Life Witness of Fr. Jules Monchanin
(Reposted by Permission from Fr. Dorathick, Newsletter 81 from Newsletter for Shantivanam Oblates and Friends)
Fr. Jules Monchanin was a mystic and visionary who dedicated his life to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and a pioneer in the promotion of interreligious dialogue. His profound experiences and teachings continue to inspire people around the world, especially at the Shantivanam ashram he co-founded, Saccidananda ashram Shantivanam.
Fr. Jules Monchanin's journey toward mysticism began at a young age, when he felt a deep calling to seek God in all aspects of life. Through prayer, meditation, and contemplation, he encountered profound mystical experiences that shaped his spiritual beliefs and practices. People often say that his encounters with the divine were transformative, leading him to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of living a life of compassion and love.
As a visionary, Fr. Jules Monchanin sought to bridge the gap between different religious traditions and promote harmony and understanding among people of all faiths. He believed that true spirituality transcends any one religion and that the ultimate goal of humanity is to realize the unity of all creation. His teachings emphasized the importance of tolerance, respect, and compassion toward others, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
The life witness of Fr. Jules Monchanin serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of mysticism, vision, and interfaith dialogue. His legacy continues to inspire spiritual seekers from all walks of life to embrace unity, peace, and compassion in their own spiritual journeys.
Through his teachings and the community of Shantivanam, Fr. Jules Monchanin's presence resonates as a timeless reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings and the universal quest for spiritual truth.
"The attitude of a human soul should respond to these divinely revealed truths. It has to acknowledge it's own "nothingness" (before God) -- "Thou art He who is; I am she who is not (S.Catherine of Sienna) -- and humbly expect from Him everything in the natural and the supernatural order."
"The true Indian sannyasi is a man who had some intuition into the divine Transcendence and consequently devotes his life to it's pursuit; and the normal attitude of whose soul is an unswerving attention to God, the Absolute One; this is symbolised in the mysterious sound (AUM), the object of his constant meditation."
extracts from: Swami Parama Arubi Anandam- A Memorial p. 26 & p.130
"Today, we will all need to put forth serious effort to heal the world and transform our hearts. To heal the world implies that we will begin to treat one another with respect and tolerance rather than prejudice, suspicion, and hostility. We shall have to teach our children and ourselves to love the diversity of humanity."
Fr. Dorathick
Fr. Jules Monchanin- 67th Anniversary Mahasamadhi- 10 October 2024
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