Tradegy in the Holy Temple

[Loup Solitaire]

or Eternal Love by Dr Dahesh

With Permission from "the editor" of "Dahesh Voice".

(hopefully it won't be questioned)

PART I

Feast of The God Osiris

Streams of people converged to the city of Thebes. They wandered about in their best clothes, women wearing costly, perfumes. Decorations adorned whole shop windows in gay colors and the holy city of Thebes garbed itself in splendor in honor of the great god Osiris.

Crowds went to the great temple to praise the great Osiris, protector of Egypt and divine patron of the famous city of Thebes. Priest began ritual ceremonies to Osiris, the smell of burning incense suffusing the air. The public responded with songs of thanksgiving to the great giver of life, the dispenser of blessings to all cities, towns, and villages of Egypt. Then, the lyres played liturgical tunes that echoed through the expansively large inner court of the temple.

A procession of vestal virgins advanced, circling a statue of Osiris erected in the middle of the temple, while they softly sang heavenly hymns their voices sounding like the ringing of pure gold. The worshipers were moved to ecstasy as they listened prayerfully to the sweet singing and sublime words of these celestial hymns.
A Sweeping Love

A Sweeping Love

Youth crooked their necks to look to the lovely procession of vestal virgins consecrated to the great god, all dressed alike in their uniform gowns.
Prince Ramses' gaze was riveted on one girl whose angelic voice had stunned him. Her beauty took his breath away. He could not get his eyes off her slender body and pretty face.

She too looked in his direction and her heart jumped. Nehtita, for that was her name, was swept off her feet by an overwhelming emotion for the prince. Her knees gave way. The candle dropped from her hand and she looked clearly shaken. She would have slumped to the ground if she hadn't been steadied by her companion who asked what befell her. Her reply came in a trembling voice, in broken, indistinct and incoherent phrases. Feeling anxious and alarmed, the prince came to her help. Just as she was swaying, he held her in his strong arms, and placed a folded piece of paper in her hand. Though lines of worry were still drawn on her lovely face, the girl regained control and got a grip of herself. Feigning equanimity, she thanked him, keeping her hand firmly closed on the piece of paper.

The Prince in Love

The ceremony was over and everyone returned home. The prince went back to his palace feeling deeply troubled and distraught. He was totally occupied by the girl he had seen at the temple. He was present there only in body. His soul was elsewhere, hovering round this girl, there in the building adjoining the temple where the girl of his dreams had vowed to dedicate her life to the great god Osiris.

Prince Ramses' Letter

No sooner was Nehtita inside her room than she unfolded the piece of paper the prince had secretly slipped into her hand. In it she read:
Oh, lovely goddess, with stunning divine beauty. There is no point in living if I don't see you at every moment. We have doubtless been together in previous lives in the ancient past. Can I hope to see you tomorrow at eight o'clock at night in the temple garden? Forgive my daring. My great love for you drove me to it. In your acceptance I desire life and in your refusal I desire only death.
Ramses

Nehtita read the note with a beating heart. She was confused, troubled, and bewildered. She could think of nothing except the incident with the prince who captured her heart. She kept repeating to herself, "He is a god in human form". She was anxious, torn by many emotions.

She kept awake all night never getting a wink of sleep. When she was finally overcome by sleep, she dreamt that her arms were around him, and that he was pressing her to him, kissing her passionately until they were rapt in ecstasy and lost to the world.

In The Sacred Grove

At Exactly eight o'clock on the night following the night following their meeting, Nehtita went to the fenced temple garden, her heart throbbing with fear of being discovered, for she had dedicated herself to the god Osiris. She and her companions were looked upon as sacrosanct, honored and revered by all,. They appeared only once on the day of the god Osiris, when they would go raise their thanks to him, chanting hymns of glory and singing the praises of his divine mercies.

She was seized by fear before she set out. She gave the matter a lot of thought and nearly turned back. But her love was stronger than her fear. "I shall go", she thought, "come what may".

to be continued.......

[Loup Solitaire]

The Way to The Garden

At seven o'clock, the prince went to the building annexed to the temple, which was specially assigned to the vestal virgins. It had a lush garden, so it was impossible for him to enter.

An idea occurred to him which he carried out on the spot. He knocked on the door. The guard opened a little window in the door and asked him his business.

"I wish to speak to the High Priest concerning a matter of importance", he said.

"Who are you so that I can tell him? And why do you come at such a late hour?" asked the guard.

"I will reveal my name only to the High Priest. You just tell him I want to see him".

"Very well, I'll tell him".

He closed the window. The prince waited about ten minutes which seemed like ages. Then he heard a noise followed by the lifting of a latch and the door swung wide open. The guard led him to a richly furnished, spacious room, in the middle of which the High Priest was standing, waiting to see him.

The Prince and The High Priest

He was very much surprised to see the prince. He greeted him warmly, saying: "Your coming here is an honor, great Prince. You are most welcome to our place. I feel privileged by your unexpected visit".

The High Priest recognized the prince for when he used to be summoned to the Pharaoh's presence, the prince would sometimes be there. However, the visit took him by surprise.

"I came with regard to some friends of mine who are of an old noble family. They have a teenage daughter who wishes to dedicate herself to the god Osiris. They do not want this matter to be known publicly. That is why I came at this late hour.

'May I know the name of that family?", the High Priest asked.
"Of course, you will know that but after the girl is accepted".

"Very well", said the priest, "We have no objection since that is your wish, although we usually put such vestal girls to the test, and after many long and complicated formalities she is either accepted or refused. But your desire is sacred. We Have no objection to accepting her".

The prince thanked him and took his leave. The High Priest saw him to the door, and warmly bid him farewell. He was astonished, though, not to see a carriage waiting for him.

"I wanted to come on foot so as not to attract attention", said the prince who had noticed the priest's astonishment.

"of course", said the High Priest, "You did well".

However, he was not convinced. "There is something I don't know concerning this unexpected call", thought the priest, "I wonder what the real motive behind it is?".

Confusion

The prince stood perplexed, not knowing what to do. It was now nine o'clock, and he had promised to meet his sweetheart at eight. What was he going to do?

He went back again and knocked on the door. The little window opened and the guard looked out. He was surprised to see the same person again.

"Ah you've returned. What can I do for you?" He asked.
"I forgot to tip you," said the prince, there you are."
He gave him a gold Pharaohic pound which the guard promptly snatched thanking him profusely.
"I just thought I'd like to see the beautiful garden before I go home," said the prince.
"The garden?" asked the guard, "you won't be able to see anything in the dark."
"Exactly, but then I made a vow and I wish to fulfill it. It requires that I should make a round through the garden repeating the Osiris, asking him to grant me something, I particularly wish to come true. Especially since the garden is next to the temple of the great god, guardian of Egypt. Perhaps my prayer will be answered."
Saying that, the prince gave him another gold pound which immediately caused the latch to lift and the doors to be thrown wide open.

"Had I not seen the High Priest treat you so respectfully, I would not have opened the door. I don't even know who you are. So Please make your short your prayers and don't be too long in the garden or they will know I let you in. Entry is absolutely forbidden, you know, except by permission of the High Priest.
The Big Scandal

The prince entered the garden, treading the garden paths bathed in moonlight. There he found his love looking frightened and worried. The moment she saw him she began to tremble all over. She shivered like a bird drenched in rain. The prince came forward, unable to utter a word. He tried to speak but only succeeded in mumbling a few words. He took her trembling hand and kissed it, pouring his soul into his kiss, happiness sweeping over him.

Suddenly, a group of priests emerged from behind the trees and surrounded Nehtita and the prince.

"O God! How did this happen! Is this real or is it a dream?". She swooned and collapsed to the ground, for it was a terrible shock. The prince was furious. He flew into a rage and lunged at the priests. But they overpowered him, tied him up, and drove him and the girl before them to the High Priest.

The Pharaoh Is Extremely Alarmed

The High Priest immediately dispatched a messenger to the Pharaoh who was very alarmed at this unprecedented occurrence.

The priests were in a turmoil, for they were highly angered. The temple of Osiris was desecrated preposterously; and the stain could be washed away only by blood. No human punishment was deemed enough for the one who dared to defile the holy temple of the great god Osiris.

The Pharaoh feared the influence of the priests over the people. An uprising of the people would mean a revolution that sweep all and leave nothing in its' wake. The throne would topple and so would everything else. Desecrating the temple was an unpardonable offense. The Pharaoh was powerless before the inevitable revolution, if he were to let this crime against the god pass unpunished.

So the Pharaoh decried that the lovers be put to death as a punishment for desecrating the temple of the great god Osiris.

Death by Fire

On the third day after the desecration of the Ossirian temple, the pyre was set ablaze. Prince Ramses' hands were tied. So were Nehtita's. A group or priests walked on before them chanting the hymn of death while incense burned in the censers, sending wreaths of smoke floating in the air and suffusing it with sweet fragrance.

"Do you wish for anything before you die?" asked the High Priest.

"I feel sure that I shall meet Nehtita again in a future reincarnation," the prince replied. "My life without her is a barren desert, an empty void. Our souls will embrace the moment they leave our ephemeral bodies."

"Oh, my prince, my love from time immemorial," said Nehtita, "I do not mind going to death for you. I shall be yours: I shall meet you in a future reincarnation and be your beloved forever."

At this point, the Pharaoh gave the signal. The hangman came forward and let loose the rope tied to the chair where Prince Ramses was fettered, plunging into the pit's blazing inferno. The hangman did the same with Nehtita, and the flames reduced their bodies to smoldering ashes.


The End........

[Loup Solitaire]

What is in the meaning of this tale?

First and foremost, reincarnation is evident and declared by the prince. It was expected as though he would have expected the sun to rise tomorrow. Could the message here be that we should expect the same or is this story simply for entertainment?

Both the prince and the girl thought that physical death was inconsequential. Their spiritual commitment was more important and they had faith that it would be their salvation. It is true that in the physical world it is difficult to have faith so strong.

It was curious to me that the god Osiris and his priest were used as a backdrop in the story. Why would Dr Dahesh take such interest in pagan folklore. The symbolism here might have to do with the fact that Osiris was to the ancient Egyptians the merciful judge of death and to some represented the concept of immortality.

[Mario]

My theory...

It was curious to me that the god Osiris and his priest were used as a backdrop in the story. Why would Dr Dahesh take such interest in pagan folklore. The symbolism here might have to do with the fact that Osiris was to the ancient Egyptians the merciful judge of death and to some represented the concept of immortality.

Here is a crazy thought: What if the ancient Egyptians (or the people from whom they originated) were visited by prophets and were taught about Spiritual Fluids and their interactions (and that includes conflicts)?

However, and let's imagine being back in those pre-nuclear-age days, how might have the prophet(s) conveyed the concept of Spiritual Fluids?

Personally, I would tend to think that they would have done that by using the metaphor of the Gods. Therefore, you have the God of Love, the God of War, the God of Wisdom... The Spiritual Fluids of Love, The Spiritual Fluid of Wisdom... and so forth.

And I think the Greeks had an even higher sense of that concept—just look at their mythology and the way their Gods interact with one another.

[Johnson]

I think that is great imagery, Mario.

When one reads the accounts (myths) of the dynamic interactions of all the Olympian Gods and Titans and other "players"... and think of them as spiritual fluids and their tendencies... they really start to correlate to Daheshism.

[Mario]

Thank you David.

And Ron...

Firstly, thank you for typing all this up! Dare I assume that this already exists in some form or another in some publication?

Secondly, and as a point of reference: This is from "Strange Tales and Wondrous Legends" Part II, page 241.

Lastly, I'll give you a taste of how the original reads (with the signature lyricism of Doctor Dahesh left somewhat intact)—and by the way, the first paragraph has a title (not sure if the translator left it):

And, Ron, once again, THANK you. What I am about to say is merely prompted by my personal opinions regarding what certain of Doctor Dahesh's own "students" have chosen to do.

Furthermore, I am sure what I am about to show you may not impress the majority of the "knowledgeable" folks out there. But I maintain that every nuance the Doctor placed on paper, which is — according to our belief as Daheshists— INSPIRED by the spirit, must be preserved. So, when the Doctor wrote "young girls" or "girls" we don't write "women" (because we fear that someone is going to say we are not politically correct.
Or as was the case in the "Journey of a Musk Rose," ... My Lord... when I read that translation, it was so cold... so dry... and the character of the Hector came across as unsympathetic and condescending towards Doris—during their conversation about dreams.

Lastly, the Doctor's prose is laden with poetry. It is not the 6 O'clock news summary.

Holiday of the God Osiris

The city of Thebes was rippling with peoples and they had already worn the most beautiful of what they have of clothes. And the girls splashed themselves with expensive pervasive perfumes. And the decorations were filling the facades of the shops in their entirety, as the holy city of Thebes had worn the attire of clamor and glamor on the occasion of the holiday of Osiris the great God.

And here is the translation that Ron — who I KNOW is very BUSY and who could have easily chosen to sit and watch television after a hard day's work— was kind enough to sit and diligently re-type for all of us.

Streams of people converged to the city of Thebes. They wandered about in their best clothes, women wearing costly, perfumes. Decorations adorned whole shop windows in gay colors and the holy city of Thebes garbed itself in splendor in honor of the great god Osiris.

The thing is this: should the lyrical style of Doctor Dahesh be altered? Obviously, some seem to think it is better to "Americanize" the style. And I understand that the translator might have a desire to embed the translation with their own style. But I think it is better to try to remain as faithful to the original style as possible, even though it may not sound 100% "American". And one must certainly not "add" or "improvise"... For example, I saw nothing in the original about "colors"... may they be "gay" or... otherwise... and not that there is anything wrong with that!

Anyway, last I checked, Shakespeare's language was still left intact!

[Daheshville]

(hopefully it won't be questioned)

As long as you have something in writing from "the editor" of "Dahesh Voice" then you are fine.

[Loup Solitaire]

Thank you David.

And Ron...

Lastly, I'll give you a taste of how the original reads (with the signature lyricism of Doctor Dahesh left somewhat intact)—and by the way, the first paragraph has a title (not sure if the translator left it):

Sorry, I'm a lousy typist and I lost my concentration. I corrected it

---------------------------------------

Furthermore, I am sure what I am about to show you may not impress the majority of the "knowledgeable" folks out there. But I maintain that every nuance the Doctor placed on paper, which is — according to our belief as Daheshists— INSPIRED by the spirit, must be preserved. So, when the Doctor wrote "young girls" or "girls" we don't write "women" (because we fear that someone is going to say we are not politically correct.
Or as was the case in the "Journey of a Musk Rose," ... My Lord... when I read that translation, it was so cold... so dry...

... you know it is funny, I almost got caught up in this politically correct problem while copying this story with that exact term "girl or girls" but the truth is you are right. And it is so ridiculous that we are so overly sensitized to these terms related to sexuality and youth

Lastly, the Doctor's prose is laden with poetry. It is not the 6 O'clock news summary.

Holiday of the God Osiris

The city of Thebes was rippling with peoples and they had already worn the most beautiful of what they have of clothes. And the girls splashed themselves with expensive pervasive perfumes. And the decorations were filling the facades of the shops in their entirety, as the holy city of Thebes had worn the attire of clamor and glamor on the occasion of the holiday of Osiris the great God.

And here is the translation that Ron — who I KNOW is very BUSY and who could have easily chosen to sit and watch television after a hard day's work— was kind enough to sit and diligently re-type for all of us.

Streams of people converged to the city of Thebes. They wandered about in their best clothes, women wearing costly, perfumes. Decorations adorned whole shop windows in gay colors and the holy city of Thebes garbed itself in splendor in honor of the great god Osiris.

The thing is this: should the lyrical style of Doctor Dahesh be altered? Obviously, some seem to think it is better to "Americanize" the style. And I understand that the translator might have a desire to embed the translation with their own style. But I think it is better to try to remain as faithful to the original style as possible, even though it may not sound 100% "American". And one must certainly not "add" or "improvise"... For example, I saw nothing in the original about "colors"... may they be "gay" or... otherwise... and not that there is anything wrong with that!

Anyway, last I checked, Shakespeare's language was still left intact!

True! I think the story would have been far more interesting if translated as you suggest.

The story as written was very flat and quit probably much was lost in the interpretation. However, a couple of key points still were there. Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, we often read because a story offers more than a basic lesson.

Actually, I do have a scanner, but I chose to do this the hard way for reasons, I rather not go through at the moment. The next time, I'll use the scanner.

[Johnson]

It is interesting to read your translation Mario vs. the other one. Aside from being more colorful, yours uses the word "holiday"... which suggests a more lively occasion than just "in honor of".

Thanks Ron for putting this up for us!

[Loup Solitaire]

It is interesting to read your translation Mario vs. the other one. Aside from being more colorful, yours uses the word "holiday"... which suggests a more lively occasion than just "in honor of".

Thanks Ron for putting this up for us!

Yes you guys are tuff to deal deal with it's no doubt. But I'm married so I'm used to the abuse.

[Mario]

Yes you guys are tuff to deal deal with it's no doubt. But I'm married so I'm used to the abuse.

So, if I understand you correctly, what you're saying is that Daheshville is just like home!

See, now that's the kindest thing I've heard in a long time! Thank you!

And I am very serious when I say this: The fundamental problem is that we're architects. That means (in practical terms) we can be annoyingly obsessed with details. They don't refer to architects as being "A.R."... for nothing!
The trick is harness that annoying power and channel it in the right direction. Are you kidding? We're like a Commander Spock in stereo!

[Johnson]

The trick is harness that annoying power and channel it in the right direction. Are you kidding? We're like a Commander Spock in stereo!

That's quite logical, Captain...

[Loup Solitaire]

A Confession

Originally Posted by Mario

Furthermore, I am sure what I am about to show you may not impress the majority of the "knowledgeable" folks out there. But I maintain that every nuance the Doctor placed on paper, which is — according to our belief as Daheshist— INSPIRED by the spirit, must be preserved. So, when the Doctor wrote "young girls" or "girls" we don't write "women" (because we fear that someone is going to say we are not politically correct.
Or as was the case in the "Journey of a Musk Rose," ... My Lord... when I read that translation, it was so cold... so dry...

Comment by Ron

... you know it is funny, I almost got caught up in this politically correct problem while copying this story with that exact term "girl or girls" but the truth is you are right. And it is so ridiculous that we are so overly sensitized to these terms related to sexuality and youth



And here is Mario's interpretation:

Holiday of the God Osiris

The city of Thebes was rippling with peoples and they had already worn the most beautiful of what they have of clothes. And the girls splashed themselves with expensive pervasive perfumes. And the decorations were filling the facades of the shops in their entirety, as the holy city of Thebes had worn the attire of clamor and glamor on the occasion of the holiday of Osiris the great God.


Well, here is a revelation. I did get caught up in the political correctness of using the term girl or so it was as I remembered it. So when Mario mentioned it, I said to myself, "darn it"! "he caught me"! Then I went back to the book to verify the passage were I had changed girl(s) to woman or women. But to my astonishment (I had two copies of the book), both copies of the book matched what I had typed. So either , one, I had changed my alteration back to the original form, two, Alzheimer's is setting in and I didn't do what I thought I had done, or three, Dr Dahesh hasn't lost his powers to play tricks on those who would mettle in his affairs. At that time, I wasn't about to tell Mario I changed the interpretation because what I had typed matched what was in the two copies of the "Dahesh Voice" that had. At this moment, I am still trying to decide whether I want to consult my doctor about the condition of my memory.

In the future, I will not even consider changing something that I am copying. You need to understand, I am not yet a confirmed Daheshist.

[Mario]

In the future, I will not even consider changing something that I am copying. You need to understand, I am not yet a confirmed Daheshist.

Ok... Firstly, I want to assure you that — at no point — did it once occur to me that you had changed what you were copying. In other words, and here is my confession, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that this alteration was the work of whoever is responsible for Dahesh Voice.

For the record: I do not think that the editor in chief of Dahesh Voice is the one who is responsible. I have seen at least one other instance where (for example) a person would be placed (so-to-speak) "in charge," but in name only. And God help him or her should they dare say anything. Typically, they would hear things like: "How dare you question us? The Doctor left us in charge of everything, he trusted us with this with that"... And if this does not do anything to put you back in line, and you dare write a letter describing the state of affairs and suggesting a vision for the Dahehist society: you get shunned. And in some cases (you'll need to read a particular diary) accused of being materialistic (because you took certain drastic measures to protect them from harm) and even though you — yourself — fought your own family (which cost you plenty in terms of income) to protect the rights they have claimed to have.

I suppose you'll need to soak this paragraph in water for about 6 hours...

But, this brings me this issue of "confirmed Daheshist."

My dear Ron, take it from me: Don't worry about titles or labels. I assure you that there are those who come here thinking they are more entitled than any one of us to the title of "Daheshist."

They look down upon us (or they ask others to do it for them) from their ivory towers. The only thing (practically) that gives their life any sense of meaning is the satisfaction that they harbor anger, contempt, and disgust. By channeling such feelings, they are fooling themselves into believing they are pleasing Doctor Dahesh by harboring such ideas and emotions towards us.

How lucky for them we exist.

Just imagine if we didn't exist: In that case, no scape goat.
No one to direct misguided anger towards that should otherwise be pointed at those who are truly the architects of the problem in the first place.

How lucky for them that they have a target such as us so that they convince themselves into the belief they are "confirmed Daheshists."

They are so convinced that they are fighting a righteous cause, that any disaster that may befall them is seen as a "sacrifice and a struggle." Never would they dare confess to themselves that it is a "punishment."

Funny... if people would only learn to admit their mistakes and apologize without the fear that they, themselves, would be treated as they have treated others.

So, Ron, I assure you that you are a confirmed Daheshist in my view. This has nothing to do with how long you have been a Daheshist, or what you think you are.

Unlike some "Confirmed Daheshists" who evidently came here merely to polish their image in the hope of perhaps feathering their nest, there is no ulterior motive in your being here, in your contributing, in your sitting and typing for hours (you have hundreds of messages posted already. That's a lot of hours... days... months even...)

Now, before anyone labels me as the "Angry Daheshist":

I want you to read the Martyr Magda Hadad's diary pertaining to the events that took place on October 9, 1944, and tell me just how on God's Earth you can call yourselves "confirmed Daheshists" when you allow certain things to happen without your raising one voice of peaceful and public dissent. And that is especially true if over 20 years have passed and things have gone from bad to worse. And as for those who once lead the dissent movement and were so boisterous when it fit their political agendas...

And for you to use that pathetic excuse that we should not openly criticize each other is a cowardly way out, and I'll tell you why:

You can never be wrong if your true intention is to see the Daheshists unified.

On the other hand, if you are jealous of this or that person because they come in contact with those whose feet you aspire to kiss (for whatever reason), then you are fooling yourself.

All that aside... and going back to regularly scheduled program, here is a scan of the actual paragraph in Arabic—should anyone care to comment.

[Loup Solitaire]

Well, I thank you for your consolation.

But I'm going to spend some time meditating over "girls" versus "women" for a long time. And I'll be looking at those two books to see if the word "women" in the first sentence ever does revert back to "girls".

And if you ever come across a copy of "Dahesh Voice" with that story in it, please check that first sentence and see if it uses the word "girls" or "women". Maybe I did change the original elsewhere and thought better of it and removed my change.