The Qulasta - Gelbert & Lofts edn. Mandaean Prayers, Hymns Gnostic in English

The Qulasta Translated and edited by Carlos Gelbert & Mark J. Lofts Living Water Books, 2025. Brand new hardcover copy.

A substantial English-language edition of The Qulasta, the liturgical collection of Mandaean prayers and hymns. This edition is described as complete and unabridged, and is based directly on the Aramaic scrolls DC 3 and DC 53.

The contents include the Book of Soul, the Rahmia, daily ablution prayers, ascension prayers, responses, hymns for marriage, material relating to the consecration of a new priest, the nine colophons, and the Manichaean Psalms of Thomas.

A significant modern publication for readers and collectors interested in Mandaeism, Gnosticism, ancient religion, liturgy, religious history and Near Eastern traditions.

The Qulasta (the liturgical Collection of all Mandaean Prayers and Hymns) is regarded as the most ancient and important book. This book includes the traditional academic views about the Psalms of Thomas.

Note from Gelbert  

 It is complete and unabridged. This translation based directly on the Aramaic Scrolls (DC3 & DC53) and contains the complete Book of Soul, the whole Rahmia, daily ablution prayers (Brache & Rušama), ascension and responses, hymns for marriage and the new consecrated priest. As well as the full translation of the NINE Colophons and the Manichaean Psalms of Thomas, which are based on the Mandaean Prayers and Hymns.

This sacred text not only serves as a guide to spiritual practices but also as a profound reflection of the Mandaean worldview. Through hymns and prayers, it articulates deep theological ideas about the nature of creation, the journey of the soul, and the eternal battle between light and darkness. By translating these prayers, I aimed to capture the mystical and poetic essence of the original Aramaic, which is often laden with symbolic meanings and spiritual insights.

The Qulasta also contains 9 important colophons, or inscriptions, which provide crucial historical and spiritual context for the prayers and hymns. These colophons not only reflect the deep spiritual heritage of the Mandaean people but also offer insight into the transmission and preservation of sacred knowledge over centuries. Each colophon is a window into the ways the Mandaean tradition has survived and adapted through different historical periods, all while maintaining its core teachings of light, purity, and divine wisdom.

In translating these colophons, I sought to honour their sacred nature and convey their significance in a way that is meaningful for contemporary readers. They are more than just historical footnotes—they are essential elements of the text that enhance our understanding of the Mandaean spiritual tradition.

In addition to The Qulasta, this publication includes a unique and valuable text: the Manichaean Psalm Book of Thomas, attributed to Thomas, the disciple of the prophet Mani.

Mani, the founder of Manichaeism, was a prolific spiritual leader who combined elements of Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Buddhism into a cohesive religious system. His teachings have influenced many traditions, including those within Gnosticism and Mandaeism.

The Manichaean Psalm Book of Thomas contains hymns and psalms that reflect the deep mystical teachings of Mani. These texts are an essential part of the Manichaean tradition, and they offer valuable insight into the spiritual philosophy of one of history's most intriguing religious figures. Translating this work allowed me to bring to light a piece of history that has long been overshadowed and is often misunderstood.