Macaire l’Indien

This article examines the question of integrating the Hindu mystical tradition within Christianity. Drawing on theological reflection of a missiological character, it develops the thesis that Hinduism, far from being a rival or equivalent of Christianity, constitutes a providential preparation for the revelation of Christ. The author analyzes the great spiritual traditions of India — the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad-Gita, and the systems of Shankara and Ramanuja — as imperfect yet authentic expressions of a mystical experience ordered toward Christ, in the manner in which Platonism was "baptized" by the Church Fathers. The theological contribution lies in the distinction between the Hindu metaphysical synthesis, which is unacceptable to the Christian, and its contemplative impulse, which is capable of enriching the Church, particularly through the intermediary of monks of Indian origin called upon to bring about this synthesis.