Manichaeism
🌗 What is Manichaeism?
Manichaeism is a Gnostic-dualistic religion founded in the 3rd century AD by the Persian prophet Mani (c. 216–276).
It combines elements from:
Christianity
Zoroastrianism
Buddhism
and other spiritual traditions
⚫⚪ Central principle: Dualism
Manichaeism sees the world as an eternal struggle between light and darkness, i.e.:
Good vs. Evil
Spirit vs. Matter
Soul vs. Body
According to Manichaean teachings, the world arose from a merging of these two realms. The task of man: to liberate the light (the soul) from the material world.
🧘♂️ The Role of Humanity
The "Chosen Ones" (an ascetic elite) lived a life of strict abstinence so as not to further bind the Light.
The "Hearers" were supporters who lived more simply and sought to accumulate good karma.
➡️ Goal: Return of the Light to the Kingdom of God.
📚 Writings and Influence
Mani composed his teachings in writing – very unusual for religious founders of the time.
Manichaeism spread rapidly: from Rome to Persia to China.
Many Manichaeans were later persecuted – the religion was considered heresy, especially in Christianity and Islam.
🏛️ Historical Significance
Augustine of Hippo was a Manichaean for nine years before becoming a Christian.
The term "Manichaean" is often used figuratively today when someone divides the world into an overly simplistic good/evil pattern.
📖 Who was Mani?
Born around 216 AD near Ctesiphon (in present-day Iraq), in the Sassanid Empire.
Pictured himself as a prophet alongside Buddha, Zoroaster, Jesus, and Muhammad (yes, he saw himself as the last great teacher).
Was a brilliant missionary, writer, artist, and probably also a physician.
➡️ He wrote down his teachings himself, which distinguishes him from other religious founders—and also used images (he was called the "Apostle of Light").
🌍 How did Manichaeism spread?
Mani and his followers sent missionaries to India, Central Asia, North Africa, and even China.
His teachings were partly adapted to local cultures (e.g., using Buddhist terms in Asia).
The religion reached its peak in the 4th century – with followers from the Roman Empire to the Chinese Tang Dynasty.
❌ Why has Manichaeism almost disappeared?
Persecution:
By the Roman Emperor Diocletian (from 297)
By the Zoroastrian clergy in the Sassanid Empire
Later also by Christian, Islamic, and Buddhist institutions.
Lack of power base:
No "Manichaean state," no independent army, no permanent protecting power.
Loss of writings:
Many original texts were destroyed – only fragments survived, e.g. E.g., in Coptic, Syriac, Chinese, or in finds such as the Turfan Manuscripts in Central Asia
💡 What did Manichaeans specifically believe?
The body is evil because it is part of matter (darkness)
The soul is light, a part of God trapped in the body
Rebirth was part of the doctrine – until the light is completely freed
Food, sex, possessions – all of these bind people to the material world
Through abstinence and spiritual practice, the light is freed
🧠 Influence today?
The term "Manichaean" is used today in philosophy, politics, and literature when someone divides the world too simply into good and evil.
Some ideas also reappear in modern esotericism.
Manichaeism itself, however, is no longer a living religion – unlike, for example, Zoroastrianism.
