The 3rd World Meeting of Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue explores Carmelite and Buddhist mysticism

The Catholic Order of Discalced Carmelites and the International Center for Teresian and Sanjuanist Studies (CITeS) in Ávila, Spain, recently organized the “3rd World Meeting of Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue: Tibetan Buddhism and Carmelite Spirituality” . The conference, organized in cooperation with the Center for Buddhist Studies (CBS) of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Dharma-Gaia Foundation, was held from July 25 to 28 in Ávila before an audience of 50 to 100 participants in person and a global audience via live streaming.

This event marked the third collaboration between CITeS and CBS. The inaugural event, titled “1st Global Meeting of Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue: Theravada Buddhism and Teresian Mysticism,” took place from July 27 to 30, 2017. Due to its success, a second forum was organized to bring together the Discalced Carmelites and the Chan/Zen school of Buddhism, with emphasis on the cultivation of love and compassion. Originally scheduled for July 22-26, 2020, this event was postponed and ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As stated in the event announcement:

Carmelite mysticism and Buddhist mysticism have developed over the centuries as two distinct ways of experiencing spirituality. The general theme of this meeting is to explore the role of visionary revelation in the quest for wisdom. Visualizing, contemplating, and encountering divinity are essential practices in the Carmelite tradition and in Tibetan Buddhism. These practices help to foster spiritual growth and deepen the practitioner’s relationship with “the sacred.”

(University of Mistica – CITeS)

The conference aimed to explore the common elements and differences between Carmelite and Tibetan Buddhist practices. Both traditions emphasize the importance of morality, prayer, and contemplation as means to achieving union with the ultimate. The Carmelite mystic seeks union with God through knowledge of self and the person of Jesus Christ, which involves loving attention and availability to the divine presence. On the contrary, Buddhist mystics aim for enlightenment through compassion and wisdom. Both traditions value discipline, contemplative practices, purification to transcend the limitations of the ego, and the role of suffering in spiritual development.

The event fostered authentic dialogue and collaboration, fostering paths of wisdom for a more united and harmonious world. This spirit of equality, mutual respect and curiosity underpins the initiative.

In his introductory speech at the conference, Georgios Halkias, director of CBS at HKU, emphasized that Tibetan Buddhism and Catholicism were not monolithic entities, nor frozen in time. On the contrary, both were constantly growing and evolving. Thus, meetings like this allowed people from both traditions to exercise skillful communication and deeper discernment.

Quote from Kalama Suttain which the Buddha advises a group of people curious about his teachings, Halkias says: "If the teachings bring peace, then they should be considered worthy. »

CITeS Director Jerzy Nawojowski OCD emphasized the importance of interreligious dialogue: “We have a very vague, if not non-existent, idea of ​​Buddhism. However, it is an ancient culture and religion that has millions of followers and has been fundamental to human development and the functioning of many societies. Without a doubt, as the Second Vatican Council assured us, there are also seeds of truth in them, and we want to know this truth. » (Religion Digital)

Nawojowski emphasized the importance of mutual knowledge and understanding in today's multicultural Western societies, saying: "We want to facilitate an authentic and respectful exchange between the two traditions, highlighting both the similarities and the differences, in order to enrich the spiritual and religious understanding of all participants. » (Religion Digital)

When asked what Teresian mysticism could bring to Buddhists, Nawojowski replied: "I believe that the unwavering commitment to the reality of daily life, the interest in the current and complex situation of the world, of society, but as a fruit of love of prayer. » (Religion Digital)

During the conference, participants participated in religious practices and rites from both traditions in order to better understand each other. This approach aimed to promote a coming together of compassion and harmony, sharing knowledge and practices that can contribute to peaceful coexistence between different religions and cultures.

Participants from diverse backgrounds, including two Buddhist nuns from Bhutan, attended the event, enriching the dialogue with their perspectives. The presence of participants from 15 to 20 different nationalities at CITeS highlighted the global appeal of the event for people engaged in spiritual education.

Other distinguished CBS academics in Hong Kong included Assistant Professor Catherine Hardie, Professor Klaus-Dieter Mathes and Honorary Professor Phuntsok Wangchuk. Khenpo Yeshi, a doctoral student at the University of California, Berkeley, also gave a presentation. Among the Catholic speakers were Saverio Cannistrá, former superior general of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, Sister Maria José Pérez, Professor Juan Antonio Marcos Rodriguez, Father Francisco Brändle and Professor Francisco Javier Sancho Fermin.

BDG was represented by Daniel Millet Gil, editor-in-chief of Buddhist News en Español and organizer of the event, Raymond Lam, BDG senior editor, who covered the event in depth on the BDG Teahouse blog, and Justin Whitaker, correspondent principal of BDG, who offered a comparative perspective on the ultimate goal of Buddhist and Catholic mysticism and moderated the event's final panel discussion.

The conference closed with a renewed commitment to interfaith dialogue, fostering understanding and respect between different religious traditions. By the end of the event, hope for future collaborations and continued learning was evident among all participants.

By promoting such interfaith encounters, HKU CBS, CITeS and their partners aim to build bridges between diverse spiritual traditions, thereby contributing to a more compassionate and understanding global community.

See more

Jerzy Nawojowski TOC: “If she had met Buddhists, Saint Thérèse could have learned a lot of things” (Religión Digital)
3rd World Meeting of Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue: Tibetan Buddhism and Carmelite Spirituality, conference program (Buddhist News in Spanish)
3rd World Meeting of Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue (Universidad de la Mistica – CITeS)
International Center for Teresian and Sanjuanist Studies
The Center for Buddhist Studies at the University of Hong Kong
Dharma-Gaia Foundation

Related news articles from BDG

Tibetan Buddhism and Carmelite spirituality will be in the spotlight at the interreligious meeting in Ávila, Spain, in 2024
As Vesak approaches, Catholic leaders urge Buddhists to continue interfaith work for peace
The second edition of the Buddhist Film Festival of Catalonia, Spain, will be held in October 2024
An interfaith Carmelite and Chan/Zen conference will be held in Avila, Spain in July 2020
Chan/Zen Buddhism and Carmelite spirituality, interreligious meeting in Ávila, Spain, July 2020

BDG Related Features

Tibetan Buddhism and Carmelite spirituality: an interreligious meeting in Ávila, July 2024
Interactive dialogue on Theravada meditation and Carmelite mystical prayer in Avila

Related blog posts from BDG Tea House

Faith and flamenco
The Mandala and the Manor
Beyond simple goodwill: preserving authenticity in interreligious dialogues in Avila

The article 3rd World Meeting of Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue Explores Carmelite and Buddhist Mysticism appeared first on Buddhist News Global.