Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of plates
- List of maps
- List of contributors
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Notes for the reader
- List of abbreviations
- Map 1 The Sassanian Empire
- Map 2 The Roman Empire
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The life of Mani
- 3 Manichaeism in the Roman Empire
- 4 The scriptures of Mani
- 5 Teachings
- 6 Worship and ethic
- 7 Community texts
- List and concordance of texts
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- Index
6 - Worship and ethic
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 December 2009
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of plates
- List of maps
- List of contributors
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Notes for the reader
- List of abbreviations
- Map 1 The Sassanian Empire
- Map 2 The Roman Empire
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The life of Mani
- 3 Manichaeism in the Roman Empire
- 4 The scriptures of Mani
- 5 Teachings
- 6 Worship and ethic
- 7 Community texts
- List and concordance of texts
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
For a summary of the principles and practice of Manichaean religious life see Introduction (pp. 21–5). The following extracts again give emphasis to Manichaean writings in Coptic that are not widely known, supplemented by some classic descriptions by Augustine.
The essential precepts of the elect and the catechumens
This ‘Chapter of the Commandments of Righteousness’ (kephalaion 80, 192.3–193.22) contains a summary of the essential precepts held by the elect and the catechumens; arranged in two sets of two by three.
The first righteousness of the elect has three parts: to refrain from all sexual activity; to take great care not to harm the light-soul trapped everywhere in matter and especially vegetation (the Cross of Light), for instance by plucking fruit; and not to consume meat or alcohol (192.8–13). These correspond to the three seals of mouth, hands and breast discussed by Augustine (signacula oris, manuum et sinus; de mor. Manich. VII.10; IX.18); and also referred to in eastern Manichaean texts.
The second: to multiply wisdom, faith and grace.
The first righteousness of the catechumenate: fasting, prayer and alms-giving. The catechumens had to support the elect who could do no labour, farming or cooking.
The third: to give someone to the church; to share in their good works; to donate some church structure. The catechumens were allowed to marry and procreate, but were expected to compensate in this way.
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- Manichaean Texts from the Roman Empire , pp. 231 - 258Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2004