Meditation/Contemplation...

kelly1

Hello folks,

I've recently been turning my attention to the subject of meditation/contemplation. I'm currently reading a book called "Fire Within" by Fr. Thomas Dubay which discusses meditation/contemplation as taught by scripture and Ss. John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. It seems to me to be the only way to go as regards having a real relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity. I think there comes a time when vocal prayer alone just isn't enough any more.

TBH, it's a bit daunting because it means a total living of the Gospel message without which there can be no advancement in spiritual life. From what I've read, meditation on sacred scripture eventually leads to contemplation (if one if generous in living the Gospel). Meditation comes from the human person, whereas contemplation (infused prayer) is a gift from God in which He pours His grace into us.

It sounds quite exciting but daunting at the same time. I'd be interested in hearing from others on their thoughts/experiences on this particular path to God.

God bless,
Noel.

Michael G

kelly1 wrote:

I've recently been turning my attention to the subject of meditation/contemplation. ... From what I've read, meditation on sacred scripture eventually leads to contemplation (if one if generous in living the Gospel). Meditation comes from the human person, whereas contemplation (infused prayer) is a gift from God in which He pours His grace into us.

It is unbelievably rewarding. In my experience, however, you don't have to become proficient in meditative prayer before you achieve contemplation. In the same session, after a period of meditative prayer, you can move on to contemplative prayer using the standard method which is somewhat discredited in some people's minds by its association with Transcendental Meditation (though I have done that too and it works at a therapeutic level), but is actually the same method that Christian contemplatives – both Roman and Eastern – have been using for centuries.

kelly1

Michael G wrote:

It is unbelievably rewarding. In my experience, however, you don't have to become proficient in meditative prayer before you achieve contemplation. In the same session, after a period of meditative prayer, you can move on to contemplative prayer using the standard method which is somewhat discredited in some people's minds by its association with Transcendental Meditation (though I have done that too and it works at a therapeutic level), but is actually the same method that Christian contemplatives – both Roman and Eastern – have been using for centuries.

Thanks for the reply Michael G. What is the "standard method" that you referred to? Have you been practicing meditation for long?

God bless,
Noel.

Michael G

Sorry Noel, I haven't checked this thread for over a week. The "standard method" I mentioned is the mantra one; choosing a sound – I use Shalom but really anything will do – and "hearing" it in your mind for about 20 minutes; when your mind wanders, as it certainly will unless you are already a saint, you just "remember" the sound again. It is an effective method for putting the mind into a passive state and is not inherently religious, but it is very valuable when used with a sprititual intention. I paid the TM people more than £100 to learn it over 20 years ago, but found exactly the same method (without any dubious Eastern add-ons) in a book on Christian meditation a few months later.

I have read that for a mantra the traditional Russian Orthodox method uses the "Jesus Prayer" — Lord Jesus Christ, be merciful to me, a sinner.

Asiaprod

In addition, bear in mind that correct and controlled breathing is very helpful for any kind of Meditation/contemplation.

40crush41

thank you for sharing this, I'm going to go and try it : ) I'll try to remember to post back and let you know how it went.