Christian Ashrams, Hindu Caves and Sacred Rivers

Mario I. Aguilar is Professor of Religion & Politics and Director of the Centre for the Study of Religion & Politics at the University of St Andrews. He is also a poet, an eremitic Camaldolese Benedictine Oblate, and has published widely in his interests in the theology of contemplation, the history of religion and issues of interfaith dialogue.

Mario I. Aguilar's Christian Ashrams, Hindu Caves and Sacred Rivers is first of all a sensitive and well-informed reflection on the "golden age" of Christian ashrams, aptly mapping the contributions of the most famous figures, from Jules Monchanin and Francis Mahieu to Henri Le Saux and Raimon Panikkar. It is also a sensitive meditation on the underlying historical and theological significance of monastic asceticism, adaptation, and silence, as Christian spirituality is treasured, restored and renewed in Hinduism's holy space. Aguilar looks forward too, observing the changes gradually occurring in an independent modern and now too postmodern India, and thus inquires honestly into the purpose of Indian Christian monasticism for today and the future. Christian Ashrams, Hindu Caves and Sacred Rivers is a fine introduction for those unfamiliar with the history, but also a stimulating reflection to be welcomed by those who know the story well.

• Introduction. 1. Ashrams, Paramarubyananda and Shantivanam. 2. Advaita and Abhishiktananda. 3. Abhishiktananda, the Hindu pilgrim. 4. Dhayananda, Hospitality and Dialogue. 5. Francis Mahieu and Syro-Malabar Monasticism. 6. Raimon Pannikar and Multiple Belonging. 7. Silence, the Pro-Logos and the Monk in Raimon Panikkar. 8. The Postcolonial God and the Proto-Christ. Appendix 1. Appendix 2. Bibliography.