More on Centering Prayer

Since there seems to be some discussin on the subject, I thought I'd post something to read and ponder:

Centering Prayer and Enneagram are pagan
The Centering Prayer empties the mind through repetition of a mantra: it is neither Catholic nor prayer. Fr Thomas Keating involved in this and other New Age practices and Tarot.

(Editor's note: Susan Beckworth's previous article in the past week touched upon New Age practices among some Catholic and other Christian clergy. It received considerable comment both pro and con. The following is offered by Ms. Beckworth as a response to readers' comments. She plans to offer another article soon about the involvement of Catholic hierarchs in the New Age movement.)

Christian meditation has always been about entering more deeply into union with the Lord Jesus Christ and with Him, God the Father and the Holy Ghost. It consists of turning our thoughts, our hearts, our desires and our love to the Living God.

In stark contrast, “Centering Prayer” focuses on emptying the mind of all thought through the repetition of a mantra (though proponents of centering prayer don't use the term "mantra" and would object to me using it). Centering Prayer by emptying one’s mind seeks to achieve an ALC - Altered Level of Consciousness.)

Authentic Prayer, however, has its goal which is union with God. It fosters holiness in the individual. In the Church if meditation is truly authentic, it will possess the following characteristics:

1. It is Christ-centered and Trinitarian.
2. It will acknowledge the cross of Christ and suffering.
3. It will encourage an awareness of sin, a turning away from it, and trust in God’s mercy.
4. It encourages a sacramental life, especially the Eucharist.
5. It encourages a disposition of obedience to Church teaching.
6. It is Marian.
7. It looks beyond this world to eternity.

And another article from This Rock Magazine on "The Danger of Centering Prayer" can be read here.

Many people assume centering prayer is compatible with Catholic tradition, but in fact the techniques of centering prayer are neither Christian nor prayer. They are at the level of human faculties and as such are an operation of man, not of God. The deception and dangers can be grave.
. . .
In order to see clearly that centering prayer departs from Catholic tradition, let us review the differences between Christian spirituality and that of Eastern religions. These differences flow, above all, from their concepts of God, of man, and of their relationship. In light of this contrast, we should be able to see more clearly from which of these centering prayer draws its approach and techniques.

Is centering prayer really Catholic? Hardly...