Suffering in the mystical traditions of Buddhism and Christianity

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Authors

Urbaniak, Jakub

Journal Title

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Publisher

AOSIS Open Journals

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.

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Keywords

Christianity, Suffering, Buddhism, Mysticism

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Urbaniak, J., 2014, 'Suffering in the mystical traditions of Buddhism and Christianity', HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 70(1), Art. #2117, 9 pages. http://dx.DOI.org/ 10.4102/hts.v70i1.2117.