Mysticism and Intellect in Medieval Christianity and Buddhism: Ascent and Awakening in Bonaventure and Chinul

Mysticism and Intellect in Medieval Christianity and Buddhism explores the relationship between Bonaventure and Chinul, two intellectual and religious leaders, and the tension between positive and negative discourse relating to the divine.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Mysticism and Intellect in Medieval Christianity and Buddhism delves into the profound journeys of two influential intellectual and religious figures, Bonaventure (c. 1217–74) and Chinul (1158–1210), who hailed from different religious traditions: Franciscan theology in Christianity and Korean Zen mastery in Buddhism. These leaders dedicated their lives to harmonizing the intellectual and spiritual realms, seeking to attain the ultimate religious goals of their respective faiths. The book also explores a fascinating tension between two modes of discourse concerning the divine or the ultimate: positive (cataphatic) discourse and negative (apophatic) discourse. These modes of discourse are intricately linked to different perspectives on the immanence and transcendence of the divine or the ultimate. By conducting in-depth studies of Bonaventure and Chinul, the book presents a unique and engaging dialogue between Christianity and Buddhism, as well as between the Western and Eastern worlds.

Bonaventure, a Franciscan theologian of the 13th century, was a visionary who sought to bridge the gap between the intellectual and spiritual realms. He believed that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding could lead to a deeper understanding of God and the ultimate truth. Bonaventure's writings were filled with philosophical and theological insights, and he was known for his ability to combine the wisdom of the ancient Greeks and the teachings of the Christian Church.

Chinul, on the other hand, was a Korean Zen master of the 12th century who believed in the power of meditation and mindfulness to achieve spiritual enlightenment. He was a master of the art of koan practice, which involved using paradoxical statements to challenge the mind and break through the barriers of perception. Chinul's teachings emphasized the importance of emptying the mind and becoming aware of the inherent interconnectedness of all things.

Despite their differences in religious background and philosophical approach, Bonaventure and Chinul shared a common goal of integrating the intellectual and spiritual life. They both recognized the importance of seeking truth and enlightenment, and they both believed that the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom was found in the divine.

One of the key tensions that emerged in their writings was the distinction between positive and negative discourse. Positive discourse, which was associated with the Franciscan tradition, emphasized the importance of using logical and rational arguments to prove the existence of God and the ultimate truth. On the other hand, negative discourse, which was associated with the Zen tradition, emphasized the importance of letting go of all conceptual and intellectual baggage and experiencing the divine directly through meditation and mindfulness.

Bonaventure and Chinul both recognized the value of both modes of discourse, but they also believed that they had their limitations. Positive discourse, for example, could be limited by its reliance. It could be limited by its reliance on logical and rational arguments, which could be limited by the limitations of human perception and understanding. Negative discourse, on the other hand, could be limited by its emphasis on experience and direct perception, which could be limited by the limitations of human perception and understanding.

Despite these tensions, Bonaventure and Chinul were able to find a way to bridge the gap between their respective traditions. They both recognized the importance of seeking truth and enlightenment, and they both believed that the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom was found in the divine. Through their writings and teachings, they were able to inspire countless others to pursue a path of integration and harmony between the intellectual and spiritual life, and they left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the world today.

Weight: 449g
Dimension: 218 x 154 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793600721