Mystery of God, mystery of Christ : Christian engagement with Hindu mysticism

Now available inEnglish for the first time, Ysabel de Andia's double exploration of Christianand Hindu mysticism provides a valuable addition to the field.

Composed fromlectures given in Benares in 2015 to priests of the Missions Étrangères deParis, Mystery of God, Mystery of Christ combines the two main research interests that have defined deAndia's career: first, an understanding of Christian mysticism as growing outof the Christian mystery of Christ and the sacrament, and secondly, therelationship between this and Hindu contemplative prayer as articulated byJules Monchanin. Beginning with theCappadocian fathers, de Andai traces the developing interpretation of Mysterythrough Christian thinkers from Origen and Gregory of Nyssa to Basil andDionysios the Areopagite.

From here, she begins to dovetail this study with anexploration of Hindu contemplation, relating the Carmelite mystic St John ofthe Cross to the Advaitist tradition, especially as expounded by Shankara. Throughout, her masterful understanding of both traditions is apparent.

ForEnglish readers, her insight will provide a fresh perspective on this livelysubject area.