Saccidananda, originally published in French in 1965, was extensively revised by Swami Abhishiktananda for the English edition of 1973. Although it does not represent his ultimate vision after his spiritual Awakening, the theological perspectives it presents nevertheless mark an important stage in the development of his insights into the meeting of Advaita and the Trinity. It was a sincere but arduous attempt at a theological integration of his Hindu experience and his Christian faith: the meeting of these two great spiritual worlds has too often been controversial or merely intellectual.

Contents

Foreword
Introduction
Author’s Preface
Editor’s Note
List of Abbreviations
Preamble: Beyond All Names

Part One: The Vedantic Experience

Chapter 1: Death Transcended
Chapter 2: The Inward Quest
Chapter 3: The Advaitic Dilemma
Chapter 4: The Cosmic Covenant and the Incarnation
Chapter 5: Vedantic Experience and Christian Faith

Part Two: The Trinitarian Experience

Chapter 6: Abba, Father
Chapter 7: Awakening in the Spirit
Chapter 8: Divine Sonship
Chapter 9: The Infinite Love of the Father
Chapter 10: The Return of the Cosmos
Chapter 11: Love and Communion
Chapter 12: The Work of the Jñani

Part Three: Saccidananda

Chapter 13: The Image of God
Chapter 14: At the Heart of the Trinity
Chapter 15: The Bliss of the Spirit
Chapter 16: An Act of Faith

Appendix: Poems by Shri Ramana Maharshi
Glossary of Sanskrit Words
Selected Bibliography
Biographical Note

Swami Abhishiktananda (Henri Le Saux, 1910 - 1973) was one of the most fascinating spiritual figures of the 20th century and a bridge-builder between East and West. Born in France in 1910, he entered the Benedictine Monastery of Kergonan in South Brittany, and after nineteen years as a contemplative in the monastic tradition, he received permission from his abbot in 1948 to go to India. Two years later, he co-founded the Shantivanam ashram on the banks of the Kaveri river in Tamil Nadu where he immersed himself in traditional indian philosophy and spirituality.

In 1959, he started travelling to the Himalayas and felt more and more attracted, such that in 1968 he settled for good in his hermitage on the banks of Ganges, near Uttarkashi. In July 1973 he suffered a heart attack on the road in Rishikesh. This brought him to his final spiritual Awakening .

Swami Abhishiktananda took his last breath on December 7, 1973 at Indore, but his life and message continue to inspire many who seek the Truth and try to live an authentic spirituality beyond religious barriers.