Her-Bak: The Living Face of Ancient Egypt

by Isha Schwaller de Lubicz, Lucie Lamy (Illustrator)

In these fictional accounts, the wisdom of Ancient Egypt is revealed through the eyes of a young Her-Bak, a candidate for initiation into the Inner Temple. The events related take place between the XX and XXI dynasties. In this volume Her-Bak's training in the living school of Nature and in the Outer Temple unfolds.

Genres: Egypt, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Philosophy, Egyptian Literature

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 1972

About the author

Isha Schwaller de Lubicz spent her youth studying Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and Hebrew theology and mysticism. As pupil of R.A. Schwaller de Lubicz and later as his wife, she went on to investigate other religions and philosophical systems, including Taoism, Islam. Her most significant work was done in Egypt, where she lived for fifteen years among the temples and the tombs. There, patient labor and exceptional circumstances enabled her to penetrate the secret symbolism of the hieroglyphs. Her discovery aroused the enthusiasm of the eminent Egyptologist Alexandre Varille, who devoted the last ten years of his life to verifying and developing its practical application. Thus was unveiled a wisdom that for thousands of years had taught men the science of life. . . and of its triumph over death.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a bit odd to review this book without adding the second volume, the point at which "things really start to happen" in the series. But this book is an important foundation-stone for that work, which would make little sense without it.

Her-Bak is a novel about a young man in ancient Egypt who is taken from his peasant hut to be trained as a Priest. It is fiction, of course, but is based heavily upon the archaeological work of the author and her husband, R.A. Schwaller de Lubicz. It is also undeniably based upon the spiritual and occult work she had done in the early twentieth century, which some will see as biasing it and others as informing it.

Whether it is a precisely accurate depiction of Ancient Egypt or not (this author supposes not), it is a highly useful exploration of the concept of Initiation and the ways in which the Egyptian pantheon and philosophy can be adapted for that purpose. In the early days of the Temple of Set, the tale of Chick-Pea was a guide for nearly everyone's Work, although in more recent years it has become less central. This volume covers the beginnings of that process, when the Initiate must try a bit of everything, attempt to master each art, but then abandon it to move on and continue the process of Mastery in the broader sense. As such, it may seem at times tedious and frustrating, but a lesson is there for those who care to learn.

[Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schwaller de Lubicz was an unconventional egyptologist. However, he was clear that their understanding of mysticism has never really been surpassed. His wife, who had undertaken esoteric studies in France, became his most effective expositor. In this book we follow the metaphysical journey of Her-Bak, of 'Chick-Pea' as he seeks to become an initiate. Isha uses this as a way of presenting ancient Egyptian philosophy is a way that can make sense for our post-modern minds. This book, remarkably, is quite a page turner and very stimulating.

[Erin Panjer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful balance of historical accuracy and insight, it is incredibly well thought out. A few glimmers of ancient wisdom shine through this book like no other- a must read if interested in ancient Egypt, philosophy or spirituality.

[Shila Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is arranged so that each chapter is a lesson in the protagonists development. It is infused with the authors 20 + years of studying in Egypt with her husband.

I found her research to be in alignment with other authors I’ve read whose fascination with Kamit aka Kemet (now known as Egypt, the land has been called many things over time) and the history of man has lead them into many temples and pyramids. This book was definitely worth my time, as I don’t often read fiction. I’m more attracted to researched concepts explained thoroughly in books. However, this book can be classified as historical fiction.

I’m remembering parts of the past that are conducive to my balanced and harmonious development…

Also, Kemet refers to the indigenous African peoples who emerged from the early cattle cultures of the then-lush Sahara around Napta Playa and other astronomical observational cites. They are the ancestors, historically and spiritually, of humankind’s first definitely known civilization.

[Mira15 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compreensão de todo o simbolismo exige uma mentalidade diferente da moderna. Para a obter é necessário um esforço de adaptação considerável, coisa que não consegui fazer de modo satisfatório devido ao facto de ter a dificuldade acrescida de o ler numa língua que não a materna. Porém, considero que a minha primeira experiência literária francesa foi suficientemente agradável.
Teria apreciado conhecer mais um pouco sobre os deuses egípcios e a cultura desta grande civilização em geral, mas o facto de ser uma criança a contar a história limitou esse meu desejo. Por conseguinte, raros foram os momentos em que me senti realmente compenetrada na leitura.

(Opinião completa)

[Dermot Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful to be taken on a personal tour of ancient Egypt as seen through the eyes of a boy growing into manhood. Of course, he was one of the lucky ones having been chosen as an initiate into the priestly caste, which for a non blue-blood, was as close to royalty as one could get. Highly informative.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is very hard to review this book. There is a lot to be gained from it, but a person without an interest in Egyptology may become disinterested with this book rather quickly.

[Kjǫlsigʀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

In remote times, in distant lands, still: Truth will always be Truth.