In ancient Egyptian culture, what is considered the key to life and existence?

In ancient Egyptian culture, the heart was considered the key to life and existence. It held immense significance in their belief system, particularly in relation to the afterlife. The heart was thought to contain one's thoughts, emotions, and moral compass. It was viewed as the seat of intelligence and the essence of a person's being.

During the mummification process, the heart was often left in place or carefully preserved, as it was believed to be weighed against the feather of Ma'at, the goddess of truth and justice, in the afterlife. This weighing determined the deceased's fate; if the heart was lighter than the feather, it indicated a virtuous life, allowing the individual to enter the afterlife. Conversely, if the heart was heavy with sin, it would be devoured by Ammit, leading to eternal damnation. This underscores the critical role the heart played in both life and the beliefs surrounding the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture.