The Twelve Gates: A Spiritual Passage Through The Egyptian Books Of The Dead Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
In The Twelve Gates, clinical anthropologist John Rush embarks on a spellbinding journey through death rituals in various cultures, centering on the ancient Egyptian philosophy of death and resurrection. The first part of the book provides an overview of different rituals, encouraging readers to confront their feelings about death and to reevaluate their lives. The author details his own experiences preparing for death, including a painful tattooing process inspired by the ancient Egyptian Books of the Netherworld. He then guides readers through the Twelve Gates of the Underworld, symbolic ritual stages during which they can figuratively experience death and rebirth. A set of full-color tarot cards, designed by the author, is included as an aid in passing through each of the Gates. These ancient rituals, performed by pharaohs and priests for thousands of years, help ease the way toward a peaceful, conscious death.
Paperback: 328 pages
Publisher: Frog Books; 1 edition (July 24, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1583941754
ISBN-13: 978-1583941751
Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 1.2 x 9.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #975,413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #30 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts > Egyptian Book of the Dead #845 in Books > History > Ancient Civilizations > Egypt #857 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Sociology > Death
This book is about death and resurrection, both physical and spiritual, and "must" reading for anyone coming to terms with his or her own physical death. It is also compelling reading for those desiring change in life, or death to one's old self and spiritual rebirth. Dr. Rush first takes the reader on a facinating journey through death rituals around the world, then presents an overview of the Egyptian Books of the Netherworld, and details the symbolism he used for his own "death and resurrection" using the painful process of tattooing (see his other work, Spiritual Tattoo). The Twelve Gates comes complete with Gate Cards that allow the reader to accompany Re, the Sun God, through the Twelve Gates of the Underworld to be reborn.I found the dreams Dr. Rush reported at the end of each Gate to be quite facinating. Not only is this a captivating book in terms of content it is one of the most beautiful books I have purchased in some time. The Gate Cards are in color and the numerous plates are in color as well. The last chapter, Becoming Osirian, gives a set of simple directives for living a healthy, helpful, non-hurtful life, cautioning that humanity must come before God, and the road to your own godliness is through self-responsible behavior guided by rational and critical thinking. This is bound to be a classic.
I found this work very helpful in a number of ways. First, it helped to define death and people's reactions to this mysterious process in a number of cultures. But most of the book (Chapters 2-5) is about Egyptian symbolism and death rituals. Second, the ancient Egyptians were preoccupied with life, not death as often thought, and by understanding the various traditions past and present, I think it helps us to understand our individual part in the cycle of life, death, and "return." Chapters 3 and 4 were of special interest because they allow one to imagine the gates and perhaps obtain a glimpse of the Egyptian perception of life from that distant past. I especially enjoyed the dreams, which, if followed closely, tell you something about each Gate in the Underworld. Chapter 5 acts as a statement of living - healthy, helpful, and non-hurtful. The way to those 3 noble truths is by knowing one's self, seeking knowledge, and being a decent person. I know from Rush's other works he isn't a Christian but those are the exact statements and true meaning of Jesus! I give this high marks.
I had to purchase this book for Mr. Rush's class. Writing your own text book and requiring it for a class you teach is one way to make sure it sells on a small scale. I find his theories and supportive evidence far reaching at best and quackery at worst.
The information is great and the illustrations were beautiful. They did a great job with the information contained in the book. They mailed it on time.
Great book
There was only one chapter that I really got into. I did not expect the author to explain in great detail every other religion past and present. I thought chapter five was the most important.
the book is in really good conditon, i mean the only merit of it is really reallly new,but it isn't helpful.
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