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Synopsis
Provides an introduction to the Christian contemplative tradition for people inside or on the margins of the churches who feel drawn to the world of silent prayer.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a very helpful book for anyone who wants to find out about contemplation. It is written in a down to earth style and deals with the sort of obstacles a person will encounter such as distracting thoughts. Because the author is trying to explain something that needs to be experienced, I sometimes can't quite grasp what he means - I think this will be helped by contemplating awhile then coming back to the book again later.
84 of 86 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Every ten years or so, a small book appears and slips into the mainstream of life: it is simply `there' to take up and read or disregard. But gradually, thanks to word-of-mouth recommendation, it becomes what it was always meant to be: slow food for the soul, a contemporary spiritual `classic'. `Into the Silent Land' is the latest such offering on the table of life. To those who know their need and are alert to what gives lasting nourishment, this little book - just the right size for pocket or rucksack - has an almost sacramental capacity to bless and confirm, to lure and encourage.
After all, `God does not know how to be absent,' declares Augustinian friar and author Martin Laird. Inviting us to journey with him `Into the Silent Land' he sets out to describe a spiritual landscape with which we so often struggle but within which we are created to thrive. Slowly, we can recover the practice of contemplation by which we come to know ourselves as we really are: nothing less than love outpoured.
Lest this seem too abstract or only true for certain `special' people, we are reminded that the sense of separation from God and one another is the great lie. Thanks to the constant video of noise and distraction passing before us, we allow our attention to be stolen and the awareness of our deepest identity erased. We forget the simplest of truths: we are already one with God. `All we need is to experience what we already possess.' But, like the deep-sea fisherman we are blinded by ignorance: we insist on `fishing for minnows while standing on a whale!'
However, `it is the gift of the Christian contemplative tradition to address this problem by exposing the lie' and introducing stillness to the mental clutter. By drawing wisdom from the treasure house that is the Christian mystical path - in stories and images both practical and poetic - Martin Laird reaches out to us through his own distilled experience, wearing his profound learning with elegance. Whether beginner or long-term pilgrim, he does us all a great favour by pointing out that it is only by letting go the `paste-up job' we call `self' that we come to the real flowering of our identity.
`Into the Silent Land' is simultaneously pole-star and compass, journey and destination. It engages body, soul, heart and mind - all are involved, all matter. There is nothing ethereal about this path, nothing that denies the wonder and mystery of who we are. As the delightful story that is the Epilogue suggests: the answer to the questions `Who am I?' and `who is Jesus Christ?' is profoundly simple... but who am I to deprive you of the gift of reading this book for yourself!
After all, `God does not know how to be absent,' declares Augustinian friar and author Martin Laird. Inviting us to journey with him `Into the Silent Land' he sets out to describe a spiritual landscape with which we so often struggle but within which we are created to thrive. Slowly, we can recover the practice of contemplation by which we come to know ourselves as we really are: nothing less than love outpoured.
Lest this seem too abstract or only true for certain `special' people, we are reminded that the sense of separation from God and one another is the great lie. Thanks to the constant video of noise and distraction passing before us, we allow our attention to be stolen and the awareness of our deepest identity erased. We forget the simplest of truths: we are already one with God. `All we need is to experience what we already possess.' But, like the deep-sea fisherman we are blinded by ignorance: we insist on `fishing for minnows while standing on a whale!'
However, `it is the gift of the Christian contemplative tradition to address this problem by exposing the lie' and introducing stillness to the mental clutter. By drawing wisdom from the treasure house that is the Christian mystical path - in stories and images both practical and poetic - Martin Laird reaches out to us through his own distilled experience, wearing his profound learning with elegance. Whether beginner or long-term pilgrim, he does us all a great favour by pointing out that it is only by letting go the `paste-up job' we call `self' that we come to the real flowering of our identity.
`Into the Silent Land' is simultaneously pole-star and compass, journey and destination. It engages body, soul, heart and mind - all are involved, all matter. There is nothing ethereal about this path, nothing that denies the wonder and mystery of who we are. As the delightful story that is the Epilogue suggests: the answer to the questions `Who am I?' and `who is Jesus Christ?' is profoundly simple... but who am I to deprive you of the gift of reading this book for yourself!
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The author brings a wealth of knowledge from the desert fathers and scripture to present a method of meditation which touches the practioner in his/her daily life. In reading Phillip Lairds book we come to realize that the sort of prayer we thought was rerserved for Monks Nuns and religious is actually readily available to us in a simple manner and is very practical in facing the challenges of every day life. Contemplation using the " prayer word" becomes a place of refuge leading to a freedom we previously could not have imagined. The author usues examples of people in fearful and challenging situations which have found that the very fears and problems they had opened the door to the " silent land". this book for me is a a must for people seeking a way to pray in a personal and life giving way.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Contemplative Meditation
A book not to be rushed. I'm captivated by the wealth of helpful information, addressed in simple language, for anyone to easily follow. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Martin Simister
The way of silence
Excellent introduction to silence across the Christian traditions from the Fathers of the East to the great mystics of the West with practical advice and further reading... Read more
Published 4 months ago by leslie
The Silent Land
This is the best book on contemplative prayer that I have read in many a year and I am over 80 years old. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Elspeth
A Way into Prayer
This book is a very great help in the practice of prayer. It is too early for me to say much, since I am only a beginner!!
Published 8 months ago by Mrs. Julia Blencowe
From the christian tradition
This is very useful resource, drawing deeply on the ancient christian tradition.
Literature is also used effectively to give insight into situations and benefits. Read more
Literature is also used effectively to give insight into situations and benefits. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Eileen
To be savoured
This little book is not a quick read, despite its size. I found that I needed to read a little bit then reflect on it for a long time. Read more
Published 12 months ago by M. Hart
Wonderful Book About Contemplation
This is a truly lovely book outlining the history and practice of 'going into silence'. I will keep reading it over and over again.
Published 13 months ago by auntie4
Wonderful!
Im at the very start of my own journey into Christian contemplation. For some time I have been praying as to where the Lord wanted me to go next, and here it is. Read more
Published 15 months ago by wellwoman
christian mindfulness teachings
A great book for introducing christians to the practice of mindfulness meditation. However i feel picking up a half-decent buddhist meditation book would explain aspects not fully... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Samsaric Sounds
A must read for those who want to learn to be still.
Although small in size this is a great book, get the hard back because you will read it again and again! Read more
Published 16 months ago by Thoughtful
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