Mar Ammo
Sogdiana, where Manichaeism
was spread by Mar Ammo.Mar Ammo was a 3rd-century
Sogdiana during the time period when Mani was living.[2] Mar Ammo is well known as the apostle of the east in Manichean literature nevertheless his exact origins are unknown.[3] His Syriac name (from ʿAmmānūēl) may denote that he was Syrian in origin. However, a Parthian origin may also be seen and is mentioned by some scholars,[4][5] especially due to his outstanding role in establishing the Parthian language as the official language of the eastern Manichean Church, later to be replaced by Sogdian in the sixth century.[3] Furthermore, Mar Ammo is widely regarded as the composer of the Manichaean Parthian hymn-cycles (Huwīdagmān and Angad Rōšnan).[6][7]
Missionary work
On his way to eastern Iran, Mar Ammo was accompanied by the Parthian prince Ardavan.Buddhists in Sogdiana.[2] However, when Mar Ammo read from one of Mani's books she realized he was a bringer of the "true religion" and allowed him to pass.[1][10] The spirit can be identified with the goddess Ardvakhsh who has associations with the river. However fragmentary texts from Turpan tell a slightly different story in which Mani himself encounters the frontier spirit.[1]
Later life and influences
Because of Mar Ammo, Manichaeism became established in Sogdiana. He was also closely associated with Mani. Mani also spent his last hours of his life with Mar Ammo whom he called "his dearest son".
See also
- Augustine of Hippo
- Bardaisan
- Gnosticism
- Marcion
- Mar Zaku
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g h Welburn 1998, p. 100.
- ^ a b c d e Whitfield 1999, p. 19.
- ^ a b c d Asmussen 1985, p. 979.
- ISBN 0312233388.
- ^ David A. Scott. Manichaean Views of Buddhism in: History of Religions. Vol. 25, No. 2, Nov. 1985. University of Chicago Press.
- ^ Mary Boyce. The Manichaean Hymn Cycles in Parthian. Oxford University Press, 1954.
- ISBN 9231032119.
- ISBN 3161458206.
- ^ Welburn 1998, p. 55.
- ^ Whitfield 1999, pp. 19–20.
- ^ Wood 2002, p. 73.
- ^ a b Whitfield 1999, p. 20.
- ISBN 8120815963.
- ^ Wood 2002, p. 66.
Sources
- Asmussen, Jes Peter (1985), "Mār Ammō", Encyclopedia Iranica, vol. I, Costa Mesa: Mazda Press.
- BeDuhn, Jason (2000), The Manichaean Body: In Discipline and Ritual, Johns Hopkins University Press, ISBN 0-8018-7107-7
- Welburn, Andrew (1998), Mani the Angel and the Column of Glory, Floris Books, ISBN 0-86315-274-0
- ISBN 0-520-22472-8
- Wood, Francis (2002), The Silk Road: Two Thousand Years in the Heart of Asia, University of California Press, ISBN 0-520-23786-2
