In Mandaeism, Simat Hayyi or Simat Hiia (Classical Mandaic: ࡎࡉࡌࡀࡕ ࡄࡉࡉࡀ, lit. 'Treasure of Life'), the personification of life, is an uthra (angel or guardian) from the World of Light who is married to Yawar Ziwa.[1][2]
| Simat Hayyi | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Treasure of Life, Simat Hiia |
| Abode | World of Light |
| Consort | Yawar Ziwa |
The name Simat Hayyi ("Life's Treasure"), along with the name Niṭufta ("Drop", sometimes also translated as "Cloud"), are names used for the consort of Yawar Ziwa or the Great Mana in the World of Light.[3]
Jorunn Jacobsen Buckley interprets a passage in the Qulasta referring to Simat Hayyi coming forth from the World of Darkness and eventually being raised to the Place of Light as referring to Ruha, noting that E. S. Drower had interpreted it in reference to Zahreil, but arguing that Zahreil never left the World of Darkness. Buckley therefore argues that the Mandaean texts consider Ruha will eventually attain redemption, and merge with her dmuta (ideal counterpart) in the World of Light.[3]
Chapters 57-59 of the Mandaean Book of John are dedicated to Simat Hayyi.[4]
See also
edit- List of angels in theology
- Zlat
- Sophia (Gnosticism) § As world-soul
- Barbelo
- Mana (Mandaeism)
- Treasure of Life, one of the works of Mani (title in Syriac: Simath Hayye[5])
- Matthew 6:19–20, treasures in heaven (translated in Syriac as ܣܺܝܡܳܬ݂ܳܐ sīmāṯā in the Peshitta)
- Parable of the Hidden Treasure
References
edit- ^ Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2002). The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-515385-5. OCLC 65198443.
- ^ Gelbert, Carlos (2011). Ginza Rba. Sydney: Living Water Books. ISBN 9780958034630.
- ^ a b Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (1982). "A Rehabilitation of Spirit Ruha in Mandaean Religion". History of Religions. 22 (1): 60–84. doi:10.1086/462910. JSTOR 1062203. S2CID 162087047.
- ^ Haberl, Charles and McGrath, James (2020). The Mandaean Book of John: critical edition, translation, and commentary. Berlin: De Gruyter. ISBN 978-3-11-048651-3. OCLC 1129155601.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Tardieu, Michel (2008). Manichaeism. Urbana, Ill: University of Illinois Press. ISBN 978-0-252-03278-3. OCLC 177019612.