ابوالفضل محمودی Articles List

Open Access Article

1 - The hermeneutic method of Tirumular (prominent Hindu saint) in the interpretation of Puranic myths based on the Thirumanthiram
ابوالفضل Mahmoudi Fatemeh Lajevardi Peyman Samimi

10.30495/jrs.2023.72757.10831

One of the distinctive features of Hindu ancient texts is the presentation of many teachings and beliefs in the form of symbolic and mythological stories. In many cases, due to the passage of time, the meanings and main content of these myths have been forgotten and mor More

One of the distinctive features of Hindu ancient texts is the presentation of many teachings and beliefs in the form of symbolic and mythological stories. In many cases, due to the passage of time, the meanings and main content of these myths have been forgotten and more attention has been paid to their appearance. In the face of these verbal and superficial perceptions, some experts, philosophers and Hindu mystics have reinterpreted these myths. Although these explanations and interpretations have been made with different approaches, they all try to provide a semantic and sometimes rational understanding of ancient stories and myths. The great Hindu mystic and philosopher Tirumular is one of these people. He had many important influences on the intellectual currents after him, especially the Śaivism traditions. Considering the importance of this influence, this article has tried to examine this saint’s life and the content of his important work the Tirumantiram, and then by selecting some stories and myths which included in this text, examine his hermeneutic approach in the interpretations of Puranic myths. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

2 - Mystical Stations and States in the Quotes from Imam Ali in Sufi Literature from the Beginning up to the 11th Century
zahra ebrahimi ابوالفضل Mahmoudi

20.1001.1.20080476.1398.13.25.1.5

Sufism has designated the stages and processes involved in the levels of the sufist’s progression under the rubric of Station. In the light of the revered place that Imam Ali (PBUH) holds in Islam, leading texts on Sufism quote the Imam frequently touching these s More

Sufism has designated the stages and processes involved in the levels of the sufist’s progression under the rubric of Station. In the light of the revered place that Imam Ali (PBUH) holds in Islam, leading texts on Sufism quote the Imam frequently touching these stages and levels. Sufists have rightly recognized that some of Imam’s revered remarks are open to a mystic interpretation. Mystics have had access to Imam’s legacy of quotes and remarks through either official sources of quotes or the traditional orally handed ones. The latter source has especially fed into certain meanings and lines that have no precedent even in Shiite sources and texts; it is a remarkable source to get to know the revered Holy Imam. Statistically speaking, the legacy of Imam’s quotes and remarks in all of its coverage of concepts and meanings has provided the one dependable source of reference for concepts to do with Stations and most expressions concerning States. Nevertheless, in view of the sheer number of schools of thought developed in Sufism, the book Al-luma’ fi al-tasawwuf will act as the mainstay and frame of reference in this study. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

3 - Jonathan Z. Smith: A Reflection on the Meaning and Concept of Comparison in the Study of Religions
Mohsen Ovaisy Mahdi Lakzaei Abolfazl Mahmoudi

10.30495/jrs.2022.20783

Jonathan Zittell Smith is one of the most important critics of Mircea Eliade's approach to comparative religious studies, who has written works in fields such as "comparative methodology", "Classification of Religions" and religion in the contemporary world. One-sided f More

Jonathan Zittell Smith is one of the most important critics of Mircea Eliade's approach to comparative religious studies, who has written works in fields such as "comparative methodology", "Classification of Religions" and religion in the contemporary world. One-sided focus on similarity and homogenization and the discovery of similar patterns in the comparative studies of religions was the dominant method in religious studies, which was expressed by Eliade. In fact, the most important criticism of Eliade's approach is absence of serious attention to historical details, cultural and social contexts, and economic and political elements. Zittell Smith accused Eliade's comparative method to "Colonizing" the subject of research and believed that comparison does not only indicate to common and similar factors. He sought to present a comparative model that includes both differences and similarities. He reviews the main methods of comparison including (ethnological, encyclopedic, morphological, evolutionary and comprehensive comparison of religious patterns) and finally chooses the "morphological-structural" approach with emphasis on historical and anthropological components. He considers it a more correct comparative method than other methods. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

4 - Imām ʻAli in Sufi Literature (With an Emphasis on the Sufi Texts up to the 12 C.E.)
زهرا Ebrahimi ابوالفضل Mahmoudi

20.1001.1.20080476.1395.10.1.1.6

In Sufi literature there are important materials on Imam Ali's life and teachings so one can consider Sufi literature as a proper source for knowing him. With an emphasis on four important aspects this essay tries to describe the place of Imam Ali in the Sufi texts. The More

In Sufi literature there are important materials on Imam Ali's life and teachings so one can consider Sufi literature as a proper source for knowing him. With an emphasis on four important aspects this essay tries to describe the place of Imam Ali in the Sufi texts. These four aspects are as follows: 1) the description of Imam Ali’s character according to traditions used by Sufis, 2) the relationship of Imam Ali with the other Caliphs, 3) miracles that ascribe to him, 4) Sufis' experiences of meeting Imam on dreams. It should be noted that all the above-mentioned aspects are based on the Sufi texts up to the twelve century C.E. The essay leads to the conclusion that Sufis’ perception and understanding of the Imam’s status is to a large extent close to Shi'ite understanding of Imam Ali, and it is on this ground that one can increasingly emphasize the closeness of Sufism and Shi'ism. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

5 - Meditation (Dhyana) in Mahayana Buddhism based on Śūrańgama Sūtra
Sepideh Afrashteh Aboulfazl Mahmoudi

20.1001.1.20080476.1400.15.1.2.2

In most mystical traditons, an important part of spiritual journey is meditation, known as Dhyana in Buddhism. Dhyana is a practice for concentrating mind so the observer detaches from distractions. In Buddhism, Dhyana is the ground of Samadhi and it is the most basic m More

In most mystical traditons, an important part of spiritual journey is meditation, known as Dhyana in Buddhism. Dhyana is a practice for concentrating mind so the observer detaches from distractions. In Buddhism, Dhyana is the ground of Samadhi and it is the most basic method for purifying the mind and preparing it for attaining illumination and nirvana. All Buddhist sects are convinced that this is the foundation of their rituals. It is believed that the corner stone of Buddhism is direct experience of the Ultimate Reality, rather than textual or philosophical studies; and this experience is not achieved except with Dhyana. In this way Śūrańgama sūtra is one of the most important sūtras which describes different methods and teachings of meditation, for all various Buddhist schools. The main purpose of this article is to explain the quiddity, importance, basics, aims and methods of Dhyana in the Mahayana Buddhism based on Śūrańgama sūtra. We try to answer these questions with the analytical method based on the materials presented in the text, as well as reviewing various findings of other researchers of the Mahayana school. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

6 - The Nature and Degree of Bhakti in Chaitanya's Thought
Mahdie Aminzadeh Gohari Aboulfazl Mahmoudi

20.1001.1.20080476.1400.15.1.4.4

Chaitanya (1585-1485) is one of the prominent figures of the Vaishnavite Hinduism. Some of the believers consider him the embodiment of Krishna. Bhakti is the path of love and devotion, and according to the followers of this path, only through Bhakti one can achieve the More

Chaitanya (1585-1485) is one of the prominent figures of the Vaishnavite Hinduism. Some of the believers consider him the embodiment of Krishna. Bhakti is the path of love and devotion, and according to the followers of this path, only through Bhakti one can achieve the knowledge of God. From Chaitanya's point of view, love is divided into five categories: Shanta Rati (quiet and gentle love), Dasia Rati (love based on service), Sakia Rati (respectful love), Vatsalia Rati (fatherly and motherly love), and Madhuria Rati (marital love).   In this article, an attempt has been made to answer the question of what is the nature of this love and what is the method of reaching the highest degrees of Bhakti from the perspective of Chaitanya? Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

7 - A Glance at the Concept of the Guru in Hindu Mysticism from the Ŝankara's Point of View
Maryam Bagherzadeh Fatemeh Lajevardi ابوالفضل Mahmoudi

20.1001.1.20080476.1398.13.26.4.0

The Guru in Hindu mysticism is a master who has traversed the spiritual stages, has struggled through its difficult levels and attained the highest level of spiritual insight, namely, the mokśa. In Hindu monastic orders, the Guru is the incarnation of God, tradition, te More

The Guru in Hindu mysticism is a master who has traversed the spiritual stages, has struggled through its difficult levels and attained the highest level of spiritual insight, namely, the mokśa. In Hindu monastic orders, the Guru is the incarnation of God, tradition, teachings, the path and the mediator of the divine grace that gives birth to the tradition. He is the source of the new spiritual life, the center of holiness, and the mediator of the seeker with supreme power. Accordingly, his role is significant in the education of the disciples, and being obedient to him is obligatory. He can take the guidance of someone who intends to follow the path, pass him through difficult journey, until he reaches to ultimate truth. Therefore, it is important to examine the role of Guru in order to explain the mystical journey in these traditions. In this study, the concept of Guru has been surveyed in Hindu texts especially from the Ŝankara's point of view. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

8 - Feminine Aspects in Tantrism
ابوالفضل محمودی مزدک توسلی

20.1001.1.20080476.1390.5.1.7.7

Tantra is one of the ancient cults that has influenced Indian religionssuch as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Feminine aspect is one ofthe most important characteristics of Tantrism which, for example, ispresented in the goddess Śakti and her manifestations such as Kāl More

Tantra is one of the ancient cults that has influenced Indian religionssuch as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Feminine aspect is one ofthe most important characteristics of Tantrism which, for example, ispresented in the goddess Śakti and her manifestations such as Kālī. Inthis respect one can allude to feminine aspects in Tantric doctrinesabout cosmology, theology and anthropology (mystic body and thesubjects related to it, such as Cakra and Kundalinī) and Tantric ritualssuch as sexual intercourse (Maithuna) and sacrifice (Yajña) which havebeen explained in some scriptures like Tantras and Kāmasūtra. Lack ofacademic studies on doctrines of Tantra and the role of feminineaspects in this cult, on the one hand, and enthusiasm of learning aboutmystical and esoteric doctrines of Tantrism which could lead tomisunderstanding, on the other, can explain the necessity of studyingTantrism. Therefore, this article tries to survey the doctrines ofTantrism and the role of feminine aspects in this cult. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

9 - The Teachings of Bodhisattva and Imam in Mahayana Buddhism and Twelver Shi'ism
elahe safari daree Abolfazl Mahmoudi

10.30495/jrs.2022.19943

The concept of the ideal human being is an important concept in all religions, especially, in Mahayana Buddhism and Twelver Shi'ism. The Mahayana ideal human is “Bodhisattva” who begins his path of enlightenment with the awakening of “Bodhicitta” More

The concept of the ideal human being is an important concept in all religions, especially, in Mahayana Buddhism and Twelver Shi'ism. The Mahayana ideal human is “Bodhisattva” who begins his path of enlightenment with the awakening of “Bodhicitta” and steps on the path of spiritual journey with a covenant and oath for liberating himself as well as all intelligent beings. After passing mystical states or Bhumis, he removes the veils and obstacles and, in each state, acquires the perfection (Paramita) corresponding to that state. In the last state, Bodhisattva can join the ultimate liberation, “Nirvana”, however due to his infinite kindness and compassion, “Karuna”, refuses to enter it and remains in the circle of reincarnation, “Samsara”, to help other beings. The most perfect examples of the ideal human being in Shi’ism are the Prophet and the infallible Imams, who have a special and great position in Shi’ism. According to the Shi’ite tradition, the Imams are the mirrors of the truth, the mediators of heaven, the Caliphs of Allah on earth and adorned with all human virtues. They can lead human beings to true perfection and divine knowledge. Despite the differences of Buddhist and Shi’ite traditions, beliefs in Bodhisattva and Imam have significant similarities in features and functions that make their comparison meaningful. Infallibility, infinite knowledge, miraculous powers, developmental and canonical role in guidance, and being the sources for the appeals of the people are among these similarities. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

10 - The Characteristics of Divine Love from the Viewpoint of St. John of the Cross
ابوالفضل محمودی لیلا رضایی

20.1001.1.20080476.1387.2.2.7.8

Divine love is the cornerstone of John's mystical life. His heart wassurrounded by the flame of love, so much so that every teaching in hismind was strongly connected to it. He believed that by transformationof soul into the divine love, it achieves all virtues and coul More

Divine love is the cornerstone of John's mystical life. His heart wassurrounded by the flame of love, so much so that every teaching in hismind was strongly connected to it. He believed that by transformationof soul into the divine love, it achieves all virtues and could be able toreceive God's epiphanies. On the other hand, the spiritual itinerarycould not come to an end without love. Thus love is both the way andthe goal of the mystical journey. For John, love is the bearer of blissand knowledge and brings about the unity of the lover and the beloved.He emphasized the annihilation of oneself in Christ, so that the truelover for him is one who abandons his will to the Lord. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

11 - Nirvana in Hinayana and Mahayana
یحیی Nosrati ابوالفضل Mahmoudi

20.1001.1.20080476.1394.9.1.7.5

The ultimate goal of religiosity and mystical discipleship in Buddhism is rescue from suffering and the circle of rebirth. Nirvana is the main common teaching among Buddhist schools and explains that goal. There are different approaches to interpret the meaning of Nirvā More

The ultimate goal of religiosity and mystical discipleship in Buddhism is rescue from suffering and the circle of rebirth. Nirvana is the main common teaching among Buddhist schools and explains that goal. There are different approaches to interpret the meaning of Nirvāna. The most important approaches are the positive, negative and paradoxical ones. Although this doctrine is accepted in both Hinayāna and Mahayāna, each of them has its own specific interpretations about the doctrine. It can be said that the meaning of the concept of Nirvāna in Mahāyāna has been widely expanded than its meaning in Hinayāna. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

12 - Love in the New Testament
ملیحه Shirkhodaei ابوالفضل Mahmoudi Tahereh Hajebrahimi

20.1001.1.20080476.1398.13.26.8.4

In the Christian tradition, especially in the New Testament, Jesus is the source of salvation and the example of love. Jesus' love to human led him to accept to be a sacrifice and he scarified himself like a lamb in the Passover so that the human beings would free from More

In the Christian tradition, especially in the New Testament, Jesus is the source of salvation and the example of love. Jesus' love to human led him to accept to be a sacrifice and he scarified himself like a lamb in the Passover so that the human beings would free from sins. Union with Christ is the only way to enjoy this love. A person seeking liberation must become Christ-like, act like him in order to be saved. For union with God, one should follows the Golden Laws of the Gospels, i.e., love for God, love for the neighbor, and kindness and even love for the enemy. In this way, man will be promoted and his sins burn in love. He begets the Christ and Jesus will be born in him. At this time, the son of man works in him. Jesus sees with his eyes, listens from his ear and acts with his hands. In this essay, we try to focus on the conception of love in the New Testament. Manuscript profile

Open Access Article

13 - Mokśa from the Viewpoint of Vaiśnava Bhaktī School (from Rāmānuja to Nānak)
A. Mahmoodī S. Towliatī

20.1001.1.20080476.1386.1.1.7.9

Eternal deliverance and salvation has been searched and undergonevarious expressions by human beings during the different ages of history. InHinduism, According to doctrine of rebirth and karma, this goal is identicalwith mok&scaron;a or liberation from cycle of samsāra More

Eternal deliverance and salvation has been searched and undergonevarious expressions by human beings during the different ages of history. InHinduism, According to doctrine of rebirth and karma, this goal is identicalwith mok&scaron;a or liberation from cycle of samsāra and karma; by which spiritcan reach ultimate unity with Brahman and experience the eternal life anddeliverance. Bhakti thinkers have expressed different interpretations ofacquiring mokśa and quality of this station by relying on teachings of theBhagavadgitā- one of the sacred Hindu books.We intend to introduce mokśa, its various kinds, and opinions of somedominant thinkers of Bhaktī School such as Rāmānuja, Nimbārka, Madhva,Vallabha, Kabīr and Nānak. Manuscript profile

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List of Articles ابوالفضل محمودی