Afterlife

Resurrection

The concept of resurrection is rooted in the tenet that everyone will rise from the dead and be judged worthy or unworthy of eternal life. This evolves from the narrative of Osiris, the divine spirit, who was unjustly murdered, raised from the dead, and, because of his righteousness, given eternal life. Through this spiritual act, each person was given the possibility and promise of resurrection and immortality through righteousness.

Thus, in the Book of Vindication, the resurrected one declares, “I die and I live for I am Osiris.” Moreover, the texts say, “O' seeker of vindication, the earth opens its mouth for you; it opens its jaws on your behalf.” Also, the Pyramid Texts say, “Rise up O' vindicated one. Take hold of your head. Gather together your bones; collect your limbs and shake the dust from your flesh.”

Ascension

Next, the concept of repeating life involves ascension. Whereas resurrection is rising from the dead or “waking up,” ascension suggests rising into the heavens. Indeed, the Book of Vindication says, “Hail vindicated one. Come that you may rise up in the heavens.” Or again, it says “the doors of heaven are opened [to you] because of your virtue. May you ascend and see Hathor [Divinity of Love, Divine Mother].” Several modes of ascension emerge from its depiction in the texts.

The first is rising as a spirit. Thus, in The Book of the Dead, it says, “You ascend into the heavens, you cross [the firmament].” Other means are ascending by “lifting up” or via a ladder or stairway that is placed for the departed to ascend into the heavens. The Book of the Dead says, “You are lifted up into the heavens … you rise … on the path to everlastingness on the way to eternity.” The [Page 14]Book of Vindication says, “For you, a ladder to the heavens shall be assembled and Nut [Heaven personified] shall extend her hand to you.”

Also, in the Pyramid Texts, it says, “I place the stairway. I set up the ladder and those in Amenta [paradise, heaven, place of afterlife] take hold up my hand … [and lift me up into the heavens].” Or again the text says, the divine spirits in heaven, “Take hold of the hand of this vindicated one and carry him to heaven that he may not die among men and women.” Finally, a fourth way that a risen person ascends is through flying up into the heavens. Thus, the Pyramid Texts say, “Lo, the flier flies, O' men and women [of earth]. I [rise] and fly away from you.”

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