A New Silence: Spiritual Practices and Formation for the Monk Within

by Beverly Lanzetta

Overview

A New Silence focuses on the inner transformation and spiritual practices that guide us to live for the Holy and for the good of creation. It is a practical companion for anyone seeking to be a monastic or contemplative presence in the world. Offered for explorers on the edge-for those who are between religions, those who have abandoned faith but yet seek, those who are interspiritual, or those who are rooted in their faith tradition and are going deeper-this is both path and accompaniment for the journey. Included are contemplative practices, journal reflections, meditative exercises, and examples of a daily schedule, personal vow, rule of life, and ceremony of profession that stabilize and affirm a new monastic way of life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781732343832
Publisher:	Blue Sapphire Books
Publication date:	11/19/2020
Pages:	416
Sales rank:	123,426
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.85(d)

Table of Contents

Preface 1

Part One: CONTEMPLATIONS

1 Humility 15

2 Compassion 33

3 Nonviolence 41

4 Simplicity 52

5 Divinity of the World 63

6 Our Mother of Contemplation 71

Part Two: SPIRITUAL FORMATION

7 Spiritual Formation 85

8 Turning One's Life Around 96

9 The Monk's Life in Relationship 108

10 Spiritual Guidance: The Inner Way 126

11 Cultivation of Mindfulness 148

Part Three: ENERGY & HEALING

12 Theology of Energy 165

13 Spiritual Practice: Obstacles & Solutions 183

14 Freeing the Spiritual Imaginary 192

15 The Wound of the Soul 206

16 Mysticism of Healing 221

Part Four: A VOWED LIFE

17 Sample Monastic Plan 237

18 Lectio Divina: Mysticism of the Text 246

19 Sr. Theresa on Vows 255

20 Preparing for Vows 262

21 Diksha and the Sannyasin 272

22 Rule of Life 285

23 Make My Life a Vow 288

Part Five: PRACTICES

24 Meditation Exercises 295

25 Spiritual Practices 309

26 Four Virtues of a Monastic Heart 323

27 Writing Exercise 330

28 Inner Monastery Meditation 332

29 Selections From A Feast of Prayers 335

APPENDIX

Study Guide and Reflections 349

Notes 363

Bibliography 373

Acknowledgements 389

Index 391

Editorial Reviews

04/05/2021

In this sweeping exploration of mystical spirituality, theologian Lanzetta (The Monk Within) invites readers to live as “monks in the world.” She recommends turning away from the ambition and complexity of “secular culture” and instead opting for the simplicity of the “inner monastic” life while remaining committed to one’s obligations as a friend, family member, employee, or student. Lanzetta weaves various traditions and offers a “kaleidoscope”of contemplations on the spiritual life, quoting Rumi on compassion (“The spirit became joyful through the I-less I; it fled from the I of the world”), Gandhi on nonviolence, and Indigenous elders on humility and simplicity (such as the Seven Grandfather Teaching of the Potawatomi Nation: “You cannot have Wisdom without Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth”). She also provides practical exercises to foster a more contemplative presence in the world, including a host of meditation practices, tips for prayerful imagination, and altar-building ideas for constructing an “inner monastery” in one’s home. Written for the “spiritual, but not religious,” this will appeal to anyone looking for mystical experiences in the midst of the mundane. (Self-published)

Publishers Weekly

"A New Silence will likely be the pre-eminent guidebook to a new way of being human and living as a monk in the world. It addresses our call, coming from the deep, inner spirit, to lead a life of healing." --Rev. Evan W. Kligman, MD. MDiv., Executive Director of the Welcome Centre Medical Clinic for Refugees, Vancouver, BC.

Drawing from deep pockets of her wisdom and practice in the contemplative traditions, Lanzetta gifts readers with a new perspective on how to become a universal monk in the world. Destined to become a contemplative classic, it belongs in the hands of any reader who takes the contemplative life seriously. --Paul Swanson, Sr. Program Designer, Center for Action and Contemplation

"A New Silence is good company for the soul. Like a true best friend, Beverly hears the longing of your heart and points you to your own deepest truth. Whatever your circumstances of work or family, and whatever your beliefs, you will find your path greatly illumined by this book." --Fran Grace, PhD, Professor of Religious Studies and Steward of the Meditation Program at Univ. of Redlands

"Beverly Lanzetta's study of the inner life, practical orientation to personal spiritual practices and guidance for professing vows is an invaluable, engaging, and inspirational resource. It will nourish and sustain the soul in the face of current challenges. I am so looking forward to having this book in my hands!" --Bernadette Flanagan, PBVM, Ph.D., Chair, Spirituality Institute for Research & Education (Dublin) and author of Embracing Solitude: Women and New Monasticism

"...a wise and steady guide through the terrain of the soul...opens us to the grace of divine mystery at work when we enter into inner silence. Full of practical advice, anyone who seeks to live as a monk in the world will find a feast of possibility within its pages." --Christine Valters Paintner, Ph.D., founder of Abbey of the Arts and author of Sacred Time: Embracing an Intentional Way of Life

"A New Silence, offers the reader a broad spiritual vision accompanied by very useful spiritual practices. For those who desire to deepen their own monastic way of life, this book is a compelling one." --Michael Peterson, OSB, Chairman of the Board, Monastic Interreligious Dialogue and Director of Oblates, St. John's Abbey

"The "how to manual" that is the laboratory which accompanies the teachings of The Monk Within. Beautifully written and deeply helpful and inspiring, she has bestowed a great boon upon those of us who are increasingly drawn to an Interspiritual life and practice." --The Rev. Peter Savastano, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anthropology and Religion, Seton Hall University, and author of Merton and Indigenous Wisdom

From the Publisher