A taste of silence
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A taste of silence
Carl J. Arico's A Taste of Silence offers a welcome, grounded perspective on the often-misunderstood art of inner stillness. Unlike many contemporary guides that dilute contemplative practice into mere relaxation techniques, Arico addresses the serious work of spiritual discipline. He meticulously outlines the path toward a deep interior quietude, emphasizing the intentionality required. A particular strength lies in his clear differentiation between various modes of prayer and presence, particularly his discussion of the 'prayer of intention' versus the 'prayer of presence' which provides a useful framework for practitioners. However, the book occasionally feels dense, requiring a focused commitment from the reader to fully absorb its nuances. While the 2015 publication date places it within a modern context, its roots feel deeply historical. Arico's work is a serious inquiry into the contemplative life.
📝 Description
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### What It Is A Taste of Silence is Carl J. Arico's exploration into contemplative practices and the inner life, first published in 2015. It moves beyond superficial spiritual concepts to address the core of meditative experience. The work offers a structured approach to cultivating inner stillness, examining the psychological and spiritual dimensions of quieting the mind.
### Who It's For This book is suited for individuals seeking a deeper engagement with meditation and contemplation, particularly those who have already engaged with introductory texts and desire a more rigorous or philosophical examination. It appeals to readers interested in the mechanics of achieving mental silence and its implications for personal growth and spiritual awareness.
### Historical Context Published in 2015, Arico's work emerged during a period of increased mainstream interest in mindfulness and meditation, often divorced from their original philosophical or religious contexts. This book offers a counterpoint by grounding these practices in a more robust, contemplative tradition, drawing implicitly on figures like Thomas Keating and the Centering Prayer movement which gained traction in the late 20th century. It situates itself within a lineage concerned with the direct experience of the divine or ultimate reality.
### Key Concepts The central concept is the cultivation of 'silence' not as an absence of sound, but as a state of profound inner quietude where one can become receptive to deeper truths. Arico discusses the 'prayer of intention' and the 'prayer of presence,' distinguishing between active and passive forms of spiritual engagement. The text also addresses the role of the 'divine indwelling' as the ultimate object of contemplative focus.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn to distinguish between mere quietude and profound inner silence as defined by Arico's 'prayer of intention' concept, offering a specific meditative goal. • Understand the 'divine indwelling' as a focal point for contemplative practice, providing a concrete spiritual objective beyond general mindfulness. • Gain practical guidance on cultivating the 'prayer of presence,' a technique detailed in the book for fostering receptivity to deeper spiritual realities.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of Carl J. Arico's A Taste of Silence?
The book's primary focus is on the cultivation of inner stillness and silence as a path to spiritual awareness, moving beyond superficial meditation techniques to a deeper contemplative practice.
When was A Taste of Silence first published?
A Taste of Silence was first published in 2015, placing it within a period of resurgent interest in mindfulness and contemplative practices.
What does Arico mean by 'silence' in the context of the book?
Arico defines 'silence' not as the absence of external noise, but as a profound inner quietude and receptivity, a state conducive to spiritual insight and connection.
Who is the intended audience for this book?
The book is intended for individuals with some prior exposure to meditation or contemplation who seek a more in-depth, philosophical, and disciplined approach to inner work.
Does the book offer practical exercises?
Yes, Arico offers guidance on cultivating stillness, including concepts like the 'prayer of intention' and 'prayer of presence,' which serve as practical frameworks for practice.
What is the 'divine indwelling' as discussed by Arico?
The 'divine indwelling' refers to the presence of the divine within the individual, which Arico posits as the ultimate object and recipient of contemplative attention.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Cultivating Inner Silence
The core theme revolves around achieving a profound state of inner quietude, distinct from mere absence of external sound. Arico guides the reader toward this stillness, framing it as a prerequisite for spiritual reception and insight. This silence is actively cultivated through specific practices, aiming to quiet the incessant chatter of the ego and the mind, allowing for a direct experience of deeper reality.
The Prayer of Intention
This theme addresses the conscious direction of one's spiritual life towards a specific divine focus. It's not about forceful effort but a gentle, persistent orientation of the will and attention. Arico distinguishes this from other forms of prayer, highlighting its role in preparing the soul for deeper communion and receptivity, serving as a foundational element in the contemplative journey.
The Prayer of Presence
Moving beyond intention, this theme explores a state of passive receptivity to the divine. It is about being present to the immediate experience of God's indwelling, without agenda or specific request. Arico describes this as a state of loving attention, where one simply rests in the awareness of the divine presence, allowing for spontaneous spiritual unfolding.
Divine Indwelling
This concept posits the inherent presence of the divine within every individual. Arico emphasizes that the contemplative path is not about seeking an external deity but about becoming aware of and deepening one's relationship with the divine already within. The cultivation of silence and presence serves to make this indwelling more palpable and experientially real.
💬 Memorable Quotes
“Silence is not an absence of noise, but a presence of God.”
— This statement reframes the common understanding of silence, moving it from a physical void to a spiritual reality. It suggests that true silence is an encounter with the divine, a state where God's presence becomes the most profound experience.
“The prayer of intention directs the soul towards its ultimate object.”
— This highlights the active, purposeful aspect of spiritual practice. It suggests that consciously orienting one's spiritual focus is a vital step in the journey towards deeper connection and understanding.
“Presence is a state of loving attention to the divine.”
— This defines the essence of receptive prayer. It emphasizes that being present to the divine involves a gentle, affectionate focus, a resting in awareness rather than an active seeking.
“We are seeking the indwelling God, not an external one.”
— This underscores the immanent aspect of the divine in Arico's teaching. The focus is on realizing the divine reality already within, rather than searching for something separate.
“The practice involves yielding to the divine movement within.”
— This speaks to the surrender and trust required in contemplation. It implies that spiritual progress is often achieved not through forceful effort, but through allowing divine grace to guide the process.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Arico's work aligns with the Christian contemplative tradition, particularly its mystical and apophatic (via negativa) streams. It draws upon the lineage that emphasizes direct, unmediated experience of the divine, often described as the 'prayer of silence' or 'prayer of union.' While rooted in Christianity, its exploration of inner stillness and divine indwelling resonates with broader perennialist philosophies that seek common ground across world spiritualities.
Symbolism
The central symbol is 'silence' itself, representing not an absence but a divine presence and receptivity. 'Light' is often implied as the illumination that arises from this silence, symbolizing divine knowledge or grace. The concept of the 'divine indwelling' acts as a symbolic locus, representing the inner sanctuary where God resides, the ultimate goal of contemplative practice.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary practitioners of Centering Prayer and other forms of Christian meditation find Arico's work a valuable guide. Its emphasis on disciplined intention and receptive presence also appeals to those in the broader mindfulness and secular meditation communities who are seeking a more theologically informed or philosophically rigorous approach to inner work and spiritual development.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals interested in the Christian contemplative tradition seeking to deepen their understanding of prayer beyond petitionary forms. • Meditators and mindfulness practitioners who wish to explore the philosophical and spiritual underpinnings of inner stillness and its role in direct spiritual experience. • Students of comparative mysticism looking for texts that bridge psychological techniques with theological concepts of divine union.
📜 Historical Context
Carl J. Arico's A Taste of Silence, published in 2015, arrived at a moment when mindfulness and meditation had become widely popularized, often stripped of their deeper spiritual or philosophical underpinnings. The book can be seen as a response to this trend, offering a more robust engagement with contemplative practice rooted in a tradition concerned with direct spiritual experience. While not directly engaging with contemporary figures, its emphasis on inner silence and divine indwelling echoes themes explored by contemplative masters like Thomas Merton and within movements such as Centering Prayer, which gained significant traction from the 1970s onwards. The work implicitly contrasts with the more psychotherapeutic applications of meditation prevalent in the early 21st century, advocating instead for a disciplined, theological approach to quieting the mind for spiritual ends.
📔 Journal Prompts
Reflect on your personal definition of 'silence' before encountering Arico's concept.
Consider the distinction between the 'prayer of intention' and the 'prayer of presence' in your own practice.
How does the concept of 'divine indwelling' challenge or affirm your current spiritual beliefs?
Identify moments in your life where you experienced a profound inner stillness.
What are the primary obstacles to achieving the 'prayer of presence' for you?
🗂️ Glossary
Silence (Contemplative)
A state of profound inner quietude and receptivity, characterized by the quieting of the ego and discursive thought, allowing for direct experience of the divine.
Prayer of Intention
An active form of prayer where the practitioner consciously directs their will and attention towards God, setting a spiritual goal or orientation.
Prayer of Presence
A passive form of prayer characterized by receptive attention to the divine indwelling, resting in the awareness of God's immediate presence without specific agenda.
Divine Indwelling
The theological concept that the divine resides within the human person, forming the ultimate object and source of contemplative practice.
Apophatic Prayer
A spiritual approach that describes God by negation (what God is not), emphasizing the ineffability and transcendence of the divine, often leading to silent contemplation.
Centering Prayer
A specific contemplative prayer practice within the Christian tradition designed to foster the prayer of presence and deepen awareness of God's indwelling.
Ego
In this context, the self-centered aspect of the personality that obstructs spiritual awareness and connection with the divine.
