Muata Ashby

About the Author - Dr. Muata Ashby

Dr. Muata Ashby is a distinguished spiritual teacher, scholar, philosopher, and author whose groundbreaking work has significantly contributed to the understanding of Ancient Egyptian (Kemetic) spirituality and its profound connections to world religions. With over 70 books published on yoga philosophy, religious philosophy, and social philosophy based on ancient African principles, Dr. Ashby has established himself as the leading authority in comparative religious studies with a specialized focus on Ancient Egyptian wisdom traditions.

Academic Credentials and Foundation

Dr. Ashby holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Religion and a Doctor of Divinity Degree from the American Institute of Holistic Theology, as well as a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts and Religious Studies from Thomas Edison State College. His extensive academic background is complemented by comprehensive independent research spanning Egyptian Yoga, Indian Yoga, Chinese Yoga, Buddhism, mystical psychology, and Christian Mysticism. He has also engaged in Post Graduate research in advanced Jnana, Bhakti, and Kundalini Yogas at the Yoga Research Foundation.

Institutional Leadership and Innovation

As the founder of the Sema Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the wisdom of Ancient Egyptian mystical traditions, and the Kemetic University along with the Egyptian Mystery School, Dr. Ashby has developed innovative approaches to teaching ancient wisdom using traditional temple teaching methods alongside modern technologies. Dr Ashby has taught at Florida International University in the capacity of Adjunc professor. Currently he teaches through the online school he created called “Kemet University”. When functioning in academic settings, he is addressed as Dr. Muata Ashby.

Scholarly Contributions and Research

Dr. Ashby began his groundbreaking research in the 1990s, investigating correlations between Ancient Egyptian and Indian spiritual traditions, which became the catalyst for his successful "Egyptian Yoga" book series launched in 1994. A leading advocate of the concept that advanced social and religious philosophies existed in ancient Africa comparable to Eastern traditions such as Vedanta, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, he has lectured and written extensively on these correlations, promoting greater cross-cultural understanding and spiritual advancement.

His scholarly work encompasses extensive research into Ancient Egyptian philosophy and social order, with particular expertise in Maat philosophy—the ethical foundation of Ancient Egyptian society. Dr. Ashby has studied anthropology and Ancient Egyptian language, spending thousands of hours investigating and translating texts with a special interest in discovering the Ancient Egyptian Religious Philosophy (t) that fueled the development of Ancient Egyptian society and spirituality.

Revolutionary Translation Method

Dr. Ashby has developed a unique and revolutionary form of translating ancient texts called "Trilinear Translation," which goes beyond the basic Egyptological interlinear format to expose greater depth of insight through deeper contextual exposition. This innovative method provides three levels of translation: phonetic transliteration, direct word-for-word translation, and contextual translation that incorporates philosophical, mythological, and historical background insights, making ancient wisdom more accessible to contemporary readers.

Musical and Artistic Contributions

Since 1999, Dr. Ashby has researched Ancient Egyptian musical theory and created a series of musical compositions that explore this unique area of music from ancient Africa and its connection to world music. As an accomplished lecturer, musician, artist, poet, painter, screenwriter, and playwright, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to his scholarly work, enriching the understanding of ancient wisdom through various artistic expressions.

Global 22 sharing his insights on ancient wisdom traditions with diverse audiences. His work has reached practitioners and scholars worldwide, establishing him as an internationally recognized authority on Ancient Egyptian spirituality and its practical applications for contemporary spiritual seekers.

Collaborative Partnership

Dr. Ashby works closely with his spiritual and life partner, Dr. Dja Ashby (formerly Karen Clarke), who serves as co-founder of the Sema Institute and director of C.M. Book Publishing. Together, they have been married for over 40 years and continue to advance the dissemination of Ancient Egyptian wisdom through their collaborative efforts in publishing, teaching, and spiritual guidance.

Current Work and Legacy

In his recent work, Dr. Ashby has focused intensively on the temples of Aset (Isis) and Asar (Osiris), producing detailed photographic documentation and original translations of hieroglyphic scriptures. His commitment to making ancient wisdom accessible to modern practitioners is evident in his development of comprehensive study programs that bridge the gap between ancient temple teachings and contemporary spiritual practice.

The present monumental work on the Scripture of Ra and Hetheru, from the Tomb of Sety 1st, represents Dr. Ashby's continued dedication to translating and interpreting Ancient Egyptian spiritual texts with a focus on their mystical and practical applications for contemporary spiritual seekers. Through his extensive scholarship, innovative translation methods, and deep spiritual understanding, Dr. Ashby continues to illuminate the profound wisdom of ancient Egypt for a new generation of practitioners and scholars seeking authentic spiritual transformation.

Dr. Ashby's life work demonstrates that the wisdom of ancient Africa—particularly Ancient Egypt—offers profound insights into the nature of consciousness, spiritual development, and the path to enlightenment that remain as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.