Salvation. Marguerite Porete’s Mirror of Simple Souls through a Buddhist lens

Abstract

The doctrine of salvation is an important theme present in most religions. This theme guides many people in their daily actions, value systems and existential worldview. This mini-thesis is soteriological and sets about to provide an appreciative critique of Marguerite Porete’s doctrine of salvation (albeit annihilation in her own words) in the Mirror of Simple Souls, from a distinctively Buddhist perspective. In analysing Porete’s work, I hope to find solid links between her mystical doctrine of annihilation and that of Buddhism. Furthermore, I hope to add to the growing academic interest in this Fourteenth Century mystic, whom with determination and fortitude gave her life for what she believed.