Rising Mountains and Proximity to the Divine: Biblical Ideal of Bes-rauma

Abstract

Bes-rauma was the spiritual and monastic ideal that the indigenous Carmelites of India lived and propagated. Bes-rauma, was an experience of ‘a house on the hilltop’, was enjoyed by the members, appreciated by the people, admired by the authorities and immensely benefitted by the people far and wide. It was not just a spiritual ideal, but also a physical expression realized in the various foundations of the early Carmelite monasteries in Kerala. The first part of the present study is an investigation into the ideal in the light of the various mountains appearing in the narratives in the Bible and their sacred significance in the Ancient Near East, both the Testaments of the Bible and in various faith around the world. The second part of the study is a closer reading of the life and works of the early members of the Carmelites of Kerala, in the light of their aspirations expressed in various ways. Bes-rauma, for them was a harmonious blend of both the contemplative and active aspects of religious life, following the example of Elijah on Mount Carmel bringing together social action and mystical experience.