Abstract
Raimon Panikkar was a polymath and indisputably a versatile theologian, philosopher and creative thinker of our times. His work spanned several subject areas similar to his multi-religious identities. As the inside cover suggests, this book is indeed a timely contribution that opens up the complex and multifaceted thought of Panikkar to a general reader.
This edited volume is neatly divided into two sections. One explores Panikkar the person, and the other delves deeply into Panikkar’s thought. Both sections are ably elucidated by a group of wonderful scholars, who have spent considerable time grasping the ungraspable mind of Panikkar. In the first section, Milena Pavan who accompanied Panikkar in his later part of intellectual journey provides a personal account. Following which there are four excellent chapters that surveys Panikkar as a Christian thinker and theologian, who spent a lifetime authentically exploring different schools of thought within Hinduism and Buddhism. These chapters capture Panikkar’s adventure that offers valuable pathways in understanding his intercultural, intra- and inter-religious dialogue. The second section appropriately analyses the philosophical and theological themes that has contributed immensely to the wider discussions on the nature of God, Being and universe.
In general, this volume helpfully touches upon some of the central themes that come up throughout Panikkar’s writings. The concept of Cosmotheandric captures the complex relationship and intrinsic interdependence between God, human and universe that cannot be reduced to any one of them. This notion is central to Panikkar’s worldview that shaped much of his theology. Many of the chapters in this volume rightly use this foundational idea to explicate various dimensions of Panikkar’s thought. Similarly Panikkar is well known for Christophany, an idea that builds on Christology, which is more reflective and critical. Panikkar develops the idea of Christophany as a meditative and assimilative practice that leads to the awareness of Christ in every being, a critical component of his theology.
Plurality and identity also shapes much of Panikkar’s ontology. Several chapters in this volume articulate this fundamental principle. According to one author in this volume, ‘pluralism is neither an undifferentiated embrace of each and every difference nor a splitting–up of all beings into diverse and unrelated things. Rather pluralism asserts that each of us needs others to be oneself because others are integral part of oneself’ (p. 129). Panikkar emphasises this relational ontology, which makes pluralism an intrinsic factor in our identity and being. Because, for Panikkar this ontological perspective is crucial to overcome the individuality and isolation that has become hallmark of our modern way of life and obstructions that divides us from each other, from the cosmos and from God. It is commendable that this volume clearly lifts Panikkar’s invitation ‘to acknowledge our limits, to embrace our non-dual interconnectedness with the divine presence, the cosmos and all humanity, and there by realise non-duality’ (p. 149).
Finally Panikkar contributed significantly to the development of Intercultural Theology. Panikkar’s intention is to develop a ‘metaconfessional’ theology that offers a universal perspective through myths and symbols, enabling each religion to dwell deep into its own mystery, thereby bringing it closer to other religions. This theological methodology drawn from his deep understanding of several religions was a culmination of authentic exploration. As several chapters in this volume present that his Intercultural Theology is a natural expression of his other key precepts.
As a bonus, this volume has a perceptive forward by Rowan Williams and an epilogue by Francis X. Clooney. Most importantly, given the difficult nature of Panikkar’s use of language, this volume has wisely provided a glossary of Panikkarian terms. With renewed interest in Panikkar’s work and its relevance for our times, this volume is an essential companion in making his work accessible and stimulating to a wide audience.