In his latest book, Laurence Freeman shows that the basic experience of contemplation is the experience of faith and that we all need to develop this in order to become fully human. We are all capable of it - indeed we are designed for it.Freeman re-defines faith for our secular age. He draws on his wide experience and travels in the modern world to show how a new sense of the spiritual dimension can transform the way we approach education, business, mental health, the environment, inter-religious dialogue and our view of ourselves in society.Moving from this new vision and fresh thinking, illustrated vividly from his own life experience, he leads to practice. Meditation, he shows, offers an accessible and attractive antidote to the current cult of speed and distraction. He does not deny that this needs discipline but because it is radically simple it is a path that all can integrate.First Sight is the sequel to Laurence Freeman's acclaimed book the Teacher Within.
Laurence Freeman is a Benedictine monk of the Congregation of Monte Oliveto Maggiore in the Abbey of S Maria del Pilastrello, Lendinara Italy. With Irish and English roots, Laurence Freeman was educated by the Benedictines and studied English Literature at New College, Oxford University. Before entering monastic life, he worked with the United Nations in New York, in Banking and Journalism.
He is Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) a global, inclusive contemplative community. He now resides at Bonnevaux, the WCCM international home in France, and a centre for peace where meditation is practiced and taught as a way to personal and organisational transformation.
A writer, citizen of the world and international teacher, Fr Laurence is the author of many articles and books including: Light Within, The Selfless Self, Your Daily Practice, Jesus: The Teacher Within, First Sight: The Experience of Faith, Web of Silence, and his latest book Good Work Meditation for Personal and Organizational Transformation. He collaborated with the Dalai Lama on many dialogues and the groundbreaking book The Good Heart.
Freeman was awarded the Order of Canada in 2012 in recognition of his work for interfaith dialogue and the promotion of world peace.
An excellent discussion of meditation from a Christian perspective - quite possibly the best book on Christian meditation I have encountered. The author also offers spot on analysis of the economic collapse from a spiritual perspective, as well as insights into the problems confronting institutional Christianity that are balanced even though expressed from inside the institution.