Center for Action and Contemplation - Richard
Rohr's Meditation “Non-Dual Consciousness” – Saturday, 30 November 2013
Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation
Seven Themes of an Alternative Orthodoxy
Seventh Theme: Reality is paradoxical and
complementary. Non-dual thinking is the highest level of consciousness. Divine
union, not private perfection, is the goal of all religion (Goal).
“Non-Dual Consciousness”
Meditation 22 of 52
Contemplation teaches a different mind
which leaves itself open so that when the “biggies” come along (love, suffering,
death, infinity, contradictions, God, and probably sexuality), we still remain
with an open field. We don’t just close down when it doesn’t make full sense,
or we are not in full control, or immediately feel validated. That calm and
non-egocentric mind is called contemplative, or non-dual thinking.
The lowest level of consciousness is
entirely dualistic (win/lose)—me versus the world and basic survival. Many, I
am afraid, never move beyond this. The higher levels of consciousness are more
and more able to deal with contradictions, paradoxes, and all Mystery
(win/win). This is spiritual maturity. At the higher levels, we can teach
things like compassion, mercy, forgiveness, selflessness, even love of enemies.
Any good contemplative practice quickly greases the wheels of the mind toward
non-dual consciousness. This is exactly why saints can overlook offenses and
love enemies! We must be honest enough to admit that this has not characterized
most Christian clergy or laity up to now. It is not really their fault. No one
taught them how to pray, even in seminaries or the typical parish.(Adapted from
Contemplation AND Action (MP3) The Daily Meditations for 2013 are now available
in Fr. Richard’s new book Yes, And . . . .)
-------
Center for Action and Contemplation
Physical:
1705 Five Points Road Southwest
Albuquerque, NM 87105 United States
Mailing:
PO Box 12464
Albuquerque, NM 87195-2464 United States
(505) 242-9588
cac.org
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment