ABSTRACT

This chapter gives an overview of the most important authors, sources, and themes that make up the rich and unique mystical tradition of the Church of the East. Although with a strong focus on the golden age of Eastern Syriac mysticism (ca. 600–800 CE) and its main representatives (Isaac of Niniveh, Joseph Hazzāyā, John of Dalyāthā), the chapter also addresses issues such as the different genres of mystical literature, the extant manuscript evidence, and the influence exerted by Syriac mystics on other Christian communities and on early Sufism. This survey will be of particular interest for students and scholars of Christian ascetical/mystical literature and of comparative religious studies.