In Mandaean texts, Shishlam communicates withuthras from theWorld of Light and partakes in rituals to re-establishlaufa (spiritual connection) with the World of Light.[2] Hence, Shishlam is essentially a literary personification or representation of the Mandaean who is participating in the ritual that the text is being used for.
As the priestly prototype orarchetype, Shishlam features prominently in several Mandaean priestly esoteric texts used duringtarmida andganzibra initiation ceremonies. These texts include:
The Thousand and Twelve Questions,[6] which mentions Shishlam as the son ofNbat,[7] or alternatively as the son ofAdam S'haq Rba (literally 'Adam was bright, the Great').Ezlat "She Wove", described as the "Wellspring of Light," is mentioned as Shishlam's wife or female consort.[8] In Book 2, Part 5.2 ofThe 1012 Questions, Shishlam is also mentioned as the son of Lihdaia Rba Zadiqa (the "Unique Great Holy One"; or "Unique Great Righteous One," seeRight Ginza 9.2[9]).
