Summary of the main themes and important ideas in Behutet the Destruction of Man

I. Core Themes & Concepts

• The Nature of Humanity and Divinity: The book strongly distinguishes between the "human" and the divine aspects of "man." It argues that identifying with the earthly, animalistic self ("hummus" + "man") is a fundamental error that leads to suffering.
  • "People settle on the belief that they are human beings. The word "human" is a contraction of “hummus” and “man.” "Hummus" is soil, earth, thus the word human applies only to earthly aspects of "man," his animal instincts and his physical vehicle."
  • "to identify ‘man’ with this part of his being is criminal.”
  • This "human" part is associated with the senses, addiction to pleasure, and base instincts, as exemplified by the character Set.
  • The book suggests that true human potential lies in realizing one's divine nature, referred to as "Amen," the imperceptible aspect of being that is associated with "inner peace and great stability and inner strength.”
  • "Enen Neter, for Amen is the highest part of our being. It is the controlling power in our subconscious. It is the place where there's nothing but inner peace and great stability and inner strength.”
• Spiritual Warfare and the Battle Within: The narrative presents a cosmic struggle between forces of good and evil, mirroring the internal conflict within each individual.
  • Set is portrayed as the embodiment of the "animal within," driven by lust for power and a "rebellious ... animal spirit."
  • Apep, Naks, and Sebau are described as representing the "dark forces of the subconscious and symbols of evil.”
  • The text argues that actions driven by negative emotions like anger are not natural but pathological responses to imbalances, and habitual indulgence solidifies these patterns into the self-image.
  • "Yet, the impulse of the over active liver will be interpreted by the left brain as a "natural" response and labeled as "anger." If the response is a habitual one, then the left-brain will build it into the self-image. The person will then characterize himself as "an angry person."
  • The struggle is not only on a cosmic scale, but also a personal one: "Sometimes I feel the inside of my head is like a battlefield with all these voices competing for my attention, and there is no one to guide me how to deal with all these voices."
  • This indicates that self-awareness and discerning the correct guidance is crucial.
• The Importance of Ancient Wisdom: The book draws heavily on ancient Kamitic (Egyptian) traditions, mythology, and spiritual practices.
  • Figures like Ausar, Heru, Tehuti, and Amen are central to the narrative and are not merely historical figures but represent archetypal energies.
• The book references ancient texts such as the Papyrus Am Tuat as containing the secrets to spiritual development.
  • "The Papyrus Am Taut revealed two series of pillars with broad bases... The tiny pillars, each tuned to a certain frequency, wave like tall grass in a tidal current. This waving motion produces a minute...
  • Specific practices such as the "Ari Sa Aunghk" healing system and the Metu Neter oracle are mentioned.
  • The text promotes a return to these roots as a path to understanding human potential.
• The Dangers of Materialism and Sensual Indulgence: The book critiques a life focused solely on material gain and sensual gratification, presenting it as a path to destruction.
  • The character Sahu is an example of how indulgence in "lust and passion" can ruin a person, highlighting the destructive nature of unbridled desires.
  • "Every time he gave into his passion and became emotional he was nurturing a demon that rose up in him like a vampire, sucked his life-blood, and stole his strength and life."
  • The text emphasizes the importance of moderation and the conservation of vital energy (particularly the "Golden Oil of the gonads") for spiritual growth.
  • It connects this conservation with expanded consciousness and seership.
• The Concept of Destiny and Free Will: The book explores the idea of destiny, but also suggests that individuals have the power to shape their own path through conscious choices and spiritual practices.
  • There is a suggestion that destiny can be embraced with "peace" rather than resisted.
  • There is also emphasis on overcoming limiting conditions and negative thoughts, demonstrating agency.
• Ra Heru Khuti embodies the ideal of a leader who is aware of their destiny yet actively shapes their path.
  • "No one should be immortal even if one person has to die."
• Cycle of Destruction and Renewal: The narrative hints at cycles of destruction and renewal, both on a personal and a planetary level. The asteroid impact signifies a disruptive event, but also a catalyst for change and development.
• Race & Cultural Context: The book incorporates elements of racial tension. The story of Bubba in Mississippi is one example. The Kamau are frequently presented in contrast to the foreign elements present in their history, namely, the Asiatics, Libyans and others.

II. Key Characters & Their Significance

• Ra Heru Khuti: A righteous leader, warrior, and spiritual adept, representing the potential of humanity to rise above its lower nature. He's depicted as physically powerful and spiritually disciplined. He also represents the concept of "Behutet," the final victory over negative conditioning.
• Ausar: A symbol of order, civilization, and spiritual control. His death represents the disruption of this order by the forces of chaos. His resurrection through Heru represents the ongoing cycle of conflict and triumph over evil.
• Set: Embodies the negative aspects of the human psyche - intellect ruled by the sensuous and emotional nature, lust for power, and rebellion against higher laws.
• Auset (Isis): Embodies maternal strength, loyalty, and mystical power. Plays a key role in the re-establishment of order through Heru.
• Ifa Dare: Loyal companion to Ra Heru Khuti, and also an important figure in the struggle against Sethe.
• Amseth: Sister of Ausar, and also an active participant in the struggles against evil forces.
• Net Ra: An important spiritual figure who acts as an advisor to Ifa Dare.
• Sahu: A cautionary figure. He demonstrates the consequences of giving in to unbridled passions and neglecting spiritual development.
• Bubba: A modern day plantation overseer that represents the dangers of bigotry, hate and racism.

III. Important Ideas & Facts

• The "Human" as a Limitation: The text presents the common understanding of "human" as limited and negative, being tied to "animal instincts" and the physical body. This is the root of error and suffering.
• Left Brain vs. Right Brain: The text distinguishes the left brain as the source of negative self-images by interpreting pathological conditions as natural responses.
• The Papyrus Am Taut: Described as an initiation system containing a kind of "genetic code for Divine Man," suggesting methods to transform consciousness. It is described as being composed of thousands of tiny pillars tuned to a specific frequency, along with an associated character system.
• The Golden Oil of the Gonads: A key concept linked to spiritual development, suggesting the conservation of vital energy is crucial for higher consciousness.
• The importance of breath: Ra Heru Khuti achieves a state of heightened awareness by slowing his breathing and sinking it into his abdomen.
• The concept of 'Hrak': A word of power that generates power in the user and the person to whom it is directed.
• The importance of speech: The text points to the idea that it can be beneficial to insult others at the right time, to "exorcise that demon."

IV. Conclusion

The provided excerpts from "Behutet" offer a complex blend of mythology, spirituality, and social commentary. The text proposes a path of self-transformation through understanding the limitations of our earthly nature, embracing ancient wisdom, and cultivating a connection to the divine within. It warns against the destructive forces of materialism, sensual indulgence, and unbridled negative emotions, while promoting the power of choice and spiritual practice to overcome these limitations and realize our true potential.