Saccidananda: A Christian Approach to Advatic Experiences

Saccidananda is a penetrating inquiry into the spiritual traditions of both Christianity and Advaita Vedanta. The authors, Abhishiktananda and Henri Le Saux, were two Catholic priests who visited India in the early 1950s seeking a deeper understanding of spirituality. There, they encountered the ancient Hindu philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which posits that ultimate reality is a non-dual consciousness. The authors, both deeply spiritual men, found themselves fascinated with the philosophy and were determined to investigate its similarities and differences with Christianity.

The book is essentially a dialogue between Abhishiktananda and Le Saux, as they attempt to explain, compare, and synthesise the teachings of both traditions. They go beyond the surface-level differences in rituals and dogma to explore the deeper, mystical aspects of both religions. For instance, they discuss the Christian concept of the Trinity and how it can be seen as a metaphor for the Hindu concept of the three gunas or qualities of nature. They also critique the notion of an anthropomorphic God and instead suggest that true spirituality comes from an experience of the ultimate reality, which they call Saccidananda.

One of the most compelling aspects of Saccidananda is the way in which it compares and contrasts the experiences of Christian and Advaita mystics. The authors explore the writings of Christian figures such as Thomas Merton, Meister Eckhart, and John of the Cross, and compare them to the teachings of Hindu sages such as Shankara, Ramana Maharshi, and Yogavasistha. They find that despite the cultural differences, the mystical experiences of these great thinkers have much in common, including a sense of transcending the ego, a deep peace and inner joy, and a feeling of oneness with the universe.

Throughout the book, the authors emphasize the importance of direct experience over dogma or intellectual abstraction. They argue that true spirituality is not about blindly following religious doctrines or rituals, but rather about cultivating a personal relationship with the divine. They believe that the ultimate reality can be experienced by anyone, regardless of their religious background, and that the pursuit of this experience is the true goal of all religions.

Overall, Saccidananda is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the common ground between Christianity and Advaita Vedanta. Through their dialogue, Abhishiktananda and Le Saux offer a vision of deep ecumenism, in which spiritual seekers of all backgrounds can find common ground and share in the experience of the ultimate reality.