In
Mandaeism, Shishlam (
Classical Mandaic: ࡔࡉࡔࡋࡀࡌ, romanized: Šišlam,
lit. 'consummate perfection';[1]) is a figure representing the
prototypicalMandaean priest or
Mandaean. He is also frequently referred to in
Mandaean texts as Šišlam Rabba (Classical Mandaic: ࡔࡉࡔࡋࡀࡌ ࡓࡁࡀ, romanized: Šišlam Rba,
lit. 'Great Shishlam'.[2] Shishlam is sometimes identified with
Adam Kasia, the "Perfect Man".[3]
In Mandaean scriptures
In Mandaean texts, Shishlam communicates with
uthras from the
World of Light and partakes in rituals to re-establish laufa (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 or
archetype, Shishlam features prominently in several Mandaean priestly esoteric texts used during tarmida and ganzibra initiation ceremonies. These texts include:
The Thousand and Twelve Questions,[6] which mentions Shishlam as the son of
Nbat,[7] or alternatively as the son of
Adam 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 of The 1012 Questions, Shishlam is also mentioned as the son of Lihdaia Rba Zadiqa (the "Unique Great Holy One"; or "Unique Great Righteous One," see Right Ginza 9.2[9]).