The Heart of the World a Spiritual Catechism: An Introduction to Contemplative Christianity

This book is an introduction to contemporary Christianity for serious seekers, young and old, who desire a better understanding of the unique character of the Christian tradition. It is a book that illuminates the deep bond that exists between the inner life of the soul, a contemplative lifestyle, and the traditional teachings or doctrines of Christianity. The spiritual hunger in the midst of modern materialism has prompted many seekers to turn Eastward to Zen, Transcendental Meditation and other Vedic practices. The rich inner experience that meditation practice provides can also be found by reclaiming the mystical and contemplative heritage of Christianity and by recognizing the contemplative aspects of life found in all great religions. Father Keating believes that Christianity and the religions. Father Keating believes that Christianity and the religions of the East can enrich each other and together can help heal the modern split between rational belief and spiritual experience.

Thomas Keating is the founder of the Centering Prayer movement, an author, a teacher, and a monk who has worked for many years to foster understanding among the world's religions. A member of the Cistercian Order in the Benedictine tradition, he has served at monasteries in Colorado and Massachusetts and currently directs retreats in the practice of Centering Prayer, a cornerstone of contemporary Christian contemplative practice. He is the author of numerous books, including Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit; Manifesting God; Open Mind, Open Heart; St. Therese of Lisieux; and The Transformation of Suffering. He lives at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado.