Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tt00296)

In a message dated 98-02-21 17:06:26 EST, MKR writes:

<< I hope there is no attack on Iraq >>

There is a gnostic sect still existing in southern Iraq. They regard John the
Baptist as the one of the incarnations of Manda da Hayye, "Gnosis of LIfe",
who is the chief redeemer and mediator between God and man. They keep very low
key because of the Moslem domination of the area. They are called the
Mandeans. For a brief summary, see GNOSTICISM: ITS HISTORY AND INFLUENCE by
Benjamin Walker (pp.159-60). They believe in the doctrine of emanations. I'm
uncertain whether they believe in reincarnation. They have been identified,
rightly or wrongly, with Nazoreans whom HPB mentions in the SD and elsewhere
in her writings. They are also described in THE THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARY (p.212).