Paper: Mystics as Genius: Hildegard of Bingen and Mirabai
of Merta
Abstract
Hildegard
and Mira are recognized in fields generally unfrequented by women. The former found a mention in the Patrologia Latina and the latter in Bhakatamal of Nabhadas along with other
luminaries of their respective traditions.
This paper is an enquiry into the mystical genius of these women: how
they moved beyond the beaten path of followership carved out by society and
religion to become luminous leaders and reclaimed acceptance and authority. As is to be expected, both faced oppositions:
Poison was sent to Mirabai while Hildegard and her community were
excommunicated for a while. They survive and stand firm in their faith and
devotion and continue on the path of liberation. Mira composed and sang bhajans
in praise of and in search of Giridhar. Hildegard composed liturgical hymns and
at least one morality play. Both
travelled around communicating their religious experiences with others. The
paper explores and interprets their lives and the liberative paths they chose,
showing their relevance for our times. The
attitudes of their contemporaries or commentators are also investigated. Both
are presented as archetypes of female mysticism and prototypes giving voices to
women’s religious experiences and emancipation. Mirabai’s bhajans and
Hildegard’s writings are explored to understand and uphold their efforts so
that their life and works can inspire empowerment and leadership in today’s
church and society. Their legacy lives
on. This is an effort to honour their unique genius.
Sr. Rashmi Manavalan SSpS, a PhD student at Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, holds a Masters in Theology from DVK. She has been teaching Feminist Theology, Feminist Philosophy and Feminist Spirituality at various institutes for ten years.
