Christian Meditation, as practised in so many parts of the world today, is closely associated with Fr. John Main, a Benedictine monk. Born in London in 1926, he studied at Trinity College, Dublin and then joined the British Colonial Services and was sent to Malaya. His hunger for authentic contemplative prayer drew him to contact Swami Satyananda, a Tamilian Hindu Ascetic, who gave him advice that, later on, John Main - expressing it in his own words – would stipulate as essential for all those who seriously wished to meditate. 

For eighteen months, John Main came to the Swami each week and spent half-an-hour beside him practising this form of meditation. He then began to ask the Swami “How long will it take me to reach enlightenment?” But the Swami’s one reply was: “Say your mantra”.
John Main faithfully continued this practice. 

Subsequently, John Main returned to England and joined the Benedictine Order at Ealing. For a time as a Benedictine Novice and subsequently a Benedictine Priest, he had to accept another form of Meditation. Providence intervened. A chance opportunity sent him to explore the spiritual riches of early Christianity. In particular, he was fascinated to read the Conferences of John Cassian and the account of the desert Fathers. He was particularly struck by Cassian’s (and the early Christian Monks’) use of constantly repeating “a single verse” and of his insistence on the renunciation of all riches of thought and imagination, of fidelity to the grand poverty of the prayer of the heart. 

This sent John Main back to his own practice of the mantra, as taught by the Indian Swami in Malaya. He subsequently published several writings on what he now called “Christian Mediation” and set up prayer groups in different parts of the world. John Main died peacefully in 1982. His books and tapes on Christian Meditation are widely circulated and the Christian Meditation groups continue to multiply. 

Sr. Sheila Cooney sent this article about the Christian Meditation group which meet in St. Anthony’s parish, Clontarf, Dublin. 

St. Anthony’s Christian Meditation Group

On 23^rd January 2002, a Christian Meditation group was started in St. Anthony’s Parish. The members came from varied backgrounds. Three Franciscan Missionaries of Mary formed part of this initial group: Srs. Eileen O’Neill and Carina Lee were “veterans” of Christian Meditation groups in other countries. I had practised Christian Meditation for twenty years but had never the opportunity to belong to a group. Ian Murphy, a married layman, with tremendous involvement in Christian Meditation groups in different European Countries and in Africa was the unofficial leader:  later on in 2005, when Sr. Maura O’Connor, fmm joined the Clontarf community she became a very enthusiastic and valued member of the group. 

This Christian Mediation group meets every Monday night at 8.00pm in a very quiet room.  The phone is switched off and no one enters the room once the prayer meeting has started.  A short introductory talk on some aspect of Christian Meditation (generally from Scripture and the writings of John Main) is given by a member of the group, soft music is then played and the clear instructions of John Main are faithfully carried out.

 “Sit down. Sit still and upright. Close your eyes lightly. Sit relaxed but alert. Silently, interiorly begin to say a single word. We recommend the prayer-phrase ‘Maranatha’ ⁽¹⁾. Recite it as four syllables of equal length. Listen to it as you say it gently but continuously. Do not imagine anything – spiritual or otherwise … Meditate each morning and evening for between twenty and thirty minutes” 

The atmosphere is one of deep stillness. After about twenty- five minutes, the music is played again bringing the period of meditation to an end. An optional short sharing of experiences follows and sometimes questions are asked and answered. The whole meeting lasts about one hour. 

The impact of the twice daily Christian Meditation and the weekly meeting has made itself felt. A great bond of communion exists between the members. This impact on their lives is obvious in their personal harmony, within their families or religious community, in their relations with neighbours and strangers and in their involvement in the Parish. Christian Meditation helps them not only to pray and think about God but actually to experience “being with God”.    

John Main writes:
“In meditation we do not seek to think about God nor do we seek to think about His Son, Jesus, nor do we seek to think about the Holy Spirit. We are trying to do something immeasurably greater. By turning aside from everything that is passing, that is contingent, we seek not just to think about God, but to be with God, to experience Him in the ground of our being.” (John Main: Word into Silence p. 5) 

Note: 1.      1 Cor.16.22 )
                  Rev. 22.20)