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HomeShop at BookSurgeReligionSpiritualityThe Gnostic Prayerbook: Daily Devotions & Book of Hours of Ancient Essenes, Nazoreans, & Manichaeans |
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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Ancient Mandaean and Manichaean prayers! Oct 16, 2008
What we have here is a mix of Manichaean and Mandaean prayers, translated, reorderd and brought together to form a book of hours.
Mandaeanism: Pre-Christian, or first century Persian Gnostic (dualism) religion of the middle east that has survived into modern times. 'Manda' is from the Aramaic language which translates to 'gnosis' in Greek. They professed a kinshipto the teachings of "John the Baptist,'' and are said to exist today in Iraq. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandaeanism http://essenes.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=762&Itemid=1172
Mani: (216- 276 CE) founder of the religion of Manicheanism. Believed to have written or had part in the "Manichean Psalms of Thomas." See also; Manichaeaens http://essenes.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=280&Itemid=712
(source: Saunders Gnostic Glossary)
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This book is brought to us by the head of the "Orthodox Manichaean Church" found online at http://essenes.net. Whether you agree with this group's activities or not is up to your own personal tastes. One Merely has to examine the book and the texts therein to discern what a valuable piece of work this is. Why no one else has brought these obscure (and thus highly expensive) texts to a broader audience is a mystery. Here we have early 'Gnostic" prayers that can be used daily, monthly or at any time. Like any book of hours, as used by many religions this book is set out with a pattern allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the traditions and words that are enclosed.
I would highly reccomend this to anyone seeking alternative early "Christian" prayers. Although confusing at first, as there is a lot to read, once you begin there is much to be found and a clear patter. The author also provides audio versions of some of the texts online:
http://essenes.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=200&Itemid=244
Here is an extract from the book:
We have purified our hands in Kushta In the Name of the Living Gods! We have purified our hands in Kushta and our lips in faith. We have uttered words of radiance and were absorbed in thoughts of Light. Thou, my Lord Yeshu d-Hiya, art blessed and praised and thy praise is established. Great is the strength of Life; abounding the glory of the mighty Life! Honor resteth upon the Uthras who sit in glory. This is prayer and praise which came to them from the great place of Light and the everlasting Abode. We praise with it when we have risen from our sleep, before any have spoken falsehood. For anyone who prayeth this prayer there will be forgiving of sins and transgressions in the great place of Light and in the everlasting Abode.
And Life is transcendant.
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