Manichaeism (Entry #9)

In short, I would say that syncretism in the religious world is a combination of various beliefs or practices. It can occur through the use of force or influence. While reading Gnosis on the Silk Road, I could see the influence of many religions on Manichaeism, especially Buddhism and Christianity. Manichaeism’s prophet, Mani, wanted to create a religion that would surpass other religions in followers but also with its beliefs. At the same time, Mani was mixing in concepts from other religions into Manichaeism.

Throughout the readings it sometimes seemed unclear as to whether or not this tradition really is syncretic. For example, the concept of the Buddha nature is seen within Manichaeism but only the word is used and the meaning is different from Buddhism. In Manichaeism, the Buddha nature refers to the soul. In Gnosis on the Silk Road, this is described as not syncretic but a “husk” that’s surrounding “…an unmistakably Manichean kernel”. For many, it wouldn’t qualify as syncretism because actual beliefs or practices are not incorporated since Manichaeism is just “borrowing” a word and replacing its meaning to make it Manichean. However, I still think it is syncretic. While Mani may have taken such aspects from different religions to make Manichaeism more universal, he still added in a concept that belonged within Buddhism.

While I saw many examples of syncretism in the readings, I also came across a lot of differences. Manichaeism states that evil does not come from good nor from the “fall of an angel” but that it is “separate from the beginning”. In contrast, Christianity states that evil but more importantly, sin, starts after the fall of Adam and Eve. Manichaeism also resembles to Buddhism because they are similar when it comes to monasteries. The monks are to live in poverty and the laypeople can collect merit in both of these traditions.

On a side note, I found it interesting how Mani used various religions and fused them together to with his own teachings but at the same time he was rivaling against them to push Manichaeism to the top. In my opinion I think he incorporated different beliefs to make it appealing for everyone.