Learning To Dance Inside: Getting to the Heart of Meditation (Harvest Book) - Softcover

Fowler, George

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0156005247 ISBN 13: 9780156005241

Publisher: HarperOne, 1997

Synopsis

In this wise and refreshing little book, a former Trappist monk describes the spiritual goals and everyday rewards of meditation-an approach that “is infinitely more helpful and inspiring than the usual and expected treatises on the subject” (Publishers Weekly).

About this title

About the Author:

George Fowler was a writer, lecturer and teacher who specialized in spiritual growth. A former Trappist Monk and priest for over two decades and holder of several advanced academic degrees, Fowler applied his expertise to helping people realize their potential for fulfillment and inner growth within their individual belief systems. After marrying a nun and reluctantly leaving organized religion, Fowler worked fifteen years for the defense industry, first counseling Vietnam returnees and later designing nuclear weapons security. His work as a radio commentator, syndicated columnist and lecturer focused on self-empowerment and meditation. Fowler also founded and directed the National Foundation for Healing Religious Abuse. He died at the age of 71 in January 2000.

From Publishers Weekly:

Fowler spent 17 years obeying a vow of silence as a Trappist monk, then left the order, married and was excommunicated from his church. From this mix of experiences he has emerged with a clarity of communication that serves this volume well. The depths of his meditative abilities are also very evident, however, and the directness with which he addresses the reasons for following meditative practice will assist any reader. This is not a how-to book. Quite the contrary. Fowler says very clearly: "I don't want readers to follow rules in their search-instead of understanding the process and how it works." His compelling descriptions of the spirituality of the meditative state; the outlining of the progression of the four understandings (basic theologies) of God; and the approach to meditation either through clarified understanding or through the heart will assist even the most hesitant to begin the process. Fowler asks that our meditation be built on a foundation of reading and understanding for increased spiritual development, and he gives direction and examples of the nature of that further reading. This work, with its emphasis on the rewards of meditation rather than its external techniques, is infinitely more helpful and inspiring than the usual and expected treatises on the subject.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperOne
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0156005247
• ISBN 13: 9780156005241
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208