Hello Instructors! As the title says how did saints like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Thomas Aquanus achieve realization through just prayer and sacrifice? I'm not sure if they knew about Mauithuna, but I'm guessing they did since they're Saints, but I've never read or heard mentioned that they meditated. Meditation as in sitting still and emptying the mind. I just know they prayed a lot and sacrificed for others.
During their lifetime, I don't think many people knew about Eastern teachings such as yoga and meditation so how did they Realize themselves without silencing the mind? And if they did could you please explain? Also what kinds of prayers did they do to Realize themselves? Is it just thanking God and wishing others well? Thank you!
During their lifetime, I don't think many people knew about Eastern teachings such as yoga and meditation so how did they Realize themselves without silencing the mind? And if they did could you please explain? Also what kinds of prayers did they do to Realize themselves? Is it just thanking God and wishing others well? Thank you!
Accepted Answer
Meditation is not the sole patrimony of eastern traditions, but constitutes the heart of every genuine religion, i.e., Jesus fasting 40 days in the wilderness; Muhammad praying and contemplating God on Jabal Nur, the mountain of light; St. Francis reflecting deeply on compassion and love. What happens is that public Christianity has mostly forgotten its roots and most people don’t seriously study or practice the esoteric teachings.
For thirty years I sought God. But when I looked carefully I found that in reality God was the seeker and I the sought. -Bayazid al-Bastami
Thank you Almustafa! I understand now. Prayer should be devotional, and we must put effort into it and give our Love and attention to God if we want a relationship with Him. Like in Eastern Meditation, prayer should be 30 minutes or more if you can. This way we can develop our hearts by concentrating on Love and God. By developing this feeling we can open our hearts to others by our own will. If we give Love and devotion to God He will hear us, and only then do we truly have a relationship with Him. All we need is God and Love. I found out about St. Teresa of Avila after researching a little about Christian Mysticism. Her, St. Francis of Assisi, and Thomas Aquinas speak very beautifully about God. It makes me look at my meditation practices in a profound way. I think the West will truly benefit from Christian Mysticism more so than Eastern Meditation, because God knows we need to treat each other better in this era of social media where most in the West consider themselves Christians/Catholics. Shukran! God bless!
Accepted Answer
Meditation is not the sole patrimony of eastern traditions, but constitutes the heart of every genuine religion, i.e., Jesus fasting 40 days in the wilderness; Muhammad praying and contemplating God on Jabal Nur, the mountain of light; St. Francis reflecting deeply on compassion and love. What happens is that public Christianity has mostly forgotten its roots and most people don’t seriously study or practice the esoteric teachings.
For thirty years I sought God. But when I looked carefully I found that in reality God was the seeker and I the sought. -Bayazid al-Bastami
- Page :
- 1
There are no replies made for this post yet.