Mid Term Examinations Spirituality And Prayer Fall 2018 Dr A

Mid Term Examinationspirituality And Prayerfall 2018dr Antonio Ramire

What is Centering Prayer and what are the guidelines? (Thomas Keating) A) What is contemplative prayer? (Richard Rohr) B) What are the elements or steps for the journey into the Now (Eckart Tolle) 2.- What three definitions from Sheldrake Introduction and Chapter 1 do you relate to the most? Why? 3. Describe the four (4) types of Spiritualties according to Sheldrake 4.- What is the mystical path? What are four characteristics of an authentic mystical experience? 5. What is meant by spirituality as a lifestyle? Give examples. 6.- How are spirituality and society connected? What are 3 social justice issues that you care about and why? 7.- What is interfaith dialogue? What is inter-being spirituality? What do you think about the concepts?

Paper For Above instruction

Spirituality and prayer are profound dimensions of human experience that facilitate a deeper connection with the divine, oneself, and the universe. Central to understanding these experiences are concepts like Centering Prayer, contemplative prayer, and mindfulness practices such as the journey into the Now. This paper explores these core ideas, their practices, and their relevance to contemporary spiritual life, along with reflections on the types of spirituality, mystical experiences, and the societal impact of spiritual principles. Additionally, it considers ideas like interfaith dialogue and inter-being spirituality, evaluating their significance in fostering peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among diverse communities.

Centering Prayer and Guidelines (Thomas Keating)

Centering Prayer, as articulated by Thomas Keating, is a method of silent prayer that aims to foster a sacred interior silence and deepen one's relationship with God. It involves choosing a sacred word as a symbol of intentions, silently repeating it during periods of quiet, and gently returning to this word when distracting thoughts arise. The practice emphasizes non-activity, interior silence, and openness to God's presence. Keating's guidelines promote consistency, choosing a sacred word that resonates personally, and setting aside time daily to cultivate a receptive state of consciousness that aligns with the contemplative life.

Contemplative Prayer (Richard Rohr)

Richard Rohr describes contemplative prayer as a profound form of listening and resting in God's presence beyond words and thoughts. Unlike petitions or meditative techniques focused on concentration, contemplative prayer involves a receptive silence, allowing divine love to enter and transform consciousness. Rohr emphasizes that this form of prayer is about surrender, openness, and cultivating awareness of the divine within all aspects of life, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual awakening.

Journey into the Now (Eckhart Tolle)

According to Eckhart Tolle, the journey into the Now involves becoming fully present and aware of the current moment, free from the mental distractions of the past and future. The steps include observing one's thoughts non-judgmentally, practicing mindfulness, and cultivating acceptance of what is. Tolle suggests that true peace and clarity arise when one disengages from constant mental chatter and resides consciously in the present, thus experiencing a spiritual awakening that transcends ego and mental conditioning.

Definitions from Sheldrake and Their Personal Relevance

In Sheldrake's introduction and Chapter 1, three definitions stand out: spirituality as a personal quest, as interconnectedness, and as a living process. The idea of spirituality as a personal quest resonates as it highlights individual transformation. The concept of interconnectedness emphasizes the unity of all existence, inspiring a sense of global responsibility. Seeing spirituality as a living process reflects its dynamic and evolving nature, encouraging continuous growth. These definitions appeal because they combine personal development with the recognition of a collective, interconnected universe, fostering a holistic spiritual worldview.

The Four Types of Spiritualities (Sheldrake)

Sheldrake categorizes spirituality into four types: the mystical, the contemplative, the community-oriented, and the activist. The mystical spirituality focuses on direct divine experience; contemplative emphasizes inward reflection; community-oriented involves service and social connection; and activist spirituality aims at transforming society through action. Recognizing these types helps individuals understand their spiritual inclinations and motivates engagement in varied practices, whether inward reflection or outward activism, as avenues for spiritual fulfillment.

The Mystical Path and Characteristics of Authentic Mystical Experiences

The mystical path seeks direct union with the divine through inner mystical experiences. Characteristics of authentic mystical experiences include a sense of unity beyond ego, profound peace, a sense of timelessness, and insights into the nature of reality. These experiences often transform the individual's worldview and deepen their spiritual understanding, highlighting their authenticity through consistency, transformative power, and universality across cultures and traditions.

Spirituality as a Lifestyle

Spirituality as a lifestyle involves integrating spiritual principles into daily living. Examples include mindful breathing during routine activities, practicing gratitude, living ethically, and engaging in regular prayer or meditation. Such practices cultivate inner peace, resilience, and compassion, influencing how individuals interact with others and perceive life, thus making spirituality a seamless part of everyday existence rather than an isolated practice.

Connecting Spirituality and Society

Spirituality influences society by fostering values like compassion, justice, and environmental stewardship. Many social justice issues are rooted in spiritual principles of equality and caring for others. Issues such as poverty, racial injustice, and environmental degradation are areas where spiritual values motivate activism. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership exemplified how spiritual conviction can drive social change, highlighting the importance of integrating spiritual consciousness into societal progress.

Interfaith Dialogue and Inter-being Spirituality

Interfaith dialogue involves conversations and collaborations among different religious traditions to promote understanding and peace. Inter-being spirituality, a concept linked to Thich Nhat Hanh, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life, advocating that recognizing our mutual interdependence fosters compassion and harmony. Both concepts challenge exclusivism, promote mutual respect, and encourage a shared commitment to social and ecological well-being—crucial for peaceful coexistence in an increasingly pluralistic world.

In conclusion, embracing these spiritual concepts and practices enriches individual lives and enhances societal harmony. By cultivating inner silence, awareness, and compassion, individuals contribute to a more just and peaceful world, demonstrating that spirituality is both an internal journey and a guiding force for societal transformation.

References

  • Keating, T. (2004). Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel. Crossroad Publishing.
  • Rohr, R. (2009). Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer. Crossroad.
  • Tolle, E. (1997). The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. New World Library.
  • Sheldrake, R. (2007). Spirit of Fire: The Study of Spiritually Oriented Practice. New Age Books.
  • James, W. (1902). The Varieties of Religious Experience. Longmans, Green & Co.
  • Nhat Hanh, T. (2012). Interbeing: Living in Interconnection. Parallax Press.
  • Schleiermacher, F. (2014). On Religion: A Critical Analysis of Its Nature, Origin, and Varieties. Fordham University Press.
  • Wilber, K. (2000). A Theory of Everything: An Integral Vision for Business, Politics, Science, and Spirituality. Shambhala Publications.
  • VanderVen, K. (2010). Spirituality and Society: Postmodern and Modern Perspectives. Routledge.
  • King Jr., M. L. (1963). Letter from Birmingham Jail. The Atlantic Monthly.

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