Kushta

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/kushta

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the literal translation?Truth in Classical Mandaic
2. What is the conceptual scope?Encompasses righteousness, integrity, sincerity, and spiritual purity
3. What does the word "kushta" mean?In Mandaean language, "kushta" means truth. It also includes being righteous, sincere, and pure in spirit.
4. How do people do the kushta handshake?They clasp their right hands together. This is done during important ceremonies like baptism, soul‑ascent rituals, and priest ordinations.

Kushta: A central Mandaic concept signifying truth, righteousness, and a sacred ritual handshake symbolizing integrity.
Classical Mandaic: The ancient liturgical language of Mandaeism, used in sacred texts and rituals.
Mandaeans: Adherents of Mandaeism, an ancient Gnostic religion with origins in Mesopotamia.
Masbuta: A Mandaean ritual baptism involving water, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and rebirth.