Sacred Texts of the Prophet Mani
These are the core writings of the Religion of Light, preserved in fragments from Coptic, Middle Persian, Parthian, Sogdian, and Chinese sources. Many survive through the discoveries at Turfan, Medinet Madi, and Kellis. We offer excerpts, summaries, and links to digitized collections.
Key Scriptures
- The Living Gospel – Mani's central revelation of dualism and salvation through knowledge of Light.
- The Treasure of Life – Teachings on the liberation of light particles from matter.
- The Pragmateia (Treatise) – Cosmological account of creation, the mixture of Light and Darkness.
- The Book of Giants – Mythic narratives of the watchers and the struggle against archons.
- The Psalms and Prayers – Hymns for daily use, confession, and the ascent of the soul (Coptic Psalm-Book).
- The Kephalaia of the Teacher – Dialogues of Mani with disciples on doctrine and practice.
- The Arzhang (Picture Book) – Mani's illustrated teachings (fragments inspire modern banners).