Mani (in Persian: مانی, Syriac: ܡܐܢܝ) was born of Iranian (Parthian) parentage in Babylon, Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) which was a part of Persian Empire about 210-276 CE. He was a religious preacher and the founder of Manichaeism, an ancient Persian gnostic religion that was once prolific but is now extinct. Neo-Manichaeism is a modern revivalist movement not directly connected to the ancient faith but is sympathetic to the teachings of Mani. Persian (Local names: فارسی Fârsi or پارسی Pârsi)* is an Indo-European language spoken in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan as well as by minorities in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, India, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Southern Russia, neighboring countries, and elsewhere. ... Syriac is an Eastern Aramaic language that was once spoken across much of the Fertile Crescent. ... Parthia[1] (Middle Persian: اشکانیان Ashkâniân) was a civilization situated in the northeast of modern Iran, but at its height covering all of Iran proper, as well as regions of the modern countries of Armenia, Iraq, Georgia, eastern Turkey, eastern Syria, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, the Persian Gulf... Babylon (in Arabic: بابل; in Syriac: ܒܒܙܠ in Hebrew:בבל) was an ancient city in Mesopotamia (modern Al Hillah, Iraq), the ruins of which can be found in present-day Babil Province, about 80km south of Baghdad. ... Mesopotamia refers to the region now occupied by modern Iraq, and parts of eastern Syria, southeastern Turkey, and southwest Iran. ... The Persian Empire was a series of historical empires that ruled over the Iranian plateau, the old Persian homeland, and beyond in Western Asia, Central Asia and the Caucasus. ... Manichean priests, writing at their desk, with panel inscription in Sogdian. ... Gnosticism is a blanket term for various religions and sects most prominent in the first few centuries A.D. General characteristics The word gnosticism comes from the Greek word for knowledge, gnosis (γνῶσις), referring to the idea that there is special, hidden mysticism (esoteric knowledge... Neo-Manichaeism is a contemporary attempt to revive the ancient faith of Manichaeism. ...

Although the original writings of the founding prophet Mani have been lost, significant portions remain preserved in Coptic manuscripts from Egypt and in later writings of fully-developed Manichaeism in China. Until the later 20th century, the life and philosophy of Mani was pieced together largely from remarks by his detractors and from late productions. Then in 1969 in Upper Egypt a Greek parchment codex of ca 400 CE, was discovered, which is now designated Codex Manichaicus Coloniensis (because it is conserved at the University of Cologne). It combines a hagiographic account of Mani's career and spiritual development with information about Mani’s religious teachings and contains fragments of his Living (or Great) Gospel and his Letter to Edessa. Mani presented himself as a saviour and an apostle of Jesus Christ. In the 4th century Manichaean Coptic papyri, Mani was identified with the Paraclete-Holy Ghost and he was regarded as the new Jesus. In religion, a prophet (or prophetess) is a person who has directly encountered the numinous or the divine and serves as an intermediary with humanity. ... The Coptic language is a direct descendant of the ancient Egyptian language which was once written in Egyptian hieroglyphic, hieratic, and demotic scripts. ... Manichean priests, writing at their desk, with panel inscription in Sogdian. ... Scroll Concerning Origin of His Body ~ From The Cologne Manuscript . . . little by little . ... The University of Cologne (German Universität zu Köln) is one of the oldest universities in Europe and, with over 44. ... Hagiography is the study of saints. ... Look up Paraclete in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Holy Spirit, from the Christian viewpoint, while related to Gods will, is not Gods will personified. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

Middle-Persian and Syriac are thought to be Mani's native languages. He wrote his seven holy books in Syriac (the main language spoken in the Near East before the Arab-Islamic conquest). Some historians claim he was of Persian parentage. Mani's father, Fatik or Pattig, was from Hamadan and his mother, Maryam, was of the family of the Kamsaragan, who claimed kinship with the Parthian royal house. However, the names of his father and mother are both Syriac. Mani first encountered religion in his early youth while living with a Jewish ascetic group known as the Elkasites. In his mid-twenties, he came to believe that salvation is possible through education, self-denial, vegetarianism, fasting and chastity. He later claimed to be the Paraclete promised in the New Testament, the Last Prophet or Seal of the Prophets, finalizing a succession of men guided by God, which included figures such as Seth, Noah, Abraham, Shem, Nikotheos, Enoch, Zoroaster, Hermes, Plato, Buddha and Jesus. During his lifetime, Mani’s earliest missionaries were active in Mesopotamia, Persia, Palestine and Syria and in Egypt. Middle Persian or Pahlavi is the Iranian language spoken during Sassanian times. ... Syriac is an Eastern Aramaic language that was once spoken across much of the Fertile Crescent. ... Pattig or Patteg (April 14, 216 - ?) was the father of the prophet Mani. ... Avicennas tomb in Hamedan Hamadan or Hamedan ( Persian: همدان ) is the capital city of Hamadan Province of Iran. ... Parthia[1] (Middle Persian: اشکانیان Ashkâniân) was a civilization situated in the northeast of modern Iran, but at its height covering all of Iran proper, as well as regions of the modern countries of Armenia, Iraq, Georgia, eastern Turkey, eastern Syria, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Kuwait, the Persian Gulf... Syriac is an Eastern Aramaic language that was once spoken across much of the Fertile Crescent. ... Elkasites were members of an ancient Jewish sect, whose name was taken from its founder, Elxai. ... A variety of vegetarian food ingredients Vegetarianism is the practice of not consuming the flesh of any animal (including sea animals) with or without also eschewing other animal derivatives, such as dairy products or eggs[1]. Some vegetarians also choose to refrain from wearing clothing that has involved the death... This article is about the Christian scriptures. ... The term Last Prophet is used in religious contexts to refer to the last person through whom God speaks, after which there is to be no other. ... Seal of the Prophets (ar. ... Seth (Hebrew: שֵׁת, Standard Å et, Tiberian ; Arabic: شيث Shith or Shiyth; Placed; appointed), in the Book of Genesis of the Hebrew Bible, is the third listed son of Adam and Eve and brother of Cain and Abel and is the only other son mentioned by name. ... Noahs Ark, Französischer Meister (The French Master), Magyar Szépművészeti Múzeum, Budapest. ... An angel prevents the sacrifice of Isaac. ... Shem (שֵׁם renown; prosperity; name, Standard Hebrew Å em, Tiberian Hebrew Å Ä“m; Greek Σημ, SÄ“m; ) was one of the sons of Noah in the Bible who adhered to the Noahide Laws. ... Enoch (Hebrew: חֲנוֹךְ; Tiberian: , Standard: ) is a name occurring twice in the generations of Adam. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Hermes bearing the infant Dionysus, by Praxiteles, found at the Heraion, Olympia, 1877 Hermes (Greek, , IPA: ), in Greek mythology, is the Olympian god of boundaries and of the travelers who cross them, of shepherds and cowherds, of orators and wit, of literature and poets, of athletics, of weights and measures... PLATO was one of the first generalized Computer assisted instruction systems, originally built by the University of Illinois (U of I) and later taken over by Control Data Corporation (CDC), who provided the machines it ran on. ... Media:Example. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

Life

Mani was an exceptionally gifted child and he inherited his father's mystic temperament. It is said that communications of a supernatural character came to him. He traveled far and wide including Turkistan, India and Iran, among others, with many disciples to carry out evangelism. After forty years of travel he returned with his retinue to Persia and converted Peroz, King Shapur's brother to his teaching. Türkistan (also spelled Turkistan or Turkestan) is a region in Central Asia, largely inhabited by Turkic people. ... In education, teachers are those who teach students or pupils, often a course of study or a practical skill. ...

Mani, being influenced by Mandaeanism, began preaching at a young age. According to biographical accounts by al-Biruni, preserved in the 10th-century encyclopedia the Fihrist of Ibn al-Nadim, during his youth, Mani received a revelation from a spirit whom he would later call the Syzygos or Twin, who taught him the divine truths of the religion. During this period, the large existing religious groups, most notably Christianity and Zoroastrianism, were competing for stronger political and social power. Mani also followed the holy books Puran and Kural. Although having fewer adherents than Zoroastrianism, for example, Manichaeism won the support of high ranking political figures and with the aid of the Persian Empire, Mani would initiate several missionary excursions. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Mandaeism. ... A statue of Biruni adorns the southwest entrance of Laleh Park in Tehran. ... Ibn al-Nadim (Abu al-Faraj Muhammad ibn Ishaq ibn Muhammad ibn Ishaq), (died September 17, 995 or 998) was an muslim scholar (of either Arab or Persian origin) and bibliographer and the author of the Kitab al-Fihrist. ... Christianity percentage by country, purple is highest, orange is lowest Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch... Zoroastrianism is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings ascribed to the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra, Zartosht). ... Zoroastrianism is the religion and philosophy based on the teachings ascribed to the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra, Zartosht). ... The Persian Empire was a series of historical empires that ruled over the Iranian plateau, the old Persian homeland, and beyond in Western Asia, Central Asia and the Caucasus. ...

Mani's first excursion was to the Kushan Empire in northwestern India (several religious paintings in Bamiyan are attributed to him), where he is believed to have lived and taught for some time. He is said to have sailed to the Indus valley area of India in 240 or 241 CE, and to have converted a Buddhist King, the Turan Shah of India. On that occasion various Buddhist influences seem to have permeated Manichaeism: "Buddhist influences were significant in the formation of Mani's religious thought. The transmigration of souls became a Manichaean belief, and the quadripartite structure of the Manichaean community, divided between male and female monks (the "elect") and lay followers (the "hearers") who supported them, appears to be based on that of the Buddhist sangha." Boundary of the Kushan empire, c. ... Bamyan is a town in central Afghanistan, the capital of Bamyan Province. ... The Indus (सिन्‍धु नदी) (known as Sindhu in ancient times) is the principal river of Pakistan. ... A replica of an ancient statue found among the ruins of a temple at Sarnath Buddhism is a philosophy based on the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama, a prince of the Shakyas, whose lifetime is traditionally given as 566 to 486 BCE. It had subsequently been accepted by... Sangha is a word in Pali or Sanskrit that can be translated roughly as association or assembly. It is commonly used in several senses to refer to Buddhist or Jain groups. ...

After failing to win the favor of the next generation, and being disapproved of by the Zoroastrian clergy, Mani is reported to have died in prison awaiting execution by the Persian Emperor Bahram I, while alternate accounts have it that he was either flayed to death or beheaded. Bahram I, was king of Persia (AD 274-277). ... Michelangelos Last Judgment - Saint Bartholomew holding the knife of his martyrdom and his flayed skin Flaying is the removal of skin from the body. ... Mike the Headless Chicken struts. ...

Accounts by Christian writers

According to Cyril of Jerusalem the knowledge acquired by Mani derived from the travels to India of a man named Scythianus in 50CE. After the death of Scythianus, his pupil Terebinthus went to Palestine and Judaea ("becoming known and condemned in Judaea") and Babylon. He used the name 'Buddas', which could mean he presented himself as a Buddha and may suggest a link between his philosophy and Buddhism ^[1]. Terebinthus brought with him the books of Scythianus, which he presented upon his death to his lodger, a widow with a slave named Cubricus, who later changed his name to Mani (from "Manes" in Persian, meaning "discourse"). Mani is said to have studied the books, which thereby become the source of Manichean doctrine ^[2] Cyril of Jerusalem was a distinguished theologian of the early Church ( 315 - 386). ... According to 3rd-4th century writers such as Hippolytus and Epiphanius, Scythianus was an Alexandrian who visited India around 50 CE. Scythianus apparently lived on the border between Palestine and Arabia, and was active in trade between the Red Sea ports and India. ... Terebinthus (also Terebinthus of Turbo ) was the pupil of Scythianus, during the 1st-2nd century CE, according to the early Christian writer Cyril of Jerusalem. ... Media:Example. ... Manichaeism was one of the major ancient religions. ...

Also in the fourth century, Ephraim attacked Mani for letting himself be overcome by "the Lie" from India, introducing "two powers which were against each other." Ephrem the Syrian (Syriac: , ;Greek: ; Latin: Ephraem Syrus; 306–373) was a deacon, prolific Syriac language hymn writer and theologian of the 4th century. ...

After Mani's death

The spread of Manichaeism (300– AD 500). Map reference: World History Atlas, Dorling Kindersly.

It is theorized that the Manichees made every effort to include all known religious traditions. As a result they preserved many apocryphal Christian works, such as the Acts of Thomas, that would have been lost otherwise. Mani was eager to describe himself as a "disciple of Jesus Christ", but the orthodox church rejected him as a heretic. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1628x881, 170 KB)The spread of Manichaeism (300-500 CE). ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1628x881, 170 KB)The spread of Manichaeism (300-500 CE). ... Apocrypha (from the Greek word , meaning those having been hidden away[1]) are texts of uncertain authenticity or writings where the authorship is questioned. ... The early 3rd century text called Acts of Thomas is arguably the most Gnostic of the New Testament apocrypha, portraying Christ as the Heavenly Redeemer, independent of and beyond creation, who can free souls from the darkness of the world. ... Look up Heresy in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Some fragments of a Manichaean book written in Turkish mention that in 803 CE the Khan of Uyghur Kingdom went to Turfan and sent three Manichaean Magistrates to pay respects to a senior Manichaean cleric in Mobei. A Manichaean hymn of the 8th century from Turfan written in Middle Persian mentions that most of the Khan's kinsmen were devoted to Manichaean faith. The Manichaean manuscripts found in Turfan were written in three different Iranian scripts, viz. Middle Persian, Parthian and Sogdian script. These documents prove that Sogdia was a very important centre of Manichaeism during the early mediaeval period and it was perhaps the Sogdian merchants who brought the religion to Central Asia and China. Khan (sometimes spelled as Xan, Han, Ke-Han) is a title. ... The Uyghur (also spelled Uighur; Uyghur: ئۇيغۇر; Simplified Chinese: ; Traditional Chinese: ; Pinyin: ) are a Turkic people of Central Asia. ... position in China Street of Turfan View of the Flaming mountains Emin minaret, Turfan Turfan (Uyghur: تۇرپان; Uyghur latin: Turpan; Modern Chinese 吐魯番, Pinyin: Tǔlǔfán; ) is an oasis city in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of the Peoples Republic of China. ...

During the early 10th century Uyghur emerged a very powerful empire under the influence of Buddhism with some Manichaean shrines converted into Buddhist temples. However, there was no denying the historical fact that the Uyghurs were worshippers of Mani. The Arabian historian An-Nadim informs us that the Uyghur Khan did his best to project Manichaeism in the Central Asian kingdom (of Saman). Chinese documents record that the Uyghur Manichaean clerics came to China to pay tribute to the imperial court in 934 CE. The envoy of Song Dynasty by the name of Wang visited Manichaean temples in Gaochang. It appears that the popularity of Manichaeism slowly declined after 10th century in Central Asia. Ruins of Gaochang Gaochang (高昌) was an ancient city, located 30 km SE of modern Turpan in Xinjiang, China. ...

Some scholars find that the influence of Manichaeism subtly influences Christian thought, in the polarities of good and evil and in the increasingly vivid figure of Satan. This is partly through the influence of Augustine of Hippo, who converted to Christianity a short while after converting from Manichaeism, and whose writings continue to be enormously influential among Catholic theologians. Gustave Dorés depiction of Satan from John Miltons Paradise Lost Satan, from the Hebrew word for adversary (Standard Hebrew: , Satan; Tiberian Hebrew ; Koine Greek: Σατανάς Satanás, Persian: , Satanás; Aramaic: , ; Arabic: , , Geez: , Turkish: Şeytan), is a term that originates from the Abrahamic faiths, being traditionally applied to... “Augustinus” redirects here. ...

Interestingly, there are also parallels between Mani and Muhammad, the prophet of Islam. Mani claimed to be the successor to prophets like Jesus and other prophets whose teachings he said were locally corrupted (or corrupted by their followers). Mani declared himself, and was also referred to, as the Paraclete: a Biblical title, meaning "one who consoles" or "one who intercedes on our behalf", which the Orthodox tradition understood as referring to God in the person of the Holy Spirit. Mani claimed to be the last of the prophets, and also claimed that his prophethood was revealed to him by an angel. Muhammad, similarly, claimed to be the successor to prophets, notably the Hebrew prophets and Jesus. He claimed that the teachings of previous prophets were corrupted by their followers, e.g. Christians believing Jesus to be the son of God. He also claimed to be the last of God's prophets promised to humanity, as was said of Mani. Muhammad in a new genre of Islamic calligraphy started in the 17th century by Hafiz Osman. ... For people named Islam, see Islam (name). ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch of Constantinople Christianity Portal This box:      In mainstream Christianity, the Holy Spirit... The Archangel Michael by Guido Reni wears a late Roman military outfit in this 17th century depiction An angel is a supernatural being found in many religions. ...

Mani was ranked #83 in Michael H. Hart's list of the most influential figures in history. Michael H. Hart (born April 28, 1932 in New York City) is an American astrophysicist turned author and activist. ... The cover of the 1992 edition. ...

Mani in fiction

• The main character, Zhang Wuji, in Louis Cha's novel The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Saber became the leader of the Chinese sect of Manichaeism. His grandfather was the leader of a group that broke off from Manichaeism but later combined with Manichaeism after Zhang became the leader. His "servant" and admirer Xiaozhao, who's mother is Persian, later became the leader of Persian Manichaeism.
• The novel The Gardens of Light by Amin Maalouf tells the story of Mani.
• Philip K. Dick's novel VALIS mentions Mani as one of a succession of human manifestations of a higher power, including Jesus, Elijah, Ikhnaton, and others.

Louis Cha, (born June 6, 1924), known to most by his penname Jinyong or Kam-yung, is one of the most influential Chinese-language novelists. ... The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Saber[citation needed] (Traditional Chinese: 倚天屠龍記; Simplified Chinese: 倚天屠龙记; pinyin: yǐ tiān tú lóng jì) is a Chinese wuxia novel by Jinyong, first serialized in Ming Pao. ... Amin Maalouf (Arabic: ; born (25 February 1949 in Beirut) is a Lebanese author. ... Philip Kindred Dick (December 16, 1928 – March 2, 1982) was an American writer, mostly known for his works of science fiction. ... It has been suggested that Black Iron Prison be merged into this article or section. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... Elijah in the wilderness, by Washington Allston Elijah (Hebrew: אליהו, ) was a prophet in Israel in the 9th century BCE. He appears in the Hebrew Bible, Talmud, Mishnah, Christian Bible, and the Quran. ... Neferkheperre-waenre Beautiful are the Manifestations of Re[2] the one of Re Nomen Akhenaten Servant of the Aten[1] (after Year 4 of his reign) Amenhotep Horus name Kanakht-Meryaten The strong bull, beloved of the Aten Nebty name Wernesytemakhetaten Great of kingship in Akhetaten Golden Horus Wetjesrenenaten Who...

See also

• Manichaeism
• Codex Manichaicus Coloniensis
• Mandaeanism
• Gnosticism
• List of founders of major religions
• Augustine of Hippo
• Adam Weishaupt

Manichean priests, writing at their desk, with panel inscription in Sogdian. ... Mani (in Persian مانی), born in western Persia (approximately 210-276 A.D.), was a religious preacher and the founder of Manichaeism, an ancient gnostic religion that was once prolific but now considered extinct. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Mandaeism. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... The following figures are believed to have founded major beliefs or to have been the first codifiers or best known proponents of older known religion or traditions. ... “Augustinus” redirects here. ... Johann Adam Weishaupt (* 6 February 1748 in Ingolstadt; † 18 November 1830 in Gotha) was a German who founded the Order of the Illuminati. ...

References

• Francis Legge, Forerunners and Rivals of Christianity, From 330 B.C. to 330 A.D. (1914), reprinted in two volumes bound as one, University Books New York, 1964. LC Catalog 64-24125.
• Richard C. Foltz, Religions of the Silk Road: Overland Trade and Cultural Exchange from Antiquity to the Fifteenth Century (2000), Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 0-312-23338-8
• Religious Syncretism: A Look at Manichaeism
• Manichaeist art - Washington University
• "Mani and Manichaeism in the J.R.Ritman Library"
• The Book of Mani, M.A. Sotelo
• The Gardens of Light, Amin Maalouf.

Amin Maalouf (Arabic: ; born (25 February 1949 in Beirut) is a Lebanese author. ...

External links

• MÂNI (CAIS)
• Mani & His Message (CAIS)
• Spirit Matter - Mani and Manichaeism (CAIS)
• Mani-Hiya,The Paraclete and Apostle of Light