Abstract

Mandaeans are the last pre-Christian Gnostics. They practice the frequent baptism in the fresh running water. Mandaeans lived as a persecuted minority group in the Middle East. They follow the teachings of Adam, Seth, Shem, son of Noah, and John the Baptist. They have a unique religious tradition, culture and sacred literature. In addition, they preserve ancient rich esoteric and mystical traditions from antiquity. The center of attention of this paper is a secret Mandaean illustrated scroll called Diwan Qadaha Rba d-Dmuth Kušţa (The Scroll of Great Creation [lit. Big Bang] of the Image of Truth) (DQRDK). This paper discusses some important multilayered meanings in Mandaean symbolism and esoteric teachings expressed in DQRDK, Folio 6. The focus is on the creation story since it is the central focal point of DQRDK. This paper uses esoteric and mystical illustrations found in this scroll, in particular, Folio 6, to demonstrate how all adherents of the Mandaean religion seek a mystical center, Hiia (the Living One, i.e., God).