Abstract
Discussions on saints normally focus on the nature and meaning of sainthood. While apostels, church fathers, martyrs and people of outstanding dedication are considered as saints in Christian tradition, the Vedic sages and gurus are taken as counterparts in the Hindu religious tradition. But mostly significance is attached to their individual worth, charisma and exemplary life. However, the communion of saints is a significant phenomenon in the New Testament and its resemblance seems to lie more in the wandering saints of the regional bhakti traditions of Hinduism (C-500-700 CE) than in the Vedic sages and gurus. Particularly the theological significance attached to the communion of saints in the Tamil Saiva scriptures is remarkable. Although the canonical leaders or teachers of Saivism (nayanars) are well acknowledged for their devotional experience and their contribution to Saiva Siddhanta, the theological significance of the communion of saints remains an undeveloped theme.
Recommended Citation
Gangadaran, S. and Selvanayagam, Israel
(1992)
"The Communion of Saints: Christian and Tamil Saiva Perspectives,"
Journal of Hindu-Christian Studies:
Vol. 5, Article 4.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.7825/2164-6279.1057