Art of Contemplative Practice 2 (DS9202W)

Content

In this unit students will explore the various forms or stages of contemplation relating to the shifts in awareness of a person’s relationship with God. The application of contemplative practices associated with these forms or stages are examined to ascertain their influence on deepening awareness of personal spiritual development, vocational discernment, communal engagement and the development of global perspectives.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Prerequisite: DS9201W Art of Contemplative Practice 1

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorials, group conversation, reflective practice

Indicative Bibliography

• Bachelard, S. Experiencing God in a Time of Crisis. Miami, Fl: Convivium, 2012.
• Benner, David G. Spirituality and the Awakening Self: The Sacred Journey of Transformation. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2012.
• Benner, David G. Presence and Encounter; The Sacramental possibilities of everyday life, Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2014.
• Bourgeault, Cynthia. The Heart of Centering Prayer: Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice. Boulder: Shambhala, 2016.
• Danaher, James P. Contemplative Prayer: A Theology for the Twenty-First Century. Eugene, OR.: Cascade Books, 2011.
• Keating, Thomas. Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel. New York: Continuum, 2012.
• ________. Reflections on the Unknowable. New York: Lantern Books, 2014.
• Laird, M. S. A Sunlit Absence: Silence, Awareness, and Contemplation. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011.
• May, G. G. Will and Spirit: A Contemplative Psychology. New York : HarperOne, 2006.
• Pitchford, S. The Sacred Gaze: Contemplation and the Healing of the Self, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2014.
• Underhill, Evelyn. Practical Mysticism: A Little Book for Normal People. [England]: Parchment Books, 2011.
• ________. Mysticism: A Study in the Nature and Development of Man's Spiritual Consciousness. S.l.: CreateSpace, 2015.

Assessment