, 09:33 PM Post #2 |
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Priests Purity In ancient Egypt priestly purity was very important as nothing impure was allowed into the Temple. Before entering the temple a priest purified himself with water and natron, which took place in a sacred lake which Temple precincts included. They usually wore clothing of clean white linen, clean/purified sandals, and everything he touched after that point had to be purified by Wa'eb priests. Some priesthoods went so far as to shave off all of their body hair and practiced circumcision. I agree with ritual purity, and that which enters a Temple should (when possible) be purified. I'm open to what people think a priests outfit should consist of, which is something we need to give some thought to. As for shaving all of their hair or circumcision, I do not think those need to be requirements. Clothing From my research they did wear white linen garments, and possibly white sandals. Wool was considered unclean as it came from living beings and could transfer impurities. Some priests did wear animal skins (which I would prefer to avoid), sashes across their chests, or a specially formed collar. |
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| Astennu | Mar 5 2009, 03:20 PM Post #3 |
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A Modern Atenist Temple The entry way should be separate from the sanctuary (where the ceremonies/rituals are conducted), this could be as simple as putting up a curtain. The entry area is where objects (coats, hats, shoes, and such) of the mundane world are relinquished. There should be a purification area, for a time of reflection before going on into the sanctuary. Offerings could be prepared, or stored, here without distraction. There is the sanctuary, which is the most sacred place in the temple. This is the place where the worshiper meets Aten and a place where His power emanates from. It must be protected from hostile/negative forces and treated with reverence. It is here that the alter stands and the shrine that contains the sacred image. There should be an area for participants to retire and reflect on the ceremonies/rituals that have been performed. Traditionally this includes refreshment, so that we can share in the days offerings and partake of the blessings of Aten. Or course there has to be a library, so that there is a place to store books and to study without interruption. Another thing to consider was that the Ancient Egyptians believed that the orientation and alignment of temples was of great importance, as this was how the sanctuary was targeted to the cosmic realms where the Gods resided. This was also to synchronize the temple to the natural rhythm of the world. At the very least I think things should be oriented towards the east. |
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| Astennu | Jun 7 2009, 02:29 AM Post #4 |
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I tend to listen to many people, and I have recently been trying to find out what people think about priests/gurus/pastors/teachers/etc. In doing so I have run across those who seem to think that a priest must be absolutely perfect in order to be a spiritual guide, and I have to put my two cents in. I think what people need to realize is that spiritual guides (whatever title we give them) are people, and as such they will be flawed. The difference being is that the spiritual guide recognizes that they are flawed and hopefully works to better themselves. They are in a position to help guide others, because they have been in similar situations. They have had bad relationships, they have had bill issues, they have had car trouble, etc. They have experienced such problems and learned how to deal with them, while remaining spiritually connected. This is not an easy thing to do. Just a few rules that may help you: 1. Do not underestimate your own knowledge. You will hopefully have a good understanding of the basics of Atenism (or whatever faith you may have chosen if you happened to just wander onto the forums), and if your prospective teacher disagrees you need to look at that basic knowledge. How fundamentally does that teacher differ or agree with what you know? How do they react if you disagree with them? 2. Avoid flamboyant traits in a prospective teacher. Do they advertise on the internet, with flyers, signs, etc? Does the prospective teacher tell you he/she is booked months ahead of time or that their students or clients include impressive (rich and/or famous) people? Any of those are serious warnings, as a true teacher/spiritual guide usually doesn't advertise (there is a difference between advertising and spreading the "word" about their beliefs), and would not care about fame or money. 3. There should be a connection between student and spiritual teacher/guide. When you are with this prospective teacher you should feel that this person is "right" for you and feel at ease when you meet him/her (besides maybe being nervous about the meeting, which is natural). If you don't feel at ease, or if your intuition says that this is not the right person, then just walk away (do try to be polite, though). If this person is a true spiritual teacher/guide they will understand, and if they don't they certainly are not spiritual guide material. 4. A spiritual teacher/guide is not a deity. No matter how great you may think a teacher to be, they are still human and no human as acquired all possible knowledge. A teacher should be humble. This does not mean they will not mind being called "Teacher" or whatever title the two of you feel is appropriate, but if they expect to be treated as a "Master" take it as a sign that they are not one. Treating your teacher as a deity will skew the relationship between student and teacher, even if they have not asked to be treated like one. Your teacher should hopefully be a gifted, knowledgeable individual who is deeply concerned about your spiritual development. A spiritual teacher/guide does deserve to be treated with proper respect and love. 5. Remain open to spiritual teaching. A spiritual teacher can only work within the parameters of a students life and potential. If you believe that the methods or beliefs of the potential teacher/guide are not effective for you, then search for another spiritual teacher. 6. Do not take rejection personally. A potential teacher/guide may refuse to teach you because they see that they cannot provide you with what you need, so just go looking for one who can. A potential teacher may react with some delay when responding to your entreaty, and you shouldn't take this personally either. They may simply wish to ensure your sincerity, consideration, or may simply make sure that you are not involved in an emergency situation that you cannot resolve. 7. Avoid any spiritual guide/teacher that makes you feel guilty, fearful, inadequate, etc. A serious spiritual teacher will try to be non-judgmental, to be accepting, and supportive. If you do not see these qualities, go elsewhere. 8. Dependency is inappropriate. A true spiritual teacher should know that everyone is capable of spiritual advancement, and should not stress their own holiness or advancement in contrast to your lack of those qualities. There are always other teachers/guides. 9. Sexual relations with your teacher are inappropriate! A healthy physical relationships takes place between equals, and this cannot be the case in a student-teacher relationship. A serious spiritual teacher should know better than to become physically or romantically involved with a student. 10. Beware immediate acceptance. Just as you should take time to evaluate your prospective teacher, so should they take time to evaluate you as well. It is possible that an insightful teacher will know that you are a great candidate, but this usually only happens in books and movies. Most productive student-teacher relationships develop over time. 11. Beware any requests for large sums of money. While a spiritual teacher may charge for certain classes or materials, a true teacher/guide will be more concerned with helping people or finding the right student. If you believe that the prospective teacher holds money as an important part of your relationship with them, then find another teacher. That does not mean a student should not help support a spiritual teacher/guide (they have to live and survive in this world as well), just that money should not be an important part of the student-teacher relationship. |
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| religionscholar | Apr 28 2010, 12:07 PM Post #5 |
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Astennu I appreciate your input as an Atenist devotee and can see the merit (as an outsider to the faith) in your description of the ideal clergyperson. For the references you made to research you conducted on ancient Atenist clerical practices could you site your source as I would be interested to learn more. Thanks for your time. |
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