FORTNIGHT OVERVIEW
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(Elchasaites), Western & Central Manichaean
Late Summer - Fortnight 13 (Zephyr+Water)
Elchasaites
Elchasaites, emerging c. 100 CE in Parthian Mesopotamia under Elxai, blended Jewish, Christian, and Zoroastrian elements, rejecting celibacy and meat. Parsee Nahan baptism purified matter’s hidden sparks (ziwaneh), respecting life’s sanctity. Their unique fiveelement system (heaven, water, oil, salt, earth) structured spiritual practice.
Mani
Mani (216–274 CE), founder of Manichaeism, preached separation of light from darkness, with texts like the Cologne ManiCodex detailing his revelations. Sufi hand washing and almsgiving redeemed trapped sparks, balancing material and divine. His distinctive cosmic botany (five plant families) symbolized universal salvation.
Iranian Manichaeanism
Iranian Manichaeanism, thriving c. 3rd–7th centuries
CE under Sassanid rule, faced persecution during Zoroastrian dominance.
Parsee haoma drinks seeded natural cycles, reflecting the Envoy and Maiden’s
unclothing. Its unique ecological view of redeeming sparks through farming
integrated cosmology and practice.
Elxai, purity | Mani, Cologne Manuscript, Separation from Turbid | Iranian Manichaeanism, Wars |
Parsee Nahan baptism | Sufi hand washing | Parsee saced haoma drink with water from sacred well |
Living Spirit creates 10 Heavens from demon bodies | Living Spirit creates 8 Earths over Hell | Envoy and Maiden unclothe, seeding ecosystem and starting natural cycles of time, weather |
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RITE | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
PRACTICE | Paitishahem Festival | Zoroastrians:
1. Water Prayer (?b?n Niy?yesh) - Daily prayers to water. Parsis:
Rumi:
Sufis:
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2. River Purification - Ceremonial washing in rivers or
springs.
2. Water Offerings - Offering water in temple or home rituals.
2. River Meditation - Reflecting on life's flow through
rivers.
2. Water Meditation - Reflecting on water for inner peace.
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3. Bathing Rituals - Daily or ceremonial baths for spiritual
purity.
3. Water Meditation - Reflecting on water's purity for inner peace. 3. Mantra of Flow - Chants to embody water's fluidity.
3. Flowing Movements - Dance to mimic water's flow. |
4. Water Offerings - Offering water to deities or nature.
4. Mantra of Water - Chants to invoke water's purifying qualities. 4. Water Dance - Movements inspired by water's movement. 4. Moon Gazing - Reflecting on moon in water for serenity. |
5. Mantra of Water -
Reciting prayers for water's sanctity.
5. Bathing Rituals - Spiritual cleansing through water.
5. Purification by Water - Symbolic use of water for cleansing.
5. Mantra of the Moon - Chants linked to water and lunar energies. |
6. Water Meditation - Meditating near or on water for peace.
6. Purification with Water - Using water in ceremonies for
cleanliness.
6. Listening to Water - Using water sounds for meditation.
6. Healing with Water - Using water in healing practices. |
7. Use of Sacred Wells - Visits to holy water sources for
blessings.
7. Hydration as Ritual - Drinking water with intention for
health.
7. Moon Reflection - Contemplating the moon in water for
unity.
7. Water as Symbol - Meditating on water as life's flow. |
8. Hydration Practices - Mindful drinking of water for
spiritual health.
8. Water Visualization - Imagining water's flow for mental clarity. 8. Water Visualization - Imagining oneself as part of the water's cycle. 8. Water Sounds - Listening to water for tranquility. |
9. Water Visualization - Imagining oneself as water for
adaptability.
9. Bathing in Sacred Waters - Visiting holy water sites.
9. Healing with Water - Using water for emotional or spiritual healing. 9. Bathing Rituals - Spiritual cleansing through water. |
10. Prayers at Dawn - Linking with morning dew for renewal.
10. Blessing Water - Water consecration for use in rituals. 10. Water Poetry - Reading or composing poetry about water's
essence.
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11. Blessing Water - Consecrating water for rituals or
daily use.
11. Water Festival Celebrations - Festivals like Jamshedi Navroz. 11. Bathing as Ritual - Bathing with spiritual intent.
11. Dream Work - Engaging with water-themed dreams. |
12. Water Festival - Celebrating water's life-giving
properties. 12. Prayers by Water Bodies - Praying near rivers or lakes.
12. Dreams of Water - Interpreting dreams with water themes.
12. River Walking - Walking by or in rivers for purification. |
Yimki Fast of the Three Presbyters | Yimki Fast of the Three Presbyters |
STUDY | Elxai Fragments | - | - | - | - | Cologn Manu | - | - | - | - | Kephalaia | - | - | - | - |
MEDITATION | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Water (15 Exercises)
Seal of the Hand: Feast for Non-Violence
- Basis: Lesser Hymns on cleansing (Hymns of
the Lower Section, “Waters of Life”). Virtue: Non-Violence (avoid harm).
Vow: Non-violence (Elect).
- Exercise: At dawn, prepare a vegan feast on
an altar with a water bowl, invoking Mother of Life: “Mother of Life, bless
this feast to free the Cross of Light.” Share fruits as alms, reciting:
“Non-violence separates Light from Darkness.” Visualize Light flowing in
the scroll’s watery aeons, free from harm. Dip fingers in water, vowing:
“I avoid harm to return to the Light Land, grateful for Mani’s teachings.”
Touch heart, bow, and affirm virtue.
Seal of the Hand: Seed Planting for Simplicity
- Basis: Psalm-Book 155 on simple acts. Virtue:
Detachment (live simply). Vow: Avoid stealing (Hearers).
- Exercise: At dawn, plant seeds near an altar
with a tea cup, invoking Zurvan: “Zurvan, bless these seeds to free the
Cross of Light.” Dig mindfully, reciting: “Simplicity liberates the Five
Buddhas.” Visualize Light in the scroll’s watery flow, free from greed.
Pour water from the cup, vowing: “I live simply to return to the Light
Land, pure and virtuous.” Place a plant sprig on the altar, stand, and
bow, grateful for Mani.
Seal of the Hand: Mindful Walk for Humility
- Basis: Kephalaia 40 on humble action. Virtue:
Humility (avoid pride). Vow: Avoid hypocrisy (Hearers).
- Exercise: At dawn, walk mindfully, holding
a water bowl, invoking Mother of Life: “Mother of Life, humble my steps
to free the Cross of Light.” Recite: “Humility separates Light from Darkness.”
Avoid plants, visualizing humility in the scroll’s watery aeons. Vow: “I
avoid pride to return to the Light Land, grateful for Mani’s teachings.”
Pour water to earth, place the bowl on an altar, and bow, affirming virtue.
Seal of the Hand: Seed Tending for Faith
- Basis: Lesser Hymns on faithful acts. Virtue:
Faith (venerate Light). Vow: Uphold faith (Hearers).
- Exercise: At dawn, tend a seed near an altar
with a water cup, invoking Zurvan: “Zurvan, uplift my faith to free the
Cross of Light.” Pour water, reciting: “Faith liberates the Cross of Light.”
Visualize Light in the scroll’s watery flow, free from doubt. Vow: “I venerate
Light to return to the Light Land, pure and virtuous.” Place fresh herbs
on the altar, stand, and bow, expressing gratitude for Mani.
Seal of the Hand: Alms for Devotion
- Basis: Xiabu Zan on devoted action. Virtue:
Devotion (offer praise). Vow: Purity in consumption (Elect).
- Exercise: At dawn, offer vegan fruit on an
altar with a tea bowl, invoking Mother of Life: “Mother of Life, accept
my praise to free the Cross of Light.” Recite: “Devotion separates Light
from Darkness.” Visualize Light in the scroll’s watery aeons, ascending
heavenward. Vow: “I offer praise to return to the Light Land, grateful
for Mani’s teachings.” Sip tea, touch heart, and bow, affirming virtue.
Seal of the Mouth: Sip for Deceit
- Basis: Lesser Hymns on cleansing speech (Hymns
of the Lower Section, “Waters of Life”). Confession: Deceit. Virtue: Truth
(uphold honesty). Vow: Truthfulness (Elect).
- Exercise: At dawn, sip tea from a bowl before
an altar with water, invoking Mother of Life: “Mother of Life, cleanse
my speech to free the Cross of Light.” Confess: “I repent for deceit.”
Recite: “Truth separates Light from Darkness.” Visualize deceit dissolving
in the scroll’s watery flow, Light ascending. Vow: “I uphold honesty to
return to the Light Land, virtuous and pure.” Eat a fruit, pour water to
earth, and bow, grateful for Mani.
Seal of the Mouth: Beads for Mocking Divine
- Basis: Psalm-Book 155 on humble speech. Confession:
Mocking divine. Virtue: Humility (honor Mani). Vow: Avoid hypocrisy (Hearers).
- Exercise: At dawn, hold mala beads before an
altar with a water cup, invoking Zurvan: “Zurvan, humble my speech to free
the Five Buddhas.” Confess: “I repent for mocking divine.” Move beads,
reciting between breaths: “Humility liberates the Cross of Light.” Visualize
honor in the scroll’s watery aeons, Light rising. Vow: “I honor Mani to
return to the Light Land, pure and virtuous.” Sip tea, touch lips, and
bow, affirming gratitude.
Seal of the Mouth: Chant for Impure Foods
- Basis: Kephalaia 40 on pure speech. Confession:
Impure foods. Virtue: Purity (cleanse body). Vow: Purity in consumption
(Elect).
- Exercise: At dawn, chant before an altar with
a tea bowl: “Mother of Life, purify my mouth to free the Cross of Light,”
confessing: “I repent for impure foods.” Visualize Light from vegan foods
in the scroll’s watery flow, reciting: “Purity separates Light from Darkness.”
Eat a whole food, vowing: “I consume light-rich foods to return to the
Light Land, grateful for Mani’s teachings.” Pour tea to earth, touch lips,
and bow, committing to virtue.
Seal of the Mouth: Sip for Oaths
- Basis: Lesser Hymns on kind speech. Confession:
Oaths/swearing. Virtue: Compassion (forgive faults). Vow: Uphold faith
(Hearers).
- Exercise: At dawn, sip tea from a cup before
an altar with water, invoking Zurvan: “Zurvan, soften my speech to free
the Cross of Light.” Confess: “I repent for oaths.” Recite: “Compassion
liberates the Five Buddhas.” Visualize forgiveness in the scroll’s watery
flow, Light ascending. Vow: “I forgive faults to return to the Light Land,
pure and virtuous.” Eat a grape, touch lips, and bow, grateful for Mani.
Seal of the Mouth: Chant for Failing to Teach
- Basis: Xiabu Zan on wise speech. Confession:
Failing to teach. Virtue: Wisdom (teach wisdom). Vow: Truthfulness (Elect).
- Exercise: At dawn, chant before an altar with
a water bowl: “Mother of Life, guide my teaching to free the Cross of Light,”
confessing: “I repent for failing to teach.” Visualize wisdom in the scroll’s
watery aeons, reciting: “Wisdom separates Light from Darkness.” Sip tea,
vowing: “I teach wisdom to return to the Light Land, virtuous and pure.”
Eat a fruit, place a plant sprig on the altar, touch lips, and bow, affirming
gratitude.
Seal of the Breast: Stream for Purity
- Basis: Lesser Hymns on cleansing thoughts (Hymns
of the Lower Section, “Waters of Life”). Virtue: Purity (cleanse body).
Vow: Purity in consumption (Elect).
- Exercise: At dawn, hold a water bowl before
an altar, invoking Mother of Life: “Mother of Life, purify my thoughts
to free the Cross of Light.” Visualize a stream washing impurities in the
scroll’s watery flow, reciting: “Purity liberates the Cross of Light.”
Pour water to earth, vowing: “I cleanse my body to return to the Light
Land, grateful for Mani’s teachings.” Offer vegan fruit on the altar, touch
heart, and bow, committing to virtue.
Seal of the Breast: Breath for Sexual Purity
- Basis: Psalm-Book 155 on pure desires. Virtue:
Sexual Purity (guard chastity). Vow: Sexual Purity (Elect).
- Exercise: At dawn, breathe deeply before an
altar with a tea cup, invoking Zurvan: “Zurvan, guard my heart to free
the Cross of Light.” Visualize water cleansing inappropriate desires in
the scroll’s watery aeons, reciting: “Sexual purity separates Light from
Darkness.” Move hands in a flowing motion, vowing: “I guard chastity to
return to the Light Land, pure and virtuous.” Offer a plant sprig on the
altar, touch heart, and bow, grateful for Mani.
Seal of the Breast: Vision for Compassion
- Basis: Kephalaia 40 on merciful thoughts. Virtue:
Compassion (ease suffering). Vow: Uphold faith (Hearers).
- Exercise: At dawn, visualize a merciful stream
before an altar with a water bowl, invoking Mother of Life: “Mother of
Life, soften my heart to free the Five Buddhas.” Recite: “Compassion liberates
the Cross of Light.” Visualize suffering eased in the scroll’s watery flow,
Light ascending. Vow: “I ease suffering to return to the Light Land, grateful
for Mani’s teachings.” Offer vegan bread on the altar, touch heart, and
bow, affirming virtue.
Seal of the Breast: Yimka Fast for Faith
- Basis: Lesser Hymns on faithful thoughts. Virtue:
Faith (trust Mani). Vow: Uphold faith (Hearers).
- Exercise: At dawn, during a Yimka fast, kneel
before an altar with a tea cup, invoking Zurvan: “Zurvan, uplift my faith
to free the Cross of Light.” Visualize faithful waters in the scroll’s
watery flow, reciting: “Faith separates Light from Darkness.” Vow: “I trust
Mani to return to the Light Land, pure and virtuous.” Offer a plant sprig
on the altar, touch heart, and bow, expressing gratitude for Mani.
Seal of the Breast: Yimka Fast for Wisdom
- Basis: Xiabu Zan on wise thoughts. Virtue:
Wisdom (reflect deeply). Vow: Truthfulness (Elect).
- Exercise: At dawn, during a Yimka fast, stand
before an altar with a water bowl, invoking Mother of Life: “Mother of
Life, guide my wisdom to free the Cross of Light.” Visualize a clear pool
in the scroll’s watery aeons, reciting: “Wisdom liberates the Five Buddhas.”
Vow: “I reflect deeply to return to the Light Land, grateful for Mani’s
teachings.” Offer vegan fruit on the altar, touch heart, and bow, affirming
virtue.
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