The Essence of Mystical Orisons for Christians
Within the tapestry of Christian spiritual practices, meditation and contemplative prayer, often referred to as orison, stand as vital pathways to cultivating a deeper awareness of the sacred. Meditation, described as a foundational method, serves as the primary means by which spiritual truth, the “Word,” can take root and flourish within our consciousness.
This inner cultivation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a process intended to yield tangible spiritual fruitage – a state of harmony, wholeness, completeness, and ultimately, perfection. Through consistent meditative practice, students move beyond theoretical understanding and into the direct experience of living in the Spirit.
The Depths of Holy Meditation
The core of meditation often involves a focused and deliberate engagement with a specific aspect of Reality, frequently drawn from the wellspring of religious belief. This could take the form of attentively considering a name or attribute of the Divine, reflecting upon a passage of scripture, or immersing oneself in an episode from the life of a revered figure.
Such concentrated focus serves as a powerful tool to gently but firmly guide the mind away from the incessant chatter of distractions, allowing the individual to become “recollected,” gathered within themselves. While reading and studying provide valuable nourishment for the spiritual journey, they are ultimately seen as tools that prepare the ground for the profound inner stillness that defines true meditation. The effort involved in reaching this state is likened to the laborious task of drawing water by hand from a deep well, emphasizing the dedication and perseverance required.
Closely intertwined with meditation is the concept of “Entering the Silence.” This silence is far from being a passive or inert state; rather, it is understood as a dynamic and profoundly active realm of the highest spiritual engagement. Within this inner stillness, perception is clarified, spiritual effort is intensified, efficiency in inner work is created, and a sense of inner prosperity is established. Crucially, spiritual awareness is believed to develop more effectively within this silence than through the more active modes of thinking, listening, or reading.
The Orisons
Orison, or the degrees of prayer, provides a structured Christian mystical framework for the progressive unfolding of contemplative experience. It begins with the fundamental act of “gathering up the soul’s faculties,” a conscious centering of one’s inner being.
The first degree of orison is Recollection. This initial stage focuses on training spiritual attention, gently lifting the self to a new level of perception through the focused engagement with a symbol. This process is believed to facilitate a new inflow of spiritual life. Like the initial efforts of meditation, Recollection is also compared to the effort of drawing water from a deep well, highlighting the active engagement required to initiate this contemplative journey.
Moving deeper, the second degree is Quiet. This stage is characterized by a tense yet receptive stillness, a conscious resting in the embrace of Reality. The senses begin to still, allowing the more subtle, subliminal faculties of the soul to engage. This stage is perceived as less arduous than Recollection, likened to the ease of watering a garden with a windlass, suggesting a growing ease and flow in the contemplative practice.
The culmination of Recollection and Quiet leads to Contemplation, the developed state of inner awareness. This is a state where a trained consciousness begins to communicate directly with Reality, transcending the need for symbols and even the profound silence of earlier stages. Contemplation is described as “energizing enthusiastically” on higher spiritual levels.
Its method involves a process of transcendence, a gradual elimination of reliance on sensible images, and a progressive approximation towards ultimate Reality, ultimately leading to union. This advanced stage is compared to a small river effortlessly watering the soul’s garden, signifying the natural and abundant flow of spiritual life that emerges from sustained practice.
Ultimately, the true aim of orison, and indeed the mystical life itself, is the profound and transformative union with the Divine.
Conclusion
In essence, the practices of meditation and orison offer a profound and time-honored path toward spiritual awakening. From the initial, deliberate efforts of stilling the mind and focusing attention in meditation and recollection, to the deepening quietude that allows for a more intuitive engagement with Reality, the journey culminates in the transformative experience of contemplation and the ultimate aspiration of union.
Like tending a garden, these practices require dedication and consistent effort, yet they promise a rich harvest of inner peace, spiritual insight, and a profound connection to the deepest truths of existence. By diligently cultivating the inner wellspring of silence and contemplation, individuals can move beyond the surface of ordinary awareness and discover the vibrant and life-giving presence of the Spirit within.
