Contemplation

Definition

Contemplation is a deep, reflective thought or meditation focused on spiritual matters, often associated with the practice of seeking a closer relationship with the divine. It plays a vital role in monastic traditions, where monks engage in contemplation to foster spiritual growth, inner peace, and connection with God. This practice often involves silence, solitude, and prayer, allowing individuals to transcend the distractions of daily life and enter into a deeper understanding of their faith.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Contemplation was central to the life of monks in early monastic communities, who dedicated significant time to prayer and reflection.
2. The practice is often linked to specific methods such as Lectio Divina, which combines reading scripture with meditation and prayer.
3. Monks believed that contemplation led to a greater understanding of God's will and fostered a sense of divine presence in their lives.
4. In addition to personal growth, communal contemplation was practiced in monastic settings, emphasizing collective spirituality.
5. Contemplative practices influenced later Christian mystics and shaped various spiritual movements throughout history.

Review Questions

• How did contemplation serve as a fundamental aspect of monastic life and contribute to the spiritual development of monks?
  • Contemplation was essential in monastic life as it allowed monks to focus entirely on their spiritual journey. Through deep meditation and reflective thought, they sought to connect with God and understand His will. This practice created an environment conducive to spiritual growth, helping them cultivate inner peace and a profound sense of purpose in their faith.
• Discuss the role of communal contemplation in monastic communities and its impact on their collective spiritual practices.
  • Communal contemplation played a vital role in fostering unity among monks within monastic communities. By engaging in collective prayer and reflection, they strengthened their bonds and shared experiences that enhanced their spiritual journey together. This shared practice not only deepened individual faith but also reinforced the community's commitment to their religious ideals.
• Evaluate how the practice of contemplation influenced broader Christian spiritual movements beyond early monasticism.
  • The practice of contemplation significantly shaped various Christian spiritual movements throughout history by providing a framework for deeper engagement with faith. As contemplative traditions evolved, they influenced mystics and later reformers who sought a more personal relationship with God. This legacy of contemplative practices continues to resonate in contemporary spiritualities, highlighting the lasting impact of monasticism on the broader Christian tradition.

Related terms

Meditation: A practice that involves focusing the mind and eliminating distractions to achieve a state of mental clarity and emotional calm.

Asceticism: A lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons.

Spirituality: The quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things, often encompassing personal beliefs and practices.