tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575514155486283253.post1632105953890252784..comments2023-07-19T18:07:56.603-04:00Comments on Progressive Christian Reflections by Chris Glaser: The Monasticism of the ClosetChris Glaserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05053827119412315808noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575514155486283253.post-85025635742395640642017-10-20T09:33:12.370-04:002017-10-20T09:33:12.370-04:00This is quite beautiful and meaningful! Thank you,...This is quite beautiful and meaningful! Thank you, Chris! Andy Langhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11626850349372888815noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575514155486283253.post-1983363722858585212017-10-18T15:02:22.981-04:002017-10-18T15:02:22.981-04:00Someone just wrote this to me, and I thought I'...Someone just wrote this to me, and I thought I'd share it:<br /><br />Thanks for your piece today on "Monasticism of the Closet." Are you familiar with Paul Evdokimov and his book THE STRUGGLE WITH GOD, and the concept of "The testimony of the Christian faith in the framework of the modern world postulates the universal vocation of interiorized monasticism." I've read quite of bit of Evdokimov close to half century ago. I just found the whole book cited above on line. If you're not aware of Evdokimov, you might find him a great complement to Merton. Paul was twice married and a lay theologian in the Orthodox church; lived in France.<br />The "closet" the "hidden room" is no bigger/smaller than the human heart.<br />Chris Glaserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05053827119412315808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575514155486283253.post-75304962966198851622017-10-18T14:43:55.764-04:002017-10-18T14:43:55.764-04:00I thought I'd hear from you on this one, Trudi...I thought I'd hear from you on this one, Trudie! I stand corrected; not all forms of Centering Prayer are that of Centering Prayer proponent Thomas Keating, who has instructed the use of a word or phrase to return to when the mind wanders. Thanks for your response!Chris Glaserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05053827119412315808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-575514155486283253.post-15622398572250600262017-10-18T14:05:04.405-04:002017-10-18T14:05:04.405-04:00I'm amazed to hear your misinterpretation of C...I'm amazed to hear your misinterpretation of Centering, Chris, when you call it "busy" and refer to "having" to return to the sacred word. I like Cynthia Bourgeault's explanation far better. The essence of CP is the "letting go" gesture. What you're describing in your own meditative practice seems the epitome of this. The excessive use of a mantra is more Eastern meditation.Trudiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17866513608442388870noreply@blogger.com