‘Abhishiktananda Centenary Symposium’ in Australian Electronic Journal of Theology. 18 (2011) 249-258.

Abhishiktananda Centenary Symposium

– a report

John R. Dupuche

Abstract: Abhishiktananda (Henri Le Saux osb) (1910-1973) is one of the pioneers in interreligious dialogue. Together with his mentor, Fr. Jules Monchanin, he founded an ashram at Shantivanam in Tamil Nadu. After some years he went to live the life of a hermit in the Himalayas. His life-style, books and diaries are now the subject of considerable interest.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution, symposia were held around the world in the centenary year of his birth. The first, at Saccidananda Ashram (Shantivanam) in Tamil Nadu, was particularly valuable as it provided information which is not otherwise accessible about the circumstances of Abhishiktananda life and the present situation of interreligious dialogue in India.

Key Words: Abhishiktananda; Henri Le Saux; interreligious-dialogue; Shantivanam; Bede Griffiths; Marc Chaduc;