Simat Hayyi Explained

Type:Mandaean
Simat Hayyi
Other Names:Treasure of Life, Simat Hiia
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Abode:World of Light
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Consort:Yawar Ziwa

In Mandaeism, Simat Hayyi or Simat Hiia (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]

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

Notes and References

  1. Book: Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen. The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people. Oxford University Press. New York. 2002. 0-19-515385-5. 65198443.
  2. Book: Ginza Rba . Gelbert . Carlos . 2011 . Living Water Books . Sydney . 9780958034630.
  3. Buckley . Jorunn Jacobsen . Jorunn Jacobsen Buckley . 1982 . A Rehabilitation of Spirit Ruha in Mandaean Religion . History of Religions . 22 . 1 . 60–84 . 10.1086/462910 . 1062203 . 162087047 .
  4. Book: Haberl, Charles and McGrath, James. The Mandaean Book of John: critical edition, translation, and commentary. De Gruyter. Berlin. 2020. 978-3-11-048651-3. 1129155601.
  5. Book: Tardieu, Michel. Manichaeism. University of Illinois Press. Urbana, Ill. 2008. 978-0-252-03278-3. 177019612.