Open Mind, Open Heart
72
Open Mind, Open Heart
Thomas Keating's 1986 offering, *Open Mind, Open Heart*, is a foundational text for understanding Centering Prayer. Its strength lies in its systematic and accessible explication of a profound spiritual discipline. Keating’s careful distinction between the practice of Centering Prayer and other forms of meditation, particularly its grounding in Christian theology, is invaluable. He avoids the pitfalls of pop psychology by consistently referencing the tradition from which the practice emerges. A notable passage details the process of encountering thoughts during prayer, not as obstacles to be fought, but as opportunities to recommit to the prayer of intention. However, the book's inherent focus on a specific method can, at times, feel repetitive to those already familiar with contemplative disciplines, and its Christian-centric language may present a barrier for interfaith seekers without careful contextualization. Despite this, the work remains a clear and direct guide to cultivating interior silence. It offers a solid framework for anyone seeking a structured path toward divine encounter.
📝 Description
72
Thomas Keating's 1986 book offers a structured path to Centering Prayer.
Thomas Keating's *Open Mind, Open Heart*, first published in 1986, details a systematic method for Centering Prayer. This practice, rooted in Christian contemplative tradition, aims to foster interior silence and a direct experience of the divine. Keating outlines the theological basis and practical steps for this form of prayer, emphasizing surrender to God's presence within. The book is for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection, especially within Christianity, who are drawn to silent prayer beyond conceptual thought. It also holds value for those interested in Christian meditation's history, the interplay of psychology and spirituality, and for spiritual directors guiding others in contemplative practices.
Published in 1986, *Open Mind, Open Heart* arrived during a resurgence of contemplative practices in Christianity. While Centering Prayer draws on historical Christian mystical sources, Keating's work formalized and popularized it for a modern audience. This revival occurred alongside broader interest in consciousness and spirituality. Keating, however, maintained a distinct classical Christian theological framework, setting his approach apart from Eastern-influenced meditation or New Age movements gaining popularity at the time.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Learn the precise method of Centering Prayer as articulated by Thomas Keating, understanding its unique role within Christian contemplative traditions since its formalization. • Grasp the theological rationale behind Centering Prayer, particularly the concept of *infusion*, and how it differs from psychological self-help or other contemplative paths. • Discover practical guidance on navigating common experiences during silent prayer, such as thoughts and distractions, based on principles established by Keating and his contemporaries in the 1970s and 1980s.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Centering Prayer as described in Thomas Keating's *Open Mind, Open Heart*?
Centering Prayer, as detailed in Keating's 1986 work, is a contemplative prayer practice designed to foster a deeper relationship with God through interior silence and divine presence, distinct from discursive or affective prayer.
Who developed the practice of Centering Prayer?
The contemporary formalization of Centering Prayer is attributed to Thomas Keating, alongside Basil Pennington and William Keenan, drawing inspiration from ancient Christian contemplative sources.
What is the 'sacred word' in Centering Prayer?
The 'sacred word' or 'prayer word' in Centering Prayer is a simple, one-syllable symbol of your intention to surrender to God's presence and action, used gently when you become aware of distractions.
How does Centering Prayer differ from mindfulness meditation?
While both involve attention and presence, Centering Prayer is explicitly a Christian practice focused on surrendering to God's indwelling presence, whereas mindfulness meditation often has broader, secular or Eastern roots emphasizing present-moment awareness.
When was *Open Mind, Open Heart* first published?
Thomas Keating's influential book, *Open Mind, Open Heart*, was first published in 1986, making it a key text from the resurgence of Christian contemplative practice in the late 20th century.
What are 'thoughts' in the context of Centering Prayer?
In Centering Prayer, thoughts are seen not as enemies to be suppressed but as ordinary mental activity that offers an opportunity to gently recommit to the prayer of intention, returning to God's presence.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Practice of Centering Prayer
This theme centers on the practical application of Centering Prayer, a method developed by Thomas Keating and others, rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition. The book meticulously outlines the steps involved: choosing a sacred word, the posture of prayer, and the gentle return to the divine presence when the mind wanders. It emphasizes the non-striving nature of this prayer, distinguishing it from methods that seek specific experiences or states of consciousness. The practice is presented as a discipline of surrender, allowing for a more direct encounter with God beyond words and concepts, facilitated by the intention to be present to God's action within.
Divine Indwelling and Infusion
A core theological concept explored is the belief in God's active, indwelling presence within the human soul, referred to as *infusion*. Keating posits that Centering Prayer is a means of fostering receptivity to this divine action. It is not about human effort generating spiritual experience, but about creating an interior space where God's grace can operate more freely. This theme contrasts with spiritual paths that emphasize the individual's role in 'achieving' enlightenment or union, instead highlighting a divinely initiated process to which the practitioner consents.
Encountering the 'Human Condition' in Prayer
The book addresses the common challenges encountered during silent prayer, such as distractions, thoughts, and emotional fluctuations. Keating reframes these not as failures but as opportunities for growth. He uses terms like 'the human condition' to describe the ordinary psychological and emotional landscape that arises during contemplation. The method encourages a compassionate and non-judgmental engagement with these experiences, viewing them as chances to recommit to the prayer of intention rather than as hindrances to spiritual progress.
Christian Contemplative Tradition
Keating firmly anchors Centering Prayer within the historical lineage of Christian mysticism, referencing ancient sources and figures implicitly or explicitly. This theme underscores that the practice is not a novel invention but a rediscovery and articulation of a long-standing path within Christianity. It differentiates the approach from secular meditation or Eastern spiritual practices, emphasizing its theological underpinnings and its ultimate aim: union with God within the Christian framework. The book serves as a bridge, making these traditional teachings accessible to contemporary seekers.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The prayer of intention is to be present to God.”
— This concise statement captures the active consent required in Centering Prayer. It's not about passive waiting, but about a gentle, consistent commitment to be available to the divine presence, a fundamental aspect of the practice Keating describes.
“Thoughts are not the enemy of prayer.”
— This interpretation directly addresses a common misconception. Keating explains that thoughts arising during prayer are natural and provide opportunities to recommit to the intention of presence, rather than being seen as obstacles to be eradicated.
“Centering Prayer is a practice of surrender.”
— This highlights the core disposition of Centering Prayer. It’s about letting go of control, of egoic striving, and allowing God's grace and presence to be the primary focus, moving beyond self-generated spiritual effort.
“God is present within us.”
— This reflects the theological premise of divine indwelling that underpins Centering Prayer. The practice is designed to facilitate a conscious awareness of this ever-present divine reality, rather than trying to summon God from afar.
“The sacred word is a symbol of our intention.”
— This defines the function of the prayer word. It serves as a gentle anchor, a reminder of the practitioner's commitment to return to the divine presence when the mind drifts, without becoming the object of focus itself.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
While firmly rooted in Christian contemplative practice, Centering Prayer, as articulated by Keating, shares significant overlap with broader esoteric currents emphasizing direct experience of the divine beyond dogma. Its focus on interior silence, the surrender of the ego, and the cultivation of an inner awareness of God aligns with Hermetic principles of 'as above, so below' in the microcosm of the soul, and Gnostic ideals of inner gnosis. It departs from strict dogma by prioritizing an experiential encounter, making it accessible to those on various spiritual paths seeking communion with the sacred.
Symbolism
The primary symbol within Centering Prayer is the 'sacred word' or 'prayer word.' This is not a mantra to be chanted for its sound or meaning, but a simple, often one-syllable word chosen as a symbol of the intention to be present to God. It functions as a gentle reminder to return to the divine presence when distractions arise. Another implicit symbol is the 'interior silence' itself, representing the unmanifest ground of being, the space within the soul where divine communion occurs, echoing concepts found in Kabbalistic contemplative practices and Hermeticism's emphasis on inner stillness.
Modern Relevance
Keating's work on Centering Prayer continues to influence contemporary spiritual practice, extending beyond traditional Christian circles. Its emphasis on a structured yet simple method for cultivating presence and reducing mental chatter speaks to secular mindfulness practitioners seeking deeper contemplative roots. Therapists and counselors utilize its principles for stress reduction and emotional regulation. Furthermore, its theological depth and emphasis on divine indwelling appeal to those exploring interfaith dialogue and the universal quest for transcendent experience within a structured, accessible framework.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals seeking a structured, contemplative prayer practice rooted in the Christian tradition, who wish to deepen their relationship with God through silence and presence. • Those interested in the historical development of Christian mysticism and its modern articulations, particularly the work of Thomas Keating and the Centering Prayer movement originating in the 1970s. • Spiritual directors, counselors, or clergy members looking for a clear explanation of Centering Prayer to guide or inform individuals seeking a path of interior prayer and divine encounter.
📜 Historical Context
Thomas Keating's *Open Mind, Open Heart*, released in 1986, arrived during a significant period of spiritual reawakening within Western Christianity. The latter half of the 20th century saw a renewed interest in the contemplative dimensions of faith, often in response to the perceived secularization of society and the influence of Eastern spiritualities. Keating, alongside figures like Basil Pennington and William Keenan, was instrumental in articulating and popularizing Centering Prayer, a method drawing inspiration from medieval Christian mystics such as the author of *The Cloud of Unknowing*. This movement offered a distinct path from both traditional devotional practices and the burgeoning New Age spirituality that often borrowed from Eastern traditions without explicit theological grounding. The book provided a clear, systematic framework for a practice that emphasized silent presence and surrender to God, positioning it as a rediscovery of ancient Christian wisdom for a modern audience. Its emergence coincided with a broader cultural exploration of consciousness, yet it remained firmly rooted in orthodox Christian theology, differentiating it from secular mindfulness or other contemporary spiritual movements.
📔 Journal Prompts
The practice of the sacred word: How does its symbolic function assist your intention to be present?
Reflect on the concept of 'infusion' as God's action within your prayer life.
Consider the common 'human condition' experiences that arise during silent prayer.
Analyze the distinction between Centering Prayer and other forms of meditation you have encountered.
Explore the historical lineage of Centering Prayer within Christian contemplative traditions.
🗂️ Glossary
Centering Prayer
A formal Christian contemplative prayer practice developed by Thomas Keating, Basil Pennington, and William Keenan, designed to foster an experience of God's presence through interior silence and surrender.
Sacred Word
A simple, one-syllable word chosen by the practitioner as a symbol of their intention to return to God during Centering Prayer, used gently when awareness of distractions arises.
Prayer of Intention
The fundamental orientation of Centering Prayer, characterized by a gentle, unwavering desire to be present to God's action within, rather than striving for specific spiritual experiences.
Infusion
A theological concept referring to God's active and continuous presence and work within the human soul, which Centering Prayer aims to facilitate receptivity toward.
The Human Condition
Keating's term for the ordinary thoughts, emotions, and distractions that arise during contemplative practice, viewed not as obstacles but as opportunities to recommit to the prayer of intention.
Discursive Prayer
A form of prayer that involves thinking, reasoning, and meditating on religious topics or scripture, as opposed to the silent, non-conceptual prayer of Centering Prayer.
Affective Prayer
Prayer that focuses on feelings and emotions, often involving devotion and sentiment, distinguished from the passive receptivity emphasized in Centering Prayer.
🔮 Readers Also Liked
Browse all →
More by Thomas Keating
All books →
More Free Spiritual Development Books
View all →
