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.

This book paints the journey of five great Christian pioneers living their monastic dialogue with Hinduism. As someone who ministered in India for 20 years and who knew two of them personally, I find this account illuminating. In particular their struggle to weld utterly diverging world views and spiritual experiences into an integrated vision and harmonious encounter with our deepest Self. Indeed, in dialogue the language of shared silent action should reign supreme.

• 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.