Contemplative
Meditation
Being some quotations from sources cited in the writings of Marian
Dunlop.
In her first book, 'Introduction to Contemplative Meditation' she
mentions St Teresa, Jacob Boehme, and Brother Lawrence. (p36)
St Teresa of Avila 1515-1582
From 'of Four Degrees of Prayer'
They who would follow Christ, if they do not wish to be lost, must
walk the way He walked Himself .....
I shall have to make use of a comparison; I should like to avoid it.
But .... I have to seek some means to make the matter plain. It may
be that the comparison will very rarely be to the purpose .... however,
I am satisfied with it for my present purpose. A beginner must look
upon himself as making a garden .... We have then, to see that the
plants grow, to water them carefully.
It seems to me that the garden may be watered in four ways: .... Of
those who are beginners in prayer, we may say, that they are those
who draw the water up out of the well - a process which .... is very
laborious; for they must be wearied in keeping the senses recollected,
and this is great labour, because the senses have been hitherto accustomed
to distractions.
('The Life of St Teresa of Jesus, of the order
of Our Lady of Carmel, written by herself'. Translated by David Lewis,
Thomas Baker, London Fifth edition 1924).
Jacob Boehme (Behmen) 1575-1624
From 'Dialogue 1'
The Disciple said to his Master: Sir, how may I come to the Supersensual
Life, so that I may see God, and may hear God speak?
The Master answered and said: Son, when thou canst throw thyself into
THAT, where no Creature dwelleth, though and it be but for a moment,
then thou hearest what God speaketh.
Disciple
Is that where no Creature dwelleth near at hand, or is it afar off?
Master
It is in thee. And if thou canst, my Son, for a while but cease
from all thy thinking and willing, then thou shalt hear the unspeakable
words of God.
('Dialogues on the Supersensual Life', edited by
Bernard Holland. Dialogues 1-3 translated by William Law, Methuen
& Co., London, 1901).
Brother Lawrence 1611-1691
From 'The Second Conversation with Brother Lawrence'
(said to be recorded by the former Cardinal de Noailles).
He told me - That in his trouble of mind he had consulted nobody,
but knowing only by the light of faith that God was present, he contented
himself with directing all his actions to Him.
That useless thoughts spoil all; that the mischief began there, but
that we ought to reject them as soon as we perceive their impertinence
to the matter in hand .... and return to our communion with God
('The Practice of the Presence of God, being conversations
and letters of Brother Lawrence', A & R Mowbray & Co. Ltd.,
London and Oxford, 1914).