Did Ancient Egyptians Meditate?

While definitive evidence of meditation as we understand it today does not exist for ancient Egyptians, there are indications of practices involving contemplation, stillness, and a connection to the divine. This article explores various religious, artistic, and textual evidence that suggests a spiritual life rich with reflective moments.

Religious Practices

Ancient Egyptians had a rich spiritual life characterized by elaborate religious rituals often including moments of silence and introspection. Temples were centers of worship and contemplation, where priests and worshippers might engage in meditative practices. These rituals were driven by a need to placate their gods, rather than by personal faith.

Art and Symbolism

The visual arts of ancient Egypt often depict tranquil and harmonious scenes, suggesting a cultural appreciation for inner peace. Symbols such as the ankh, representing life, and the scarab, symbolizing regeneration, may have served as focal points for meditative practices, encouraging practitioners to focus on spiritual renewal.

Philosophical Texts

Some philosophical texts, like the Breathing Techniques described in the ancient Pyramid Texts, indicate that breathing exercises were an integral part of their rituals and possibly healing practices. While these practices align with modern meditative techniques, they had a distinctly different purpose in ancient Egyptian context.

The ‘Correct Meditation’ Technique

The technique known as 'correct meditation' is detailed in the Breathing Techniques section of the ancient Pyramid Texts. This practice was chiseled into the Saqqarah stele and described in the text 'The Book of Coming into Light.'

My blog and a previous Quora entry delve into this technique in more detail, exploring the significance and application of this ancient practice.

Time and Society

While some religious practices were integral to ancient Egyptian life, not everyone had the time or inclination for such esoteric practices. Approximately 90% of the population were simple laborers focused on farming, family, and other practical concerns. The majority of people's lives were centered around maintaining day-to-day survival and less on spiritual or meditative activities.

Therefore, while ancient Egyptians engaged in practices that could be considered reflective or contemplative, true meditation as understood today was not a part of their religious routine. Their spiritual life was rich with religious rituals and artistic expressions, but these activities served different purposes than modern meditation techniques.