Word into Silence: A Manual for Christian Meditation

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The Dalai Lama visiting John Main in Montreal after an interfaith service in 1980. Photo: The World Community for Christian Meditation

That one, final experience, remains elusive. We exist for the sake of That. That which is liberation. We breathe for the sake of that. We come to tomorrow, so that tomorrow, THAT may come. So, it is for the sake of THAT, that time exists. It is for the sake of THAT, that all future exists.

But then, the argument is superb. You say, because I am so small, so you should come to me. The Truth responds. It says, “I can begin to come to you because you are small. But if I come close to you, and you are still determined to stay small, then I cannot come any closer.” As with anything, the practice of this, and especially the discipline of consistency in meditation is much more difficult than it seems. The book, while being clear and simple, recognizes this and encourages readers to persevere. The benefits, clarity and insights gained make it worthwhile.

Many of us have forgotten (or even fear) quiet. We live in a world full of noise and chatter. A world wherein our daily routines are inundated with distractions and responsibilities. This practice, called the Sphere of Silence, is a 60-minute routine that can help you stay grounded, focused, and most importantly, remain hopeful when your mind wants to spiral. There is one ground rule: Follow the below steps in complete silence. The all-important aim in Christian meditation is to allow God s mysterious and silent presence within us to become more and more not only a reality, but the reality which gives meaning, shape and purpose to everything we do, to everything we are...

So, in love, there is neither giving nor receiving. Simply put, no doing of the doer. No-doing of the doer is also the highest doing of the little doer. The highest of the little doer. The effect cannot be dimensionally, beyond the cause. Which is to say — the fruit of the action, cannot be dimensionally superior to the action. Which is to say — the fruit of the action, is actually just the quality of the actor.

La meditación es la oración de fe, porque primero debemos dejar de lado nuestro ego para que el Otro aparezca, sin saber a ciencia cierta si verdaderamente aparecerá”. Right now, when you think of liberation, you say, “I am thinking of liberation.” But when you think of having a Pizza, then according to you, you are thinking of something other than liberation. This book makes clear the meaning and purpose of meditating so that we may embark on the journey with deeper understanding and commitment. Father John explained that these introductory talks can be used to prepare for the silence of meditation. They are designed to help bring your mind to a state of peacefulness. Listen to one talk at a time prior to your meditation.

El libro da algunos fundamentos y consejos prácticos para meditar: elegir una palabra, no modificarla, repetirla, meditar dos veces por día 20/30 minutos, buscar el mantra como el camino del despojo del yo, en el silencio poder encontrarse con la verdad del Otro y de los otros. También alerta sobre las posibles ilusiones como la del estado somnoliento o paz perniciosa que hacen creer haber llegado a un lugar profundo e impiden progresar.