Rūmī’s Asceticism Explored: A Comparative Glimpse into Meister Eckhart’s Thought
This paper examines the nature of “asceticism” (<i>rīyāḍat</i>) in Sufism, revolving around the works of the 13th century Persian Sufi Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī Balkī and exploring two critical inquiries: Firstly, it seeks to determine whether Rūmī’s mystical perspective on asce...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-10-01
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| Series: | Religions |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/10/1254 |
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| author | Rasoul Rahbari Ghazani Saliha Uysal |
| author_facet | Rasoul Rahbari Ghazani Saliha Uysal |
| author_sort | Rasoul Rahbari Ghazani |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This paper examines the nature of “asceticism” (<i>rīyāḍat</i>) in Sufism, revolving around the works of the 13th century Persian Sufi Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī Balkī and exploring two critical inquiries: Firstly, it seeks to determine whether Rūmī’s mystical perspective on asceticism is world-rejecting or world-affirming. Secondly, it investigates potential parallels and divergences between Rūmī and Meister Eckhart’s stances—specifically, through the Dominican’s Sermons and Treatises—and assesses the implications for the two figures. In examining Rūmī’s works, the current research primarily relies on secondary sources within the Persian intellectual tradition to provide an intracultural context. Utilizing horizontal and vertical interpretations, this study examines critical themes in Rūmī’s works, such as <i>love</i>, <i>detachment</i> (<i>zuhd</i>), <i>the world’s deceptive nature</i>, and <i>seclusion</i>. The findings reveal that Rūmī’s asceticism is not “monastic” (<i>ruhbānī</i>); instead, it balances moderate abstinence and worldly engagement, underpinned by the Quran and the <i>ḥadīth</i> teachings. Rūmī and Eckhart underscore asceticism as an <i>inner</i> transformation rather than mere <i>physical</i> austerity, emphasizing <i>inner purification</i>, <i>self-transcendence</i>, and <i>spiritual detachment</i> as routes to divine unity. The two thinkers’ teachings are catalysts for profound personal transformation and a more fulfilling life in today’s world. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T20:55:53Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a45a69baae3b4ba2bf92277dab9786cb |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2077-1444 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T20:55:53Z |
| publishDate | 2023-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Religions |
| spelling | doaj.art-a45a69baae3b4ba2bf92277dab9786cb2023-11-19T17:56:46ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442023-10-011410125410.3390/rel14101254Rūmī’s Asceticism Explored: A Comparative Glimpse into Meister Eckhart’s ThoughtRasoul Rahbari Ghazani0Saliha Uysal1Department of Philosophy of Religion, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34080, TurkeyDepartment of Psychology of Religion, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34080, TurkeyThis paper examines the nature of “asceticism” (<i>rīyāḍat</i>) in Sufism, revolving around the works of the 13th century Persian Sufi Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī Balkī and exploring two critical inquiries: Firstly, it seeks to determine whether Rūmī’s mystical perspective on asceticism is world-rejecting or world-affirming. Secondly, it investigates potential parallels and divergences between Rūmī and Meister Eckhart’s stances—specifically, through the Dominican’s Sermons and Treatises—and assesses the implications for the two figures. In examining Rūmī’s works, the current research primarily relies on secondary sources within the Persian intellectual tradition to provide an intracultural context. Utilizing horizontal and vertical interpretations, this study examines critical themes in Rūmī’s works, such as <i>love</i>, <i>detachment</i> (<i>zuhd</i>), <i>the world’s deceptive nature</i>, and <i>seclusion</i>. The findings reveal that Rūmī’s asceticism is not “monastic” (<i>ruhbānī</i>); instead, it balances moderate abstinence and worldly engagement, underpinned by the Quran and the <i>ḥadīth</i> teachings. Rūmī and Eckhart underscore asceticism as an <i>inner</i> transformation rather than mere <i>physical</i> austerity, emphasizing <i>inner purification</i>, <i>self-transcendence</i>, and <i>spiritual detachment</i> as routes to divine unity. The two thinkers’ teachings are catalysts for profound personal transformation and a more fulfilling life in today’s world.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/10/1254comparative theologyRūmīEckhartmysticismsufismasceticism |
| spellingShingle | Rasoul Rahbari Ghazani Saliha Uysal Rūmī’s Asceticism Explored: A Comparative Glimpse into Meister Eckhart’s Thought Religions comparative theology Rūmī Eckhart mysticism sufism asceticism |
| title | Rūmī’s Asceticism Explored: A Comparative Glimpse into Meister Eckhart’s Thought |
| title_full | Rūmī’s Asceticism Explored: A Comparative Glimpse into Meister Eckhart’s Thought |
| title_fullStr | Rūmī’s Asceticism Explored: A Comparative Glimpse into Meister Eckhart’s Thought |
| title_full_unstemmed | Rūmī’s Asceticism Explored: A Comparative Glimpse into Meister Eckhart’s Thought |
| title_short | Rūmī’s Asceticism Explored: A Comparative Glimpse into Meister Eckhart’s Thought |
| title_sort | rumi s asceticism explored a comparative glimpse into meister eckhart s thought |
| topic | comparative theology Rūmī Eckhart mysticism sufism asceticism |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/14/10/1254 |
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