Epektasis is a term coined by Gregory of Nyssa, a Christian theologian and proponent of universal reconciliation. In Gregory’s writings, epektasis refers to the soul’s constant and eternal progression toward the unreachable perfection of God. Indeed, the meaning of “Jiaya” is quite similar to how Gregory defines epektasis — that is, moving with or becoming one with Ji.

Over time, this idea was further refined by Christian mystics into the concept of theosis, the transformative process by which one transcends the struggles of physical life and is spiritually resurrected through intimate knowledge of God, coming to embody the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ within oneself.

The resemblance between this “threefold path” — katharsis (purification), theoria (contemplation), and theosis (union) — and the Noble Eightfold Path outlined in the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama point to the deeper, universal truth of Ji. Across time and cultures, many have realized, in their own ways, that oneness with the universe and its natural rhythms is the only viable path toward liberation from suffering. When all beings achieve enlightenment and reunification with the Divine Love, true balance and lasting peace will be restored to the cosmos (or at least, our section of it).

Jiaya applies the concept of epektasis not merely to individuals but to humanity as a collective. Rather than centering itself solely on personal union with God (or Ji), Jiaya concerns itself primarily with the world’s collective journey toward union (see: Progress Principle).

The emergence of behavioral modernity was a double-edged sword for humanity. While it gifted humans with a unique capacity to understand, appreciate, and care for the world around them as no other being could, it also led to the formation of hierarchical systems, the waging of armed conflicts, and the catastrophic disaster that is anthropogenic environmental damage. Thus, in spite of its blessings, behavioral modernity ultimately disrupted the cosmic order, forcing humanity on the path — if we choose to walk it — to restoration of that balance. The story of history since has been a long crawl of individuals, peoples, and social movements striving to awaken humankind in its rightful place within the interconnected web of existence.

Humanity’s gradual recognition of its oneness and interdependence is visible through the spread of democracy, environmental and civil rights movements, and the increasing irrelevance of national and cultural barriers through the globalizing effects of the internet. Still, setbacks on the path towards union with Ji abound and humanity must remain vigilant, resistant of the vice of apathy, if it is to continue.

The movement of human society toward oneness with Ji mirrors that of the individual, but it does not supplant or supersede it. For cosmic balance to endure, each person must recognize themselves as part of the Infinite, rather than cling to narrow conceptions of the self. Individual epektasis informs community-wide epektasis which in turn informs global epektasis. For more information, read Stages of Personal Epektasis.

However, just as Gregory of Nyssa’s epektasis describes an eternal striving — one in which the soul can never fully comprehend the infinitude of the divine — Jiayan epektasis does not culminate in the political or social unification mentioned in the Progress Principle. Even if a global political unity were achieved, prejudices would undoubtedly persist, new global challenges would arise, and history would not end. Thus, the movement toward cosmic balance — Jiaya — is an eternal process, not just for the individual but for humanity as a whole.