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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by verne on September 4, 2004, at 11:50:28
I'm hoping to start meditating on a more regular basis. I've been flip-flopping over the years between transcendental meditation and centering prayer. Also considering zen or something along the lines of what Eknath Easwaran recommends.
One project I never seem to get to is to read "The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross" - especially "Dark Night of the Soul" and "Ascent of Mount Carmel". I know he describes the different levels of meditation but I hope to learn how with a closer read. I had only read bits here and there before. But I'm having trouble settling down to read much of anything at all right now.
TM worked for me at first but a pentecostal church got a hold of me and "exorcised" me - more than once. Doing TM and being mentally ill was an especially bad combination in their eyes. Now when I return to TM it doesn't seem as effective - could have something to do with uprooting the mantra.
I have a few books on different forms of "Centering Prayer" but I can't get into them. I'm too agoraphobic to attend any sort of classes or retreats - which still involve people and traveling. I'm in a rut. Haven't been off my property for months - except to go to the doctor and the occasional grocery trip. (even that is an ordeal)
Anyone have any suggestions, books, videos, ideas about centering prayer?
Verne
Posted by nicolas on September 4, 2004, at 15:04:21
In reply to Meditation or Centering Prayer, posted by verne on September 4, 2004, at 11:50:28
Hello
St John of the Cross is a mystic of the highest order and a brilliant poet. Unfortunately, since we have lost touch with the esoteric dimension of Christianity, his work can be difficult to follow. I read it for the poetry and occasionally catch a glimpse of the meaning but his prayer is of a higher order than my own. It is nevertheless inspiring.
The dark night of the soul isn't merely depression, though it may seem to be such. We may feel abandoned by God but the dark night is withdrawal from the senses, or the evening, faith, or midnight, and then as the dawn breaks, union with God.
As for books to introduce one to prayer and meditation, I have elsewhere recommened a book by Joseph Goldstein entitled "Insight Meditation." I would also recommend "Praying with Body and Soul" by Jane E. Vennard.
I hope this double quotations work.
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