Meditations in Christianity

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Seven insightful perspectives on meditation in Christianity are offered in this collection of essays written by both Easterners and Westerners. Several of the essays focus on clearly establishing the similarity of Christian meditation to Eastern traditions. The remaining essays reveal valuable perspectives and little-known information on such major issues in Christian meditation as Christ's teachings on it, the influence of Hesychasm, the role of meditation in Christian monasticism, and the concept of prayer in Christian meditation. Two of the authors have practiced meditation from the days of their very early childhood; others have a more recent introduction to its practice but have early Christian roots upon which to base their views. The blending of the two groups forms a complete and unique picture of Christian meditation. Those who wish to practice meditation and maintain an active Christian affiliation will find here ample reassurance that the two traditions are compatible and complementary.

ONE OF THE greatest adepts, teachers, writers, and humanitarians of the 20th century, Swami Rama is the founder of the Himalayan Institute. Born in the Himalayas, he was raised from early childhood by the great Himalayan sage, Bengali Baba. Under the guidance of his master he traveled from monastery to monastery and studied with a variety of Himalayan saints and sages, including his grandmaster, who was living in a remote region of Tibet. In addition to this intense spiritual training, Swami Rama received higher education in both India and Europe. From 1949 to 1952, he held the prestigious position of Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham in South India. Thereafter, he returned to his master to receive further training at his cave monastery, and finally, in 1969, came to the United States, where he founded the Himalayan Institute. His best-known work, Living with the Himalayan Masters, reveals the many facets of this singular adept and demonstrates his embodiment of the living Himalayan Tradition.

From the beginnings of Christianity (and even earlier in the religious life of the people of Israel) there has been a tradition of meditation that persists to this day. It is the purpose of the present volume to explore this tradition.

Our reasons for selecting the articles to be included have been fourfold: First, we have attempted to present a view of the relationship of Christianity to other Eastern traditions in which there is a dominant emphasis on meditation. Historical evidence is presented, for instance, that points to the likelihood that Jesus and the fathers of the Christian faith were well acquainted with the ancient meditative disciplines. It is also shown how the purpose of meditation in Christianity became less important as the various modes of worship and dogma replaced the experiential knowledge of meditation as the basis of Christian belief.

A second intent of this volume is to examine the basis for meditation within the Bible itself. There has been a continuous, though often suppressed, tradition within the church that has found in the scriptures an esoteric guide to the practice of meditation as well as a source of hidden wisdom that becomes more fully apparent to aspirants as they progress along the spiritual path. This wellspring of spiritual truth has always nourished the great mystics and teachers of Christianity. It remains today the chief resource for persons who are seeking to unfold within themselves a greater awareness of the indwelling consciousness of Christ.

A third reason for this volume is to trace the history of a significant meditative tradition within the church-a tradition that has spanned many centuries. From this, much can be learned that will be of help to all who seek to establish a method of meditation based on Christian insights and goals.

And, finally, the present volume includes a discussion of some of the obstacles that stand in the way of successful meditation. Some of these are personal and require a change in the style and values of one's life; others are rooted in the narrowness of sectarianism and dogmatism in religion. But whatever the reason for them, as the hindrances to meditation are cleared away, one will find the key that frees him from the bondage of ignorance and attachments of the world, and it then becomes possible for him to experience the “new birth” of an expanded capacity to perceive an> respond to the infinite consciousness which is God.

Meditation thus gives us hope for a future of peace on earth and for the attainment of brotherhood among men, for through meditation one rediscovers the essential unity of purpose that underlies the many approaches to realization of God.

**Contents and Sample Pages**