Martin Laird to Speak in Norwich

June 26th and 27th 2009

The Norwich Christian Meditation Centre is delighted to welcome Martin Laird to lead us on a two-day intensive. Martin is a member of the Order of St Augustine and Associate Professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University (USA)
His book, Into the Silent Land has become hugely popular, its reputation spreading through word of mouth. Martin will be leading us through the key elements of his book and sharing some of the insights he has gained on his personal journey. The intensive is suitable for both beginners, and those who have some experience of the practice of contemplation.

About the Intensive

Drawing on the ancient wisdom of both the Christian East and West, Martin’s book speaks to the modern-day longing for openness to God in the depths of the heart.
Through talks, dialogue and periods of meditation, Martin will be setting the context for us to explore the ‘doorways to the present moment’ that lead us to this openness.
The first doorway concerns some of basic skills cultivated in the practice of contemplation such as the use of posture and breath. The second is about becoming one with the practice, in the same way that ‘the weaver is one with the loom’. And the third is an ‘encounter with the ineffable’—revealing ‘not another object of awareness, but the groundless ground that is at the core of all being’.
Lastly we will look at some of the subtleties of dealing with distractions.
The event will include talks, dialogue and periods of meditation.

Programme

FRIDAY
9.30 Registration and coffee

10.00 The Illusion of Separation from God
12.45 Lunch
1.45 The Three Doorways to the Present Moment
5.00 Close

SATURDAY
9.30 The Riddles of Distraction - Opening the Doorways
12.45 Lunch
1.45 The Key of our Wounded Nature
5.00 Finish

There will be tea and coffee breaks throughout

This book is different. There are plenty of books on contemplation that feel tired—either wordy and laboured or unhelpfully smooth and idealistic. But this is sharp, deep, with no clichés, no psychobabble and no short cuts. Its honesty is bracing, its vision utterly clear; it is a rare treasure.

—Archbishop Rowan Williams

Often they say you learn how to swim by swimming, but a good coach or swimming manual is essential. Equally, we could say you learn how to be contemplative by contemplating and a good guide or mentor is necessary. Into the Silent Land is just that. I tried it and it works.

—Archbishop Desmond Tutu

To download a brochure about the event, please click here

Nicholas Vesey, 23/10/2008