2007-01-22 09:43:15 · 4 answers · asked by Doug B 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is Eastern contemplation, as in Buddhist and Hindu transcendental contemplation of which I know nothing about; and then there is Christian contemplation, which is living in communion with God. There are books relating to Christic contemplation, such as Fire Within, by Thomas Dubay, and of course the famous St Teresa De Avila classic, Interior Castles.
In short Christian contemplation can't be achieved by any practice of our own, as in Eastern practice. It is "had" by a sincere effort to live the Gospels of Jesus, and then it can only be hoped for, but not expected. That's just what I have read---I have not experienced it, unfortunately.
Sorry the nutshell is big.
2007-01-22 10:04:28 · answer #1 · answered by * 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about 'spirituality' in general - but in terms of contemplative Christianity it is a method of worship to God. Contemplatives tend to connect better to God through quietly observing life . . . this observation may be the inner workings of an individuals heart, soul, mind, spirit or it may be observing the world around them and how it interacts and God's part in it all.
An example of a contemplative experience vs' a normal reaction: A difficult conflict occurs with a friend. A traditional response would be to get in a mental whirlwind focusing on what the other person did and be very angry. A contemplative person would begin to seek peace and then look at the situation dispassionately - asking what happened, what went wrong, what could be fixed, seeking God's guidance in a practical way for change, to give them wisdom and clarity in perception and seek a clearer understanding both of themselves and of the people involved. Hope that helps a little.
2007-01-25 13:08:06 · answer #2 · answered by journeyer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A spirituality, or way of seeking God and/or enlightenment, through mystical or contemplative means. Contemplation being a direct awareness of God or higher power, through meditation, or seeking God in silence, and solitude. Thomas Merton wrote several good books, "New Seeds of Contemplation" being one that can give you further direction on a Christian view of Contemplation. "Wherever You Go, There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn is a popular book today from a little more Eastern or secular view.
2007-01-22 19:19:08 · answer #3 · answered by Athanasios 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dragonfly said it best...
_()_
2007-01-22 18:11:44 · answer #4 · answered by vinslave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋