History
Mani: The Prophet of Light and Darkness
Discover Mani, the 3rd-century prophet who founded Manichaeism, a religion that blended global faiths and once rivaled major world religions.
What is it?
Mani (c. 216-274 AD) was an Iranian prophet and the founder of Manichaeism, a major Gnostic religion that originated in the Sasanian Empire. He proclaimed himself the "Apostle of Light" and the final prophet in a line that included Zoroaster, Buddha, and Jesus. Manichaeism was a syncretic faith, intentionally blending elements of Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Buddhism. Its central doctrine was a powerful dualism, teaching a cosmic struggle between a good, spiritual world of light and an evil, material world of darkness. According to Mani, salvation was achieved through knowledge (gnosis), which would liberate the particles of light trapped within the darkness of the material body.
Why is it trending?
Historically, Manichaeism's appeal lay in its ability to provide a clear answer to the problem of evil and suffering. Its adaptability allowed it to absorb and reinterpret deities and concepts from other religions, facilitating its rapid spread from the Roman Empire to China. At its zenith, it was one of the most widespread religions in the world. The term "Manichaean" is still used today to describe a simplistic, black-and-white worldview. Renewed interest in Gnostic and alternative religious histories has brought figures like Mani back into focus, as people explore diverse historical belief systems that once challenged the dominant faiths.
How does it affect people?
Mani's teachings directly influenced the lives of his followers by dividing them into two distinct groups: the ascetic "Elect" and the supportive "Hearers." The Elect followed strict rules, including celibacy and vegetarianism, believing their piety helped release trapped light. The Hearers supported the Elect and hoped for reincarnation into a better state. For many, like the young Saint Augustine, Manichaeism offered a compelling intellectual framework to understand a flawed world and absolve personal sin by attributing it to an external evil force. Though the religion is now nearly extinct, Mani's legacy persists through the philosophical concept of a stark dualism between good and evil.