THE EGYPTIAN FOUNDATIONS OF GNOSTIC THOUGHT

The gates of the Netherworld are open, the earth discloses its Caverns. Lo, the
mace of Re in the hands of King N smites his enemies, his staff annihilates the
evil ones. His extent is the extent of the One of the Horizon, his seats are the
seats of Re.
(The Great Litany) 39
E. The Sun as the transporter of the saved soul
Ferry me across to the sun and the moon, o ferryboat of tranquil Light, above
these three lands. O first-born I have become a holy bride in the bridalchambers
of tranquil Light. I have received the gifts of the victory.
(Psalms CCLXIV 81.10-14) 40
Those who jubilate at Re, those who adore the Soul of the One of the Horizon,
jubilate at the soul of Re. May ye adore his soul, the One of the Netherworld!
When He in his disk calls you, your soul rises to your Creator.
(The Great Litany) 41
F. Praise for the Sun-god’s prophet upon earth
Sing with the Angels and bless the Mind of the shining Light of the Father, the
sun... (Psalms, CCXXXVII 37.22-23) 42
Let us sing together unto Mani, the man of God... (37.26) 43
Light your lamps and... keep watch on the day of the Bema for the Bridegroom
of joy and receive the holy rays of Light of the good Father. (37.30-38.1) 44
Say: Hail new Sun, that has come forth with his Light: Hail Holy Spirit, that
you have come today to save us: Our Lord Mani who forgives us our sins.
Blessing to thy Father, peace to the kingdom on high.
(Psalms, CCXLI 42.7-13) 45
O Living Aten... Thy rays embrace the lands to the full extent that thou hast
made, for thou are Re and thou attainest their limits and subduest them for thy
beloved son [Akhenaten]. Thou art remote yet thy rays are upon the earth.
(‘Great Hymn’, Tomb of Ay, Akhenaten) 46
39
Piankoff, The Litany of Re, 31-32, 37.
40
Coptic transcription from M.P., 81.
41
Piankoff, The Litany of Re, 37.
42
Coptic transcription from M.P., 37.
43
Ibid., 37.
44
Ibid, 37-38.
45
Ibid., 42.