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The Chakra System
A
Christian Understanding
by Philip
St. Romain, D. Min.
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(based, in
part, on his book, Kundalini
Energy and Christian Spirituality.)
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- The encounter between
Eastern forms of mysticism and Christian
spirituality is one of the most significant "signs
of the times." One extreme response to this is syncretism,
in which various elements from different
traditions are extracted and synthesized into a
new spiritual tradition. This seems to
characterize much of what is called "New Age"
spirituality. The other extreme is to minimize the
importance of the East-West interaction, or to
view these traditions as inherently contradictory.
Some of the far right of Christian thinking tend
toward this view. Finding a middle ground which
respects the uniqueness of differing religious
traditions, while learning what is useful in them
to enhance one's spiritual growth is a difficult
challenge.
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- In this workshop, Dr. Philip
St. Romain avoids the extremes of syncretism and
triumphalism as he reflects on the significance of
the Hindu/yogic metaphysical view of human nature.
Similarities and differences between this paradigm
and the traditional Western, scholastic view are
noted, along with parallels between the powers of
the chakras and various developmental theories.
Practical implications for growth, healing and
spiritual direction are noted, while helpful
resource handouts are provided.
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