Metaphysics and Mysticism: Mystical Aspects and Elements in the Work of Czech Thinker Karel Říha

The Czech theologian and philosopher Karel Říha (1923–2016) developed a metaphysics grounded in triadic thinking—knowledge, wanting, and Being—influenced by Maurice Blondel. He argued that moral conversion is a mystical transformation where individuals find themselves through devotion to others, achieving the goal of metaphysics based on interpersonal relationships. In this process, metaphysics eliminates itself and integrates into theology, which concludes that truth pursues us rather than being in our power. Říha united himself with a Will whose direction and demands are unknown, leaving nothing of his own. His work merges metaphysics and mysticism.

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Abstract

Czech theologian and philosopher Karel Říha (1923–2016) followed the thinking of Maurice Blondel. He wanted to expand and deepen the basis of transcendental philosophy. He perceived the possibilities of a new metaphysics, which would be established only in a triadic way of thinking—knowledge, wanting, Being. He originally believed that the basic philosophical theory was the theory of moral conversion. Říha comprehended the event of moral conversion as a mystic turn, a transformation in which we find ourselves by realising ourselves in devotion to others. In this transformation, the striving for metaphysics, which is based on interpersonal relationships, achieves its goal. Metaphysics eliminates itself and is integrated into theology. Theology finally comes to the conclusion that the truth is not in our power but pursues us. The theologian and philosopher Říha, as he writes, has united himself with a Will, which we do not know where it leads us or what it will ask from us. There was nothing left on his own. Metaphysics and mysticism are united in his thinking and work.