The Purpose of Contemplation

Talk: What the purpose of contemplation? How can we make our practice more than just about ourselves? A thought from 14th c. Christian mystic Meister Eckhart.

Transcript

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Com What is the purpose of contemplation?

How do we make our contemplative meditation practice more than simply a selfish ego trip of self-centered betterment?

How do we make it more than just about ourselves?

An answer to this from the Dominican spirituality is that we should pass on to others what we gain in contemplation.

The question then is,

What do we gain in contemplation?

We gain peace.

We gain inner stillness.

We gain a sense of calm.

And we gain a deeper connection to the divine.

We gain a way of life which enables us to better be aware of the world in which we live.

To better be aware of the world within ourselves.

And to better be aware of the divine presence that dwells in both the world in which we live and the world within ourselves.

The famous Dominican friar Meister Eckhart,

A 14th century German Christian mystic,

Said,

When you dedicate yourself to the life of contemplation,

Eventually you will no longer be able to contain the great wealth you gain from it.

You must pay attention to the life of contemplation.

You must pay attention to the wealth you gain from it.

You must pour it out in a life in action.

When you dedicate yourself to a life of contemplation,

Eventually you will no longer be able to contain the great wealth you gain from it.

You must pour it out in a life in action.

That is to say,

We should pass on to others what we gain in contemplation.

So from this thought of Meister Eckhart,

A Dominican friar taught by the Dominican spirituality,

What is the purpose of contemplation?

What is the purpose of contemplation?

How do we make it more than simply a selfish ego trip of self-centred betterment?

The purpose of contemplation is then to live a life in action based upon the benefits of practicing meditation and contemplation.

To actively share with the world through the life we live,

The peace,

Inner stillness,

Sense of calm,

Deep connection to the divine,

And an awareness of the world around us and within us.

Actively sharing this with the world,

Passing on to others what we gain in contemplation.

Thank you.

Reviews

Thank you words of wisdom

Good insight, the teachings of Meister Eckhart are crucial for this time! many blessings🙏🏽

Thank you. For this gift of contemplation.

Hi David,
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Regards,
Arpit.

Thank you for a lovely understanding of this practice. What if

others are not accepting of our offerings?

💜Blessings to you💜

Thank you very much for this very helpful an clear definition of contemplativ prayer

Thank you for that message. I have heard it put “If you don’t give it away you can’t keep it”

Every morning I start my meditation with my life Ultimate Question: “What do I want?” You put in words precisely the answer! Another mystic, St. Seraphim of Sarov, said the same thing, “Acquire inner peace and thousands around you will be saved.”

I appreciate the idea of contemplation not being an activity that remains mine, but something I give away in service to others.

Great insight: pouring out to others the greatness and richness we receive in contemplation

Love what you said about keeping contemplation from being a self centered activity. It is so much more than that.

Thank you, we only receive what we give away! Again, thank you my Beloved Brother.

I found this in the category talk, so I did not expect a meditation. Thanks to David for sharing this short, thoughtful and inspiring message.

Thsnk you so much!!

Not meditation but and excellent way to remind you why we meditate.

Touché! 🎯. Thank you!

Thank you -- love the explanation and the contemplativery prayer.

Love the reminder that we pass on what we gain

Nice intro to Christian contemplation ...