Celebration of christmas as a symphony of interfaith in ?tm?nut?pam of St Chavara
Brahmac?rinis; Brahman?than; Dhy?nasall?pangal; Inculturation; Kaliyugam; P?j?-dravyas; RSIS; Sany?s?nur?panam; Sravanam; S?nti; Tiru-vedam; Veda-n?dhn; ?tm?nut?pam
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 ?tm?nut?pam, specifically focusing on how the incarnation of Christ is presented and celebrated with an open and inclusive approach. In ?tm?nut?pam, while explaining the episode of the Infancy Narrative, St Chavara addresses Child Jesus with the significant Indian name, Brahman?than, and Jesus is being worshipped by Brahmac?rinis with unique Indian offerings. The addition of an Indian character called S?nti 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. 2017 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies.
Journal of Dharma, Vol-42, No. 4, pp. 475-489.
Parecattil J., Sanskrit and Indian Philosophy, Christ University, India