CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS AS A SYMPHONY OF INTERFAITH IN ĀTMĀNUTĀPAM OF ST CHAVARA
Keywords:
Ātmānutāpam, Brahmacāriṇis, Brahmanāthan, Dhyānasallāpaṅgal, Inculturation, Kaliyugaṁ, Pūjā-dravyas, Ṛṣis, Sanyāsānurūpaṇaṁ, Śānti, Śravaṇam, Tiru-vedam, Veda-nādhnAbstract
This article is an attempt to reflect on the interfaith consciousness of St Kuriakose Elias Chavara, by making an Indian reading of his classical work Ātmānutāpam, specifically focusing on how the incarnation of Christ is presented and celebrated with an open and inclusive approach. In Ātmānutāpam, while explaining the episode of the Infancy Narrative, St Chavara addresses Child Jesus with the significant Indian name, Brahmanāthan, and Jesus is being worshipped by Brahmacāriṇis with unique Indian offerings. The addition of an Indian character called Śānti as an aged shepherdess making conversation with Mother Mary makes the narrative Indian. Because of his deep and affective knowledge of Indian culture and religion, and having a moving openness and a dialogical approach to them, St. Chavara could develop a relevant cultural modification of his faith, which will have its unique stamp in the Indian Christian Theology.
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