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COMING HOMECOMING HOMEAN INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MEDITATIONAN INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
7 weeks course7 weeks course
Extracted from theExtracted from the
‘‘COMING HOME’COMING HOME’
RESOURCES BOOK TO INTRODUCE MEDITATION RESOURCES BOOK TO INTRODUCE MEDITATION
ACCORDING TO THE CHRISTIAN TRADITIONACCORDING TO THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION
Compiled and edited by Kim Nataraja – International Coordinator of the School of Compiled and edited by Kim Nataraja – International Coordinator of the School of MeditationMeditation
Design and extract by Design and extract by Marina MüllerMarina MüllerWCCM / ArgentinaWCCM / Argentina
meditacion.cristiana.grupos@gmail.comwww.meditacioncristianagrupos.blogspot.com
Each meeting includes a presentation with
comments of the group leader, followed by a 30
minutes meditation, and finally a session of
questions and answers
First meeting
CONTENTSCONTENTS
What is Meditation according to the Christian What is Meditation according to the Christian
tradition?tradition?
Two doves: symbol of Christian MeditationTwo doves: symbol of Christian Meditation
What is prayer?What is prayer?
The World Community for Christian MeditationThe World Community for Christian Meditation
What is Christian What is Christian Meditation?Meditation?
• Meditation = meditatio, “remain at the center”Meditation = meditatio, “remain at the center” • Meditare = meletan, “to repeat”Meditare = meletan, “to repeat”
For ancient Christian monks it was to repeat a portion of the For ancient Christian monks it was to repeat a portion of the Scriptures as taught by a teacher to his /her disciplesScriptures as taught by a teacher to his /her disciples Meditating on the Scriptures meant to memorize and repeat Meditating on the Scriptures meant to memorize and repeat them in order to focus the attention, heart and mind in one-them in order to focus the attention, heart and mind in one-pointed concentration, leading to silence and inner pointed concentration, leading to silence and inner attentionattention
To repeat only a word or phrase from the Scriptures dispels To repeat only a word or phrase from the Scriptures dispels “the riches of thinking” and cultivates “ the poverty of “the riches of thinking” and cultivates “ the poverty of heart”heart”
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
John Main is the founder of a Community John Main is the founder of a Community
within the wider context of Christianity.within the wider context of Christianity.
He proposes a way back to the basics of the Christian He proposes a way back to the basics of the Christian experience, the prayer of the heart, the experience of Christ experience, the prayer of the heart, the experience of Christ within, the Spirit who dwells within us.within, the Spirit who dwells within us.
Meditation and its teaching are "caught” rather than Meditation and its teaching are "caught” rather than "taught." It is a personal communication, that begs to "taught." It is a personal communication, that begs to be shared and is based in the meditative experience.be shared and is based in the meditative experience.
To teach always means at the same time to learn. Teachers are To teach always means at the same time to learn. Teachers are students and students are teachers.students and students are teachers.
You have to think: Why do I want to meditate?We must want to meditate. This should be something you have a hunger to do.
We introduce a way that seeks
silence stillness attention / simplicity
It is a path of contemplative prayer through repetition of a "sacred word" or mantra:
maranatha which means "Come, Lord" or "Lord, come”
Two dovesTwo dovesSymbol of the World Community Symbol of the World Community
for Christian Meditationfor Christian Meditation
This symbol is inspired by a V century mosaic in Galla Placidia, This symbol is inspired by a V century mosaic in Galla Placidia, Ravenna.Ravenna.
The dove drinking is a metaphor for the sacred. Water evokes the The dove drinking is a metaphor for the sacred. Water evokes the symbolism of baptism. It is the feminine principle in nature, symbolism of baptism. It is the feminine principle in nature, associated with the all life-giving power. As wine, it becomes associated with the all life-giving power. As wine, it becomes the blood of Christ.the blood of Christ.
The dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. In Greek mythology, this The dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. In Greek mythology, this image was the bird of love. The seven gifts of the Holy spirit as image was the bird of love. The seven gifts of the Holy spirit as doves came to be represented as doves perched in the Tree of Life, doves came to be represented as doves perched in the Tree of Life, drinking the waters of wisdom and eternal life.drinking the waters of wisdom and eternal life.
The chalice evokes the mystery of sacrifice, the heart of the The chalice evokes the mystery of sacrifice, the heart of the Christian Eucharist, where the Son offers himself to the Father Christian Eucharist, where the Son offers himself to the Father in the love of the Holy Spirit, and unites all the creation in in the love of the Holy Spirit, and unites all the creation in his oblation. his oblation.
The two birds suggest the underlying unity of the active and contemplative life in every human being. Martha and Mary, according to the Gospel, are inseparable sisters in the lives of all who worship God in the depths of their spirit.
..
The Prayer´s WheelThe Prayer´s WheelStillness in the CentreStillness in the Centre
Prayer is the wheel that moves our life spiritually towards God.Prayer is the wheel that moves our life spiritually towards God.
To turn, the wheel must make contact with the ground. If it does To turn, the wheel must make contact with the ground. If it does
not touch the ground, it cannot move the cart; the wheel will just spin.not touch the ground, it cannot move the cart; the wheel will just spin.
So there must be a real time and place in our daily life dedicated to So there must be a real time and place in our daily life dedicated to
prayer.prayer.
The spokes are the different forms of prayer. All forms of prayer are valid The spokes are the different forms of prayer. All forms of prayer are valid
and produce results. The spokes converge at the hub,and produce results. The spokes converge at the hub,
The hub is the prayer of Christ that dwells in our hearts.The hub is the prayer of Christ that dwells in our hearts.
At the hub of the wheel there is stillness. Without the still point at At the hub of the wheel there is stillness. Without the still point at
the center, the wheel cannot turn.the center, the wheel cannot turn.
Meditation is coming to stillness at the center of our being.Meditation is coming to stillness at the center of our being.
When we meditate, we achieve stillness at the center of our being, the source of all our actions, our movement to God through Christ within us.
A definition of prayer is described as "the raising of the heart and mind to God." The mind is the organ of knowledge, the heart, the organ of love. Mental consciousness must eventually give way and open up to the fuller way of knowing which is heart consciousness. Because love is complete knowledge.
Most of our training in prayer is limited to the mind. We were taught, as children, to say our prayers, asking God what we need for ourselves or for others. That's one half of the mystery of prayer.
What is Prayer?What is Prayer?
The other half is the prayer of the heart where we are not thinking of God or talking to him or asking for anything. We just stay with God who dwells in us in the Holy Spirit given to us by Jesus.
Meditation is the prayer of the heart that connects us with the human consciousness of Jesus in the Spirit.
For further information and For further information and contact with the WCCMcontact with the WCCM::
www.wccm.com
2nd meeting
Meditation as a way of contemplative prayerMeditation as a way of contemplative prayer
We must go beyond the level of mental prayer, to reach the depths, where the very spirit of Jesus is praying in our hearts, in the deep silence of his union with our Father in the Holy Spirit.
Contemplative prayer is the dimension of prayer to which we are called.
This entails contemplative consciousness as lived in daily life.
Meditation is part of the total mystery of the prayer of anyone who is seeking fullness of being.
Prayer is an essential part of a fully human life
If we do not pray, we are If we do not pray, we are only half -alive and our faith only half -alive and our faith is only half -developed.is only half -developed.
Prayer is like a big wheel, Prayer is like a big wheel, which turns our whole which turns our whole life towards God.life towards God.
We pray in different ways at We pray in different ways at different times. Different different times. Different people prefer different forms people prefer different forms of prayer. What makes these of prayer. What makes these different forms different forms Christian prayer is that they Christian prayer is that they all are centered in Christ.all are centered in Christ.
The central hub of the wheelis Jesus' own prayer
Any form of prayer flows into and out of the spirit of Jesus, worshipping God in and on behalf of creation.
The wheel of prayer in the light of Faith
At the hub of the wheel,at the center of prayer, is the stillness. Without stillness at the center, there could be no movement or growth in the circumference.
Meditation is the work of finding and becoming one with that stillness, which is the hallmark of the Spirit.
"Be still and know that I am God."
Contemplative prayer as opening to Jesus prayer
Contemplation is the heart of Jesus' prayer and his Contemplation is the heart of Jesus' prayer and his communion of love with the Father, turning his communion of love with the Father, turning his attention toward the Father in the Holy Spirit.attention toward the Father in the Holy Spirit.
We do not express our needs to God either to inform God of We do not express our needs to God either to inform God of what he does not know or to persuade him to change his what he does not know or to persuade him to change his mind. We pray to deepen our trust that God knows our mind. We pray to deepen our trust that God knows our needs, knows us and cares for us.needs, knows us and cares for us.
Unless our faith is clear and deep, our prayer can Unless our faith is clear and deep, our prayer can easily stop in its development, stuck at the level of ego.easily stop in its development, stuck at the level of ego.
For many Christians this is the crisis of their faith today, and For many Christians this is the crisis of their faith today, and reflects the often-shallow level of Christian spirituality.reflects the often-shallow level of Christian spirituality.
Christian MeditationChristian Meditation= =
Contemplative PrayerContemplative Prayer
The prayer of the heart, contemplative prayer, or meditation, is The prayer of the heart, contemplative prayer, or meditation, is essentially a prayer of faith.essentially a prayer of faith.
Silently we accept that God knows our needs, and that this knowledge Silently we accept that God knows our needs, and that this knowledge is responsible for all Creation, that will eventually complete us.is responsible for all Creation, that will eventually complete us.
3rd meeting
The essential teaching 1The essential teaching 1
St. Paul says we don´t know how to St. Paul says we don´t know how to pray, but the Spirit prayspray, but the Spirit prays within us (Romans 8:26). within us (Romans 8:26).
We learn to pray not by trying We learn to pray not by trying to pray, but by giving up or letting go of our to pray, but by giving up or letting go of our trying. And instead, learning to be.trying. And instead, learning to be.
This paves the way for prayer of the heart, This paves the way for prayer of the heart, where we can find "the love of God where we can find "the love of God flooding our inmost heart through the flooding our inmost heart through the Holy Spirit given to us by Him" (Romans 6:5). Holy Spirit given to us by Him" (Romans 6:5).
This is pure experience, beyond thought, This is pure experience, beyond thought, dogma and imagination.dogma and imagination.
Meditation is an universal Meditation is an universal spiritual practice that leads us to the prayer spiritual practice that leads us to the prayer of Christ. It leads us to silence, stillness and of Christ. It leads us to silence, stillness and simplicity.simplicity.
The essential teaching 2The essential teaching 2
As Christians, we meditate because we believe in the risen Christ, that he lives and lives within us. As disciples of Jesus, the Teacher within, we have faith when he calls us to put aside the concerns of the ego and to follow him into the Kingdom of God, to “share in the very being of God."
Meditation has to do with being in relationship with Jesus.Jesus knew that he was both from and of the Father, who was in him.This self-awareness of Jesus leads us to recognize ourselves as temples of the Holy Spirit.We understand that we do not need to seek Jesus because Jesus has already found us.We do not choose, we are chosen.
The essential teaching 3The essential teaching 3
It is our faith that makes our meditation Christian, being focused on the human consciousness of Jesus, in our inner being.
As Christians, we naturally meditate with other Christians, and our lives are guided and enriched in community by Scripture, the sacraments and the different ways of ministering to others in the love and compassion ofthe Spirit.
Jesus, by his life, death and resurrection, has opened up for us a way to God and by sending the Holy Spirit to us, he has become our way and our guide.
In meditation we look for the treasure within, we need to abandon everything to find it. It is "the hidden treasure in the field", as Jesus says in the parable of the Kingdom. We are called to experience Jesus in our life, in our spiritual journey and help pass on that tradition to others.
The essential teaching 4The essential teaching 4
Meditation is not a way to trying to accomplish something, of wanting to get somewhere, or of twisting God’s arm, as it were: "Not my will be done but thine be done."
Meditation is about realizing, rather than acquiring. Realizing the indwelling presence of God, realizing what has already been achieved.
It´s about leaving the goals aside.
Jesus did not teach any particular method of prayer, but by what he says about prayer in the Sermon on the Mountain, we can see that meditation is entirely consistent with his teaching on prayer.
The essential teaching 5The essential teaching 5
Prayer must be interior. Jesus told us to go to "our private room" to pray in the "secret place". The "private room" is a metaphor for the inner chamber of the heart. (Matthew 6:5-6).
Prayer is not about quantity, the amount of "prayers" do not matter- but about quality - "attention." (Matthew 6:7-8).
Prayer is not first asking God for things, because "he knows what we need before we ask." (Matthew 6:8).
We need to prioritize the spiritual treasures of the Kingdom rather than material well being. (Matthew 6:19-21).
Anxiety is the enemy of prayer. It makes us too self-centered and prevents us from realizing the gift already deposited in love in our hearts.
The essential teaching 6The essential teaching 6
Jesus said that prayer is “to set your mind on the Kingdom of God first." In other words, pay attention to the "one thing necessary“.Then all the other things will come. (Matthew 6:33). In meditation we practice these seven teachings of Jesus on prayer: humility, interiority, silence, trust, spirituality, peace and care.
In meditation we stop thinking of the past and the future and learn to live fully in the present moment. We do not need to master difficult techniques or theories
We need only be comfortable and alert. This is what the mantra helps us to do.
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What is Meditation?What is Meditation?
Meditation is a journey of self-knowledge and self-acceptance.This is the first essential step for any knowledge of God. It isn´t primarily an intellectual knowledge. It is reached by a deep harmony in the stillness of mind and body, because the body is part of the spiritual path to God.
It is not an isolated or lonely journey. The solitude of meditation makes us realize the profound interdependence with others and therefore "meditation creates community." That´s why meditating in a group is very important.
John Main saw the future Church as a Community. The spiritual renewal of Christianity will bring a new appreciation of prayer. Prayer is not talking or thinking about God, but to be with God, transcending our narrow and egocentric reality.
The essence of Christian prayer is the human consciousness of Jesus worshipping God in the Spirit in the center of the human person.
Opening mind and heartOpening mind and heart
As we begin to meditate, we have three objectives:
Say the mantra for the duration of meditation. Take some time to get to that first stage. We must learn to be patient. We can not force anything to happen, but we must simply say the mantra without haste, without expectation.
Say the mantra throughout the meditation without interruption. To remain calm in the face of distractions. In this phase, the mantra is like a plow going through the field of our rough mind without deviating because of obstructions or disturbances.
Say the mantra throughout the meditation time, entirely free from distractions.Surface areas of the mind are in tune with the deep peace at the heart of our being. In this state we go beyond thought, imagination and images. We are in touch with reality, in the presence of God dwelling in our hearts.
Meditation and Christian messageMeditation and Christian message
The mantra leads to this central Christian experience, leading us to know, from our own experience, that the love of God has flooded our inmost heart through the Holy Spirit.
Meditation is the way to expand our hearts, broaden our vision and clarify our minds and perception. The stages of our progress will come about in their own time, God’s own time.
We prevent this progression only if we are too self-conscious about our stage of development. The biggest temptation is to complicate the process and ourselves.
"Unless you become like little children ..." Meditation simplifies us to the point where we can receive the fullness of truth and love.
5th meeting
The practiceThe practice
Meditation is experiential. Meditation is experiential.
This is a form of experience, not theory or thought.This is a form of experience, not theory or thought.
It is an embodied form of prayer.It is an embodied form of prayer.The body is not a barrier between God and us.The body is not a barrier between God and us.It is the sacrament of our being, given us by God. Therefore, the It is the sacrament of our being, given us by God. Therefore, the body needs to be involved in every experience of prayer.body needs to be involved in every experience of prayer.
The simple guidelines to meditateThe simple guidelines to meditate
Simple rules are:Simple rules are:
• Sit down: the body is relaxed, but not in a position Sit down: the body is relaxed, but not in a position
for sleep.for sleep.
• Sit still: The body expresses the person's attitude Sit still: The body expresses the person's attitude
of attention and reverence.of attention and reverence.
• Keep your back straight: the body is alert and Keep your back straight: the body is alert and
awake.awake.
• Breathe normally. The ideal way would be Breathe normally. The ideal way would be
to breathe abdominally (through the belly)to breathe abdominally (through the belly)
• Stay relaxed / but alert: the formula for peaceStay relaxed / but alert: the formula for peace
• Gently close your eyes and begin to recite Gently close your eyes and begin to recite
the mantra: Ma-ra-na-tha.the mantra: Ma-ra-na-tha.
• Repeat your word of prayer during the whole time Repeat your word of prayer during the whole time
of meditationof meditation
When meditating, try to find the position that enables you to feel comfortable and When meditating, try to find the position that enables you to feel comfortable and
safe. Relax your body’s tension, shoulders, neck, eyes, head. The basic sitting safe. Relax your body’s tension, shoulders, neck, eyes, head. The basic sitting
postures are in a straight backed chair, on a prayer bench, or sit on the floor postures are in a straight backed chair, on a prayer bench, or sit on the floor
with legs crossed, with a small pillow beneath for support.with legs crossed, with a small pillow beneath for support.
Choose a quiet time and a place, when you are not likely to be interrupted or Choose a quiet time and a place, when you are not likely to be interrupted or
disturbed. Treat your meditation as a priority. If possible, keep the same time disturbed. Treat your meditation as a priority. If possible, keep the same time
and same place each day as it helps deepen the rhythm of prayer in your and same place each day as it helps deepen the rhythm of prayer in your
life. Above all be gentle with yourself. Take time to incorporate this new discipline life. Above all be gentle with yourself. Take time to incorporate this new discipline
in your life.in your life.
The practice, 2The practice, 2
The practice, 3The practice, 3
Meditation begins and ends with music Meditation begins and ends with music
to help you to be quiet and focused.to help you to be quiet and focused.
Meditation can be integrated Meditation can be integrated
with other forms of prayer with other forms of prayer
as the Eucharist or Scripture.as the Eucharist or Scripture.
Meditating weekly with a group is a powerful means of deepening and Meditating weekly with a group is a powerful means of deepening and
supporting the practice. Groups allow you to share inspiration and supporting the practice. Groups allow you to share inspiration and
encouragement, and provide educational opportunities to listen to the encouragement, and provide educational opportunities to listen to the
teaching. "Where two or three are gathered in my name…” teaching. "Where two or three are gathered in my name…”
(Matthew 18:20). The practical difficulty we all encounter in (Matthew 18:20). The practical difficulty we all encounter in
meditation is the constant problem of distraction. It is simply the effect meditation is the constant problem of distraction. It is simply the effect
of constant mental activity.of constant mental activity.
The mantra is simple, effective means to combat all forms of distraction.The mantra is simple, effective means to combat all forms of distraction.
DistractionsDistractions
Facing distractions:
Do not seek to fight them, whether it be thoughts, images or
feelings.
Pay full attention to the mantra, gently and faithfully returning to it
throughout the meditation.
Do not focus on the distractions. Treat it as background noise.
Be humble, patient, faithful, keep your sense of humor: do not make
a dark night out of every cloud. Do not underestimate the
perseverance that you'll need or the grace you will receive.
Are there success or Are there success or failure in Christian failure in Christian
meditation? meditation?
The mantra is like a path through The mantra is like a path through
a thick jungle. However narrow the a thick jungle. However narrow the
path may be, follow it faithfully, and it path may be, follow it faithfully, and it
will take you out of the jungle of the will take you out of the jungle of the
mind to the great open space of the mind to the great open space of the
heart. When you find you have heart. When you find you have
wandered off the path, simply wandered off the path, simply
return immediately.return immediately.
Success and failure are not relevant Success and failure are not relevant
terms to describe the experience of terms to describe the experience of
meditation. These are terms used by meditation. These are terms used by
the ego, and in meditation we learn the ego, and in meditation we learn
to "leave behind the self, or ego."to "leave behind the self, or ego."
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Stages in Meditation Stages in Meditation JourneyJourney
The journey of meditation offersThe journey of meditation offers
profound insights into the life of the profound insights into the life of the mind and ultimately heals the soul.mind and ultimately heals the soul.
A diagram can show the levels of A diagram can show the levels of consciousness we all pass through in consciousness we all pass through in the pilgrimage of meditation.the pilgrimage of meditation.
Meditation is a work, both our work of Meditation is a work, both our work of seeking God as God’s work of seeking seeking God as God’s work of seeking us.us.
It is a pilgrimage through the It is a pilgrimage through the mysterious universe of the human mysterious universe of the human person, a self-investigation, in which person, a self-investigation, in which the transcendence of self gives rise to the transcendence of self gives rise to the unitive, non-dual knowledge the unitive, non-dual knowledge of God. The meaning and authenticity of of God. The meaning and authenticity of our lives depend on this self-knowledge.our lives depend on this self-knowledge.
Levels of counsciousness´diagramLevels of counsciousness´diagram
Distraction level of the “monkeys´s mind”
Psychological distraction
Facing the nakedness and ego separation feeling
Place of Union with risen Christ
First levelFirst level
Anyone who sits down to be still, experiences indiscipline and restlessness in our "monkey mind." That proves how superficial and fickle our mind is, how it is linked to external conditions.
We aim to be still in the present moment,, the encounter with God who is "I Am." But within seconds we are having thoughts of yesterday, making plans for tomorrow or weaving dreams of wish-fulfillment.
Our age increases the problem of natural distraction, by the enormous mass of information we try to absorb every day.
With this discovery, it is easy to get discouraged and give up meditation.
We need at this early stage to perceive the meaning of meditation, and have a thirst that comes from a deeper level of consciousness from the one we seem stuck at.
Christ is both outside and within us, Christ is both outside and within us, pushes us from outside and motivates us from insidepushes us from outside and motivates us from inside
The mantra is a discipline, 'beginning in faith The mantra is a discipline, 'beginning in faith
and ending in love‘ which leads to poverty of and ending in love‘ which leads to poverty of
spirit. We say the mantra to remove our spirit. We say the mantra to remove our
attention from distractions: the first great attention from distractions: the first great
awakening.awakening.
It is the beginning of the deepening of It is the beginning of the deepening of
consciousness that allows us to leave consciousness that allows us to leave
the distractions on the surface. We learn the distractions on the surface. We learn
to put aside our religious thoughts as much as to put aside our religious thoughts as much as
the common thoughts: it is not our prayer, but the common thoughts: it is not our prayer, but
the prayer of Christ that we are interested in.the prayer of Christ that we are interested in.
It may seem that this will never pass. Be aware of this and face it, It may seem that this will never pass. Be aware of this and face it, it's the beginning of transcendence. Gradually a change occurs. We it's the beginning of transcendence. Gradually a change occurs. We manage to sit still, we are less impatient and have more sense of the manage to sit still, we are less impatient and have more sense of the Presence of God in traffic jams or queues in the supermarket.Presence of God in traffic jams or queues in the supermarket.
A calmer life and a steady mind arise in everyday relationships. A calmer life and a steady mind arise in everyday relationships.
In meditation, we become familiar with the structures and habits of our In meditation, we become familiar with the structures and habits of our mind and more tolerant of its restless way.mind and more tolerant of its restless way.
Second LevelSecond LevelAt this level we find all that has been stored in our lives. What we did and we said or thought and imagined, have their place here, within our psyche. Here we confront the unconscious processes, lost and forgotten memories, emotions and thoughts; they can be awakened and unleashed, if they were blocking the movement of awareness that addresses the very core of personal identity.
This is a work of healing, integration and self-acceptance and can be as turbulent as the distractions of the surface.
It is work that occurs beneath the surface of the conscious mind.
The mantra becomes like the seeds in the parable of Jesus, a man planted it in the ground, going then to deal with his daily life. All the while, the seeds continued to grow, 'he did not know how.'
SelfknowledgeSelfknowledge
Self-knowledge, to which we are journeying, is prepared for by what happens to us at this stage. It can be considered as both purification and liberation, and sometimes when our deepest fears and shadows are exposed, even as exorcism.
So, we become aware of the major structures of our personality, the patterns in our relationships, and therefore we can trace them back to ourselves instead of blaming others.
We become what we are, by how we react and interact (or we refuse to) rather than what the others did to us.
This psychological awareness has potential for creativity and for destruction as well. You can weave a shield of self-sufficiency. Or you can show the power of forgiveness and tolerance, based on the relationship withourselves, and give us the opportunity to live more fully with all others in the bond of compassion.
Third levelThird levelThe ego has been a constant companion from the beginning. Now, in the third level, we really meet it. At the first level the ego is in its most distracted state, dressed in the changing garb of daily life. In the second stage, it wears the more dramatic costumes of our psychological history.
From the ego comes all resistance to the journey toward the true Self. Yet the ego is also the vehicle of the journey. Just as we make the car into an idol, when it´s only a useful means of transportation, we may emphasize both the ego and its processes so strongly that we lose sight of the spiritual significance of the whole person.
In this third level we confront the ego in its nakedness. The Cloud of Unknowing describes this as an 'absolute awareness of his/her own existence'that exists between ourselves and God. Consciousness is affected by the deepest existential sadness that existence is essentially separated from Being. We need to confront and transcend this existential sadness before we can feel the joy of existence.
Fidelity to the mantraFidelity to the mantra
We are invited to stay at the foot of the We are invited to stay at the foot of the cross at this stage, with an increasing pure cross at this stage, with an increasing pure faith.faith.
John Main says there is need for more faith, as John Main says there is need for more faith, as we continue the pilgrimage. Our faith is we continue the pilgrimage. Our faith is deepened by the cooperation between deepened by the cooperation between our spirit and the Spirit of God.our spirit and the Spirit of God.The fidelity and maturity developed The fidelity and maturity developed in previous stages are useful at this level. in previous stages are useful at this level.
The mantra is now established The mantra is now established and those doubts of the early stages give and those doubts of the early stages give way.way.
The Cloud of Unknowing remind us of the The Cloud of Unknowing remind us of the need to be faithful to 'the little word only' 'in need to be faithful to 'the little word only' 'in peace and war', 'in prosperity and in peace and war', 'in prosperity and in adversity'.adversity'.John Main's emphasis on simple fidelity to John Main's emphasis on simple fidelity to the mantra 'from beginning to end of each the mantra 'from beginning to end of each meditation' is within this ancient tradition meditation' is within this ancient tradition of Christian prayer.of Christian prayer.
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The MantraThe Mantrain Christian Meditation tradition in Christian Meditation tradition
and in John Main´s teachingsand in John Main´s teachings
Fr. John Main O.S.B.Fr. John Main O.S.B.
Teaching about the mantra is the heart of John Main's teaching on Teaching about the mantra is the heart of John Main's teaching on prayer. What he taught came from his own experience of the spiritual prayer. What he taught came from his own experience of the spiritual journey and the story of his life.journey and the story of his life.
John Main describes how he had his first encounter with the mantra and John Main describes how he had his first encounter with the mantra and began to practice meditation.began to practice meditation.
His teacher in Malaysia, Swami Satyananda, responded to his need to His teacher in Malaysia, Swami Satyananda, responded to his need to deepen his own Christian faith and prayer life, when he introduced deepen his own Christian faith and prayer life, when he introduced the mantra as a way of calming the mind full of distractions, known the mantra as a way of calming the mind full of distractions, known as the "monkey mind."as the "monkey mind."
More about the mantraMore about the mantra
John Main by responding to this teaching shows us that he was open to other religious traditions in an unusual way. This was due to the strong impression his teacher made on him as a man of God and as someone whose spiritual teaching was lived out with such active compassion and social engagement.
We might see this early experience of a spiritual teacher as underlying the importance John Main later attributed to having a teacher for the journey of meditation.
Meditate with the mantraMeditate with the mantraLearning to meditate is not a matter of mastering a technique. It Learning to meditate is not a matter of mastering a technique. It
involves learning to appreciate and respond directly to our involves learning to appreciate and respond directly to our own inner nature ... Ideally, you should find a teacher who own inner nature ... Ideally, you should find a teacher who will help to guide you on your pilgrimage.will help to guide you on your pilgrimage.
Shortly before his death, John Main spoke about the key Shortly before his death, John Main spoke about the key recommendation for meditation, summarized in three recommendation for meditation, summarized in three words: say your mantra.words: say your mantra.
Many forms of Christian prayer, as well as devotions and Many forms of Christian prayer, as well as devotions and liturgy, involve repetition of the same words, often in a liturgy, involve repetition of the same words, often in a chant-like way: the Rosary, litanies, the divine office or the chant-like way: the Rosary, litanies, the divine office or the Eucharist. Eucharist.
The Western tradition does not have the elaborate ’science The Western tradition does not have the elaborate ’science of the mantra’ found in the East, although the practice itself of the mantra’ found in the East, although the practice itself is well established. is well established.
Aprender a meditar no es cuestión de dominar una técnica. Consiste en aprender a apreciar y a responder directamente a nuestra propia naturaleza profunda... Sería ideal encontrar un maestro que ayude en la orientación de esta peregrinación.
Poco antes de su muerte, John Main habló sobre la recomendación esencial para la meditación, resumida en tres palabras: diga su mantra.
Mucha oración Cristiana en sus diferentes formas, devociones y liturgia, repite las mismas palabras, a veces en forma de cántico: el rosario, las letanías, el oficio divino o la Eucaristía. La tradición occidental no tiene la elaborada ciencia del mantra encontrada en oriente, si bien la práctica está bien establecida.
COME, LORD
How John Main discovered the riches How John Main discovered the riches of Christian Meditationof Christian Meditation
Thoughts and feelings are left behind in saying the mantra. We are Thoughts and feelings are left behind in saying the mantra. We are dealing not with mental activities but with the opening of the dealing not with mental activities but with the opening of the treasures of the heart.treasures of the heart.
John Main persevered in daily meditation, the foundation of his spiritual John Main persevered in daily meditation, the foundation of his spiritual life. When his novice master told in 1958 to end the practice, he life. When his novice master told in 1958 to end the practice, he reluctantly returned almost exclusively to routine mental, vocal and reluctantly returned almost exclusively to routine mental, vocal and liturgical prayer.liturgical prayer.
Some years later, reading Augustine Baker, a Benedictine monk of the Some years later, reading Augustine Baker, a Benedictine monk of the seventeenth century, made him return to his practice seventeenth century, made him return to his practice of meditation. Baker emphasized the contemplative life as the path of meditation. Baker emphasized the contemplative life as the path of mature spirituality, he insisted that it is open to lay people as well of mature spirituality, he insisted that it is open to lay people as well as monks and perceived effectiveness of the mantra and as monks and perceived effectiveness of the mantra and prayer exclamation. This caught the attention of John Main at a prayer exclamation. This caught the attention of John Main at a crucial moment in his life.crucial moment in his life.
Los pensamientos y sentimientos son abandonados en la práctica del mantra que se ocupa, no de actividades mentales, sino de la apertura de los tesoros del corazón.
John Main perseveró en la meditación diaria, fundamento de su vida espiritual. Cuando su maestro de novicios le dijo en 1958 que suspenda la práctica, retornó con reluctancia a una rutina casi exclusivamente mental, oración vocal y litúrgica.
Algunos años después, la lectura de Augustine Baker, monje benedictino del siglo XVII, le hizo retornar a su práctica de Meditación. Baker enfatizaba la vida contemplativa como camino para la espiritualidad madura, insistía en que está abierta a laicos y monjes y percibía la eficacia del mantra y la oración jaculatoria, esto llamó la atención de John Main en un momento crucial de su vida.
Christian Meditation´s Christian Meditation´s beginningsbeginnings
Baker led John Main to John Cassian, Baker led John Main to John Cassian,
where in his conferences Nine and Ten on where in his conferences Nine and Ten on
prayer in the Christian tradition he found prayer in the Christian tradition he found
the Mantra described with claritythe Mantra described with clarity
and confidence.and confidence.
Cassian, like other teachers of the DesertCassian, like other teachers of the Desert
Tradition, was interested in achieving Tradition, was interested in achieving the goal of the monk's lifethe goal of the monk's life- “continuous prayer" - and dealing- “continuous prayer" - and dealingwith the problem of mental distractions.with the problem of mental distractions.
He recommended to repeat "unceasingly"He recommended to repeat "unceasingly" a formula by which to reach “pure a formula by which to reach “pureprayer" and a deeper union with the prayer" and a deeper union with the Risen Christ. Furthermore, the mysteriesRisen Christ. Furthermore, the mysteries
of Holy Scripture could be known and of Holy Scripture could be known and experienced with greater intensity.experienced with greater intensity.
For Cassian the key to this prayer of the For Cassian the key to this prayer of the
heart was the first of the Beatitudes: heart was the first of the Beatitudes:
poverty of spirit.poverty of spirit.
John Main found the same teaching on the mantra in the tradition of the ‘Jesus Prayer’ in the Eastern Church,in The Cloud of Unknowing in the fourteenth century and modern masters such as the Abbot John Chapman.
John Main returned to the practice of meditation. At first, his thought was just, how this could enrich the church in monastic life.
Then he noticed how "this very simple method“ met the urgent need for a deeper experience of prayer for so many people of all ages and walks of life.
John Main´s teachingsJohn Main´s teachings
John Main´s legacyJohn Main´s legacy
His main teaching modewas always oral and personal.He avoided talking about meditation in the abstract.The mantra, he said, is caught, not taught. When he spoke of it, he always included meditation with his listeners.
The most profound teaching and the end of all words will be a participation in the creative moment of contemplative prayer.
Your teacher has only one instruction to give, that is to say the mantra.What goes beyond this is an encouragement and support until the mantra is rooted in your consciousness.
P. Laurence Freeman O.S.B.P. Laurence Freeman O.S.B.
For more information and contact with For more information and contact with the World Community for Christian the World Community for Christian
Meditation (WCCM)Meditation (WCCM)
www.wccm.org
