O encontro de dois oceanos: a Ordem Sufi Chishti na Índia e o diálogo com as tradições do hinduísmo

Abstract

The present thesis, developed from a comparative mysticism perspective, analyzes some historical, doctrinal and practical elements, which provide and favors the inter-religious and inter-civilizational dialogue between the Sufism of the Chishti Order in India and Hindu traditions. The research discusses the initial presence of Islam in India and the importance of Persian Sufism to the dialogue with Hinduism. It seeks to indicate some communicative initiatives taken by the first Sufi chishtis established in the Indian subcontinent who contributed to this process of interaction. The research also addresses philosophico-theological issues of the Chishti Order and its spiritual practices that serve as references for approximation between the two traditions highlighting the importance of popular religiosity in the form of music (qaw-wali) and sacred spaces (dargahs) revealing the pluralism of the Indian religious framework. The thesis points to a non-western model of inter-religious dialogue experienced through these encounters between the two major religious in India. On the one hand, this spiritual exchange between Hindus and Muslims is enriched by the Islamic mysticism, or Sufism, on the other hand by the Upanisadic tradition. A common feature to both traditions is their dialogic openness and commitment to human dignity.