Manichaeism

Seal of Mani (cleaned up). Seal with figure of Mani, possibly 3rd century CE, possibly Irak. Cabinet des Médailles, Paris

Manicheans

Birth of Mani

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Shahname - Mani death (cropped)

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Sermon on Mani's Teaching of Salvation. Cathayan Manichaean silk painting, 13th-century

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Jesus as a Manichaean Prophet, 13th century

Manichaeism was a major religion and philosophy founded by the Prophet Mani in the 3rd century AD in the Sasanian Empire. Manichaeism taught an elaborate dualistic cosmology describing the struggle between a good, spiritual world of light, and an evil, material world of darkness. Through an ongoing process that takes place in human souls, light is gradually removed from the world of matter and returned to the world of light, whence it came. Its beliefs were based on local Mesopotamian religious movements and Gnosticism.

Beliefs and Practices

Manichaeism's dualistic beliefs divided the world into two opposing realms: one of light and spirit, and the other of darkness and matter. Mani considered himself the final prophet after Zoroaster, Buddha, and Jesus, aiming to create a universal religion. His teachings included elements from Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and Christianity, making Manichaeism a syncretic religion. Followers were expected to adhere to strict ethical standards to help separate the light from the darkness within themselves, including following a vegetarian diet, leading an ascetic lifestyle, and engaging in frequent fasting and prayer.

Scriptures and Texts

The Manichaean community had a rich body of religious texts, which included the Book of Giants, the Living Gospel, and the Treasure of Life. These texts were written in several languages, including Syriac, Middle Persian, Coptic, and others, reflecting the religion's widespread appeal across different cultures.

Spread and Influence

Manichaeism spread rapidly from the Sasanian Empire through the Roman Empire, reaching as far as the African provinces, Spain, France, Italy, the Balkans, and later into the Eastern regions including Central Asia, China, and even Japan. Its spread was facilitated by the religion's appeal to diverse cultures and its ability to incorporate elements from various local religions.

Persecution and Decline

Despite its initial success, Manichaeism faced persecution from both the Roman Empire under emperors like Diocletian and later from the Byzantine Empire, as well as from the Sasanian Empire. The religion was often viewed with suspicion by authorities because of its foreign origins and its teachings, which were seen as heretical by both Zoroastrian and Christian authorities. This persecution, combined with the rise of Islam in the 7th century, led to a gradual decline in the number of Manichaean adherents. By the late Middle Ages, Manichaeism had almost completely disappeared, surviving only in small communities in China and Central Asia until the 14th century.

Legacy

Although Manichaeism itself has largely vanished, its influence can be seen in later religious and philosophical movements, such as the Cathars in Medieval Europe. Its emphasis on dualism and the struggle between good and evil has also left a mark on Christian and Islamic thought.