|
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUPS MEET WEEKLY EACH TUESDAY MORNING AND EVENING AT MOUNT SAINT MARY'S
For the past 12 years Christian Meditation groups have met weekly at Mount Saint Mary's to practice the simple tradition of silent, contemplative prayer that follows the teaching of the Benedictine Monk John Main (1926-1982). The groups meet each Tuesday morning at 9:05 AM and Tuesday evening at 7:15 PM. All newcomers are welcome to this ancient way of prayer.
THE TRADITION OF SILENCE IN PRAYER
Meditation is not something new to the Christian experience but is deeply rooted in Christian tradition. However many Christians have lost touch with this ancient tradition of prayer. Meditation, also known as contemplative prayer, involves coming to a stillness of spirit and a stillness of body. The extraordinary thing, says John Main, is that, in spite of all the distractions of the modem world, this silence is perfectly possible for all of us. To attain this silence and stillness we have to devote time, energy and love.
The aim of meditation is to bring our distracted mind to stillness, silence and attentiveness. In order to assist us to come to stillness, we use a sacred word.
THE PRACTICE OF MEDITATION
The prayer word recommended by John Main is "MARNATHA". It is an Aramaic word which means, "Come Lord, Come Lord Jesus." This word is preferred because it has no visual or emotion connotations and its continuous repetition will lead us over time to a deeper and deeper silence.
Meditation is an inner journey of silence, stillness and simplicity, and is the missing contemplative dimension of much Christian life today.
top>>
HOW TO MEDITATE
Find a comfortable position. For most this is a seated position. Sit still and upright. The important thing is to keep the spine straight. Place your feet flat on the floor. Close your eyes lightly. Sit relaxed but alert. Breathe calmly and regularly. Silently, interiorly, begin to say a single word. We recommend the prayer-phrase 'MA-RA-NA-THA". Recite it as four syllables of equal length. Listen to it as you say it, gently but continuously. Do not think or image anything - spiritual or otherwise. If thoughts and images come, these are distractions at the time of meditation, so keep returning to simply saying the word. Meditate each morning and evening for between twenty and thirty minutes. In the beginning you may wish to start with shorter periods of time and work up to the recommended period. You can time yourself with a timed tape, CD or kitchen timer. Playing reflective/ sacred music at the beginning and end can be a meaningful contribution to the experience.
THE WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
In 1991 a World Community for Christian Meditation was set up to communicate John Main's teaching on this way of prayer. An international Centre in London, England and a guiding board oversees the direction of the Community, including a quarterly newsletter, the annual John Main Seminar, a School for Teachers, and the coordination of Christian Meditation Centers around the world. National Councils also exist in various countries, including Canada, to pass on the teaching and nurture the weekly meditation groups.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For information about Mount Saint Mary's Meditation Groups contact Sister Kathleen Bolger at Mount St. Mary's, 141 Mount Edward Road, Charlottetown, PE CIA 7M8; telephone (902) 892-6585; Email: kbolger@peimarthas.ca
top>>
|
