International Interfaith Conference on Mysticism
Report of the Conference on Mysticism
Henry Martyn Institute, Hyderabad
23-25 January 2012
23rd January 2012 – Monday – 1st day of the conference
The inaugural function of the international interfaith conference on mysticism began at 9:30 a.m. with an interfaith prayer. Asma, Sribala and Asangla lead us into prayer by chanting and reading from the Qur’an, Vedas and the Bible. It was followed by the welcome dance. A classical Kuchipudhi dance was performed by Mahima Nittin Shah of St. Paul’s school, Hyderabad. Dr. Varghese Manimala, Director, HMI, welcomed the chief guests and other dignitaries. He stressed the importance of mysticism and said that mysticism transcends religious barriers. It was his dream to hold such a conference and this dream is realized today, he said. He quoted Dr. Prof. Raimon Panikkar by saying, “If there is any hope for the world, it is through the mystical dimension of life.” Dr. Manimala profusely thanked the Vice-Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Dr. Muhammad Miyan, the Chief Guest of the day, for his simplicity, hospitality and availability. The director also warmly welcomed Dr. Zafar Mahmood IAS, President, ICP, Delhi. He highlighted Zafar’s energy and enthusiasm in spreading the message of interfaith coalition for peace. He also welcomed the partners, resource persons and all the participants.
Dr. Mohammad Miyan emphasized that although religions are different we have only one faith and that single faith has brought us together. Nobody can claim to have a complete knowledge of one’s own religion. Conference of this nature has a noble purpose to look for the convergence. We need to look for the convergence of religions rather than divergence. He also mentioned that living together brings tolerance and knowledge about each other, and no religion teaches hatred.
Dr. Zafar Mahmood IAS, in his keynote address mentioned that the mystic way explores awakening, purification and illumination of the self. The Holy Spirit resides in each one of us. We are the carriers of God’s spirit and the responsibility is attached to each of us to transmit the spirit of God. He also explained the mystical essence of each religion and said that all religions at their highest point end in mysticism. He emphasized the well known attributes of all religions namely: ineffability, paradoxicality and perennialism. He spoke at length on Sufism. He added that mysticism is a symbol of tolerance and humanism. It is also non-dogmatic and flexible. He highlighted Rumi’s paradigm shift in the mystic focus. In his new mystic dimension, man’s obligatory perseverance is to help out the needy and consider this service as divine intoxication.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Surya Prakash, Chairperson, HMI Board, appreciated the efforts made to conduct such a meaningful conference, and conveyed his good wishes for the success of the event. Rev. Dr. M. M. Abraham, Associate Director, Academics, proposed the vote of thanks as the conclusion of the inaugural function of the three day conference. After this the Chief Guest cut the ribbon and declared open the Art Exhibition, the contribution by the Ahimsa Artist, Ignatius Xavier Joseph, inventor of a New Style in Art based on Indian values especially that of Ahimsa and Vegetarianism.
After a short Tea Break, at 11:30, the first session of the paper presentation began. Dr. Packiam Samuel, the secretary and treasurer of ICP, and also the board member of HMI, moderated the session. Dr. Varghese Manimala presented his paper on the topic, “Mystical Dimension of Raimon Panikkar,” and he spoke on the need for developing a mystical theology, the basic pre-requisites of mysticism, mystical translation, existential character of the mystical, fragility of the mystical and the nine sutras to understand the characteristics of the mystical. He stressed on the fact that the mystical dimension of life can grow only in the fertile soil of humility. The life and message of Panikkar was a great invitation to the moderns to adapt themselves to the vicissitudes and bring about a transformation. He attempted a true blend of East and West, perhaps, giving more stress to the former.
Dr. Salman Chisty, Director, Chishti Foundation, Ajmer, presented his paper on the topic: “Love towards all, malice towards none: Mystical Dimensions of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuiddin Chisty,” a great mystic of the Indian sub-continent. He stressed on Sufism which imparts the message of universal love, peace and service. He indeed is a true mystic who is a river of generosity, a sun of bounty and an earth of hospitality. For Khawja Moinuddin, there are two entities only, the Creator and the Creation. He made an everlasting impact on the masses because of the practicality and openness with which he advocated Sufism.
Dr. Packiam Samuel commented on the papers and moderated the open discussion. A few questions were raised from the audience and the two resource persons replied to their queries. The group dispersed for a delicious lunch served in the open air at 1:30 p.m.
The second session began at 2:30 p.m. Rt. Rev. Dr. Surya Prakash moderated the session. Dr. K. G. Pothen, Dean of Studies of Marthoma Seminary, Kottayam, Kerala, presented his paper on “Paul Tillich and Teilhard de Chardin – the Mystical Dimension”. Dr. Pothen started with a brief life history of Paul Tillich and Teilhard. He stated that Paul Tillich wanted to maintain that the infinite and the finite are very distinct; however, they are also very deeply related. The Divine is deeply present in the world, in us and is all pervasive. He also spoke on religion and culture. Religion is the root and culture is the blossoming. Every religion has the power to unfold the power of ‘being’. Every religion has its own symbol of salvation, and redemption. He also made a distinction between sign and symbol. A sign indicates, however, a symbol points to Reality and participates in the Reality. Jesus Christ points to the power of Being in us with us and around us as a Reality. Religion is the depth dimension of human existence. The power of Being overcomes the power of death. The power of Being is the power of life and the power of life overcomes the power of death.
He also explained how Teilhard de Chardin tried to unite science and religion. Teilhard felt that there can be a special kind of seeing which can integrate religion and science. We have to see God everywhere, in everything that is hidden, everything that is solid. In this kind of seeing he envisioned the hope of the future. After his presentation meaningful questions were raised from the audience and a lively discussion followed.
Dr. Thomas Eggensperger, Institut M. Dominique, Chenu, Berlin, presented a paper on “The Dominican Contribution to Mysticism – Meister Eckhart Speaking about God.” He stated that Christian mysticism is knowledge of God based on personal experience. He pointed out the dimension of Christian mysticism running through the Bible especially in the Song of Songs, Exodus, Apocalypse and the Gospels. He said mysticism is the rectification of the life with what really is.
He highlighted the interconnection between mysticism and theology. Eckhart in his mysticism looked for a new style to be a religious man and a religious woman. One does not have to be good to win something but one has to be good. There is no question of why I have to be good and how I have to be good if good is in me. He tried to find God inside his very active life. His mysticism consists in leaving the identification of God unspecified. Hence, he even spoke of God as Nothing. Dr. Thomas also explained one of the sermons of Eckhart namely sermon sixty. Lively discussions were held after the presentation and the moderator concluded the session with his positive comment. The group dispersed for tea break at 4:30 p.m.
The group gathered again at 6.00.p.m. for the Qawwali programme presented by the Custodian of Ajmer Sharif, Syed Salman Chishti and his troupe. The Director, Dr. Manimala, thanked them warmly for this. The day’s programme ended with the dinner at 8:30 p.m. and all had a relaxed time and a good night’s sleep.
24th January 2012, Tuesday – Second day
The day started with the prayer at 9:30 a.m. The devotional songs sung by Rev. Jeeva and the students from Andhra Christian Theological College (ACTC) put us in a mood of silence and worship. The Director thanked Rev. Jeeva and his team for their solidarity with Henry Martyn Institute.
The first session began at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Joy Barrow from Methodist Church, London, moderated the session. Dr. Mohan Ramanan, Dean of Humanities at the Central University of Hyderabad, presented his paper on “Thyagarajah: Mystic, Poet and Singer.” In his presentation he highlighted Thyagarajah’s single hearted devotion to Sri Ram. Sri Ram is the Ishta Devatha for Thyagarajah. He realized God in the form of Rama who is the incarnation of God. For him Rama is Param Brahma who is without beginning, middle or end. Since God is all pervasive and immanent, for Thyagarajah Rama is present in all things. Divinity can incarnate in human form and ‘mantra’ is the poetic incarnation. Through his poetry and singing Thyagarajah worshipped Rama and constantly surrendered to him. He also evokes bridal imagery seeing Rama as the beloved. For Thyagarajah the total identification with Rama is the mystic union with God.
The second speaker, Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah, Professor Emeritus, Bangalore, in his paper on “Mysticism in Jainism” dwelt mainly on Jaina Metaphysics. Though Jaina metaphysics is fundamentally dualistic with the principles of Jīva and Ajīva, with the epistemological doctrines of Anekāndavāda and Syādvāda, Jaina path functions as a pluralistic realism, supported by common sense and experience in different forms as the reality is manifold. The sevenfold judgment of Jainism points, according to Nagarajaiah, to a relativistic position and the practice of Ahimsa in thought, word and action sets the Jaina monk on the path of Kaivalya (bliss).
Dr. Joy Barrow welcomed the participants for an open discussion and a few meaningful questions were raised from the participants on both the topics and the resource persons responded adequately.
After a tea break, the morning session continued from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Dr. Joy Barrow continued to serve as the moderator, and Dr. Edward Allam and Dr. Dan Chitoiu presented their papers.
Dr. Edward Allam, General Secretary, Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, Washington D.C. and Beirut, in his paper on “Khalil Gibran and the Mystical Tradition” attempted to describe genuine mysticism, and tried to situate the particular brand of Gibran’s mysticism within this general description. Claiming that genuine mysticism or authentic supernatural phenomena do not destroy, violate or contradict nature, but on the contrary perfect or glorify it, he tried to show that in his best poetry and painting, Gibran does achieve a genuine mystical expression. It is true this mystical approach is quite unique and unmatched.
Dr. Dan Chitoiu, Associate Professor, Cuza University, Romania, presented his paper on “Moldavian Hesychasm.” He described Hesychasm as the art of arts and science of sciences, an asceticism full of confidence and humility which slowly transforms the vital energy. A central point of hesychast practice is the descent of mind into the heart. Mind lowered into the heart signifies a union of the imaginative and the intellectual faculties so that it becomes possible to achieve a state of total sobriety. The mind reaches a level of deep silence. The Holy Spirit can take over your soul and you feel that you are in rapture, as if in heaven. The Holy Spirit can only work in a person who is full of humility. When you are overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, you no longer see any malice in any one. In that wonderful moment you know just where you come from, where to go and what to do to reach perfection. He also dealt with the history of Hesychasm in Moldavia, Romania. He cited the living example of the Moldavian Hesychast Elder Procler who neither preaches nor sings, but he has something that captivates you. He has grace and warmth, and lives for people. His door is open to all and the medicine of his life is to be a man for all. Lively discussions followed after both the presentations and Dr. Joy Barrow smartly moderated the discussion after which the group broke up for lunch.
The second session began at 2. 30 p.m. Dr. Jerry Rozario moderated the session. Dr. Firoozeh Papan-Matin, Seattle, USA, a specialist in Persian literature and Iranian culture, presented her paper on “The Early Chishtis of India and Their Approach to the Divine.” The Chisti Sufis of India are famous for their celebration of God through Sama. They listened to music in order to connect with the Divine as a spiritual practice. Sama was the subject of controversial debates during the medieval period. Those who vouched for Sama considered it an opportunity to approach God. The study by Dr. Papan Matin was an investigation of this history with a focus on the Chisti’s adherence to Sama.
Dr. Jose Nandhikara, Director, Centre for Study of World Religions, and editor of the journal Dharma, Dharmaram College, Bangalore, presented his paper on the topic – “The Mystical after Wittgenstein.” Wittgenstein, the most influential philosopher of the 20th century, summed up his early philosophy in the Tractatus: what can be said at all can be said clearly and what we cannot speak about, we must pass over in silence. He admitted however, that there is, indeed, the inexpressible. This shows itself, it is mystical. The mystical world includes all that is beyond the realm of empirical science, what cannot be observed, experimented and validated – aesthetics, ethics and religion. For Wittgenstein, what matters is human life that lay beyond the boundaries of scientific experiments and systematic language. For him to believe in a God means to understand the question about the meaning of life: to see that the facts of the world are not the end of the matter. To believe in a God means to see that life has a meaning.
After a lively discussion moderated by Dr. Jerry Rozario, the group dispersed for the tea break and gathered again at 4:30 p.m. to listen to the last paper presentation of the day. Dr. M.C. Raj , Promoter of Indigenous Art & Culture, Karnataka, presented his paper on the topic “Indigenous and Dalit Mysticism.” In the preamble he stated that the beauty and glory of mysticism is its ability to defy all attempts at defining and explaining it. Mysticism is fundamentally an experience to do with the self, the subjective, but if mysticism does not propel the self towards the other there will be reasonable ground to question its validity. This is because in the indigenous world, mysticism is the essential consequence of communicative interaction with the other, organic beings, cosmic bodies, cosmic waves and space. Mysticism being founded on communicative interaction is under blissful compulsion to reach out to the other. Ancestors of indigenous communities have the capacity to communicate energy through their warrior existence. Indigenous mysticism is a spring for liberating the people. The being and becoming of the self of the mystic is equivalent to the being and becoming of the world.
Once again Dr. Jerry Rozario welcomed the questions from the group. Valuable queries were raised and apt answers were given by Dr. Raj. The participants dispersed for an hour and once again gathered at 6:00 p.m. to listen to the breath-taking Carnatic music performance by Prof. Dr. Mohan Ramanan and his team. After the dinner at 8:30 p.m. all had a relaxed time.
25th January 2012 – Wednesday – third day
The day’s programme began with a unique indigenous prayer service conducted at the devotion hall by Dr. M. C. Raj. The participants were energized by the elements of nature namely water, fire, earth, air and space; this was followed by a devotional song in Kannada. After a short period of silence, the nature meditation lead the participants through fantasy to the lap of mother earth, to the rivers and finally to be in touch with the sun, moon and stars. Being energized by the prayer, they moved on to the conference hall for the first session.
The first session began at 9:30 a.m. and Dr. Edward Allam chaired the session. Rev. Dr. K.M. George, Principal, Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, presented his paper on “Early Church Fathers: the Mystical Dimension.” He stated that mysticism is largely a creation of the western mind. Western approach is marked by the emphasis on the rational and intellectual aspects. Therefore, in the West, a clear distinction is made between dogmatic theology and mystical theology. With regard to the eastern churches, there is a general western perception that the eastern Christian theology and spirituality are more mystical than rational. But from the perspective of eastern Christian tradition there is no distinction within spirituality and theology because the emphasis is on experience. If theology is not experience, it has no standing. So what is qualified as eastern mysticism by the West is actually the spiritual pilgrimage in the path of perfection. This is the normal course for the spirit’s journey and an esoteric, specialized domain of spirituality. The eastern fathers like Gregory of Nyssa take Moses as the model par excellence for the theologians or the spiritual seeker. At the height of the spiritual maturity Moses goes up to Mount Sinai. The book of Exodus says that he entered into thick darkness. For the eastern fathers, this darkness symbolized the inability of human intelligence to understand anything of the essential nature of God. So Moses was experiencing non-knowledge of God. But he was transformed in that darkness of unknowing and he received great gifts from God. This is the model recommended form all believers who seek God. This is the vocation of theology and of theologians as well. Ultimately this is the transforming experience of God and not any academic theoretical concept about God.
After his presentation, the moderator Dr. Edward Allam gave a very positive comment on the paper and invited the audience for open discussion. Various types of questions were posed and apt replies were given by the resource person.
The second paper was presented by Dr. Joy Barrow, Methodist Church, England, on “The Akhand Kirtani Jatha: An Expression of Sikh Spirituality”. The Akhand Kirtani Jatha describes themselves as a group of Gursikh devotees who adopted kīrtan, not as a profession but as a sacred mission for the salvation of their souls and propagation of the true Sikh way of life. The Akhand Kirtani Jatha had its origins in the late 19th century at a time of difficult movements of the day, the Niramkasis and Namdharis were believed to be not following the rahit (code of conduct, daily spiritual practice) of Guru Gobind Singh. Gradually they began organizing Kīrtan programmes in different places as a result of which they became known as the ‘Akhand Kirtani Jatha’. The Akhand Kirtani Jatha has no written or unwritten constitution. A lively discussion followed immediately after the presentation. The group dispersed for tea break at 11:00 a.m.
The participants once again gathered at 11:30 a.m. to listen to two more paper presentations. Rev. Peter Ravikumar, from Tamilnadu Theological Seminary (TTS), Madurai, presented the paper written by Dr. Kerstin Neumann, professor, Department of Religious Studies, TTS, on the topic “The Mysticism of the Tamil Cittar.” The alternate presenter thanked Henry Martyn Institute for giving him a chance to present the paper prepared by Dr. Kerstin Neumann.
Cittars were a historical group and although their teaching challenges tradition, we do not have sufficient theoretical approaches to cover their wisdom. They are known as poets and pampattis (snake charmers) who deal with unquenchable life forces. Cittars were antagonists to the caste system, rituals and ceremony, authority of the Veda, idol worship and all other sorts of orthodoxy. Tamil Cittars’ wisdom has its roots in the people’s knowledge transmitted from ancient time. Even in the Puranic school of Orthodox Hindu philosophy Cittars discovered and experienced that God is knowledge and knowledge is God.
Tamil Cittars lived outside of social frame or realm because of their counter-culture attitudes. They insisted on social and spiritual liberation of people. As a conclusion, it was said that the study of Tamil Cittars is a refreshing exercise leaving no doubt that none of our theoretical frames can ever fully cover human experience of divinity. Lively discussion followed thereafter.
Dr. jerry Rozario, Activist and Theologian, Chennai, who has done decades of services among the Dalits and the poor, and is known for his promotion of the mission of blood and organ donation (he has donated blood more than 160 times!), presented his paper on “Political Mysticism.” He explained that mysticism in its true sense transcends cultures, religions, and ideologies. It stirs us to an awakened life animated by love. It dynamises to be others-concerned, responsible and others-centered. It empowers the powerless, the poorest and enables the people for self-transformation and collective liberation. His presentation was most lively, challenging and thought provoking. After a meaningful discussion the group dispersed for the lunch served in the garden.
At 2:30 p.m. the participants gathered for the last and important session of the day.
Mr. Ignatius Xavier Joseph, Artist and Ahimsa Peace Activist, presented his paper on “Art and Mysticism.” He explained how Art Mysticism converted and transformed him from an ordinary artist to an Ahimsa Artist. When the artist is in peace, religious and mystic mode during his thought to generate art, it becomes bilingual like synopses and intermediates between God and man. His reverence and love towards art, nature, consciousness, material things, and his tools by which he fashions/designs/ creates the invisible structure of thought, behavior, beauty and expression relate to Art Mysticism; the end product of his/her work relates to mystical experience. After his talk curious questions sprang up from the audience and the artist dealt with them smartly.
Dr. Varghese Manimala and Dr. Jerry Rozario chaired the session for the road-map- follow-up and evaluation of the three days conference. Fr. Jerry Rozario once again challenged the participants to reflect on the phrase “Mysticism: Search for a meaningful religious experience,” and how one can give a meaningful experience for a new future. Mysticism cannot be mere verbal expression, but a profound exhibition. After his captivating thoughts he invited the participants for their generous suggestions for the follow-up programmes in order to help Henry Martyn Institute to remain active and pro-active, and productive for all time.
The follow-up programmes were drawn up at three levels: personal. Institutional – HMI, and Wider Horizon Networking
- 1. Personal
a) Share and disseminate what we have received from these three days’ seminar among friends, families, institutions etc.
b) Bring the inputs into our worship
c) Share the inputs in and through teaching various subjects.
d) Simplicity and humility in our life
e) Accepting only the minimum need and share the surplus with the neediest
f) Continue to deepen our knowledge of mysticism
g) Take this knowledge to schools, institutions so that young ones will be enlightened.
- 2. Institutional Level
a) Representation of all religions
b) Experience a way of practicing humility
c) Partnership with others even from the planning stage
d) Have a list of resource persons and circulate the list
e) Have a follow-up team at HMI
f) Key elements of mysticism from various religions binging out as a publication
g) Organizing further seminars, develop- focus- beyond this conference
h) Seminar on mysticism of target groups (Dalits)
- 3. Networking
a) COVA
b) Templeton Foundation
c) TTS, Madurai
d) Aikiya Assocaition of India
e) Sadak Centre in Kerala ( Fr. K.M. George)
f) Indialogue – Hyderabad
g) Service ( Edward Allam)
At the end of the session Dr. Varghese once again expressed his sincere thanks to all partners, participants, staff of HMI, friends and well-wishers. The conference came to a close at 4:30 p.m.
Another important event of the day was laying the foundation stone of the New Library building and HMI’s 80th Anniversary celebration. After a prayer by Rt. Rev. Dr. Surya Prakash and an informal welcome by Dr. Manimala the laying of the foundation stone was done by the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, other guests, partners, board members and the director. The most important guests of the occasion, V. N. Rai, IPS, and Dr. P. Narayan Reddy, unveiled the plaque.
Thence all proceeded to the open air auditorium for the final celebration of the 80th Anniversary of HMI. After an interfaith prayer, Dr. Manimala welcomed the guests, the partners of HMI and the gathering. The chief guest, Dr. Narayan Reddy, Director, National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, in his speech tried to underpin the importance of the conference on mysticism that had preceded the function and shared his personal experiences with a tenor of humility. He showed how many of our experiences are inexplicable. This was followed by the simple and gentle sharing by the guest of honor Sri V. N. Rai, Director, National Police Academy, and in his remarks he expressed appreciation for the work that HMI is doing especially in the field of conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Rt. Rev. Dr. Surya Prakash, the chair person in his brief speech tried delineate the history and struggles of HMI as well as the achievements and thanked all who have contributed to the growth of this great institution. The guests were honoured by Rt. Rev. Dr. Surya Prakash and Dr. Manimala with shawls and mementos. The former Director of HMI, Dr. Sam Bhajjan, was specially honoured. HMI’s partners and board members who were present were also introduced and honoured.
A variety of cultural programme consisting of songs and dances entertained everyone. The participants in the cultural programme were from St. Theresa’s School, Arul Colony, A. S. Rao Nagar, belonging to the St. Ann’s congregation, and the Chintu group from Khammam. Vote of thanks was rendered by Mr. Ramesh Prakashvellu, Acting Associate Director, Praxis. The grand finale came to a close with the national anthem, and a sumptuous dinner was served to all the participants.
The conference and the anniversary celebration were adequately covered by both the electronic and print media, and HMI is very grateful to them. We also intend to bring out a video of the various events of the conference, and a book containing the papers of the conference.
Our sincere thanks to MISSIO, Aachen, Germany, and Interfaith Coalition for Peace, Delhi, for having generously come forward to give financial support to the conference. Without their support the conference would not have become a reality but remained at the stage of wish-fulfilment. This has given us confidence to dream for higher goals, and our sincere hope is that such generous support will never be lacking for efforts of this sort with lofty ideals. We wish to place on record the support of our partners for helping us to reach achievements at times beyond our expectations. What we are able to offer is our generous heartfelt thanks and our prayers. May the blessings of the Almighty come upon you abundantly!
Dr. Varghese Manimala Sr. Mary Paul
Director, HMI MC of the Conference and Reporter
Meeting Jesus the Liberator 
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