Abstract:
This article seeks to explore the mystical approaches to suffering characteristic of both Buddhism
and Christianity. Through the analysis of the meanings, the two traditions in question ascribe
to suffering as a ‘component’ of mystical experience; it challenges the somewhat oversimplified
understanding of the dichotomy ’sage-the-robot versus saint-the-sufferer’. Thus it contributes
to the ongoing discussion on the theological–spiritual dimensions of the human predicament,
as interpreted by various religious traditions. It also illustrates (though only implicitly) in what
sense – to use the Kantian distinction – the mystical experience offers boundaries (Schranken)
without imposing limits (Grenzen) to interfaith encounter and dialogue.
