Contemplative Path ( Eight intensive days )

The proposition for this way of praying or meditating is intended for people who feel the need for a silent meditation without the support of words or texts, because these have already been internalized at other times in life. For this we offer an intensive introduction to contemplative prayer (containing Christian elements and at the same time Oriental ones) based on learning about body posture (to achieve the stillness of posture), paying attention to breathing, and the repetition of a mantra or invocation.

We also propose Chi Kung （气功 / 氣功 Qìgōng） exercises at the beginning of the day and participating in the Eucharist at the end of the day. The rhythm of the day is marked by alternating one-hour sessions of meditation (everybody together in the meditation room) with a half an hour of rest (three times in the morning and another three in the afternoon).

The entire day is silent to facilitate mindfulness at every moment, in the walk, in the food, etc. We suggest also a semi-vegetarian diet.

The basic guidelines for this proposition come from the mastery of Franz Jalics, SJ who explains his path in detail on:

• Contemplative Retreat, Franz Jalics, sj, published by Xulon Press (October 16, 2003)