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Ginza Smala (Left Ginza)

The Left Ginza (Ginza Smala) is the second part of the Ginza Rabba, comprising three tractates unified in their focus on the fate of the soul after death. It is also known as the Book of Adam.|||Part of the Ginza Rabba manuscripts.|||Colophons identify a chain of copyists to the late 2nd or early 3rd century CE.|||Canonical in Mandaeism. Not recognized by any other religious tradition.|||The primary source for Mandaean beliefs about the ascent of the soul after death. Contains hymns and prayers for the masiqta ceremony.|||Lidzbarski, M. Ginzā. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1925.|||Al-Saadi, Q. & Al-Saadi, H. Ginza Rabba: The Great Treasure. Drabsha, 2012.|||Left Ginza — Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_Ginza|Background and scholarly discussion.

Collection: Mandaean & Manichaean Canon: varies

Canon Status

Canonical in Mandaeism. Not recognized by any other religious tradition.

Date & Provenance

Colophons identify a chain of copyists to the late 2nd or early 3rd century CE.

Language & Manuscripts

Part of the Ginza Rabba manuscripts.

Why It Matters for Study

The primary source for Mandaean beliefs about the ascent of the soul after death. Contains hymns and prayers for the masiqta ceremony.

" The soul ascends to the Lightworld, and it is received by the angels of Light." — Left Ginza (paraphrase)

Read the Text & External Resources

Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.

  • " The soul ascends to the Lightworld, and it is received by the angels of Light." — Left Ginza (paraphrase) " The soul ascends to the Lightworld, and it is received by the angels of Light." — Left Ginza (paraphrase)

External links open in a new tab. Sources are chosen for public-domain or open-access availability; always verify edition and translation when citing in academic work.

Further Reading

Lidzbarski, M. Ginzā. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1925.
Al-Saadi, Q. & Al-Saadi, H. Ginza Rabba: The Great Treasure. Drabsha, 2012.
Left Ginza — Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left_Ginza|Background and scholarly discussion.