It is derived from the Middle Ancient Persian dēwān, which means "Letter Collection".
[1] They have been long known among Manichaean scriptures[2] They were originally written during the years of Mani’s public mission in the Sasanian Empire (ca.
The titles of 76 letters are listed in Ibn Nadim 's "Study of Groups of Books".
The closing part of the letter in Old Persian is preserved in the Manichean Prayer and Confession Book read by Hennings.
To all priests, bishops and apostles, to all religious and lay people, to brothers and sisters - great and small, pious, perfect, righteous people, to all who have received the Gospel from Me, who rejoice in My precepts and good works, and who are firm in faith and have no doubts.
Peace through God the Father, and our lord Jesus Christ, be it upon you my loved one; and may it guard you ... you, your body, and your spirit.
[9]The saying that our lord proclaimed by his mouth [has been] fulfilled in me: The one who eats [salt] with me [has] raised his foot against me'.
In Augustine's Latin writings, more than ten fragments of Mani's Fundamental Letters are preserved.
Parts of this scripture are also quoted in the Dunhuang document "Incomplete scripture of Manichaeism": "The Nimman Sutra says: 'If the Dana do not have the good dharma, the pure light, the vigorous wisdom and benefit are all ready in the body, that is, the new man, with all his merits and virtues.