Contemplation

The Thinker at Kyoto

Lesson 1 (What Contemplation is and is not)

Introduction

This Lesson will offer an introduction-to, and overview-of … a thousand-year biographical history of "Infused-Prayer" by setting-forth, in bold-relief, the writings of John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila.

Purpose

This Lesson will...

1. Identify the single, radical distinction between Oriental Mysticism and Christian Contemplation.
2. Expose the oft-ignored difference between the Desert Fathers of Syria and the Fathers of Egypt.
3. Put "Prayer of the Heart" in bold-relief by citing carefully-selected excerpts of John of the Cross’ writings.
4. Set a stage for Unit Seven's attempt at a common-sense/five-part teaching on Contemplation.

Hints

As you read the Sources, look for the following:

1. The critical difference between Oriental Mysticism and Christian Contemplation.
2. Root-cause of the critical difference between the Desert Fathers of Egypt and those of Syria.
3. A sense of the absolute richness of John of the Cross' Inner Life.
4. A grasp of essential characteristics in the growth-stages in Contemplative Prayer.

To undertake study of this Lesson, go to: http://www.contemplativerudder.com/ContemplationIA.pdf