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THEO-126 Sufism and Comparative Mysticism
Fall only
This course is designed to introduce students to the rich corpus of Sufism and Islamic mystical literature from a comparative perspective. The course focuses on the definition and development of mysticism in the Islamic context, the specificity, goals and means of Sufism, its relationship with the Qur’ân, the other ways of knowledge in Islam (rational theology, philosophy, Shî’ite Irfân), the Sharî’ah, and non-Muslim influences on the development of Islamic spirituality. We will examine the dual dimension of Sufism as mystical path of love and discipline of metaphysical discernment and intellectual speculation. This description is both historical and thematic and stresses the diversity of Sufi doctrines and practices: asceticism, devotional love, the spiritual transmutation of human love and natural beauty, theosophic speculation, spiritual methods, concept of the spiritual master, poetry etc… Our third goal will be to “engage” key-texts and figures of Islamic mysticism in a “dialogue” with major representatives of other mystical traditions, such as Hindu Advaita Vedânta, Jewish Kabbalah, Taoism, Buddhism and Christian mysticism. This will lead us to situate Sufism within the context of its aspiration to universality through the power of love and the metaphysical doctrine of Unity, while exploring its affinities with other faiths, doctrines and practices.
Credits: 3.00
Prerequisites: None
Course syllabi
The following syllabi may help you learn more about this course (login required):
Fall '09:
Laude
(description, file download)
Additional syllabi may be available in prior academic years.
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More information
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