Meditation for Christians: Entering the Mind of Christ

By: James Finley

Narrated by: James Finley

Length: 2 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

A practice-oriented course in Christianity's unique meditation tradition, contemplative prayer, presented by James Finley, author, teacher, and former student of Thomas Merton.

Finley has been at the forefront of the Christian meditation movement for over 20 years, and in this guided retreat, he leads you into your own direct experience of the heart of contemplative prayer. Includes a complete guided session on the practice of Christian meditation.

Note: Excerpted from the full-length audio course Christian Meditation.

©2003 James Finley (P)2003 Sounds True

Profound yet approachable

I'm lucky to hear Jim Finley speak regularly, and am thrilled that others now have access to his teachings. He makes the meditative, contemplative tradition approachable to everyone, whether you have experience with meditation or not. I've listened to the set (especially the last piece, on Compassion) repeatedly and hear something new each time. Like many other teachers, when recorded he's less spontaneous than in person, but still vibrant and profound.

Excellent meditation primer

I've heard James Finley speak in person and I've read a number of Fr. Keating's books on meditation. Finley's comments dovetail nicely with Fr. Keating's suggestions and provide a good template for beginning and advanced meditation. Finley's tutelage by Fr. Thomas Merton adds credibility to his concepts. Finley speaks clearly and succinctly in this book with good pace that allows for absorption and comprehension of his material.

Warning! This is not meditation!

This should be under the title of contemplative prayer! Alos, does "dry mouth" spring to mind? I have done some public speaking and this would never happen to me! There are things you can do! I have a strong feeling that Mr. Finley has more will power and control than spiritual fervor! Otherwise he would have allowed a different title and someone to show him how to speak so that your tongue isn't sticking to your back teeth! If you just want history and information and you can tolerate mouth sounds, You will like this, otherwise I wouldn't reccommend this book for any kind of enlightenment!

Contemplative listening at its best

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have read Finley's book, Palace of Nowhere, and heard him speak on other audios, but this recording is very special. I felt as if Finley were personally speaking to me, not just giving me information to process in my head, but leading me into a contemplative space where I could intuit and know reality in a new way. I would recommend it to anyone who is seriously interested in the contemplative way of the Christian tradition - though I suspect that those who are Buddhist or Sufi meditators would also find a treasure here.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I also wanted to savor it, and drag it out to last a long time.

Phenomenal

A must listen, especially for those veterans of meditation...in this work you will begin to understand with your heart in greater depths than your mind ever will.

A fantastic listen

This is a fantastic guide to meditation. James Finley really understands trance and is able to guide you to experience it in its fullness. If you're pondering on what audio to get next, you've found what you're looking for.

Excellent

Step by step practice for Christian mediation as well as thoughts surrounding practice and some of its' monastic history/foundation.