The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1392 page)

(1904–84).
Christian theologian of central importance in the development of
transcendental Thomism
(see
NEOTHOMISM
) into new and daring territory. Born in Canada, he became a
Jesuit
in 1922. He was ordained priest in 1936, and taught in both Canada and Rome. His major work is
Insight: A Study of Human Understanding
(1957), a detailed study of the conditions and levels of human understanding. Nothing could be more erroneous than the positivist assumption that ‘knowing consists in simply taking a look’. In contrast, he argues that ‘Insight’ is
in
-sight, seeing into the observed object to discern it in various ways. There is thus created a relation between ‘intelligent grasp and reasonable affirmation’, which constantly pulls the intelligent mind to the realm of transcendent being. His approach was elaborated in
Method in Theology
(1972).

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

see
KLONGCHEN RAB-’BYAMS-PA
.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

Longmen/Dragon Gate Caves
or Lungmen
.

Large complex of caves occupied by Buddhists and containing, or supporting, carvings, and wall-paintings. There are about 1,300 caves, innumerable niches and a number of
pagodas
. The caves are 9 miles south of Luoyang (cf.
Pai-ma-ssu
) in Honan province. The earliest carvings are from the end of the 5th cent. and the latest from the 8th cent. Unusual is the Medical Prescription Cave, which has inscriptions offering remedies for a variety of illnesses. Along with the caves at
Tun-huang
and
Yun-kang
, they are the most revered in China.

 
Back
  -  
 
New Search

(15th cent.).
Jain reformer and influence on the Sth
nakv
si
Gaccha
(sect). Being convinced that the Jain scriptures (see
A
GA
) gave no warrant for image worship, he set out on a path of rigorous reform, emphasizing personal asceticism. The term Sth
nakv
si means ‘those who reside in preaching halls’, emphasizing their avoidance of temples and images. Although few in number, they remain a part of Jain life to the present.