Open Mind, Open Heart
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Open Mind, Open Heart
Thomas Keating’s Open Mind, Open Heart, first published in 1986, offers a clear pathway into the practice of Centering Prayer. Keating, a Trappist monk, presents a method that, while rooted in Christian tradition, speaks to a universal human yearning for stillness and divine connection. His strength lies in demystifying a practice that can seem arcane, making it accessible to the layperson. The book’s direct, instructional tone is its greatest asset. However, for those seeking extensive theological exegesis or historical context beyond the immediate practice, the focus remains resolutely practical, which may feel like a limitation to some readers. The section detailing the "divine indwelling" and the necessity of "consent" to God's action is particularly potent, offering a gentle but firm invitation to surrender.
Keating’s work provides a solid, accessible entry point into a profound spiritual discipline.
📝 Description
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Thomas Keating published Open Mind, Open Heart in 1986, detailing Christian contemplative practice.
Thomas Keating's 1986 book, Open Mind, Open Heart, details the practice of Centering Prayer. It is not a theoretical work but a practical guide for cultivating a deeper interior life. Keating explains how to engage in a prayer that moves beyond ordinary thought and emotion to foster a direct experience of God's presence. The book guides readers in consenting to this indwelling presence, which it emphasizes as a force for spiritual transformation.
This text is for individuals seeking a more profound spiritual path within Christianity, particularly those interested in mystical prayer and silent contemplation. Practitioners of Centering Prayer who want to deepen their practice will find it valuable, as will newcomers looking for a structured approach. Spiritual directors and educators may also use it as a resource for guiding others.
Published in 1986, Open Mind, Open Heart emerged during a time of renewed interest in Christian contemplative traditions, often seen in conversation with Eastern spiritual practices. While Transcendental Meditation and Zen Buddhism gained attention, Keating's book firmly placed contemplative prayer within the Catholic Church's mystical heritage. It made accessible a practice previously associated with cloistered monastics, aligning with a broader cultural search for meaning and inner peace.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn the precise steps of Centering Prayer as developed by Thomas Keating, a method distinct from other meditation techniques, offering a unique Christian contemplative path. • Cultivate the practice of "consent" to God's presence, a specific spiritual discipline that fosters interior transformation and detachment from ego. • Gain a practical understanding of the "divine indwelling," a core tenet of Christian mysticism, and how to facilitate a conscious relationship with this inner divine reality.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary method taught in Thomas Keating's Open Mind, Open Heart?
The book's primary focus is Centering Prayer, a method of silent prayer designed to foster a deeper interior awareness of God's presence. It emphasizes letting go of thoughts and emotions to rest in God.
When was Open Mind, Open Heart first published and by whom?
Open Mind, Open Heart was first published in 1986 by Thomas Keating, a prominent figure in the development of the Centering Prayer movement.
Is Centering Prayer similar to Buddhist meditation?
While both practices involve silence and inner focus, Centering Prayer is distinctly Christian, aiming for a direct experience of God's presence within the framework of Christian faith, whereas Buddhist meditation may have different ultimate aims.
What is the concept of 'divine indwelling' as explained by Keating?
Keating explains the divine indwelling as the belief, central to Christian theology, that God permanently resides within each person, and Centering Prayer is a method to become more consciously aware of this presence.
Can someone who is not Catholic practice Centering Prayer?
Yes, while originating in the Catholic tradition, Centering Prayer is widely practiced by individuals of various Christian denominations and even those from other spiritual backgrounds seeking silent contemplation.
What does Keating mean by 'consent' in the context of prayer?
'Consent' refers to the active, ongoing willingness of the practitioner to let God's grace work within them during Centering Prayer, facilitating spiritual growth and transformation.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Centering Prayer Method
The book meticulously details Centering Prayer, a contemplative practice rooted in Christian tradition. It's presented not as an escape, but as a method to deepen one's relationship with God through silence and surrender. Keating emphasizes its active nature, requiring 'consent' to divine presence rather than passive waiting. This practice aims to move beyond discursive thought and emotional engagement, fostering direct experience of the divine indwelling. The work outlines the posture, intention, and response to thoughts that characterize the Centering Prayer method, making it accessible for beginners.
Divine Indwelling & Presence
A central theme is the Christian doctrine of the divine indwelling, the belief that God resides within each individual. Keating posits that much of our spiritual life involves becoming consciously aware of this ever-present reality. Open Mind, Open Heart guides the reader to attune themselves to this inner presence, often experienced as a subtle, loving awareness. This theme challenges the notion of God as external, instead locating the divine intimately within the human spirit, accessible through intentional stillness and openness.
Spiritual Growth Through Surrender
The text frames spiritual growth not as an achievement, but as a process of surrender and letting go. Keating introduces the idea of 'active faith' which involves consenting to God's action in the depths of one's being. This surrender is not about passivity but about releasing attachments to thoughts, emotions, and ego-driven desires that obscure the divine presence. The book suggests that this process, while sometimes challenging, is essential for purification and the development of a more Christ-like consciousness.
Prayer Beyond Words
Keating champions a form of prayer that transcends the limitations of language and conceptual thinking. He differentiates Centering Prayer from 'vocal' or 'meditative' prayer, which relies on words or images. This 'prayer of presence' aims for a direct, intuitive encounter with God. The book explains how to gently return to this state of pure awareness when the mind wanders, fostering a more profound and less mediated connection with the divine source. It encourages a shift from 'doing' prayer to 'being' in prayer.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The prayer of Centering is the prayer of presence.”
— This succinctly captures the essence of the practice Keating advocates. It's about resting in the awareness of God's presence rather than actively formulating prayers or thoughts about God.
“The divine indwelling is the indwelling of God in the human person.”
— This highlights a core theological concept Keating brings to practical prayer. It asserts God's inherent presence within us, which Centering Prayer aims to make consciously felt.
“Consent to the divine indwelling.”
— This is a call to action within the contemplative practice. It means actively agreeing to allow God's grace and presence to work within one's being, facilitating spiritual transformation.
“We are all human beings, and we are all spiritual beings.”
— This statement emphasizes the dual nature of human existence as Keating sees it, suggesting that our spiritual dimension is as fundamental as our human one, and Centering Prayer helps realize this.
“The prayer of intention is the prayer of the will.”
— Keating links intention to the will, suggesting that the desire and commitment to engage in Centering Prayer is a crucial starting point for the practice.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While deeply rooted in Christian mysticism, Open Mind, Open Heart engages with universal contemplative principles that resonate with broader esoteric traditions. Its emphasis on inner silence, divine indwelling, and transcending the ego aligns with mystical paths across various religions, including Sufism and certain schools of Buddhist meditation. Keating's work can be seen as an esoteric interpretation of Christian doctrine, making its mystical core accessible to a wider audience seeking direct spiritual experience beyond dogma.
Symbolism
The book doesn't rely heavily on overt symbolic language common in some esoteric texts. Instead, the 'sacred touch' or 'intuition' can be seen as a subtle, internal symbol of divine presence, a motif found in many mystical traditions. The 'divine indwelling' itself functions symbolically, representing the Godhead as an inner sanctuary or wellspring of grace, a concept echoed in Hermeticism's 'The All is within'. The act of 'consent' can symbolize the alchemical process of allowing transformation by an external agent (divine grace).
Modern Relevance
Keating's work on Centering Prayer continues to be highly relevant. It is foundational for the Contemplative Outreach movement, which promotes the practice globally. Contemporary spiritual seekers, even those outside traditional religious structures, find value in its non-dualistic approach to presence and stillness. Thinkers and practitioners in fields like contemplative neuroscience and psychology draw upon its principles to understand the effects of sustained silent prayer on the brain and consciousness.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals seeking a structured, contemplative prayer practice within a Christian framework: They will find a detailed, step-by-step guide to Centering Prayer, offering a unique path to deepening their faith and interior life. • Practitioners of other meditation or mindfulness techniques looking for a Western mystical alternative: This book offers a way to engage in silent awareness rooted in the Christian tradition, providing specific theological underpinnings. • Spiritual directors and educators: They will gain a practical resource for guiding individuals toward a deeper experience of God's presence through the method of Centering Prayer.
📜 Historical Context
Thomas Keating's Open Mind, Open Heart, released in 1986, emerged during a significant period for contemplative spirituality in the West. The late 20th century saw a burgeoning interest in meditation and mindfulness, often influenced by Eastern traditions. Keating’s work provided a distinctly Christian counterpoint, anchoring these practices within the rich, centuries-old mystical heritage of the Catholic Church. He was a key figure in the revival and popularization of Centering Prayer, a method drawing inspiration from medieval Christian mystics like the author of *The Cloud of Unknowing*. This revival occurred amidst a broader spiritual seeking in Western societies, offering an accessible path to interiority for laypeople. While figures like Thomas Merton had previously bridged Eastern and Western contemplative thought, Keating’s approach was specifically designed for broader accessibility within a modern context, offering a structured alternative to the growing popularity of secularized meditation techniques.
📔 Journal Prompts
The practice of 'consent' to divine indwelling.
Understanding the 'prayer of presence' beyond discursive thought.
Reflecting on the 'sacred touch' as an intuition of God.
Your personal experience with the intentional release of thoughts during Centering Prayer.
The meaning of 'active faith' in your spiritual journey.
🗂️ Glossary
Centering Prayer
A formal method of silent Christian prayer designed to facilitate the development of interior contemplative prayer by centering on the presence of God within.
Divine Indwelling
The theological concept that God resides within each human person, a presence that Centering Prayer aims to make consciously felt.
Consent
The active willingness to let God's grace work within oneself during prayer, fostering spiritual growth and transformation.
Sacred Touch
An intuitive or felt sense of God's presence, often experienced during contemplative prayer as a subtle awareness.
Active Faith
A state of engaged spiritual trust and openness, particularly the willingness to let go of distractions and rest in God's presence.
Prayer of Presence
A form of prayer that emphasizes resting in the awareness of God's presence rather than engaging in vocal prayer or thought processes.
Discursive Thought
Logical, sequential thinking that moves from one idea to another, which Centering Prayer seeks to quiet to access deeper levels of consciousness.
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