Hick explains that Christians have understood nirvana as the state of someone escaping from earthly suffering by ceasing to be (432). For Christians, the concept of nirvana is very close to that of annihilation. However, Hick points out that their understanding about nirvana is incorrect. That is because there is a great diversity of opinion on nirvana based on different interpretations of the pali canon (432). Hick presents two conflicting views on nirvana in Theravada Buddhism. Firstly, the minimal Theravada interpretation holds that nirvana is a positive state of egolessness enjoyed by a arhat so long as he lives (436). In this case, as a psychological state, nirvana exists or occurs only as a state of the living arhat (436). So, after
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The mystical tradition of Christianity matches with the eastern beliefs that long for the transcending of ego-hood to attain nirvana (446). So, Hick discusses God mysticism which has rooted in Christian tradition, with reference to the study of Evelyn Underhill (443). Here, the mystic’s ultimate goal is the oneness with God through the perfect relationship between a human and the divine (443). If someone attains the state of unitive life, his/her individuality remains but is completely emptied of self-hood (443). The indications of the highest contemplative life are as follows: a complete absorption in the interests of the Infinite, a consciousness of sharing Its strength, and the establishment of the self as a power for life (444). And, the great Christian mystics have not only found their genuine self but also experienced the full presence of God (444). Underhill emphasizes that self-abandonment is a way to get to the unitive life …show more content…
Surely, I know what the Apostle Paul says in Galatians 2:20. And, I also know that Jesus called his disciples not only to deny themselves but also to take up their cross as Jesus did (Mk.8:34). Yes, Jesus died on the cross by giving up his will so that he achieved God’s will. But, God raised Jesus from the dead. If the ultimate goal of a human being is annihilation of self or absorption, Jesus should show an example for us in terms of afterlife. But, it is not. Even our belief in Triune God testifies that Christianity embrace God’s oneness and distinctiveness at the same time. Diversity is the main characteristic of God’s creation and thus our distinct personalities remain in this life as well as in afterlife. So, the purpose that Christians need to obedient to God by laying down their own desires is to find authentic self in genuine fellowship with God. Lastly, although I recognize that Christian mysticism has been in the history of Christianity, I do not agree with that
The mystical tradition of Christianity matches with the eastern beliefs that long for the transcending of ego-hood to attain nirvana (446). So, Hick discusses God mysticism which has rooted in Christian tradition, with reference to the study of Evelyn Underhill (443). Here, the mystic’s ultimate goal is the oneness with God through the perfect relationship between a human and the divine (443). If someone attains the state of unitive life, his/her individuality remains but is completely emptied of self-hood (443). The indications of the highest contemplative life are as follows: a complete absorption in the interests of the Infinite, a consciousness of sharing Its strength, and the establishment of the self as a power for life (444). And, the great Christian mystics have not only found their genuine self but also experienced the full presence of God (444). Underhill emphasizes that self-abandonment is a way to get to the unitive life …show more content…
Surely, I know what the Apostle Paul says in Galatians 2:20. And, I also know that Jesus called his disciples not only to deny themselves but also to take up their cross as Jesus did (Mk.8:34). Yes, Jesus died on the cross by giving up his will so that he achieved God’s will. But, God raised Jesus from the dead. If the ultimate goal of a human being is annihilation of self or absorption, Jesus should show an example for us in terms of afterlife. But, it is not. Even our belief in Triune God testifies that Christianity embrace God’s oneness and distinctiveness at the same time. Diversity is the main characteristic of God’s creation and thus our distinct personalities remain in this life as well as in afterlife. So, the purpose that Christians need to obedient to God by laying down their own desires is to find authentic self in genuine fellowship with God. Lastly, although I recognize that Christian mysticism has been in the history of Christianity, I do not agree with that