Fr Lawrence Freeman

Fr Charles corresponded with Lawrence Freemen between 1987-1997 and sought his advice on methods of meditation as well as recommended works by Bede Griffiths, Henri Le Saux and Ken Wilber.

Father Lawrence Freeman is a Benedictine monk and the spiritual director of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM), an organization dedicated to the practice and teaching of Christian meditation. His teachings focus on the practice of meditation as a means of deepening one’s relationship with God and achieving inner peace. Here are some of the main teachings of Lawrence Freeman:

1. The importance of silence: Freeman teaches that silence is essential for spiritual growth and that meditation is a way of entering into this silence in order to listen to God and connect with the divine presence within.
2. The practice of Christian meditation: Freeman emphasizes the practice of Christian meditation as a way of entering into the silence and cultivating a deeper relationship with God. He teaches that the goal of meditation is not to empty the mind, but rather to focus one’s attention on a simple phrase or word, known as a mantra.
3. The role of community: Freeman believes that meditation should not be practiced in isolation, but rather as part of a community of like-minded individuals who can support and encourage each other in their spiritual journey.
4. The value of simplicity: Freeman emphasizes the importance of simplicity in the spiritual life, both in terms of material possessions and in terms of spiritual practices. He believes that simplicity is a way of living in greater harmony with God and with others.
5. The need for humility: Freeman teaches that humility is essential for spiritual growth and that meditation can help to cultivate this virtue by helping us to recognize our own limitations and dependence on God.
6. The importance of compassion: Freeman believes that meditation can help us to develop greater compassion for others, as we become more aware of our own inner struggles and the struggles of those around us.
7. The goal of transformation: Freeman sees meditation as a way of achieving inner transformation, helping us to become more fully human and more fully alive. He believes that this transformation is not just for our own benefit, but also for the benefit of the world around us.