Series: Religions’ Peace Dialogue

In times of religious and cultural clashes, it is possible to find in the experience and vision of mystics a bridge over troubled waters. For instance, the basic points of the Islamic spirituality are similar to the Christian spirituality. To use a metaphor, we can imagine Christian and Muslim “pilgrims” working together toward a common goal. Both can be considered “pilgrims” as they follow the same path of a common spiritual journey.

Part of Trappist monk and writer Thomas Merton’s enduring appeal is surely the presentation, in his writings, of a contemporary human soul struggling with the challenges of his time, yearning to live in God’s presence, constantly in touch with the illumination that is the life of Christ. He wrote: “Christianity should make us more visibly human, passionately concerned with all the good that wants to grow in the world and cannot grow without our concern.”

Seon meditation, a form of meditative prayer, is focused on the continuing dialogue between God and the individual. The purpose of the dialogue is to develop a better relationship between the individual, the inner self, and God. The better one listens, the better the relationship. When God spoke to Jesus, Jesus attentively listened. And, when Jesus spoke, God listened to His favorite Son. Engaging in Seon means seeking to answer the questions: “Who is this God?” and “Who am I?” This ongoing struggle with one’s self is a constant practice of Seon.