Catholicism (West, 15th century AD) Ode Ramakrishna
The Evolution of Christianity: From Isabella and Ferdinand to Global Faith
In this movement of the Ode to Sri Ramakrishna, we explore the pivotal era of the 15th century. As the West expanded its horizons through the voyages of Isabella and Ferdinand, Christianity became a global phenomenon. This chapter of the Ode reflects on the complex merging of worlds—where ancient American deities like Quetzalcoatl faded as the Catholic faith took root. It emphasizes the birth of free will as a triumphant principle and the early humanitarian efforts seen in the Laws of the Indies.
Chorus & Yoga Ballet
Freewill, Amen, OM,
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,
Ahimsa.
Black Eve (mother of humanity)
In the West, Christianity evolved.
With Isabella and Ferdinand,
America joined the West,
Viracocha and Quetzalcoatl disappeared,
Catholicism became globalized,
free will triumphed,
the Law of the Indies was born
Anonymous Prophet
And Saint Teresa said:
“And without love everything is nothing”
And Baruch Spinoza said:
“God is an absolutely infinite being,
a substance consisting of infinite attributes,
each of which expresses,
an eternal and infinite essence”
Chorus & Yoga Ballet
OM. Amen, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,
Ahimsa.
The Philosophical-Spiritual Pillars of the 15th Century.
The 15th-century expansion is portrayed as a dual journey: a physical globalization of faith and an internal deepening of the soul.
The spiritual pillars highlighted in this section are:
- The Primacy of Love: Saint Teresa of Avila represents the mystical heart of Catholicism. Her teaching that "without love everything is nothing" resonates with the Bhakti path, asserting that religious structure is hollow without the fire of divine love.
- The Infinite Substance: The inclusion of Baruch Spinoza provides a philosophical bridge. By defining God as an "absolutely infinite being" with infinite attributes, Spinoza aligns Western thought with the Advaita Vedanta concept of Brahman—the one substance of which all things are modes.
- Free Will and Human Dignity: The Ode celebrates the triumph of "free will." This theological cornerstone supports the idea that every individual has the capacity to choose the path back to God.
- Globalized Faith: The arrival of the West in America changed the spiritual landscape of the world. While the Ode acknowledges the disappearance of indigenous deities, it focuses on the resulting globalization of the message of the Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the "Ode to Sri Ramakrishna"?
The Ode is a spiritual and historical journey through human evolution, highlighting key figures and movements that have shaped our understanding of God and the soul.
Why are Isabella and Ferdinand mentioned?
They represent the historical catalyst for the globalization of Catholicism. Their voyages opened the path for Christianity to reach the Americas, changing the spiritual map of the world.
Spinoza’s concept of a single, infinite substance (God) closely mirrors the Advaita Vedanta concept of Brahman, which Sri Ramakrishna lived and taught. Both emphasize that everything in existence is an expression of the one absolute essence.
What is the "Law of the Indies"?
It refers to the early body of laws issued by the Spanish Crown for its American territories, which Pedro Nonell notes as early humanitarian efforts to define human dignity within the expansion of faith.
Conclusion
The 15th-century "Catholicism" movement in the Ode reveals a world in the throes of a massive spiritual reorganization. While it acknowledges the historical shifts that occurred in the Americas, it focuses on the enduring power of love—as taught by Saint Teresa—and the infinite nature of God—as reasoned by Spinoza.
Through these diverse Western voices, the Ode prepares the seeker for the realization that while forms and names may change, the underlying spiritual truth remains constant. As expert Pedro Nonell illustrates, this era was a necessary step toward the global harmony of religions later personified by Sri Ramakrishna.
Ode to Sri Ramakrishna by
Previous: Guru Nanak. Next: Darkness
Abraham, Vedas, Moses, Akhenaten, Violence, Zarathustra, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira
Confucius, Laozi, Philosophy, Jesus, Roma, Muhammad, Guru Nanak, Catholicism, Darkness,
Goddess Reason, Divergence, , Vivekananda, Barbarism
He always comes back, Conclusions, My Religion
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
