Basic Tenets
Manichaeism, the Gnostic and Dualistic religion founded by Mani, emphasizes on good and evil/light and dark. This is just like Christianity, where Jesus and Satan are the opposites. Also, just like Christianity, Manichaeans believed that there is only 1 true God, and that all creation is from God and we are all part of the His creation. Additionally, they believed that all physical matter is not permanent, while all the light is real therefore eternal. Manichaeism also teaches that all suffering in the world is rooted in our ignorance of our true nature and due to our distraction from the real purpose in life. Manichaeism also tell us that everyone in the world is equal, no matter their race, gender etc. Therefore, everyone deserves to be protected, including animals and other life forms.
Manichaeism's view on God's love is that it can be experienced by humanity through the love, compassion, kindness and selfless acts, and that the peace of God is reflected in the world through the actions of the faithful. Through them, the world can experience a taste of the peace that awaits them in the Eternal Kingdom of Light. Mani also taught that salvation is possible for the ones who are strict with their religion.
Just like how Christians follow the Bible, Manichaeans live according to the Evangelion, or the Gospel of Mani.
The Manichaean Ten Commandments
1. You shall worship the One God and not commit yourself to the worship of idols; not bowing down to physical objects or ideals in order to worship them.
2. You shall not be dishonest in your ways.
3. You shall not be greedy.
4. You shall not murder a man, a woman or a child, neither shall you abort an infant; and you shall not commit to unnecessary killing of any life including animals and plants.
5. You shall not be unfaithful to your spouse, or commit any form of sexual misconduct.
6. You shall not commit theft.
7. You shall not deceive someone in order to mislead them.
8. You shall not practice magic.
9. You shall not commit hypocrisy in your ways.
10. You shall seek peace and be fair to all regardless of a person’s ethnicity, color, nationality, religious beliefs, gender or sexuality.
Manichaeism's view on God's love is that it can be experienced by humanity through the love, compassion, kindness and selfless acts, and that the peace of God is reflected in the world through the actions of the faithful. Through them, the world can experience a taste of the peace that awaits them in the Eternal Kingdom of Light. Mani also taught that salvation is possible for the ones who are strict with their religion.
Just like how Christians follow the Bible, Manichaeans live according to the Evangelion, or the Gospel of Mani.
The Manichaean Ten Commandments
1. You shall worship the One God and not commit yourself to the worship of idols; not bowing down to physical objects or ideals in order to worship them.
2. You shall not be dishonest in your ways.
3. You shall not be greedy.
4. You shall not murder a man, a woman or a child, neither shall you abort an infant; and you shall not commit to unnecessary killing of any life including animals and plants.
5. You shall not be unfaithful to your spouse, or commit any form of sexual misconduct.
6. You shall not commit theft.
7. You shall not deceive someone in order to mislead them.
8. You shall not practice magic.
9. You shall not commit hypocrisy in your ways.
10. You shall seek peace and be fair to all regardless of a person’s ethnicity, color, nationality, religious beliefs, gender or sexuality.
Key Figures
Mani
Mani is the founder of Manichaeism. An Iranian prophet, he was born in 216 AD in Babylonia (Iraq) and died in 274 AD in Gundeshapur (Iran). As a teenager, an angel appeared to him twice and he was then determined to be a prophet like Jesus, Buddha, and Zoroaster. In his mid 20's, he decided that he would fast and chastise so that he could receive salvation. Through his Manichaean journey, he wrote the Gospel of Mani for his followers and converted may important rulers during the 3rd century. His religion was then spread throughout the Silk Road regions (Europe to Asia).
Mani is the founder of Manichaeism. An Iranian prophet, he was born in 216 AD in Babylonia (Iraq) and died in 274 AD in Gundeshapur (Iran). As a teenager, an angel appeared to him twice and he was then determined to be a prophet like Jesus, Buddha, and Zoroaster. In his mid 20's, he decided that he would fast and chastise so that he could receive salvation. Through his Manichaean journey, he wrote the Gospel of Mani for his followers and converted may important rulers during the 3rd century. His religion was then spread throughout the Silk Road regions (Europe to Asia).
St. Augustine
St. Augustine (AD 354 - 430), also known as Augustine of Hippo, was once a Manichaean for around a decade. The reason why he was engrossed in Manichaeism was because while other religions were based on faith, Manichaeism seemed to be based on reasoning. Manichaeism's view on evil alowed Augustine to justify his own sinfulness as actions beyond personal control. But after a decade. he realized that some of the Manichaean logic was wrong, and realized that Christianity was the true religion for everyone. After his conversion, he has become one of the most influential Christians ever lived.
St. Augustine (AD 354 - 430), also known as Augustine of Hippo, was once a Manichaean for around a decade. The reason why he was engrossed in Manichaeism was because while other religions were based on faith, Manichaeism seemed to be based on reasoning. Manichaeism's view on evil alowed Augustine to justify his own sinfulness as actions beyond personal control. But after a decade. he realized that some of the Manichaean logic was wrong, and realized that Christianity was the true religion for everyone. After his conversion, he has become one of the most influential Christians ever lived.
It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels
Symbols
This symbol is known as the Manichaean Cross of Light and Life. Depicted are the 5 Steps of the Holy Bema, the 8 Arms of the Cross and the circle depicts the presence of Mir Izgadda and His calling for all the sparks of Light to be regathered into the Cross of Life and Life.
Mir Izgadda is a man who wrote teachings related to Manichaeism. Some consider him the Messiah of modern times.
Mir Izgadda is a man who wrote teachings related to Manichaeism. Some consider him the Messiah of modern times.
Since Manichaeism is known as the religion of light, this symbol clearly shows us what Manichaeism is all about. This symbol shows us light rays flowing downward. The light stands for the Pure Light. The cloud is the trap in which the light tries to escape from. The 5 rays stand for Excellent Reason, Excellent Mind, Excellent Intelligence, Excellent Thought, and Excellent Understanding.
This symbol isn't just something related to Manichaeism, but it is the symbol of Gnosticism. Manichaeism is a Gnostic religion, because it is a religion that is from a collection of religions (Christianity, Zoroastrianism etc.). The Gnostic symbol is a sun cross. It represents the 4 seasons, which imply both time through the passage of the year and space through the 4 positions of Earth around the Sun.