The Meaning of Creation as Sacrifice in Hinduism and Christianity against the Background of the Reflections of R. Girard

An attempt at an expansion of R. Girard's views concerning the hindu vision was undertaken by a student of his, P. Antonello. He widens Girard's considerations, particularly by appealing to two concepts crucial to hinduism, namely 'kama' and 'tapas'. These concepts throw new light on the hindu understanding of sacrifice. In order to see this, however, it is necessary to consider them together with the 'Not Non-Being' (Nasadiya) hymn from the 'Rg-veda'. We are then faced with the question, how to reconcile the vision of the beginning in the hymn 'Not Non-Being' with the vision of 'Purusa' or 'Prajapati' in their being-sacrificed, which brings forth creation. The reflections of Maria Krzysztof Byrski are helpful here. The hindu vision reveals the mythical unity of Divinity and humanity, without taking into consideration the temporal dimension of the revelation of this mystery. In the historical person of Jesus the mystery of the oneness of God and the created world is fulfilled.