本文探討「默觀」與「行動」兩種不同的生活類型,第一部分介紹問題討論的歷史,內容包括多瑪斯(Thomas Aquinas, 約1225-1274)、文德(Bonaventura, 約1217-1274)等人的思想,第二部分介紹艾克哈的相關論述,內容包括二十世紀德國女神學家阿玻樂(Erika Albrecht)的思想。「默觀」與「行動」兩種生活類型孰優的問題,艾克哈的意見可以對觀其「一化」與「內化」的立場。 最後,「默觀」與「行動」的討論基本上就是如何整合「出世」與「入世」的問題,目前流行的靈修運動與生命教育強調兩者的合一,理想與現實的兼顧,本研究提供一個合一的基礎。
This paper treats the topic of the two ways of life: contemplation and action in the Christian tradition. The first part of the paper summarizes the history of the topic, especially the theology of Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), and Bonaventura (1217-1274). The second part studies the theory of Meister Eckhart, including the idea of the German theologian Erika Albrecht on this issue. As regards the priority of contemplation over action, the position of the Meister is in accordance with his general theory of 'oneness', and 'internalization'. The topic of the two ways of life-contemplation and action-is related to the basic attitude of life, whether that of 'integration' into the world or 'retreat' from it. Current trend of spirituality emphasizes a kind of unity between the two options. This paper discusses the topic and sets up the ground for their unity.