The Way Of Unknowing

by John Main

John Main understood that the remedy for the malaise that affects individuals and nations alike was the love of Christ. He taught that when we build our lives on the rock-like foundation of this love, we become rooted in the ultimate reality, and the winds and storms of life, and even death itself, no longer have power over us. In the short chapters of this book, he shows how we can find the way to this foundation and root ourselves in the eternal love that nothing can destroy.The way is simplicity itself, but it is also a way of dispossession. Daily meditation brings us to the place where our lives become wholly immersed in the Spirit of God, but it requires that we come empty handed and prepared to walk the way of unknowing.

Genres: Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

John Main was a Benedictine monk who taught Christian meditation.

Reviews

[Victoria]

Being an INFP or, as my husband says, an INFPisces, telling me that there is only one way to do something is a sure way to get me not to do it at all. And that's what I didn't like about this book. Do I believe meditation is a great way to ground one's self and get closer to God? Absolutely! Do I think that everyone should meditate exactly the same way in order to do that? NO!

Main insists that we must meditate for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening using the mantra, Maranatha, if we want to truly meditate. That's great if you're single, childless, or a monk and want to spend that amount of time.

I happen to be aware that most of us don't have that kind of time to set aside each day. Main also notes in this slender volume that it has taken him 30 years or so to reach this point. I will also say that he completely lost me when he totally trashed a nun because she doesn't think the way he does. I am so tired of old white men telling me that they are the only ones who know how to do things. Let us not forget that Jesus was Jewish and never lost sight of that.

My philosophy: set aside what time you can, when it works best for you, and breathe in and out slowly, focusing on a word that works best for you whether it be "Maranatha" or "Om" or something else. For example, some people like to use, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have mercy on me, a sinner."

[Enikő]

I have wanted to try meditation for a long time. This book has seen me on my way. :o)

"Say your mantra."

[Sherri]

Life changing...loved this book.