The Journey Through Contemplation: Embracing Stillness and Insight
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Chapter 1: Understanding Contemplation
Welcome to The PATH — A weekly reflection offering three timeless insights for our daily lives. This week, we delve into ancient wisdom regarding the practice of contemplation, focusing on Stillness, Awareness, and Thinking Well.
This section will discuss the importance of stillness in our lives. What does it truly mean to embody stillness? How can one begin to cultivate this practice? What insights can ancient teachings provide about our understanding of ourselves, others, and the broader world? These fundamental questions guide our exploration.
In the enlightening book Illuminating the Path to Enlightenment, the Dalai Lama articulates,
"In Buddhism, we discuss the nurturing of three forms of wisdom: those gained from listening to teachings, contemplating their significance, and meditating on the comprehended meaning. This trio of wisdom must develop sequentially in our minds. By absorbing teachings, we acquire knowledge; through contemplation, we enhance this knowledge; and through meditation, we internalize the teachings — in essence, we engage in active practice."
The three wisdom tools of listening, contemplation, and meditation are evident across various traditions. Zen Monk Shunryu Suzuki, in his work Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, suggests that true tranquility arises only when something occurs within the realm of calmness.
This video, The Art of Contemplation ft. Richard Rudd (Episode 40: A Life On Purpose Live), explores the nuances of stillness and its role in enhancing our contemplative practices.
Section 1.1: The Power of Awareness
Henry David Thoreau once expressed, "How shall I help myself? By retreating into solitude and confronting my inner self." The practices of stillness and contemplation significantly enhance our awareness and deepen our understanding of our role in the universe. Theologian Thomas Merton elaborates in New Seeds of Contemplation:
"The contemplative life necessitates two layers of awareness: first, the awareness of the question, and second, the awareness of the answer. These are distinct yet interconnected. The inquiry is inherently the answer, and we embody both. Only by reaching the second level of awareness can we comprehend this. We awaken to find that the question is its own resolution."
Through contemplative practices, we come to realize that our highest goal is to embody what we already are. Merton notes, "I will only fulfill my potential if I first accept who I am, and if I do so authentically, I will have already exceeded my limitations."
Just as wisdom doesn't come about by chance, neither does the cultivation of contemplation. Ryan Holiday, in Stillness is the Key, writes, "Stillness directs the archer’s arrow. It spawns fresh ideas, sharpens perspectives, and clarifies connections."
Section 1.2: The Art of Thinking Well
Marcus Aurelius states in Meditations: "Reason, and the practice of thinking, are self-sufficient powers, each with its distinct processes. They originate from their internal essence and advance towards their intended goals."
Similarly, the Buddha noted,
"I do not see anything else that, when unrestrained and unguarded, leads to immense suffering like the mind. Conversely, when tamed and protected, it yields great benefits."
Seneca succinctly summarized this concept: "Everything hinges on one’s thoughts." Developing the mind is crucial for exercising sound judgment. One must discern their life path, navigating between virtue and vice, and distinguishing what lies within our control from what does not. We need to discern what truly matters and what does not; as Marcus Aurelius advised, "Learn to disregard what holds no significance."
The practices of thinking well and contemplation are deeply connected. Josef Pieper, in Happiness and Contemplation, emphasized, "Rest, leisure, and peace are essential components of happiness. Without escaping the frantic rush and constant demands of life, true happiness eludes us. And what about contemplation?"
Thank you for engaging with this reflection; I hope you discovered something valuable.
If you're interested in further exploration, consider checking out Perennial Meditations on Substack or one of our podcasts.
In the video Richard Rudd and Marina Smirnova, Ph.D.: The Art of Contemplation, further insights on the significance of contemplation and its impact on personal growth are discussed.