This chapter focuses on the implications of the mystical experiences and realizations of Ramana, Aurobindo, and the Christian interfaith pioneers in India for Hindu-Christian interfaith dialogue. The phenomenological commitment is to respect both mystical and worldly experiences, that is, to see both the divine and the human narratives. It leads to an understanding of Hinduism and Christianity...
This chapter provides an introduction to the lives of the Hindu sages Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Aurobindo, with significant implications for the understanding of Hinduism, interfaith dialogue, and mystical consciousness. The inquiry focuses on Ramana’s and Aurobindo’s existential functions as rishis, avatars, and gurus in India, taking into account their physical locations and their...
The preliminary sections provide the general orientation of the book, explaining its terminology and methodology. Following Francis X. Clooney’s and Gavin Flood’s works, the book employs hermeneutical phenomenology in addressing two vital issues for religious studies: fairness to the religious “Other” and the impact of interfaith mysticism on the future of religion. Section 1 explains these two...
Abstract This article focuses on the meeting of faith traditions—interfaith dialogue—from the perspective of mystical consciousness. In doing so, it aims to understand the dynamics and potentialities of interfaith mysticism. The contribution of this article to religious studies, in combination with theological inquiry, is threefold: first, it illuminates how the Trinity is directly experienced...