Abstract
The description and interpretation of the Mandaean baptism (masbuta) is based on my own field research. The Masbuta of a priest, which takes place during the first day of the Paruanaii feast, is described.
The ritual is interpreted on the basis of my audio and video documentation, relevant ritual texts and Mandaean commentaries. The Masbuta ritual is viewed as consisting of three basic sequences of rites, whose analysis uncover its meaning.
The primary focus is on the following rites: immersion in running water, which is called Jordan by Mandaeans; signation (rušma), connected with pronuncing the name of the god (Hiia) and his messenger (Manda d-Hiia); crowning with the myrtle wreath (klila); imposition of hand, the rite of Kušta; unction with oil; and the ritual feast. Both in its sequences and as a whole, Masbuta appears as a precondition of salvation and at the same time due to the actual communion (laupa) with god as an anticipation of salvation.
Masbuta allows Mandaeans real participation in the gifts of the realm of Light already in the earthly life, and it is thus in the interest of a devout Mandaean to perform the ritual repeatedly. The paper introduces a discussion on the modernization of ritual held by Mandaean community and acquaints the reader with plurality in present day practice.
Certain aspects of contemporary Mandaean understanding of the ritual are also dealt with.