The Gnostic Bible: Gnostic Texts of Mystical Wisdom form the Ancient and Medieval Worlds

MANICHAEAN LITERATURE

on the mooring places.

Look, this is the message! I was sent out,

and the sea was placid,

and the raft of heaven was towed out.

Look, this is the message!

I was sent out, and ships touched land,

and the seaports were secured.

Look, this is the message! I came, and the walls

were set in foundations,

and the sentinels on the tower guarded them.

Look, this is the message!

FORSAKING THE FIVE LIMBS OF
THE FATHER OF TRUTH

I abandoned reason, since it guarded the father,

pleasure of the land of light.

Look, this is the message! I abandoned thought,

since it guarded faith

and the aeons who are round the father.

Look, this is the message!

I abandoned insight, since it guarded the father.

Look, this is the message!

I abandoned desire, since it guarded resolution

and gave life to the aeons.

Look, this is the message!

I abandoned reflection

at the floor and foundation of the land of light.

Look, this is the message!