“It's not about right belief; it's about right practice.”
- Cynthia Bourgeault
Awakens
Love
Deepens
Compassion
Heals
Hopelessness
What is The Contemplative Society?
The Contemplative Society is an inclusive non-profit society that encourages a deepening of contemplative prayer based in the Christian Wisdom tradition while also welcoming and being supportive of other meditation traditions. They offer a consistent and balanced path for spiritual growth and transformation rooted in prayer, silence, mindful work, and in the 1500-year-old wisdom of their Benedictine contemplative heritage.
What is the primary mission and work of The Contemplative Society?
The mission is to recover the mystical heart of the Christian Wisdom tradition. The
Contemplative Society offers meditation and contemplative resources, including regularly
scheduled retreats, Quiet Days, instructional workshops, and self-organized meditation and study groups. They also provide an extensive selection of teachings in audio format by Cynthia Bourgeault and others, as
well as a growing collection of free resources to support your contemplative practice. While Centering Prayer is the basis of our teaching, all meditation paths are welcome and honored.
What is the inspiration behind The Contemplative Society?
The Contemplative Society was formed in 1997 on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia with four original members united in their desire to support an emerging contemplative renewal in the area. The group sought a teacher to lead retreats and workshops, and to encourage the spiritual life by living a contemplative life of deep prayer and spiritual practice. While no longer a resident teacher, The Contemplative Society supports the work of Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault in her vocation as a hermit and writer by sponsoring retreats, Wisdom Schools, and workshops led by Cynthia and other distinguished teachers of the Christian contemplative path.
What practices are the primary areas of focus?
The Contemplative Society offers a variety of practices and hosts many different teachers. The main practices include Centering Prayer, the ancient monastic practice of Lectio Divina, The Welcoming Practice, chanting and Taizé services. Many other methods are taught periodically, but these are some of the core practices available within the community.