is the main concern with the belief in the next life, where there is reward and punishment. There is no eternal punishment since God is merciful. Fundamental tenets According to E. S. Drower, the Mandaean Gnosis is characterized by nine features, which appear in various forms in other gnostic sects: A supreme formless Entity, the expression of which in time and space is a creation of spiritual, etheric, and material worlds and beings. Production of these is delegated by It to a creator or creators who originated It. The cosmos is created by Archetypal Man, who produces it in similitude to his own shape. Dualism: a cosmic Mother and Father, Light and Darkness, Left and Right, syzygy in cosmic and microcosmic form. As a feature of this dualism, counter-types (dmuta) that exist in a world of ideas (Mshunia Kushta). The soul is portrayed as an exile, a captive; his home and origin being the supreme Entity to which he eventually returns. Planets and stars influence fate and human beings, and are also the places of detention after death. A savior spirit or savior spirits which assist the soul on his journey through life and after it to 'worlds of light'. A cult-language of symbol and metaphor. Ideas and qualities are personified. 'Mysteries', i.e. sacraments to aid and purify the soul, to ensure its rebirth into a spiritual body, and its ascent from the world of matter. These are often adaptations of existing seasonal and traditional rites to which an esoteric interpretation is attached. In the case of the Naṣoraeans, this interpretation is based on the Creation story (see 1 and 2), especially on the Divine Man, Adam, as crowned and anointed King-priest. Great secrecy is enjoined upon initiates; full explanation of 1, 2, and 8 being reserved for those considered able to understand and preserve the gnosis. Cosmology The religion extolls an intricate, multifaceted, esoteric, mythological, ritualistic, and exegetical tradition with the emanation model of creation being the predominant interpretation. The most common name for God in Mandaeism is Hayyi Rabbi ('The Great Life' or 'The Great Living God'). Other names used are ('Lord of Greatness'), ('The Great Mind'), ('King of Light') and ('The First Life'). Mandaeans recognize God to be the eternal, creator of all, the one and only in domination who has no partner. There are numerous uthras (angels or guardians), manifested from the light, that surround and