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El templo del cosmos: La experiencia de lo sagrado en el Egipto antiguo
Para los antiguos egipcios, el tejido de la vida cotidiana era sagrado: los dioses se sentían como una presencia próxima, el tiempo estaba penetrado por el mundo transtemporal del mito y la causalidad era esencialmente mágica. En esta sorprendente indagación en las realidades esotéricas que se escondían tras la superficie de la vida en el Egipto antiguo, Jeremy Naydler recrea la vida espiritual de otro tiempo y otro lugar. El templo del cosmos es una profunda exploración en una antigua conciencia más en sintonía con los ritmos de la tierra, más abierta a las dimensiones internas del tiempo y el espacio, menos cerrada a las fuentes de la vida. El autor sostiene que la verdadera fuente de la civilización occidental se sitúa, precisamente, más allá del horizonte de la racionalidad griega y el monoteísmo judeocristiano, en la luz deslumbrante de la cultura egipcia antigua, de la que mucho nos queda todavía que aprender.
363 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
38 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Naydler
25 books28 followersJeremy Naydler, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in theology and religious studies, and is a philosopher, cultural historian and gardener who lives and works in Oxford, England. He has long been interested in the history of consciousness and sees the study of past cultures – which were more open to the world of spirit than our own predominantly secular culture – as relevant both to understanding our situation today and to finding pathways into the future
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 14, 2017
The only two negative things about this book is that it's plagued with spelling/typing errors and that it's very dense. The author has a tendency to over-explain things and I, for one, find that particularly annoying. Other than that, it's a solid four stars.
I'm not going to lie, I expected this to be a new age-y guide to practicing egyptian religion but nothing would be farther from the truth. This was an honest to goodness deep analysis of the ways in which spirituality and every day life mixed and influenced each other in ancient Egypt. Of course, a lot of the things the author says are speculation and reinterpreting of the same old scriptures we know and love and though most of the content can't be neither proven nor disputed, he makes some really good and interesting points. I don't necessarily agree with some of his interpretations, but even those I disagree with got me to think and re-analyze for myself which is always fantastic.
I am genuinely surprised with this read and highly recommend it for all pagans and kemetics and anyone who enjoys the magic that is egyptian myth.
I'm not going to lie, I expected this to be a new age-y guide to practicing egyptian religion but nothing would be farther from the truth. This was an honest to goodness deep analysis of the ways in which spirituality and every day life mixed and influenced each other in ancient Egypt. Of course, a lot of the things the author says are speculation and reinterpreting of the same old scriptures we know and love and though most of the content can't be neither proven nor disputed, he makes some really good and interesting points. I don't necessarily agree with some of his interpretations, but even those I disagree with got me to think and re-analyze for myself which is always fantastic.
I am genuinely surprised with this read and highly recommend it for all pagans and kemetics and anyone who enjoys the magic that is egyptian myth.
March 29, 2016
This is one the most interesting books I've read about ancient egyptian culture, science, and magick. I highly recommend it!
December 22, 2017
This would serve as an excellent companion volume to John Anthony West’s “Serpent in the Sky“, focusing on those aspects of symbolist vision of Egyptian civilization that were underdeveloped in that work.
Naydier is the sort of scholar that doesn't try to obscure his mental furniture – this book could be shortly described as „Ancient Egypt by the way of Eliade and Guénon “. Indeed, portions like one dealing with the perception and measurement of time display true Guénonian penetration, and read almost like chapters from one his works.
What you are getting here is a comprehensive overview of Ancient Egyptian view of the world, inner and outer alike, condensed in what is relatively small space. Naydier touches on some rarely addressed questions, and offers some fascinating answers – for example, how we can see one phase in the development of human consciousness displaying itself in all aspects of Egyptian civilization. Architecture of Egyptian psyche and soteriology are, in fact, central focus of this work, and are ultimately summarized in final chapters which present a journey thru Egyptian underworld. Author will, of course, present a penetrating analysis of Egyptian cosmology and daily life alike before that, providing basis for what must be seen as this core aspect of the book. I’m left with a desire for a longer work, written from this mindset, that is focused solely of such analysis of major Egyptian divinities. It would certainly beat your average trite and profane recounting of gods, their perceived roles and worship that one tends to find in major works on Egyptian religion.
Naydier is the sort of scholar that doesn't try to obscure his mental furniture – this book could be shortly described as „Ancient Egypt by the way of Eliade and Guénon “. Indeed, portions like one dealing with the perception and measurement of time display true Guénonian penetration, and read almost like chapters from one his works.
What you are getting here is a comprehensive overview of Ancient Egyptian view of the world, inner and outer alike, condensed in what is relatively small space. Naydier touches on some rarely addressed questions, and offers some fascinating answers – for example, how we can see one phase in the development of human consciousness displaying itself in all aspects of Egyptian civilization. Architecture of Egyptian psyche and soteriology are, in fact, central focus of this work, and are ultimately summarized in final chapters which present a journey thru Egyptian underworld. Author will, of course, present a penetrating analysis of Egyptian cosmology and daily life alike before that, providing basis for what must be seen as this core aspect of the book. I’m left with a desire for a longer work, written from this mindset, that is focused solely of such analysis of major Egyptian divinities. It would certainly beat your average trite and profane recounting of gods, their perceived roles and worship that one tends to find in major works on Egyptian religion.
August 24, 2014
I bought this book on an impulse. What can I say? Ancient Egypt has captivated me since I was a child. Y'all can keep the Greeks and Romans to yourselves; I'll stick with the Egyptians.
However, I have never been fond of reading about history, and going into this I felt wary. Would I enjoy it? Would I hate it? I would read this book either way, and now that I have I'm honestly glad I didn't put it down. Naydler injects his own love and interest for Egyptian spirituality into the book, and it's evident throughout the novel how much care and research was put into it. There isn't too much academic jargon that clouds the mind, which saves this book and the reader from a snooze fest.
The reason I give this a four and not a five is the fact that Naydler cites Budge—anyone can feel free to inform me further, but I have heard mixed things about his credibility within the academic community.
Still, though, if you've got time and love Ancient Egypt, I highly recommend it.
However, I have never been fond of reading about history, and going into this I felt wary. Would I enjoy it? Would I hate it? I would read this book either way, and now that I have I'm honestly glad I didn't put it down. Naydler injects his own love and interest for Egyptian spirituality into the book, and it's evident throughout the novel how much care and research was put into it. There isn't too much academic jargon that clouds the mind, which saves this book and the reader from a snooze fest.
The reason I give this a four and not a five is the fact that Naydler cites Budge—anyone can feel free to inform me further, but I have heard mixed things about his credibility within the academic community.
Still, though, if you've got time and love Ancient Egypt, I highly recommend it.
November 19, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! Naydler provides a very detailed and in depth look at Kemetic (ancient Egyptian) spirituality and theology. Some parts did seem to drag on because Naydler seemed to repeat himself a little bit, but the subject also makes it difficult to read quickly. However, the pros far outweigh any cons making this a great book for anyone interested in Kemetic symbolism and how the ancient Egyptians viewed their world.
I wrote a longer review at my blog: Flowers for Gods
I wrote a longer review at my blog: Flowers for Gods
July 27, 2011
This was so helpful when I taught at a camp that was working with the Egyptian pantheon. It was often surprising to me how much modern day spirituality has taken from the Egyptians. There was lots of good information and wisdom here.
January 18, 2008
Thought-provoking approach to the meaning of Egyptian mythology, seen from the "inside out" as it were.
January 25, 2023
I will never look at Ancient Egypt the same way. This book really brought to awareness the depth of Ancient Egyptian theology, cosmogony, and psychology something which I had never thought even existed until I read this book. Gone are the Hollywood stereotypes of films, orientalising Ancient Egypt as this sexy exotic weird mummy thing. Now has come an appreciation and respect for the richness and complexity of all the symbolism which exists in their culture. It is a shame that they are dead now, but their ideas and their art definitely live on. When I think of the Ancient Egyptian conception of the The Nile; or when I think of the dimensions of the human: the Shadow, the heart, the ka, the ba, and more; or of the meaning behind the deities of Maat, Isis, Osiris, Shu, Geb; The theological centres of Hermopolis, Heliopolis and Memphis, I will forever be indebted to the knowledge revealed in this text.
One criticism is that author does an awful lot of juxtaposing the shallow west with the deep ancient Egyptians. If he spent less time proselytising, that would’ve been better. But its still a fantastic read.
One criticism is that author does an awful lot of juxtaposing the shallow west with the deep ancient Egyptians. If he spent less time proselytising, that would’ve been better. But its still a fantastic read.
November 29, 2023
¡Saludos, amantes de la lectura! 📚 Acabo de sumergirme en las páginas del fascinante libro "El templo del cosmos" de Jeremy Naydler, y quiero compartir con ustedes mi experiencia.
Desde mi infancia, he sentido una conexión innegable con Egipto, una tierra que respira grandeza, misterio y respeto. En 2021, tuve el privilegio de hacer realidad mi sueño de explorar este fascinante país después de embarcarme en un viaje espiritual que me condujo al tarot egipcio.
Este libro se cruzó en mi camino como una puerta hacia memorias, entendimiento y conexión con la que siento mi tierra.
"El templo del cosmos" no es simplemente una lectura; es una travesía hacia la consciencia superior de los antiguos egipcios. En este despertar espiritual, siento una resonancia profunda con la cosmobiología que ellos entendían tan bien.
Con cinco estrellas, califico este libro como apasionante, claro, transparente e inspirador. Conecta con mi ser, me hace revivir y refuerza que hay un imperativo regreso a conectar con la magia del antiguo Egipto en este momento clave para la humanidad en su despertar colectivo.
Cito aquí unas partes del epílogo que resume casi con mis palabras este review:
"El mundo espiritual de los egipcios existió en una época lejana de la nuestra en el tiempo, pero, no obstante, forma parte del arco evolutivo que la consciencia occidental ha trazado en su desarrollo histórico. Es un estrato de nuestra consciencia colectiva, y nos enriquecemos al reconocer esta civilización antigua como perteneciente a nuestra historia común y por tanto como pare de nuestra más amplia identidad cultural. Hemos emprendido un viaje evolutivo que, sin embargo, nos ha apartado del tipo de consciencia que prevalecía en la antigüedad, y es importante que comprendamos aceptemos este viaje para llegar a una justa relación con la antigua cultura egipcia".
"Pero, actualmente, cuando los límites del alma moderna se hacen retroceder, revelando un reino interior de hechos psíquicos objetivos y arquetipos espirituales, resulta evidente la creciente afinidad entre nosotros y el mundo de los antiguos egipcios. Y así, nos hacemos conscientes de una corriente más profunda de la historia que baja y sube en los niveles de consciencia colectiva de manera muchos más sutil que el despliegue superficial de los acontecimientos históricos.
"La espiritualidad del Egipto antiguo nos atrae actualmente porque resuena con impulso profundo en nuestra moderna cultura de regeneración espiritual".
"No se trata de volver al antiguo modo de conciencia, sino de redescubrir a nuestra manera esa otra mitad de la realidad de la que los egipcios eran tan intensamente conscientes. Se trata en el fondo de redescubrir esa otra mitad de nosotros mismos que en los siglos que media entre entonces y ahora se fue perdiendo y oscureciendo".
Desde mi infancia, he sentido una conexión innegable con Egipto, una tierra que respira grandeza, misterio y respeto. En 2021, tuve el privilegio de hacer realidad mi sueño de explorar este fascinante país después de embarcarme en un viaje espiritual que me condujo al tarot egipcio.
Este libro se cruzó en mi camino como una puerta hacia memorias, entendimiento y conexión con la que siento mi tierra.
"El templo del cosmos" no es simplemente una lectura; es una travesía hacia la consciencia superior de los antiguos egipcios. En este despertar espiritual, siento una resonancia profunda con la cosmobiología que ellos entendían tan bien.
Con cinco estrellas, califico este libro como apasionante, claro, transparente e inspirador. Conecta con mi ser, me hace revivir y refuerza que hay un imperativo regreso a conectar con la magia del antiguo Egipto en este momento clave para la humanidad en su despertar colectivo.
Cito aquí unas partes del epílogo que resume casi con mis palabras este review:
"El mundo espiritual de los egipcios existió en una época lejana de la nuestra en el tiempo, pero, no obstante, forma parte del arco evolutivo que la consciencia occidental ha trazado en su desarrollo histórico. Es un estrato de nuestra consciencia colectiva, y nos enriquecemos al reconocer esta civilización antigua como perteneciente a nuestra historia común y por tanto como pare de nuestra más amplia identidad cultural. Hemos emprendido un viaje evolutivo que, sin embargo, nos ha apartado del tipo de consciencia que prevalecía en la antigüedad, y es importante que comprendamos aceptemos este viaje para llegar a una justa relación con la antigua cultura egipcia".
"Pero, actualmente, cuando los límites del alma moderna se hacen retroceder, revelando un reino interior de hechos psíquicos objetivos y arquetipos espirituales, resulta evidente la creciente afinidad entre nosotros y el mundo de los antiguos egipcios. Y así, nos hacemos conscientes de una corriente más profunda de la historia que baja y sube en los niveles de consciencia colectiva de manera muchos más sutil que el despliegue superficial de los acontecimientos históricos.
"La espiritualidad del Egipto antiguo nos atrae actualmente porque resuena con impulso profundo en nuestra moderna cultura de regeneración espiritual".
"No se trata de volver al antiguo modo de conciencia, sino de redescubrir a nuestra manera esa otra mitad de la realidad de la que los egipcios eran tan intensamente conscientes. Se trata en el fondo de redescubrir esa otra mitad de nosotros mismos que en los siglos que media entre entonces y ahora se fue perdiendo y oscureciendo".
May 14, 2023
Este libro es interesante para aquel que busque información en profundidad de la religión egipcia. El autor aporta su propia orientación pero es innegable el detallado conocimiento que posee y expone de forma clara sobre los dioses, símbolos y ritos del Antiguo Egipto, apoyado continuamente con jeroglíficos reales.
De forma personal lo recomendaría al que esté muy interesado en estos aspectos de la perdida civilización egipcia y a los que vayan a viajar y quieran tener una visión más completa de lo que allí van conocer.
Este libro no es una historia de Egipto ni una enumeración de sus faraones, para ello recomendaría la obra sobre esto de Asimov que es la que conozco.
De forma personal lo recomendaría al que esté muy interesado en estos aspectos de la perdida civilización egipcia y a los que vayan a viajar y quieran tener una visión más completa de lo que allí van conocer.
Este libro no es una historia de Egipto ni una enumeración de sus faraones, para ello recomendaría la obra sobre esto de Asimov que es la que conozco.
August 29, 2021
Es un libro muy bello que no solo te ilustra sobre la mitología del Antiguo Egipto sino que te transporta allí y te hace intuir como podría ser aquel mundo visto por aquellos ojos.
Es ensayo sobre mitología y religión, y también poesía.
Yo leí la edición de Siruela, que es muy buena, pero Atalanta sacó una edición que parece todavía mejor.
Es ensayo sobre mitología y religión, y también poesía.
Yo leí la edición de Siruela, que es muy buena, pero Atalanta sacó una edición que parece todavía mejor.
September 20, 2017
This is a great book to understand ancient Egyptian mythology. I recommend it to anyone interested in ancient Egypt beyond just temples, pyramids, and arts. It will really explain a lot.
November 20, 2022
Excelente libro para entender la cosmología egipcia y lo cargada de sentido de lo que carecemos hoy
February 12, 2025
Profound work. Sheds light on the ancient Egyptian psyche in a way that makes it applicable to modern spiritual practice.
June 16, 2025
A very informative overview of Egyptian religion and spirituality.
December 8, 2021
Jeremy Naydler has a PhD in theology. So this book is pretty much philosophy, history and a little psychology of the ancient Egyptians.
It‘s dense, but once you get used to the style of writing, the second half should go faster.
Interesting book.
It‘s dense, but once you get used to the style of writing, the second half should go faster.
Interesting book.
September 18, 2016
На първо четене смятах, че ще прочета поредната книга по културология за Египет. Самият ѝ епилог е този, който я издигна в очите ми до пиедестал. В книгата се представя задълбочено с рационални примери - психическото мислене на древния египтянин, проявяващо се чрез неговите вярвания за свързаността в Космоса. Краят ѝ обаче завършва не с Египет, а със значението на френската революция, инвазията на Наполеон в Египет и зараждането на един нов период за човека. Авторът свързва директно загубеното "старо" и завръщането му на "дневен ред" чрез последните десетилетия на 18 век във Франция. Джеръми Нейдлър е успял с лекота да свърже привидно невидимите заплетени изкусно нишки. Изненада ме много! Браво! Напълно удовлетворяваща книга.
July 5, 2021
A really wonderful, informative book. Naydler's writing style, on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired. I ended up skipping over a lot of paragraphs that basically consisted of the author rambling about how modern science is stupid and the Egyptians were totally cool and spiritual and stuff. If you can grin and get past the annoying writing, it's a brilliant book that covers almost every aspect of Egyptian spirituality at least in brief.
January 31, 2015
This is an excellent overview of ancient Egyptian understanding of the cosmos and the world in which they lived. It was a great guide to understanding how Egyptians saw their world and treated their religion. I think any student of ancient Egyptian or broader Mediterranean history or any practitioner of reconstructed ancient Egyptian religion would find significant value in this book.
April 24, 2016
It's a good examination of ancient Egyptian religion and cosmology. Naydler approaches it through a phenomenological lens, which brings up some interesting insights, but makes some parts harder to wade through.
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May 8, 2015299.31 N331 1996
July 6, 2025
leerme este tochaco para clase ha sido PESADO, pero la de inspiración que he recogido para mi historia de fantasía no es medio normal. Entonces, puede que haya merecido la pena
April 23, 2017
See my review on Amazon (why, oh why, do they not port them over?
This is a tremendously moving book. It opened my eyes to Ancient Egypt. Naydler is ... near divine.
This is a tremendously moving book. It opened my eyes to Ancient Egypt. Naydler is ... near divine.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews