Robin Amis

In this workshop, Robin Amis will describe how the early saints of the Christian Church defined a spiritual path whose goal was Theosis, the divinization of man— the Godgiven purpose of human life. Drawing on the teachings of early Church Fathers, including Saint Paul and Saint Gregory Palamas, as well as the current abbot of one of Mount Athos’ great monasteries, Robin Amis will introduce us to this long forgotten spiritual-psychological method to help us put this original Christian teaching into practice. We will learn highly effective ways to control our attention, free ourselves from the overactive psyche, direct our awareness inward, and still our thoughts until we can perceive the kardia (the spiritual heart of our being), and learn about the process of purification and inner illumination that eventually leads to theosis.

A ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
Sunday, April 29, 10am–4pm
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Members: $85 / Nonmembers: $95
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Robin Amis
Robin Amis, founder of the Praxis Research Institute and author of several books on Inner Christianity, including A Different Christianity, is a member of the British Royal Philosophical Association and has made over 60 trips to the Holy Mountain of Athos.

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Other Classes Taught By This Teacher:

Christian Spirituality of the Heart: Rediscovering Inner Christianity

Robin Amis

In this presentation, Robin Amis will introduce the “lost” spiritual tradition of the first Christian Millennium, still practiced in the monastic communities of Mount Athos, the Holy Mountain of Greece. Drawing from the teachings of Saint Gregory Palamas, and other great early Christian theologians whose work was the healing of the human psyche, he will reveal how the early Church sought to tame the unruly psyche and awaken men and women to true self-awareness. He will also introduce us to the psychological magic of the prayer of the heart, which forms a deep attentiveness in its practitioners by awakening their inner lives.

AN EVENING LECTURE
Friday, April 27, 7–10pm
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Members: $22 / Nonmembers: $25
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Fr. William Meninger

The Cloud of Unknowing, a classic 14th century work of Christian mysticism, is a spiritual guide on contemplative prayer and mystical techniques rooted in the tradition of apophatic theology, which seeks unmediated union with God and has inspired such renowned mystics as Julian of Norwich, St. John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and Thomas Merton. Tonight Father Meninger will discuss the path outlined by The Cloud of Unknowing and the teachings of the great Christian mystics of this tradition. He will also introduce us the to practice of contemplative meditation as described by The Cloud of Unknowing.

AN EVENING WORKSHOP
Wednesday, May 23, 7–9:30pm
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Members: $25 / Nonmembers: $28
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Richard Kigel

Centering Prayer is a method of contemplative prayer which involves the cultivation of interior silence. It is a discipline designed to withdraw our attention from the ordinary flow of thoughts into an awareness of the spiritual level of our being. It helps us develop tranquility of heart and an inner awareness of the presence of God. In this class, we will learn the basic method and focus on some core aspects of the practice: how to handle thoughts during prayer, integrating centering prayer into daily life, and understanding how centering prayer functions like a divine therapy that opens us to the discovery of the divine presence within. Sessions will include video talks by Centering Prayer pioneer Father Thomas Keating and other leading teachers, discussion, reflection and, of course, ample practice of Centering Prayer.

A WEEKLY COURSE
(4 sessions) Thursdays, November 10–
December 8, 6–7:30pm
No class on November 24.
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Members: $80 / Nonmembers: $90
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