Book Review

By Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Christian Insight Meditation
Following in the Footsteps of John of the Cross
Mary Jo Meadow, Kevin Culligan, Daniel Chowning
Wisdom Publications 08/07 Paperback $16.95
ISBN: 9780861715268

Mary Jo Meadow is a retired professor of psychology and religious studies who has taught insight meditation since 1987. Kevin Culligan is a leading scholar of spirituality and a founding member of the Institute of Carmelite Studies. Daniel Chowning is a director for the Washington Province of Discalced Carmelites. In this paperback, they integrate an ancient Buddhist meditation practice within a Christian contemplative prayer tradition. Their intent is primarily pastoral and practical although the reader will also learn about vipassana (insight meditation) and the life and writings of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. It is gratifying to see an interspiritual approach that honors two traditions and their mutual appreciation of emptiness.

After examining the teaching and example of Jesus on the purity of the heart, the Buddhist tradition of insight meditation, and the Carmelite tradition of prayer, the authors give meditation instructions. They then move on to a comparison between the teachings of John of the Cross and the Buddha on purification. The last section of the paperback deals with questions about using insight meditation as prayer.

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by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat