Iranian Biographies of Mani: An Overview of Textual Fragments
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Iranische Lebensbeschreibungen Manis
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Original source:
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W. Sundermann
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Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Iranische Lebensbeschreibungen Manis
Year: 1974 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5158
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Summary of article contents:
Introduction:
The detailed description of the so-called Cologne Mani Codex (CMC) by A. Henrichs and L. Koenen is set to enhance our understanding of Manichaeism, its origins, and its founder. The CMC is the most extensive fragment of the longest known life account of Mani, and its upcoming publication is expected to reignite scholarly interest in the Iranian language fragments of Mani's biographies found in Turfan, many of which remain unpublished.
Conclusion:
W. Sundermann aims to provide an overview of the Iranian texts related to Mani's life, specifically focusing on fragments from four manuscripts in various Iranian languages, highlighting the close relationship between the middle Persian, Parthian, and Sogdian texts. His analysis suggests a chronological arrangement of the texts that predominantly discuss Mani's early missionary activities and encounters, although it acknowledges limitations in establishing a definitive timeline due to the texts' varying narrative structures.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of the Kölner Mani-Codex?
The Kölner Mani-Codex (CMC) is the most detailed fragment of Mani's life, promising to enhance our understanding of Manichaeism and its origins, as well as the teachings of its founder, Mani.
What types of texts are available on Mani's life?
There are several fragments of Mani's life in various Iranian languages, notably from a Middle Persian, two Parthian, and a Soghdian manuscript, which provide key hagiographical insights into Mani's missionary activities and his disciples' works.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “Iranian Biographies of Mani: An Overview of Textual Fragments”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Mani:
Mani is the central figure discussed in the provided text. The CMC, mentioned several times, is focused on the life and activities of Mani, who established the Manichaean religion. The text fragments in multiple Iranian languages describe various aspects of his life and missions.
2) Adda (Addavisu):
Adda is referred to as one of the followers and missionaries of Mani. In the segment discussing the contents of the fragmented texts, Mar Adda is mentioned as being dispatched by Mani and participating in mission work in different regions.
3) Vita:
['Mani', 'Adda', 'Vita']