Try reading St John of the Cross, “Living Flame of Love.”
He uses the term “Center” of the soul often, just as ThisOne explained.
In contemplative prayer, Christ draws us to the Center of our being, where He dwells with the Father and Holy Spirit.
It is there, that the grace of divine love is experienced.
But, instead of arguing about interior prayer, you should first get yourself at least familiar with the terms
amazon.com/gp/product/0935216146/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0935216146&linkCode=as2&tag=pathsoflove-20&linkId=BT46OZPBROCBJZ7Z
Jim
Actually, I am not familiar with that translator. I
have seen that this particular book is used in New Age “Christian” retreats. The problem with books about St. John of the Cross is the same problem with books about St. Francis of Assisi. Many people have written their own interpretation of what these saints said and did, and meant.
As for this comment, “But, instead of arguing about interior prayer, you should first get yourself at least familiar with the terms.”
Please don’t make this personal by trying to insult me with implied ignorance. That is very
unChristian.
I am not arguing I am trying to inform people so they wont be taken in by New Age ideology.
The*** Catholic church*** teaches that there is supernatural state of soul in which God is known in a way that no human effort or exertion could ever succeed in producing.
The
Hindus teach that there is a supernatural center of being that can be reached through meditation using certain techniques and there you can become one with God. You can become a part of the Divine Reality. (Nirvana)
“The core of my being is the ultimate reality, the root and ground of the universe, the source of all that exists. I am the ultimate reality.” Is a Hindu mantra.
The problem is that people get these two confused. There are supposedly Catholic priests out there who claim you can become one with the Divine Reality by using what they call “contemplative prayer or centering prayer.” The goal of these people is to change people into non-dualist thinking. (There is no black and white. There is no absolute right and absolute wrong. There is no spiritual punishment reward system. There is no hell or purgatory. Things die and take other forms. The kingdom of God is now, in whatever form you exist.)
“Letting go of thoughts is participating in the core action and the mind of Christ and preparing the mind to be a non-dual thought system.”
youtube.com/watch?v=TufpAQUXpTo
“If Mary were to appear and tell you she wished to take some pain from you or something, you should say “Not now dearie, I am doing my centering prayer.” (Supposedly, a quote from Fr. Thomas Keating.)
This woman, in the link above, frequently gives retreats at the Center for Action and Contemplation and other “Catholic” venues. She says centering prayer or “contemplative prayer” started 40 years ago. Just listen to her history of how it came to be. (It’s what I have stated before.)”
Where is the focus on God in this? It seems to be all about controlling and emptying your mind. Not thinking. Turning your mind off. Going into alternate state of awareness and intermingling with the Divine Presence. Sounds Hindu to me.
This is why the Church condemned the mixing of Eastern religious practices with Catholic religious practices in this document.
vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html
Currently, I am reading the Diary of St. Faustina, a modern day mystic. So far, when Jesus has come to her, He has not suggested that we go into an alternate state of mind so we become one with Him. He suggests that we receive daily Holy Communion and gave her more indulgenced prayers to pray for His divine mercy. His love is there for all who ask for forgiveness.
