Swami Abhishiktananda and the Possibility of Christian "Sannyāsa"

Abstract

The article looks at the possibility of Christian sannyāsa from two sources: the life and writings of Henri Le Saux (Swami Abhishiktananda, 1910–1973) and conversations and interviews with Indian Christian practitioners conducted over the past decade. It begins with a summary of the understanding and meaning of sannyāsa within its Indian context before analysing the life and teachings of Swami Abhishiktananda. It concludes with a critique of his position from the contemporary standpoint before essaying the possibilities of this form of life within the Christian context.