The Journal for the Study and Research into the Mandaean Culture, Religion, and Language

Various Spellings: Dasha, Deysha The daša or deysha, a small patch-piece of material , stitched to the outer side of the right breast of the shirt like a pocket. (33) It is into this pocket that the bottle of oil is placed upon death.  (34) When a person is dying the priest brings a clean new bottle never before used, puts in pure oil that he has pressed. When full a wreath of myrtle is twined around the bottle. The priest after a number of prayers takes the bottle and covers it with the clay. (35) Using the seal-ring  (sum yawar) recite the prayer "The sealed letter which leaveth the world".  The priest will press his nail into the clay with his little finger at the part of the prayer that says "a letter written in good faith and sealed with the seal of the Mighty (Life)". (36)

Daša

Introduction The Various Parts Ksuia Daša Šarwala Takka Burzinqa Nasifa Himiana Taga Shum References Figures

Volume 3                                          Special Issue                                           Online edition

Researched by AJAE                                                                                          Copyright 2001

In the name of the Life! A sealed letter which leaveth the world A letter written in good-faith (Kušta ) And sealed with the seal of the Mighty (Life) Righteous men wrote it, believing men tied it on, And suspended it about the soul's neck And despatched it to the Gate of Life. The soul, in her wisdom, Pressed her nail on the letter, Her nail she pressed on the letter; She imbued it with her mystic radiance, Wrapped it and veiled it in her light. (37 )