Mani was the founder of Manichaeism. He moved into the religion willingly but transformed the doctrine into what it is today. After learning of the Gnostic Saviour figure, his manuscripts became focussed on the purification of the body. He believed in the dual characteristics of the universe; the idea that there exists good and evil. Salvation was possible through education, self-denial, vegetarianism, fasting, and chastity. Clearly a religion founded on self-sacrifice.
Mani, interestingly enough, experienced visions of his spiritual ‘twin’ and he believed that such an experience meant that he was growing in grace. He hardly spoke of these visions and this not only showed a great deal of discipline on his part, but also the devotion he held for the religion. As a result, he was rightfully considered a gifted spirit.
What was especially extraordinary about him, which further emphasizes the idea that he was a gifted spirit, was the fact that he could ‘open up souls’ in order to show them and allow them to experience his appreciation for the suffering of all things. As more people began to understand the rationale behind Mani’s suggestions, they were persuaded to become followers and changed their own lifestyle; in the name of all that is good and right; the betterment of mankind.
Mani’s philosophy, while intriguing, is not a new concept in the realm of religion itself. All religions, to some extent, are based on devotion through self-sacrifice ( fasting during religious holidays, abstinence, vows of chastity and/or poverty, to name a few). And, like all religions, followers believe that the spiritual transformation nourishes the soul allowing it to transcend the terrestrial world; the idea that salvation is close at hand.
One must consider whether Manichaeism is syncretic. As a result of its dualism, or rather, its focus on the opposing forces of good and evil, while also synthesizing different religions it is syncretic. It is helpful to consider this fact because it can provide one with a starting point, from which the religion originated. However, this can also be harmful because then one may begin to amalgamate all the religions, making it difficult to even consider Manichaeism a religion in itself. It could eventually just appear as a summary of all religions, instead of an actual belief.
I found the readings and doctrine interesting, but not terribly innovative. It was difficult to comment on them because I was learning about Manichaeism through Mani’s biased opinion of it rather than through an impartial stating of facts. Then again, his explanation of Manichaeism was, for all intents and purposes, a way of recruiting followers; an attempt at persuading them to convert to his way of life. Why shouldn’t it be biased and one sided?
