摩尼教“树”符号在东方的演变

Evolution of Tree as A Symbol of Manicheism in Eastern

“树”是摩尼教的一个重要象征符号,既见于非汉语文献中,也见于汉文文献中。“树”符号反映了大致相同的摩尼教教义和思想,但是,随着摩尼教的向东传播,“树”符号的表达方式及其内涵,都发生了某些变化。这即是摩尼教演变的一种体现。

Tree is an important symbol of Manicheism. Generally speaking, this symbol in various documents expresses the similar doxy and ideas. In the course of spreading eastwards, however, it changed both in the form and meaning at a certain degree. It is one of the signs of the transformation of Manicheism itself. The aim of this article is to study and compare the Tree symbols in some Manichean canons, and to reveal the characteristics of cultural intercourse in the eastward missionary process of Manicheism.