The Heart of Centering Prayer

Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice

By: Cynthia Bourgeault

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Centering prayer is the path to a wonderful and radical new way of seeing the world. It is not, as is sometimes thought, simply an act of devotional piety, nor is it a Christianized form of other meditation methods. Cynthia Bourgeault here cuts through the misconceptions to show that centering prayer is in fact a pioneering development within the Christian contemplative tradition. She provides a practical, complete course in the practice and then goes deeper to analyze what actually happens in centering prayer: the mind effectively switches to a new operating system that makes possible the perception of nonduality. With this understanding in place, she then takes us on a journey through one of the sources of the practice, the Christian contemplative classic The Cloud of Unknowing, revealing it to be among the earliest Christian explorations of the phenomenology of consciousness.

Cynthia Bourgeault's illumination of the centering prayer path provides compelling evidence of how important the practice has become in the half century since it first arose among American Trappist monks and of its maturation and refinement over the ensuing years of sincere study and practice. It will resonate with beginners on the centering prayer path as well as with seasoned practitioners.

Cover image: Mark Tomalty / Masterfile.

©2016 Cynthia Bourgeault (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Connecting Science with Mystery

If you are looking to deepen your perception of self and God this is the book for you. I am not a scholar but enjoyed the modern day scientific connections the author teaches to help my mind let go and allow the great mystery of God to settle softly in my soul, discovering an opening or vastness called Love.

Deeper Dive

Well presented exposition of the deeper levels of Centering Prayer that opened the doors to greater possibility

Brought me closer to my higher power

I am practicing centering prayer twice a day now instead of once in the morning. Fill of deep insight on the practice.

So glad I listened to this

While casually browsing the interner I stumbled upon a SAND conference talk by Cynthia Bourgeault on youtube and what she said about the act of releasing thoughts as a way to upgrade your operating system just clicked with me. I was drawn to centering prayer and immediately got this book. For some years now I have been interested in meditation, buddhist psychology and the works of authors like Ekhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Michael Singer and also A Course in Miracles. I feel this book opens a new dimension for my spiritual journey. A truly illuminating read. 5 stars.

Best spiritual book in 32 years

I have been on a spiritual quest for 32 years and this is the best contemplative book I have read. Cynthia Bourgeault has beautifully summarized so many STEs (spiritually transformative experiences) and this has helped me to better ‘see the terrain I have already traveled through’ and it has also given me an overwhelming sense of ‘quenched thirst’ while I long for much more of the same ‘to drink’.

The first part of the book is a good introduction to contemplation in the “centering prayer” tradition. So, this book is both for an introduction to contemplation and also for the advanced, who has been given the divine gift of contemplation many times. I’ve listened twice to this book and will listen several more times as I follow along in the physical book.

shift

a stunning invitation to return to our hearts and to see from a new place

A gift for the centering prayer movement

This is a bold, provocative and challenging study by someone who obviously has genuine experience as well as brilliant insight. This book is a real gift to the centering prayer movement, which is currently at a critical crossroad. I very much appreciate the author's exploration of the Cloud of Unknowing, which I have struggled with for years. More of that, please. I'd like for her to write a study of the whole book. I was not happy with the reader, whom I found detached from the material, a little smug, and too rushed for this deep material. I regret that Cynthia didn't elect to read it herself.

A MUST-READ for Centering Prayer

I have listened to this reading of Cynthia Bourgeault's book about six times now, and intend to listen more. It is spiritually nourishing and a must-read for prospective and current practitioners of Centering Prayer. As an extra treat, Gabra Zackman's reading is marvelous, breathing tremendous life into an already great book. Listeners are treated to a soothing, dynamic voice that ranges over the author's powerful insights and vibrant style.

A must read for anyone on a path

I love this book. CB has such a clear and concise way at getting to the heart of the matter. Her mix of scholarship, clarity and precise use of language is both masterful and compelling. I would heart fully recommend this book to anyone who wishes to expand their awareness of centering prayer and spiritual growth in general.

Being present in the Heart of it all

She reconnected me to the 12th Cent book The Cloud of Unknowing What a Gift