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THE MODERN ORDER of MANI differs slightly from the ancient Manichaean movement in that it allows female Electi to openly hold office, and allows Electi to pluck from the Cross of Light as well as openly  marry within the Bridal Chamber. It is therefore not "orthodox" in the sense of the Eastern Denavar Manichaeism, but "orthodox" in the sense of being an evolved restoration of Syrian, or Mihr Manichaeism, mingled with older orthodox Nazorean roots. (Mihrite Manichaeism is a branch or school of ancient Manichaeism which modern Manichaeans see as one of the more viable forms of Manichaeism for the present age.)

In this modern restoration, certain adaptations of ancient practices are advocated. Some of these inovations include:

• Removal of the seat of the Imam from Iraq to western lands. (Some relocation occurred anciently as well)
• Allows female Electi to openly hold office, even Imamship. (This may have been allowed anciently as well)
• Allows Electi to nurture and pluck from the Cross of Light without karmic burden, if using no till farming practices and done with the sole intent of the "collection" of scattered ziwane light. (Anciently taboo mostly for the sake of giving Auditors opportunity for merit but also as a means to mass produce books which had to be handwritten at the time.)
• Allows Electi to deviate from tradition scribe work and use modern computers and books. (Reorientates the entire monastic thrust which originally was centered on publishing & teaching.)
• Allows Electi to remain stationary in monasteries rather than wander.  (Manichaean monastics may have been of two types - stationary and wandering, Mani seems to have set the stage for both and later monastics did reside within Manistan monasteries.)
• Redefines the Elect-Auditor relationship and allows one person to function in both these roles on alternating days if circumstances warrent. (Mani explained in the Kephalaia how Auditors roles can cross over with Electi in something called the Perfect Listener, an office highlited int he modern revival movement)
• Allows Electi to conceive some children to raise as refiners of the Alms of the Light Cross. (This may have been allowed anciently as well among Mani's highest Orders.)
• Allows Electi to redeem the Light within small amounts of wine.  (The Ginza indicates that Manichaeans drank wine whilst engaging in tantric mysteries.)
• Allows Electi to utilize more than one robe per year if the wardrobe is kept simple. (Original Manichaean wardrobe rules are still unclear and need redefining in the modern textile age where event he poor have many clothes)
• Categorizes Alms as eight-fold rather than seven-fold. (Ancient food classifications were more complex than a simple category of 7, Manichaeans were considered obsessed with food categorization.)
• Daily Bathing & Clothes washing (Ancient Manichaean hygiene practices are still being understood. Chinese texts speak of monks entering weekly baths)

The modern Order of Mani, like its ancient forerunner, supports the creation of local chapters, or cells, which act somewhat independently of the Mother organization.

The modern Manichaean revival is occurring in an age when the masses are dissatisfied with antiquated answers offered by the major world religions. Its fresh and unique approach to life contains many answers to modern problems. It is free of medieval dogma and outmoded doctrines derived from the dark and reformation ages.  Its freshly discovered texts have not succumbed to  dilutings by spin doctors of the major religions, nor been encrusted with false concepts over the millennia. Its pure vegan dietary teachings enter the world in a time when science verifies such wisdom. Its ecological teachings enter when world consciousness is increasing in regards to world pollution and devastation caused by a lack of respect for the Earthly Mother.