Posted by Phil on March 02, 1999 at 08:18:18:
In Reply to: Re: Centering Prayer and Contemplation posted by John Theobald on February 26, 1999 at 22:31:33:
Thanks for your observations, John. I know Thomas Keating has many times disagreed on a Centering Prayer - TM connection, but I do think he borrowed a bit from the TM movement regarding the regularity of the discipline (two 20 minute periods a day). The CP retreats are also similar to Zen retreats (formal sittings, ringing bells, walking meditation). But the heart of the practice is thoroughly Christian in its emphasis on consent and intentionality. The "Cloud of Unknowing" recommends this kind of prayer to those who are recollected, as do a number of mystics from the Christian tradition.
Personally, I have no problem "borrowing" from zen and TM to help provide structure and discipline for CP. This is a good example of using the riches of other traditions to deepen one's own.
The controversial issue, as Jim Arraj has pointed out, is the relationship between centering prayer and contemplation, and whether the kinds of silence which ensue from centering prayer are contemplation as understood in the Christian tradition--especially in light of St. John of the Cross' writings on this matter. Much more discernment is needed here.
Peace,
Phil