Posted by john on March 12, 2002 at 06:28:00:
In Reply to: Re: Seeds of Contemplation posted by PS on March 11, 2002 at 20:09:26:
: : My only problem was I guess the perspective from which it was written. It really kept me from being able to grab hold of the book as one of my favorites. It was just so severe and ascetic. He seemed to operate from the principle that all flesh was evil and that anything of the flesh, even everyday pleasures were less desirable than pure thoughtless contemplation. Here I really disagree. I think that in movement and in art and in all aspects of existence God is equally present and that one can be just as Absorbed by Him in these things as in others.
: WOW... I did not get that idea of Merton or the book at all. I have a number of his books, but this is not the message I ever got from this man. But you know what a cheerless ascetic I am. ;-) Quite seriously though, I have a hard time being contemplative during physical activity. I am drawn to seek God for who He is in Himself, that is to say, apart from how the dynamic of His Presence as realized in life's activities. This does not mean I don't think you can find God in everything, or that I eschew the wonder of this life. Neverthless, the level of conteplation I found most satisfying was apart from the reality of this physical sensual existence.
I've always had trouble sitting still. Perhaps that is the biggest problem I have with this kind of contemplation. I find more peace in a regimented repetitive activity. Hence my love of Trance music. The reason I thought these things of Merton was mainly the chapter where he talks about even the joy and passion that arises in contemplation should be resisted because it is imperfect and can dissuade you from the deepest form of contemplation. I'm not quoting, but he actually said something to the effect that it was truer to be always on an even keel than to give in to human passions, and therefore these emotions should be resisted. He also said that these passions are really no more than the same kind of feeling one gets after drinking wine, or having a good swim, neither of which monks (in America) do. I have trouble with this. See, even you who understand Merton's type of meditation better than I know how to enjoy good music, food, and even a stiff drink now and then. I just can't fathom that God would rather us denounce life and celebration alltogether. Even David and Solomon understood the power of dance and music.