light of the world the vision of Christian Meditation
Most of the images in this book were taken through the lens of Father Laurence Freeman OSB, Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation, during his travel to over thirty countries in the past two years. This includes the cover image taken during a retreat on Bere Island, County Cork, Ireland. The community’s teaching has touched the lives of thousands across the world with the simple gift of meditation – from the most disadvantaged parts of the world to the most affluent. This photographic overview of our vision and mission was made possible by the generosity of a US Family Foundation, the creative expertise of stratistic.com and the printing services of rapspiderweb.co.uk – thank you.
©2017 Second Edition. The World Community for Christian Meditation
“In this pure vision, there can be no confusion,
no blurring, because there is no image or illusion.
In this vision, everything is radiant with the light of reality itself. In this light, we see light.” Laurence Freeman
Light of the world: the vision of Christian meditation
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The challenge of the
st
21 century
Distraction is one of the greatest sources of unhappiness in the contemporary world.
The fact that we are distracted from what we are doing, the person we are with, the job we are involved in, means we are distracted from the present moment, from reality. 2
The challenge of the 21st century
The cure for distraction is attention.
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In our society, most people think that only very complex things are worthwhile. One of the great difficulties about learning to meditate is that it is so simple.” Fr. John Main OSB, whose vision inspired the formation of The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM).
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An ancient wisdom Meditation is the art of paying attention, a simple practice and universal gift, found at the heart of all great spiritual traditions.
The stress, complexity and violence of modern life call us to engage with a deeper spirituality. This is not merely for relaxation – but as a way to break the cycle of violence and re-humanise ourselves and our institutions.
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The challenge of the 21st century
This simple discipline of twice daily meditation is a spiritual practice which leads to profound and sustained transformation.
In meditation, all thoughts, self-consciousness, desires, anxieties, plans, imaginations and memories are let go. And, in the present moment, mind, body and spirit become united and made whole in silence.
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In that silence, you quite naturally become open to God’s power. It is an utterly benevolent power, which we can best describe with the word ‘love’.” John Main
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A spiritual practice for our time I initially started meditating after a mindfulness course and found ‘becoming aware’ was illuminating. All aspects of my life became clearer – the good and the bad. I saw everything from a new perspective. Then, by developing a practice in the Christian tradition, I understood that the difficult aspects of my being were not for me to resolve alone - this ‘work’ was being done by something greater than me. I no longer felt overwhelmed but liberated. I have found the daily discipline I was looking for.” Meditator from the US
Meditator at a national retreat, Poland
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The challenge of the 21st century
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The essential work of a spiritual teacher is not to tell us what to do but to help us see who we are. The Self we come to know through the grace of meditation is not an isolated ego-self clinging to its own memories, desires and fears. It is a field of consciousness in harmony with the pure consciousness that is the God of cosmic and biblical revelation alike: the one great ‘I AM’, the God who is love.” Laurence Freeman
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Becoming fully ourselves As a result of the regular practice of meditation, our ‘doing’ is purified by our ‘being’.
Day by day, the spirit of contemplation, which is nurtured by a committed meditation practice, begins to radiate outward – into our life and the lives of those we touch. Gradually, the well-researched physical and psychological benefits of meditation, which may have been our initial motivation, become spiritual fruits ‘…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness self-control.’ (Galatians Theand fruits of the Spirit are love,5:22). joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, These are the foundation of all healthy, human development. faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol, Galatians 5:22
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Our destiny is to come to fullness of being. Each of us is summoned to an unlimited, infinite development as we leave the narrowness of our own ego behind and enter the mystery of God.” John Main
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The challenge of the 21st century
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Meditation opens us to the consciousness of the Holy Spirit and is therefore the birthplace of all truly loving self-knowledge and action.” Laurence Freeman
of the vision of Christian meditation Image taken Light after the 2012world: Johnthe Main Seminar ‘Mysticism can heal the planet’, 9Brazil
Clear sight
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Our whole business in this life is to restore to health the eye of the heart whereby God may be seen.” St. Augustine
Contemplation transforms our consciousness – the way we see, understand ourselves and interact with the world.
At first, all the impurities swirl around, making the water cloudy, opaque. But if you don’t interfere with the glass and allow it to stand still and the impurities to settle, the water becomes still and clear. As you look through the water, you realise how beautiful is its purity, its clarity. Then you see what simplicity really is. When it is opaque, the water reflects. When it is clear, you see through it. Laurence Freeman
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The challenge of the 21st century
Light of the to world: the vision of Christian meditation 11 Travelling the Community’s Easter retreat on Bere Island, Ireland
A unified vision To open hearts, transform lives, build community and change the world through the practice of meditation.
12 A unified Mural on a temple wall,vision ‘The Way of Peace Pilgrimage’, Bodhgaya, India
The World Community for Christian Meditation represents a rich tapestry of humanity – connected by a daily meditation practice and a unified vision for humanity.
This vision is underpinned by our mission: to communicate and nurture meditation as passed on through the teaching of John Main in the Christian tradition, in the spirit of serving the unity of all.
The fruits of meditation enable positive personal, social & global change.
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He who learns, teaches John Main is a bridge today between the Christian and non‑Christian worlds.” Adalbert de Vogue, OSB, author and monastic theologian
Dom John Main OSB (1926–1982) is one of the twentieth century’s enlightened spiritual teachers. His recovery of the tradition of the mantra within Christianity, in the teachings of the Desert Fathers and early church, enables the contemporary Christian to embrace a practice of contemplation in ordinary life, and also enjoy spiritual friendship with all faiths, all humanity. John Main, a Benedictine monk, planted the first seed of the community we now share, in 1975 at his monastery in London.
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In my experience, John Main is the most important spiritual guide in the Church today.” Bede Griffiths, Benedictine monk
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A unified vision
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John Main possessed the genius of simplicity.” Raimon Panikkar, philosopher
In meditation we develop the capacity to turn our whole being toward the other. We learn to let our neighbour be, just as we learn to let God be. We learn not to manipulate our neighbour but rather to reverence him, to reverence his importance, the wonder of his being; in other words, we learn to love. Because of this, meditation is the great school of community. Meditation creates community.” John Main
This is the heart of the teaching that still defines and energises the WCCM today.
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From a seed, a tree with many branches grows When John Main died in December of 1982, he left behind a very small community and a core of essential teaching through his talks and writings. In the decades since, the teaching has generated an evolving spiritual community that we know today as The World Community for Christian Meditation.
Children living in a Burmese orphanage are highly receptive to meditation, Tuanggyi, Myanmar
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A unified vision
No individual has been more essential to this flourishing than Laurence Freeman, John Main’s student and successor.
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I realise here that meditation is needed spiritually, religiously, and I think, socially and politically. I feel more and more that when we teach meditation, we are not just doing something religious or spiritual in a narrow sense, but something that goes to the very heart of society.” Laurence Freeman, in Myanmar, 2013
Teaching meditation in a favela to abandoned children, families, social workers, clergy, business people and the police, Brazil
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Focusing the mind In order to focus the mind and heart of a disciple for the state of attention and interior silence necessary for ‘prayer of the heart’, a teacher would give a single word or phrase.
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Focusing the mind
The disciple would then repeat this continuously and interiorly – faithful repetition leads to purity of heart.
learning to meditate means learning to pay attention learning to see what is real learning to love.
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The simple yet profound act of encountering Christ in the silence of the mantra has enriched my life beyond measure.” National Coordinator in New Zealand
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Meditation: a new way of seeing The first thing we have to learn is to allow ourselves to settle, to be still.
Find the most peaceful environment possible, which minimises distraction. Sit down, still and upright. Close your eyes lightly. Stay relaxed but alert. Then, silently and interiorly, begin to repeat a single word. This is your mantra or prayer word. We recommend the word ‘ma-ra-na-tha’ – a Christian prayer word meaning ‘Come Lord’ in Aramaic, the language of Jesus.
13th century sculptures illustrating the stages of contemplative life, Chartres cathedral, left to right: 1 2 3 4 5
She opens the book – symbolic of the opening of the heart She develops the art of concentration and attentiveness She becomes recollected in mind and body She meditates in silence with eyes closed She goes beyond self-consciousness to the transforming power of union with God
6 She begins to share the fruits of contemplation with others
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Focusing the mind
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We are all of us cloudy. We are often too self-reflective. We have to allow our consciousness to become clarified. This is the simplifying process of meditation – becoming still at the pure centre of our being.” Laurence Freeman
Light of the the vision of Christian meditation 21 ‘How doesworld: meditation change us?’ a retreat in Caracas, Venezuela
Meditation is not what you think When you meditate, you are not thinking about the meaning of your mantra or any other thoughts. During this time we let go of everything that arises in the mind – either ‘good’ or ‘bad’.
One of 30,000 children in the UK who meditate before lessons begin
We suggest meditating for between twenty and thirty minutes each morning and evening. Children can meditate for the same number of minutes as their age.
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Focusing the mind
Distraction is inevitable – within a couple of seconds. But don’t be discouraged. As soon as you realise that you’ve stopped saying your word, just return to it.
We need to replace perfectionism, the bane of all spiritual growth. Humility and simplicity are the two necessary steps on the path into contemplation. Learning the rhythm until it becomes part of your life takes time and requires support.
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Sustaining practice Personal practice requires a strong intention but, above all, the work of attention for it to become rooted in daily life.
The WCCM provides a strong support network, locally and globally through more than 2,000 weekly meditation groups meeting in churches, schools, prisons, places of work and even online.
Laurence Freeman helping to start the first Christian meditation group in Moscow Since the WCCM was founded in 1991, we have developed the experience to support the emergence of new groups and, during the past five years, over 500 new groups have formed worldwide.
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Focusing the mind
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The sense of belonging to a community, which comes from meditation, gives me the same feeling as when I return home after a long absence.
We used to say that home means security, peace and assurance. These are the feelings which contemplative prayer generate within me.” Meditator from Poland
A primary school meditation group, Australia
Online meditation groups are emerging rapidly with all ages
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Meditation creates community The World Community for Christian Meditation is an ecumenical spiritual family uniting all kinds of people in more than a hundred countries.
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Since I relocated to UK, I have moved several times. With each move, I found it harder to belong. Earlier this year, I attended a retreat for young meditators and instantly felt part of the community. I’m due to move soon again but now I’m not afraid of being on my own. The community gives me an amazing strength for everyday living and sense of direction.” Meditator from Poland
Easter Retreat for Young Meditators, Bere Island, Ireland
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Focusing the mind
It’s hard to count but there are well over a hundred thousand people worldwide who meditate in the tradition passed on by John Main. The numbers continue to grow but, even more, the community deepens. In addition, thousands of children start their school day with meditation. 70% of children who learn to meditate at school say that they practice at other times too.
Interest in our message is also high – our Daily Wisdom email is received by over 11,000 people and our website and Facebook pages receive thousands of visits each week.
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Contemplative action People who meditate often describe compassionate action (towards themselves and others) as a natural consequence of contemplation.
The self knowledge that changes us and the world does not arise merely from introspection. The work of silence is not an escape from life. It is how we become fully alive. It is the source of conscious action.
My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. Psalm 49
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Focusing the mind
The pair of doves perched on the rim of a chalice is an ancient Christian symbol, also found in many other traditions, to illustrate the balance of life. Our community has adopted this symbol to signify this natural relationship between contemplation and action, the inner and the outer, which is harmonised by the practice of meditation.
The World Community Meditatio for Christian Meditation Meditatio is an expression of the WCCM’s outreach to the wider world including people of any faith, or no faith tradition. Sharing the universal gift of meditation, from the tradition we have been taught, enables positive change at every level of life and work. Meditatio has six areas of focus: Education Business Interfaith Dialogue Ecology, Science & Technology Peace & Justice, and Health. Collectively, these highlight the institutional and professional areas of society, which are often in crisis but have the potential for profound transformation.
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Meditatio
Through seminars, workshops, teacher training and the creation of educational resources in many languages, Meditatio takes an integrated approach to introducing meditation to the wider world. We engage with institutions and individuals in order to touch the maximum number of lives. Within schools and universities, we support students, teachers and parents. In the health service, we work with patients, practitioners and advisors. Within the legal system, we teach prisoners, chaplains, law enforcers and policy makers.
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Our outreach to the wider world Those who are touched by Meditatio and wish to develop a personal practice often join one of the community’s weekly meditation groups or may establish one in their workplace.
The Meditatio Centre, based in a church close to London’s financial district, opened in 2013 and regularly holds seminars, workshops, and training courses.
All Meditatio initiatives are delivered in the local country, by volunteers, and seamlessly supported by our team based at the Meditatio Centre in London. The following pages provide a snapshot of Meditatio’s recent initiatives and an illustration of the social action of our community.
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Meditatio
Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Italy
Education In the digital age where children are influenced so early by technology, it makes sense to introduce meditation into schools as a spiritual practice and necessary life skill.
The community is introducing meditation into schools in 25 countries. It has been met with an enthusiastic response from the children, teachers and parents. In the UK alone, we estimate that this touches over 30,000 children aged between 4 and 18 who now start their day in this way, with a peaceful mind.
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Meditatio
Some schools have started meditation groups for parents as a result of its impact in the classroom.
Teachers report that the children are happier, perform better and are kinder to each other. Children remark that their teachers are less impatient. We hear of families spending a short time meditating together often at the beginning or end of the day.
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Teachers, parents & children
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A number of vulnerable or troubled children have undergone a remarkable transformation in a very short time.” School Head Teacher
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After we have meditated, I feel calm and happy. We do lots of good work after that.” Primary school child in Ireland
Meditation brings me inside myself. It feels like it is somewhere deep inside. I can’t describe the feeling. I can’t compare it to anything else. Some days, after meditation it feels like a new day, as if you knew something really good was going to happen today, without knowing what it was, and you have to get up so you can do it. It’s the same feeling I would have if I had something really exciting to look forward to. It makes me want to get back into the day so it can happen. Meditation gives me energy.” What young children say about meditation
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Business The financial crisis of this decade has exposed the major imbalance between values and reality in modern society. The increasing gulf between the mega-rich and the poor imperils justice as the basis of society. While law and regulation are needed to help hold the balance, true progress can only be made by engaging the hearts and minds of corporate leadership, law makers as well as the people. The WCCM contributes to a new way of doing business. Financial and business leaders within our community witness to the value of meditation.
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In partnership with Georgetown University McDonough School of Business in Washington DC, we recently launched a post-graduate meditation and leadership course.
This is designed to engage MBA students with leading figures in the field, whose daily meditation practice has transformed their approach to work.
Ray Dalio, Laurence Freeman and Dean David Thomas of Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, USA
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Wisdom from the present generation of leaders
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It seems to me that the transcending of the ego is the link between meditation and enlightened leadership.” Peter Ng Kok Song, Chairman of Global Investment, Singapore Government Investment Corporation
Every day, twice a day, for the past 20 years, the executive charged with investing tens of billions of dollars for Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund thinks of nothing. He does this by sitting silently and saying a word inside himself. After a few minutes, his breathing calms, his face muscles relax and the flutter behind his eyelids stills.” John Paul Rathbone, Latin American Editor, Financial Times
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Meditation has helped me approach my work as an expression of service.” Sean Hagan, General Counsel, International Monetary Fund and member of the WCCM’s leadership
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Empowering a new generation The annual MBA cohort, and the students who attend the John Main Center at Georgetown University, represent the next generation of business leaders.
The majority of these students will secure prominent positions, with the ability to influence positive change through personal depth and enlightened leadership.
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Meditation has been the most important reason for whatever success I have had in my personal life and professional life. Ray Dalio, a leading figure in finance, describes his experience of meditation to the students.
It brings me equanimity and creativity to see paths and get around obstacles. John Main’s teaching on meditation is deep, simple and practical.” Ray Dalio, Founder and Mentor, Bridgewater Associates
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Interfaith Dialogue Religion, like art, cannot be excluded from the way humanity collectively achieves its potential. This is a time for dialogue, not conflict, between religions.
Meditation is instrumental in building a community of faith composed of people of different beliefs. In silence and stillness of mind and heart, the common ground of humanity is uncovered. Here we can grow the friendship of all spiritual traditions. The 2014 John Main Seminar in Chicago is entitled Muslims and Christians: Listeners for the Word.
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Father Laurence is my truly special friend and brother.” His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
Thanka illustrating the birth of Jesus in a Tibetan style, commissioned for the WCCM by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
The Way of Peace initiatives between the WCCM and His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, exemplify many ways, local and global, in which we reach out to develop a deeper dialogue in which meditation moves us from words to an experience of solidarity and friendship.
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The differences are as important as the similarities between us.” His Holiness, the Dalai Lama at the John Main Seminar
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John Main effectively put the desert tradition of prayer to work in our own day. The World Community for Christian Meditation which continues his mission is, for me as many throughout the world, a taste of what a truly contemplative church of the future might look and feel like.” Rowan Williams, Former Archbishop of Canterbury
The 2013 Way of Peace Pilgrimage uniting Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims, Varanasi, India
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Ecology, science & technology We are an addicted society whose behaviour is driven by consumerism. Consumption boosts profits but puts our planet at risk.
The perception of ‘the environment’ as external to us rather than our planetary home, underlies our abuse of the Earth. People report a change in their relationship with the environment as they begin to meditate, as this practice influences their lifestyle habits – including consumption.
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The WCCM has held thought-leading seminars in South Asia and Europe, exploring the relationship between spirituality and the environment.
I suggest we are at a tipping point, not only physically, in terms of Earth’s systems,but consciously, with regard to human self-awareness. Laurence Freeman, taken from ‘Addressing Tipping Points for a Precarious Future’
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Peace & justice No sane person denies the spiritual beauty of non‑violence. But how can we apply it to the complex and volatile situations of the world?
A recent Meditatio Seminar in Mexico explored the cycle of violence which has bedevilled humanity from its origins. Despite the teaching on the non-violent resolution of conflict from all the great spiritual teachers, the cycle of violence continues. By sharing our views on the nature of this problem and connecting it with the practice of meditation, we witness to how peace in society begins with peace in our hearts.
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A Meditatio Seminar on justice involving lawyers, politicians and those working within prisons considered different responses to the issues of law, security and society today.
The Seminar focused on justice within a society increasingly dependent on legislation to define its values, how to handle criminal behaviour and how to determine the answers to moral questions in a pluralistic society.
The Seminar, which featured leading international speakers, was also streamed live on the internet and viewed by hundreds of people around the world.
Helena Kennedy QC
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A passion for justice A passion for justice awakens in every experience of contemplation.
Teaching meditation in prisons reveals the universal presence of pure goodness in the human heart. The WCCM also focuses on teaching meditation to the poor and it awakens in us all, a sense of solidarity that enables us to share ourselves and what we have with each other.
Children playing in Nuevo Esperance Favela, Brazil
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I was worried because I seemed more angry after starting to meditate.
Then I realised for how long I had been repressing my anger – frightened of it. Now I see how meditation helps me to express it in an appropriate way.” Meditator from Mexico
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Health Medicine and Meditation share the prefix ‘med-’, which signifies ‘care and attention’.
Many doctors and care givers feel that modern medicine diminishes the human element from the whole person that they are treating with their healing arts. The crisis of funding and new ethical dilemmas call for a stronger influence of spiritual wisdom. With the ‘medicalisation’ of the very idea of health coupled with the speed of technological developments, meditation offers this wisdom as a balance to protect the human and personal dimension of medical care. A major collaboration between Meditatio and The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, led by Dr Barry White and Fr Laurence Freeman, has brought meditation into the heart of the medical profession.
Teaching meditation to staff and patients at a hospital, Haiti
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A module on meditation has recently been introduced to medical and nursing practitioners at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
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Meditation allows the clinician to find a deep sense of peace, a heightened sense of awareness, and a strong sense of community with staff and patients. It supports best practice in modern medicine but also allows healing to occur even when there is no cure.” Dr. Barry White, former National Director for Quality and Clinical Care for the Irish Health Service
Bringing meditation to the disabled, Taunggyi, Myanmar
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Ordinary people, extraordinary lives The WCCM’s mission is only possible due to the dedication of people who share a belief that the simple practice of meditation can create extraordinary lives.
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Ordinary people, extraordinary lives
99% of the WCCM’s resources are composed of volunteers generous with themselves, their talents and their time. This includes 2,175 group leaders and 50 National Coordinators who dedicate their time and energy to our shared mission.
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As a volunteer I am part of a network of relationships in a community where compassion and awareness are promoted and practiced from a Christian perspective. Working at the international centre in London has given me insight into the enormous value of our worldwide message.” Volunteer from the UK
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The International Office The central administrative office of The World Community for Christian Meditation is located in London.
The International Office serves the worldwide community. A small fulltime paid staff is there to help facilitate the invaluable work of thousands of volunteers. The International Team, including six directors, serve our national communities, the School of Meditation and the creation of multimedia resources. Each is a committed meditator and the office ceases all activity for meditation every lunchtime.
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Ordinary people, extraordinary lives
Meditatio House, London A place of meditation and hospitality.
Meditatio House provides a place of daily prayer and meditation in the city that is open to all, offering spiritual hospitality for our regular guests from around the world. Volunteer Benedictine Oblates welcome our day and residential guests, host meditation three times a day and co-ordinate events to develop their leadership skills.
The meditation room at Meditatio House, London
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The present moment
Never has there been a more pivotal moment for our community, our outreach work or the future of humanity. 60
Ordinary people, extraordinary lives
The world’s needs are great. People from every walk of life are increasingly receptive to the gift of meditation as a way to fulfil their personal human potential, and be of service to others.
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It costs nothing to practice Christian meditation (except everything). But I believe that meditation could be the most precious gift anyone gives, and receives, during their lifetime.” Laurence Freeman
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A New Chapter: The Bonnevaux Vision A place of peace: A place for peace.
We have acquired and started developing a new International Retreat and Meditation centre for WCCM near Poitiers, France. From the 12th century a Benedictine monastery lived the contemplative life there for 700 years. Bonnevaux Abbey will continue – for the 21st century – this tradition of contemplation in service of the world Bonnevaux is open to all who seek depth and meaning, and desire a more united and just world. It will help bring a contemplative mind to the complex problems of our time and the fruits of meditation – deeper than we can measure – to people of all religious or secular beliefs. Retreat facilities will help guests to deepen their own work of silence and so renew their relationships with others. A Meditatio Centre will allow a contemplative approach to major issues of our times, building inter-religious friendship and developing enlightened leadership in education, business, medicine, science and social justice.
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Ordinary people, extraordinary lives
Join the Bonnevaux vision by participating in the life offered there – sharing your time and talents – and helping to make this vision a reality.
Generous financial donations have helped us to buy the property. Now the future renovation of Bonnevaux needs your help. For the three phases and budget of the Bonnevaux projects, a gallery and weekly updates visit: www.bonnevauxwccm.org We invite contributors to become: Founding Benefactors: €500,000 and above Anchor Benefactors: €100,000 to €500,000 Bonnevaux Patrons: €10,000 and above Bonnevaux Friend: €1,000 and above Every size of contribution is welcomed. It is simple to donate online.
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Meditation is the biggest gift I could give to somebody.” From Ray Dalio’s speech to business school faculty and students at the launch of our meditation programme at Georgetown University. Experience has taught us that meditation is a simple, universal gift that anyone in the world can receive. And once this simple teaching is understood and practiced, it nurtures all dimensions of our lives.
One alone in silence who thinks the right thought changes the lives of thousands. Ancient Chinese proverb
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The present moment
Every donation we receive is an investment in the vision we have been sharing with you and will generate a profound impact – at a personal, social and global level.
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The practice of meditation has gradually helped me find my voice. Not the one which was based on fear, insecurity or the perception my ego wanted me to portray in order to be accepted by the world, but my authentic voice. Becoming the person I feel God intended me to be, has generated a deep sense of peace in my heart.” Meditator from the UK
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Roots for sustainability Throughout 100 countries, The World Community for Christian Meditation supports the young and old, poor and rich, those marginalised by society or living in the mainstream, the hopeless and the hopeful. Our priority is to grow strong roots so that our branches will generate many more fruits around the world. To date, 20% of the countries where we are present have hosted Meditatio initiatives. Other national communities are eager to begin.
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Rootedness allows expansion – just as St. Benedict’s vow of stability permits continuous transformation.” Laurence Freeman
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The present moment
We estimate well over 100,000 people meditate according to the tradition we teach, including 30,000 children in the UK alone. Our global footprint in over 100 countries reflects the dedication of our community.
But with additional human and financial resources, our mission has infinitely greater potential to transform more lives than those that have already been touched by the Spirit.
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As a community, we help to develop the contemplative consciousness that is the fruit of meditation. By doing so, we become peacemakers – at home, in the church and in the world. Laurence Freeman
If you would like to know more about how you can share in the vision of The World Community for Christian Meditation, please email your enquiry to welcome@wccm.org and we’ll be in touch.
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The great achievement of John Main was that, while rooted in his own tradition and open to diverse spiritual traditions, he offered a way of meditation that can be practiced by people from all backgrounds and who are fully engaged in the modern world. His universal appeal derives from his focused simplicity and generous depth of vision.
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Charles Taylor, philosopher, winner of the Templeton Prize and author of ‘A Secular Age’
The World Community for Christian Meditation