Contemplation



Lesson 1 (What Contemplation is and is not)

Introduction
This Lesson will offer an introduction-to, and overview-of … a thousand-year biographical history of "Infused-Prayer" by setting-forth, in bold-relief, the writings of John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila.

Purpose
This Lesson will...


 * 1) Identify the single, radical distinction between Oriental Mysticism and Christian Contemplation.
 * 2) Expose the oft-ignored difference between the Desert Fathers of Syria and the Fathers of Egypt.
 * 3) Put "Prayer of the Heart" in bold-relief by citing carefully-selected excerpts of John of the Cross’ writings.
 * 4) Set a stage for Unit Seven's attempt at a common-sense/five-part teaching on Contemplation.

Hints
As you read the Sources, look for the following:


 * 1) The critical difference between Oriental Mysticism and Christian Contemplation.
 * 2) Root-cause of the critical difference between the Desert Fathers of Egypt and those of Syria.
 * 3) A sense of the absolute richness of John of the Cross' Inner Life.
 * 4) A grasp of essential characteristics in the growth-stages in Contemplative Prayer.

To undertake study of this Lesson, go to: http://www.contemplativerudder.com/ContemplationIA.pdf