The life of Bernard de Give spanned over a century, concluding at the age of 106 in 2020 at Scourmont Abbey. A Belgian Catholic priest, theologian, and monk, his intellectual pursuits bridged European philosophy with Eastern traditions. Throughout his long career, he navigated the roles of academic researcher, language scholar, and interreligious mediator across multiple continents.
Early Formation and Academic Development
Born in Liège in 1913, de Give completed his secondary education at Collège Saint-Servais. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1931 and pursued philosophy at the Faculté de Philosophie S.J. in Egenhoven and the Catholic University of Leuven. His training included work under Étienne Lamotte, where he developed fluency in Sanskrit and gained exposure to Eastern religious thought. He received his ordination on 27 July 1944.
International Teaching and Research
In 1947, de Give traveled to India. For six years, he taught ancient philosophy, ecclesiastical studies, and classical subjects at the Pontifical Seminary of Kandy in Sri Lanka. His professional engagements extended to various Indian cities, including Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Kodaikanal, and Poona. Upon returning to Belgium in 1955, he taught at the Juvénat de La Pairelle, the Faculté SJ d'Eegenhoven-Louvain, and eventually the University of Namur between 1968 and 1972. During the 1970s, he conducted advanced studies at the University of Oxford under Robert Charles Zaehner, where he engaged with Chögyam Trungpa.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Monastic Life and Interreligious Dialogue
De Give joined the Trappists at Scourmont Abbey on 2 June 1972. He became a foundational figure for the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue in 1977, participating in meetings at Praglia Abbey. His commitment to Eastern studies involved ten years of Tibetan language training at the Temple of One Thousand Buddhas in France and an expedition to Tibet in 1994. He served as an organizer for Christian-Buddhist colloquial events at the Shangpa Karma Ling Institute.
Literary and Academic Contributions
His scholarly output was diverse, encompassing critical editions, linguistic manuals, and original research. He published historical chronicles such as Chronicon Alnense and Registre des choses advenues à l'abbaye d'Aulne. His academic focus culminated in his 2005 doctoral thesis, Les rapports de l'Inde et de l'Occident des origines au règne d'Aśoka. In 2013, to mark his 100th birthday, Scourmont Abbey issued a collection of his poetry titled Quand l'âme chante...
Fast facts
- Born: 1913, Liège, Belgium
- Died: 27 January 2020, Scourmont Abbey
- Ordination: 27 July 1944
- Entered Society of Jesus: 23 September 1931
- Joined Trappists: 2 June 1972
- Notable work: Les rapports de l'Inde et de l'Occident des origines au règne d'Aśoka
- Languages: French, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Latin, Greek
- Burial site: Scourmont Abbey
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Bernard de Give teach in Asia?
He taught ancient philosophy, ecclesiastical studies, and classical studies.
What was the focus of his doctoral thesis?
His 2005 thesis examined the historical relationship between India and the West from ancient times through the reign of Aśoka.
Did he have involvement in interfaith relations?
Yes, he was a founding member of the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue and organized Christian-Buddhist events.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Namur
