MYSTICAL ASPIRATIONS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN CHRISTIAN-DAOIST INTERFAITH DIALOGUE

Abstract

The Daoist classics are convinced that mysticism is a necessary condition for a productive life. At first glance, this may seem a paradox. Daoist sages do not seek effectiveness, external results or success but rather, unity with Dao. Their fundamental and most important purpose is one – to live by the principles of Dao. In fact the Daoist classics are sure that authentic mysticism cannot remain fruitless. Isn’t Daoism overly naive by accenting a leader’s virtuousness and interior, mystical life? Can such a viewpoint be seriously assessed today, when the major roles in ruling democratic countries are played out by laws and transparently operating national institutions? The philosophy of Daoism does not deny the significance of laws but merely emphasizes that a virtuous governmental official is no less necessary to the successful evolvement of a country than is a good base of laws. This paper analyzes the essential parameters of mysticism in Daoism and their relationship with social life. The Christian view on Daoist mysticism assists in highlighting the special valuable elements of this teaching and their meanings in the sphere of public life.