Below is a 15-level system of spiritual advancement in Manichaeism, reorganizing the Ten Commandments for Hearers and the Five Principles (Three Seals) for the Elect into a progressive path from novice to master. Each stage is linked to a deeper Manichaean principle, reflecting the journey from ethical purity to cosmic liberation of light.

1. Avoidance of Idolatry
Description: Rejecting false gods and material attachments, focusing solely on the Father of Greatness.
Manichaean Principle: Purity of Worship – Recognizing the One God of Light as the sole source of divine truth, aligning the soul with the World of Light.
Practice: Refusing to worship idols or material objects, affirming monotheistic devotion through daily prayers.
Progression: A novice Hearer begins by purifying their faith, laying the foundation for spiritual focus.
2. Truthfulness in Speech
Description: Avoiding lies and deceit, speaking only what aligns with divine truth.
Manichaean Principle: Liberation through Purity of Speech – Words must reflect the light of truth, avoiding the darkness of falsehood that binds the soul.
Practice: Practicing honesty in all interactions, avoiding slander or gossip.
Progression: Builds on rejecting idolatry by ensuring speech aligns with divine reality.
3. Rejection of Greed
Description: Overcoming attachment to wealth and material possessions, prioritizing spiritual over worldly gain.
Manichaean Principle: Detachment from Darkness – Greed traps light in material forms; renouncing it frees the soul for spiritual ascent.
Practice: Living simply, giving generously to the poor and the Elect.
Progression: Introduces detachment, preparing the novice for deeper renunciation.

4. Abstaining from Theft
Description: Refraining from taking what belongs to others, respecting the material world as a vessel of trapped light.
Manichaean Principle: Non-Harm to Light – Stealing disrupts the cosmic balance and further entangles light in darkness.
Practice: Ethical conduct in transactions, ensuring fairness and respect for others’ possessions.
Progression: Reinforces ethical purity, focusing on actions that affect the material world.
5. Avoiding Murder
Description: Refraining from killing any living being, recognizing that all life contains particles of light.
Manichaean Principle: Preservation of Light – Killing traps or scatters divine light, hindering its liberation.
Practice: Practicing non-violence (ahimsa) toward humans, animals, and plants, especially for Hearers preparing for asceticism.
Progression: Deepens the commitment to non-harm, a precursor to the Elect’s stricter non-violence.
6. Chastity in Action
Description: Avoiding adultery and sexual misconduct, controlling desires that bind light to matter through procreation.
Manichaean Principle: Containment of Light – Sexual activity creates new material vessels, trapping more light; chastity prevents this.
Practice: Maintaining purity in relationships, avoiding lustful behavior.
Progression: Introduces control over physical desires, preparing for the Elect’s full chastity.

7. Rejection of False Teaching
Description: Avoiding teachings that contradict Mani’s revelation, adhering to true doctrine.
Manichaean Principle: Gnosis as Salvation – Correct knowledge of the cosmos (light vs. darkness) is essential for liberation.
Practice: Studying Mani’s scriptures (e.g., Shabuhragan, Kephalaia) to deepen understanding.
Progression: Shifts focus to intellectual and spiritual alignment with Manichaean truth.
8. Abstaining from Magic
Description: Avoiding sorcery or occult practices, which manipulate the material minded and entangle light.
Manichaean Principle: Purity of Intention – Spiritual progress requires reliance on divine light, not dark forces.
Practice: Rejecting superstitious or magical practices, focusing on prayer and scripture.
Progression: Reinforces purity of intention, preparing for deeper spiritual commitment.
9. Overcoming Doubt
Description: Cultivating unwavering faith in Mani’s teachings and the cosmic mission of light.
Manichaean Principle: Trust in Divine Plan – Doubt aligns the soul with darkness; faith propels it toward light.
Practice: Regular prayer and reflection to strengthen belief in the Manichaean worldview.
Progression: Marks a transition to active spiritual commitment, preparing for service.

10. Diligence in Almsgiving
Description: Actively supporting the Elect through providing food and resources, essential for the liberation of light.
Manichaean Principle: Collective Redemption – Hearers’ alms enable the Elect to perform the cosmic work of freeing light.
Practice: Offering light-filled foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables) to the Elect during rituals like the Bema festival.
Progression: Represents the peak of a Hearer’s role, bridging to the Elect’s responsibilities.
11. Veganism (Seal of the Mouth)
Description: Adopting a plant based diet to minimize harm to light-filled plants and animals, a requirement for the Elect.
Manichaean Principle: Purification through Consumption – Eating light-filled foods (e.g., melons) aids in liberating divine particles.
Practice: Consuming only plant-based foods, prepared with ritual care to maximize light release.
Progression: Marks the transition to the Elect via the Consolamentum, requiring stricter discipline.
12. Non-Violence (Seal of the Hands)
Description: Avoiding any action that harms living beings, such as harvesting plants or injuring animals.
Manichaean Principle: Non-Interference with Light – Harm scatters light; non-violence preserves it for liberation.
Practice: Living gently, avoiding activities like farming that disrupt light-containing matter.
Progression: Deepens the Elect’s commitment to non-harm, aligning actions with cosmic redemption.

13. Full Chastity (Seal of the Bosom)
Description: Complete abstinence from harmful sexual activity to prevent accidently trapping light in new material bodies.
Manichaean Principle: Liberation from mindless Procreation – Chaste copulation  ensures no new vessels of darkness are created.
Practice: Living in a sexually responsible way, in committed honest relationships, to focus entirely on spiritual goals.
Progression: Elevates the Elect’s purity, focusing on spiritual over physical creation.
14. Non-Possession
Description: Renouncing all material possessions, living in complete detachment to focus on the World of Light.
Manichaean Principle: Freedom from Material Bonds – Possessions anchor the soul to darkness; renunciation frees it.
Practice: Living ascetically, often in communal settings, relying on alms from Hearers.
Progression: Represents near-complete detachment, preparing for gnostic realization.
15. Gnostic Mastery (Cosmic Union)
Description: Attaining full knowledge (gnosis) of the Manichaean cosmology and living as a vessel for light’s liberation, often as a teacher or apostle.
Manichaean Principle: Union with the World of Light – The master embodies the cosmic mission, guiding others to salvation.
Practice: Leading rituals, teaching scriptures, and performing the sacred meal to liberate light, culminating in readiness for Paradise upon death.
Progression: The pinnacle of spiritual ascent, where the Elect master integrates all principles, achieving liberation and aiding the cosmic redemption.

Father & Mother (Origin of the Primal Pair)
Primal Pair (Early growth of the Primal Pair)
5 Sons/Daughters of Primal Pair (Differentiation of the Primal Pair)

Beloved  (Venturing forth of the Primal Pair)
Great Builder (Evolvement of the Primal Pair)
Living Spirit (Struggles of the Primal Pair)

3rd Envoy (Maturity of the Primal Pair)
Maiden (Enticement of the Primal Pair)
12 Virgins (Virtue development of the Primal Pair)

Cross/Youth/Hour of Light/Call and Answer (Fall of the Primal Pair)
Yeshu Spendor  (Awakening of the Primal Pair)
Light Mind (Enlightenment of the Primal Pair)

Great Judge (Earthly demise of the Primal Pair)
Column (Ascention of the Primal Pair)
Last God (Reunion of the Primal Pair)

    Repentance (Tawba):
        Description: The initial turning away from sin and worldly distractions, committing to the spiritual path.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Sincere remorse (nadam) and resolve to avoid returning to sin.
        Practice: Seeking forgiveness through prayer (istighfar) and ethical reformation.
    Watchfulness (Wara'):
        Description: Vigilance in avoiding actions, thoughts, or desires that distance one from the Divine.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Guarding the senses (e.g., eyes, tongue) from impermissible acts.
        Practice: Self-examination (muhasaba) and adherence to Universal Law.
    Renunciation (Zuhd):
        Description: Detachment from material possessions and worldly ambitions to focus on  the Divine.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Spiritual poverty (faqr), prioritizing divine reliance over worldly gain.
        Practice: Simplifying lifestyle and cultivating contentment.
    Poverty (Faqr):
        Description: Embracing spiritual and sometimes material poverty, relying solely on  the Divine.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Voluntary neediness (iftiqar), seeing oneself as utterly dependent on  the Divine.
        Practice: Giving charity and minimizing personal desires.
        Note: While often a sub-aspect of zuhd, some Sufi traditions (e.g., Qadiri) treat faqr as a distinct stage.
    Patience (Sabr):
        Description: Enduring trials, hardships, and spiritual challenges with steadfastness.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Perseverance in worship (sabr fi’l-ibada) and patience in adversity.
        Practice: Consistency in prayer, fasting, and trust in the Divine plan.
    Trust in God (Tawakkul):
        Description: Complete reliance on God’s will, surrendering personal control.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Abandonment of fear and anxiety about worldly outcomes.
        Practice: Letting go of excessive planning and trusting divine providence.
    Gratitude (Shukr):
        Description: Recognizing and appreciating  the Divine blessings in all circumstances.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Gratitude through action (e.g., using blessings for good deeds).
        Practice: Reciting praises (dhikr) and reflecting on divine favors.
    Contentment (Rida):
        Description: Accepting God’s decree with serenity, whether it brings joy or suffering.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Inner peace (sakina) that transcends external conditions.
        Practice: Cultivating equanimity through meditation and submission.
    Sincerity (Ikhlas):
        Description: Purifying intentions to act solely for the Divine pleasure, free from ego or worldly motives.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Eliminating hypocrisy (riya) and self-admiration.
        Practice: Constantly checking intentions before actions or worship.
        Note: Often implicit in earlier stages, ikhlas is elevated to a distinct maqam in some traditions (e.g., Shadhili).
    Truthfulness (Sidq):
        Description: Aligning one’s inner and outer self with truth, in speech, action, and intention.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Absolute honesty with oneself and  the Divine.
        Practice: Practicing integrity and transparency in all dealings.
        Note: Sidq is emphasized in Naqshbandi teachings as a foundational quality.
    Love (Mahabba):
        Description: Developing an intense love for  the Divine, which becomes the seeker’s primary motivation.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Longing (shawq) for divine closeness and beauty.
        Practice: Deepening devotion through poetry, dhikr, and contemplation of  the Divine's attributes.
    Yearning (Shawq):
        Description: An intense longing for the Divine presence, often accompanied by spiritual ecstasy.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Restlessness to attain divine union.
        Practice: Focused meditation (muraqaba) and recitation of divine names.
        Note: While shawq is often a sub-aspect of mahabba, some Sufis (e.g., Rumi’s teachings) treat it as a distinct stage due to its intensity.
    Intimacy (Uns):
        Description: Experiencing a sense of nearness and companionship with  the Divine.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Joyful familiarity with the divine presence.
        Practice: Engaging in intimate supplications (munajat) and reflective solitude.
        Note: Uns is sometimes considered a state (hal) but is treated as a maqam in certain orders for its sustained cultivation.
    Gnosis (Ma’rifa):
        Description: Attaining direct, experiential knowledge of  the Divine, beyond intellectual understanding.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Spiritual unveiling (kashf), perceiving divine realities.
        Practice: Advanced contemplation and guidance from a murshid.
    Annihilation (Fana) and Subsistence (Baqa):
        Description: Fana is the dissolution of the ego in God’s presence; Baqa is subsisting with divine qualities.
        Sub-degree/Aspect: Fana fi’l-Shaykh (annihilation in the guide), Fana fi’l-Rasul (in the Prophet), and Fana fi’llah (in  the Divine), followed by Baqa as living in divine awareness.
        Practice: Intense spiritual exercises under a murshid’s supervision, often involving prolonged dhikr and seclusion.