Mystical Negative Ethics According to Teresa of Avila and Rūmī

Subject Areas : Christianity

بخشعلی قنبری ¹ (ندارد)

Received: 2009-12-09 Accepted : 2010-02-16 Published : 2009-09-23

Keywords: mystical negative ethics, eremitism, modesty, Teresa of Avila, Jalāl aldīn&#x0D, &#x0D, Rūmī,

Abstract :

The mystical negative ethics differs from negative ethics in general,because the mystical ethics has been adjusted to attain mystical statesnot merely living a moral life. Although mystics of different traditionsfollow different ethical codes, there are many similarities among them.Moreover, these mystics in accordance with their mystical traditionspursue special kinds of negative ethics. Among these mystics Teresa ofAvila and Jalāl al-dīn Rūmī are good examples. Although they lived indifferent times and places, there are considerable similarities in theirviews, especially in the field of negative mystical ethics. From theirviewpoint two important elements are necessary for beginning themystical journey: not to be despaired and renouncing the social life(eremitism). Other ethical concepts were also important to them, whichthis essay, by employing comparative method, tries to deal with them.