Body and Prayer: Comparing Taoist and Christian Methods of Meditation
Asia Pacific Mission Studies July 22, 2024 DOI: 10.13185/2704-3339.1015 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMeditative traditions from Eastern and Western cultures, specifically Taoist and Christian practices, meet in a complex multicultural environment. Every interpretation and expansion of meditation methods must account for this broad and complex setting to create appropriate techniques inspired by old traditions yet suited to contemporary spiritual needs. Focusing on the body's role and place in meditation reveals how Taoist and Christian meditations are related.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that the cross-cultural meeting of Eastern and Western meditative traditions requires awareness of the multicultural context to develop appropriate methods for contemporary spiritual needs, with a focus on the body's role in Taoist and Christian meditation. |
Abstract
This article explores the problems arising from the cross-cultural setting where these eastern and western meditative traditions meet. It further suggests that every interpretation and expansion of methods of meditation has to bear in mind the broadness and complexity of the new multicultural environment where the old techniques are being practiced. Such awareness will enable the birth of appropriate methods inspired by old traditions and yet fit for today's spiritual needs. Within overviews of the Taoist and Christian practices of meditation, we focus on the body—its role and place in meditation—to understand how Taoist and Christian meditations are related.