Understanding Must Come First
Even though Maat contains several meanings, Maat is first, the "understanding" of things. We must start from understanding.Understanding Requires Context
We must first understand in the proper context. This context is our relationship to nature, cosmos and society.All information must be examined in light of each relationship. Once we understand very well how information relates to and impacts what we have a relationship with, then we can build our lives on some values.Understanding Leads To Proper Decision-Making
When information is clear in our minds, then and only then, can we judge properly, in order to make decisions. Everything else Maat is, comes after understanding. (1) Once we understand the fundamental aspects of our relationships, we also understand the necessity of Maat in helping us honor those relationships. (2)We must understand Maat, understand relationships and understand information to honor relationships. This is the same as living an honorable life. Honoring relationships promotes, supports and maintains unity. Maat is the way to complete unity consciousness.(1) Paraphrased with additions from Ancestor & Master Teacher in an interview titled: Theophile Obenga On African History (2) Paraphrased with additions from: Asante, Molefi Kete and Mazama, Ama Editors, "Encyclopedia Of African Religion," (2009) p. 398.
