Ruha in a shadowy form.

Ruha: The Mysterious Figure in Mandaean Religion

Ruha, a significant figure in Mandaean religion and mysticism, represents both the complex nature of creation and the forces of duality within the cosmos. As a central character in Mandaeism, Ruha’s role is intricately tied to the spiritual and material worlds, making her an essential figure for understanding the religion’s cosmology.

Origins and Mythological Background

In Mandaean religious texts, Ruha, sometimes referred to as Ruha d-Qudsha (meaning “Spirit of Holiness” or “Holy Spirit”), is a complex and ambivalent figure. She is often depicted as a rebellious entity tied to the material world, seen as a place of corruption and distance from the divine.

Ruha is said to have originated in the world of darkness, and her actions are linked to the creation of the material universe. Her character embodies the tension between the spiritual and material realms, and she plays a crucial role in the cosmic struggle between light and dark forces.

Though her name translates as “spirit,” Ruha is not always viewed as benevolent. In many Mandaean narratives, she is portrayed as a figure that entangles souls in the material world, preventing them from returning to the light. This duality makes her an enigmatic and multifaceted figure, representing both creation and entrapment.

Ruha’s Role in Mandaean Cosmology

Ruha is often associated with the creation of the material world and the lower realms. In Mandaean cosmology, the world of light is the highest, purest realm, while the world of darkness represents material existence, imperfection, and separation from the divine.

Ruha’s role in the creation of the material universe is essential for understanding the Mandaean view of the cosmos. While she is part of the divine hierarchy, her rebellious nature and connection to the material world make her a controversial figure. Mandaeism, a dualistic religion, teaches that the material world is a place of exile for the soul, and Ruha is often seen as a figure who maintains this separation.

Ruha is also the mother of several significant figures in Mandaean lore, including Ptahil, the demiurge responsible for shaping the material world. Her relationship with Ptahil further emphasizes her role in the creation and sustenance of the physical realm, adding to her image as a figure both necessary and feared in Mandaean tradition.

She rules the underworld together with her son Ur, the king of the World of Darkness. Ruha is the daughter of Qin, the Mistress of Darkness in the first underworld.

Mystical depiction of Ruha standing between realms of light and darkness.
Ruha, the ethereal spirit embodying duality in Mandaean mythology.

Symbolism and Duality of Ruha

The duality of Ruha’s nature is one of her most defining features. On the one hand, she represents creation and the bridge between the divine and material worlds. On the other hand, she embodies the entrapment of the soul in the physical realm, preventing its return to the world of light. This tension makes her a complex symbol of both life and spiritual stagnation.

In many interpretations, Ruha is seen as the manifestation of the soul’s attachment to the material world. Her actions often symbolize the soul’s struggle to break free from material desires and return to the divine source. This makes Ruha not only a cosmic figure but also a personal one, representing the inner conflict every soul experiences in its journey through life and death.

Ruha in Religious Texts

Ruha is prominently featured in several Mandaean religious texts, including the Ginza Rabba (The Great Treasure), the central scripture of Mandaeism. In these texts, Ruha is depicted as a figure of power and authority, though her actions often complicate the spiritual journey of souls.

The Ginza Rabba portrays Ruha as playing a key role in the material world’s creation, aligning her with the demiurge Ptahil. Her influence in the lower realms is seen as both necessary and a source of frustration for those seeking spiritual liberation. As a result, Mandaean rituals and prayers often include invocations to help the soul escape Ruha’s influence and return to the world of light.

Ruha’s Influence on Modern Thought

Though Ruha is primarily a figure in the Mandaean tradition, her role as a complex spiritual force has inspired interpretations beyond the religion itself. Scholars and mystics often draw comparisons between Ruha and other mythological figures representing duality, such as Sophia in Gnosticism or Lilith in Jewish mysticism.

Her symbolism as a mother figure, creator, and spiritual obstacle has made her a subject of fascination in comparative religion and esoteric studies. Ruha’s story, with its blend of creation, rebellion, and entrapment, resonates with the universal themes of light and darkness, spiritual growth, and the challenges of material existence.

Conclusion

Ruha, as a key figure in Mandaean religion, embodies the complex interplay between the spiritual and material worlds. Her role as a creator and a barrier to spiritual liberation highlights the dualistic nature of existence, making her an essential character in understanding Mandaean cosmology.