The Heart of Centering Prayer

Nondual Christianity in Theory and Practice

By: Cynthia Bourgeault

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Centering prayer is the path to a wonderful and radical new way of seeing the world. It is not, as is sometimes thought, simply an act of devotional piety, nor is it a Christianized form of other meditation methods. Cynthia Bourgeault here cuts through the misconceptions to show that centering prayer is in fact a pioneering development within the Christian contemplative tradition. She provides a practical, complete course in the practice and then goes deeper to analyze what actually happens in centering prayer: the mind effectively switches to a new operating system that makes possible the perception of nonduality. With this understanding in place, she then takes us on a journey through one of the sources of the practice, the Christian contemplative classic The Cloud of Unknowing, revealing it to be among the earliest Christian explorations of the phenomenology of consciousness.

Cynthia Bourgeault's illumination of the centering prayer path provides compelling evidence of how important the practice has become in the half century since it first arose among American Trappist monks and of its maturation and refinement over the ensuing years of sincere study and practice. It will resonate with beginners on the centering prayer path as well as with seasoned practitioners.

Cover image: Mark Tomalty / Masterfile.

©2016 Cynthia Bourgeault (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Deeper Dive

Well presented exposition of the deeper levels of Centering Prayer that opened the doors to greater possibility

Connecting Science with Mystery

If you are looking to deepen your perception of self and God this is the book for you. I am not a scholar but enjoyed the modern day scientific connections the author teaches to help my mind let go and allow the great mystery of God to settle softly in my soul, discovering an opening or vastness called Love.

Being present in the Heart of it all

She reconnected me to the 12th Cent book The Cloud of Unknowing What a Gift

Centering Prayer: spiritual, kinotic homing

Loved it! Most memorable, a felt sense of God in my chest area, as Bourgeault described in the last chapter. Zackman's reading was wonderful (slowed to 90% for this listener). I joined the Centering Prayer organization immediately upon finishing, continue regular practice, & proceed on my path, renewed. Thank you all & God!

So glad I listened to this

While casually browsing the interner I stumbled upon a SAND conference talk by Cynthia Bourgeault on youtube and what she said about the act of releasing thoughts as a way to upgrade your operating system just clicked with me. I was drawn to centering prayer and immediately got this book. For some years now I have been interested in meditation, buddhist psychology and the works of authors like Ekhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Michael Singer and also A Course in Miracles. I feel this book opens a new dimension for my spiritual journey. A truly illuminating read. 5 stars.