Religio cordis: um estudo comparativo sobre a concepção de coração em Ibn ‘Arabī e João da Cruz

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to establish a comparison between the concept of heart found in the writings of Ibn ‘Arabī of Múrcia (1165-1240) and John of the Cross (1542-1591). To articulate this, the thesis is divided into three parts; the first section centres on Ibn ‘Arabī thoughts about God, the cosmos in its dynamism, the human being and the process of his spiritual ascension towards annihilation and subisisntence in the Real. The second part focuses on the thoughts of John of the Cross. It also tries to describe his conception of God, nature and the human being, as well as the spiritual process with his Nights ( Noites ) and of his climax in the Unio Mystica . The third part, however, is the core element of this thesis and it raises the question specifically of how these two mystical men understand the heart and its role through the spiritual journey. Thus, texts from both writers have been examed and they show that the heart is conceived as the centre of a person and of the mystical experience. At the same time, it is formed in a dynamic and fluid manner, capable of assuming many forms in the process of embracing the Real due to the fact that it was polished and thus becoming a mirror for excellence of the divine manifestations. Centred in the hearty event ( cordial evento ) Ibn ‘Arabī and John of the Cross's work will help to develop a Cardio Gnosis and, at the same time, a Religio Cordis . What stands out is the similarity with which both writers address this subject and the singularity of John of the Cross's writings which work with some conceptions that are almost exclusive to Muslin mysticism.