Samanvaya Method

The Samanvaya programme of theological formation is characterized as contextual, the objective of which is an experiential understanding of the Indian/world reality. The aim of this experiential method is to evolve a holistic theology, which embraces all levels of human experience - knowing, doing and loving (jñana, karma and bhakti). Such a method calls for a closer interaction between the teachers and the students. It would help the students to reflect on the theological insights derived from their struggle with the contextual questions under the guidance of the teachers. Theologizing would then be a process “from below” rather than “from above”, as it has been in the traditional set up of theological formation. What is imperative in this method is the participatory approach to learning and teaching in an atmosphere of trust and freedom.  The various moments of the contextual theological formation are: 1) Encounter – insertion, 2) Experience – reflection and 3) Interpretation – action. This can lead to the attainment of the goal of formation envisaged by Samanvaya