In Mandaeism, laufa or laupa () is the concept of a spiritual connection forged between Tibil (Earth) and the World of Light. It has been variously translated as "communion," "spiritual union,"
In rituals
Laufa between the World of Light and
Tibil can be established through rituals mediated by Mandaean priests, who serve as "
(i.e., beings from the World of Light) on earth" during these rituals. These rituals include
masbuta (baptism) and
masiqta rituals. Mandaeans believe that
laufa was initially established when the material world was first created. Mandaeans regularly re-establish and reconfirm this connection by regularly performing rituals with priestly assistance.
Laufa can also be reconstituted through written records of unbroken ancestral lineages, such as the
Ṭabahatan ("Our Ancestors") commemoration prayer in the
Qulasta with its long list of ancestors' names.
According to Mandaean priest Brikha Nasoraia (2021):
See also
-
Theosis (Eastern Christian theology)
-
Lofani
