Kuriakose Elias Chavara: An Indian Spiritual Vision

Abstract

Jose Eroorickal makes an Indian reading of the spiritual vision of Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara. The spirituality of Chavara was a combination of Indian, Eastern and Carmelite features of mysticism. Rooted in these age old traditions, Chavara and his companions took to a life of contemplation that led them to intense apostolate. Initially, the writer explores the basic characteristic features of the mystics such as self-purification, ecstasy, visions and mystical union and goes on to survey the general features of Indian spirituality dwelling on satya, darsan, the various margas, tapas, ashrama and sannyasa. In this background, he reflects on the mystical experiences of Chavara, which are expressed in his darsanam, vasam, and sallapam by means of which, he practised the Christian spiritual values in the Indian society, which was very unique for his times.