 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
Preview first page |
Document Details : Title: The Influence of the Visio on Hildegard of Bingen's Contemplative Path Author(s): BOUWMAN, Kitty Journal: Studies in Spirituality Volume: 33 Date: 2024 Pages: 137-161 DOI: 10.2143/SIS.33.0.3293660 Abstract : In the monastic life of Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), visions play an important role. Hildegard’s visions take shape in the teaching of the female Wisdom including the personified Claritas (the bright light), in the acting of caritas, and in the mystical vision that God had created in her soul. The visionary experience enables Hildegard to transcend her religiously and culturally inferior status (gender). Her visions receive recognition by the Benedictine Volmar, the Cistercian Bernard of Clairvaux and Pope Eugenius III. The inner affirmation of her visions through the mystical inspiration in her soul restores Hildegard’s dignity as woman in relation to God. As indocta, she surpasses the dominance of the male clergy who rely on scientific knowledge, while she acquires visionary knowledge in her soul. Hildegard’s visions influence her monastic environment, bringing changes to the contemplative practice of monks. |
|
