Ma’at, the revered goddess of ancient Egypt, embodies truth, justice, and balance, concepts intricately woven into the tapestry of Egyptian culture. First documented during the Old Kingdom (2613 – 2181 BCE), her essence likely existed even before this period. This divine figure is typically portrayed as a woman with outstretched wings, adorned with an ostrich feather, which symbolizes purity and truth. In the afterlife, the iconic Weighing of the Heart ceremony played a crucial role, with the deceased’s heart being weighed against her feather, determining their fate.
The principles of Ma’at underscore the Egyptians’ belief in personal responsibility and harmonious living. Individuals were encouraged to act wisely and justly, reflecting the gods’ essential caretaking for humanity. This philosophy permeated all aspects of Egyptian life, influencing urban design, architectural symmetry, and monument construction. Living in accordance with ma’at meant aligning one’s actions with divine principles, though those who chose to disregard these would ultimately face the afterlife’s judgment in the Hall of Truth.
The following comes from E. A. Wallis Budge’s translation of the Egyptian Book of the Dead, showcasing the confessions made by souls before their judges in the afterlife. Each declaration reflects the virtues the soul asserts it has upheld during its earthly life, coupled with respect for the divine judges representing various aspects of existence.
Each expression proceeds with an acknowledgment to a specific judge and their heavenly domain:
- Hail, Usekh-nemmt from Anu, I have not sinned.
- Hail, Hept-khet from Kher-aha, I have not committed robbery.
- Hail, Fenti from Khemenu, I have not stolen.
- Hail, Am-khaibit from Qernet, I have not taken life.
- Hail, Neha-her from Rasta, I have not stolen grain.
- Hail, Ruruti from Heaven, I have not appropriated offerings.
- Hail, Arfi-em-khet from Suat, I have not stolen from God.
- Hail, Neba, I have not lied.
- Hail, Set-qesu from Hensu, I have not taken food unlawfully.
- Hail, Utu-nesert from Het-ka-Ptah, I have not cursed.
- Hail, Qerrti from Amentet, I have not committed infidelity.
- Hail, Hraf-haf from thy cavern, I have brought no tears.
- Hail, Basti from Bast, I have not consumed the heart.
- Hail, Ta-retiu from the night, I have not harmed anyone.
- Hail, Unem-snef from the execution chamber, I am not deceitful.
- Hail, Unem-besek from Mabit, I have not stolen land.
- Hail, Neb-Maat from Maati, I have not eavesdropped.
- Hail, Tenemiu from Bast, I have not slandered.
- Hail, Sertiu from Anu, I have not acted out of anger without cause.
- Hail, Tutu from Ati, I have not dishonored another’s spouse.
- Hail, Uamenti from the Khebt chamber, I have not wronged anyone.
- Hail, Maa-antuf from Per-Menu, I have not defiled myself.
- Hail, Her-uru from Nehatu, I have not instilled fear.
- Hail, Khemiu from Kaui, I have not broken the law.
- Hail, Shet-kheru from Urit, I have not succumbed to anger.
- Hail, Nekhenu from Heqat, I have not disregarded truth.
- Hail, Kenemti from Kenmet, I have not committed blasphemy.
- Hail, An-hetep-f from Sau, I am not violent.
- Hail, Sera-kheru from Unaset, I have not incited conflict.
- Hail, Neb-heru from Netchfet, I have not rushed to judgment.
- Hail, Sekhriu from Uten, I have not meddled in others’ affairs.
- Hail, Neb-abui from Sauti, I have not spoken excessively.
- Hail, Nefer-Tem from Het-ka-Ptah, I have caused no harm.
- Hail, Tem-Sepu from Tetu, I have not bewitched the king.
- Hail, Ari-em-ab-f from Tebu, I have not denied others resources.
- Hail, Ahi from Nu, I have not raised my voice in anger.
- Hail, Uatch-rekhit from Sau, I have not cursed the divine.
- Hail, Neheb-ka from thy cavern, I have not been arrogant.
- Hail, Neheb-nefert from thy cavern, I have not appropriated divine sustenance.
- Hail, Tcheser-tep from the shrine, I have not stolen from the dead.
- Hail, An-af from Maati, I have not dismissed the needs of the vulnerable.
- Hail, Hetch-abhu from Ta-she, I have not harmed livestock sacred to the gods.
Modern Adaptation of Ma’at’s Ideals
A contemporary reinterpretation of the 42 principles of Ma’at might be expressed as follows:
- I uphold virtue.
- I express gratitude.
- I foster peace.
- I respect others’ possessions.
- I acknowledge the sanctity of all life.
- I make genuine offerings.
- I live in truthfulness.
- I honor sacred spaces.
- I communicate sincerely.
- I take only my fair share.
- I speak with kind intention.
- I promote peaceful interactions.
- I respect animal life.
- I am trustworthy.
- I nurture the Earth.
- I maintain my privacy.
- I speak well of others.
- I manage my emotions.
- I cultivate trust in relationships.
- I value purity.
- I share joy.
- I strive for excellence.
- I express compassion in communication.
- I remain open to diverse views.
- I aim to create harmonious environments.
- I embrace laughter.
- I welcome love in its many forms.
- I practice forgiveness.
- I act kindly.
- I treat others with respect.
- I embrace acceptance.
- I heed my inner compass.
- I converse with intention.
- I commit acts of goodness.
- I distribute blessings.
- I ensure our waters stay clean.
- I speak with kindness.
- I honor the divine.
- I cultivate humility.
- I achieve through integrity.
- I progress by my own efforts.
- I embrace the universal connection.
Conclusion
The modern interpretation of Ma’at serves as a guide for ethical living and communal harmony, preserving the ideals of ancient Egyptian culture while adapting them for contemporary relevance.
