The Western world highly acknowledges India and its influence for yoga practices everywhere in the world, but did you already know that the yoga depictions on the partitions of the Egyptian pyramids are examples of Kemetic Yoga of ancient Egypt?
This text will review the history of Kemetic Yoga, explore this ancient yoga practice and discuss the advantages.
The Lineage of Kemetic Yoga
In accordance with the text, Egyptian Yoga: The Philosophy of Enlightenment, there’s documentational proof of scriptural and iconographical evidence of Kemetic Yoga practices and principles; which incorporates meditation, occurring inside ancient Egypt.
This evidence predates yoga’s existence in India and early civilization.
For our history buffs who could use a bit more context, here is further information from Return to Kemet’s blog, What’s Kemetic Yoga?
Curious Concerning the Origin and History of Yoga? Here’s the CliffNotes Version
“The Indus Valley Civilization, also referred to as the Harappan Civilization or the Indus Sarasvati civilization flourished from 3300 BC to 1800 BC. This territory prolonged from Baluchistan on the Iranian border of Pakistan beyond Latest Delhi, India and from Afghanistan and the Himalayan Mountains to Mumbai.”
Present day studies and research suggests that the Indus Valley was home to the indigenous Dravidians and Sanskrit speaking Aryans.
That is where it is alleged that “the good cultural and spiritual fusion” took place. In accordance with suggestions from historical records, the Dravidian race migrated out of Northeastern Africa from areas inside Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. Then they settled within the valley of the Indus River where they continue to be presently.
Through this research, we are able to assume that the Nile Valley cultural exchanges and the Nile Valley African populations migration ultimately led to their merging with the inhabitants of the Indus valley of South Asia.
To further reference the Ancient Egyptian evidence of yoga, Return to Kemet states in the identical article:
“Images depicting positions resembling common modern-day yoga and meditation asanas have been recovered within the Nile Valley that date back to an ancient times that the Indus Valley records. These images have been acknowledged as precursors to modern-day yoga practice.”
Now that you simply understand the lineage of this ancient yoga practice, it’s possible you’ll be wondering how this practice compares to yoga practices deriving from India? Let’s dive in!
What Is Kemetic Yoga?
Source: Kemetic YogaSkills
Kemetic yoga’s birth originates from certainly one of the oldest civilizations of Ancient Egypt in Northeastern Africa, Kemet. The practice’s creation focuses on studies, translations, and interpretations of hieroglyphic texts of Kemet and pictures of yoga on the Kemetic temples (Ancient Egyptian pyramids).
Kemetic teachings discuss with the yoga practice as an expression to represent the journey of the lower and better human self.
The Urban Yoga Foundations further helps us to know the history of this practice by stating that the term yoga, which translates to “yoke” in Sanskrit, certainly one of the languages presently spoken in India, is just not indigenous to Kemet.
As an alternative, Kemetic teachings discuss with the practice of yoga as Smai Tawi, which translates to “union of the 2 lands”. This is just not a reference to physical land; more so, an expression to represent the journey of the lower and better human self.
Kemetic Yoga Skills describes the this ancient yoga practice as including physical movements combined with controlled deep respiration and meditation which does sound just like the practice we follow from India within the Western world.
Kemetic Yoga relies on cultivating nature’s application of geometry and physics into yogic forms.
Nonetheless, it differs within the sense that the postures of Kemetic Yoga pay homage to Egyptian Gods or spiritual deities whereas yoga representation from India pulls from more animal and earthly references. You’ll be able to read more on this in The Urban Yoga Foundations article, “What’s Kemetic Yoga”, written by Sehu Khepera Ankh.
Yirser Ra Hotep of Kemetic YogaSkills
How Is Kemetic Yoga Different?
Return to Kemet says the flow of Kemetic yoga might be best characterised by a series of geometrical postures, a rule of 4 breath, and tongue connection.
Poses or postures throughout the Kemetic Yoga practice flow through spinal connection, call for the hands or fingers to tackle the form of a pyramid, and resemble geometrical shapes reminiscent of squares or triangles.
The rule of 4 breath entails an inhale, followed by holding the breath, an exhale, then holding the breath.
The goal of Kemetic Yoga is to permit nutrient and oxygen supply to flow more efficiently and abundantly to vital body systems.
Tongue connection refers to placement of the tongue to certainly one of the three energy points on the roof of the mouth to create more of a strong experience through your practice.
In accordance with Return to Kemet these principles pay homage to the Ancient Egyptian origin of Kemet Yoga by forming a practice that aligns our bodies as pyramids, but it surely also serves a good deeper purpose.
What Are the Advantages of Kemetic Yoga?
The aim is to represent pyramidal energy and sacred geometry through the Kemetic yoga postures.
The postures:
- Align the spinal column
- Help correct defects within the skeletal muscular system
- Improve blood circulation
- Increase the flow of internal life force energy
- Cerebral spinal fluid throughout the body
The goal of Kemetic Yoga is to permit nutrient and oxygen supply to flow more efficiently and abundantly to vital body systems.
Kemetic Yoga relies on the idea that by cultivating nature’s application of geometry and physics into yogic forms, we are able to access higher consciousness and awaken divine spiritual wisdom.
Ancient Egyptian Yoga: The Takeaway
So, there you’ve gotten it! Every part it’s essential to find out about Kemetic Yoga and where to seek out more information on the practice.
This practice is supportive for all who want to explore deeper into the roots of yoga. Additionally it is incredibly warming to the souls of African Americans looking for roots and belonging to our own history and homage.
Kemetic Yoga honors our lineage, our culture, and allows us to reclaim bits and pieces of data that was stolen from us.
Allow this to be a reminder to maintain looking for answers. To remain steadfast in aligning with our true heritage versus idolizing the imagery that was forced upon us. Proceed to thrive and know you’re derived from Kings and Queens.
Enjoy your practice. Embrace your discovery.
Primary Image: Return to Kemet
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