Outlines of comparative view of Hindu and Christian Mysticism
International Journal of Theology, Philosophy and Science May 12, 2018 Alexandru-Corneliu Arion 1 citation
Mysticism pursues direct, immediate knowledge of God rather than ethical improvement. In Hinduism, union with Brahman is already given but must be consciously realized through salvific gnosis (jñāna) by removing the veil of ignorance (māya) that the world is illusory. The ascetic achieves this through meditative contemplation, recognizing that man is essentially identical to God. Christianity, particularly Eastern Orthodox mysticism, opposes this ontological identity. It postulates an eternal ontological difference between man and God, emphasizing personal transfiguration through divine uncreated energies. God sustains creation as an organic whole through His will, without being present with His being in creation.