contemplation
Quick Summary
Contemplation involves deep thinking, often about spiritual matters or the future. It can be a form of meditation or reflection. In a broader sense, it means to give serious thought to something or to have something in mind as a goal.12
Historically, contemplation has been linked to philosophy and mysticism. Ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle explored the contemplative life as a way for the soul to connect with the eternal. In China, Confucianism incorporated meditative practices for self-cultivation and understanding the Way. Even modern scientists like Albert Einstein found profound beauty and wisdom in a sense of the mystical, seeing it as a source of art and science.3
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aestheticsThe aesthetic recipientIt may also be exercised contemplatively toward nature as a whole. In this case, practical considerations are held in abeyance, and we stand back from nature and look on it with a disinterested concern. Such an attitude is not only peculiar to rational beings but also necessary to them. Without…
Read MoreIt may also be exercised contemplatively toward nature as a whole. In this case, practical considerations are held in abeyance, and we stand back from nature and look on it with a disinterested concern. Such an attitude is not only peculiar to rational beings but also necessary to them. Without…
Read More- aestheticsThe aesthetic experience
…is at the same time contemplated: its appearance is a matter of intrinsic interest and studied not merely as an object of sensory pleasure but also as the repository of significance and value.
Read More…is at the same time contemplated: its appearance is a matter of intrinsic interest and studied not merely as an object of sensory pleasure but also as the repository of significance and value.
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PlatonismPlotinus and his philosophy…of outgoing and return in contemplation; and this account, showing the way for the human self—which can experience and be active on every level of being—to return to the One, is at the same time an exhortation to follow that way.
Read More…of outgoing and return in contemplation; and this account, showing the way for the human self—which can experience and be active on every level of being—to return to the One, is at the same time an exhortation to follow that way.
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Quietism…was the interior way of contemplation to which anyone with divine assistance can attain and that can last for years, even for a lifetime. This contemplation is a vague, undetermined view of God that inhibits a human’s interior powers. The soul remains in “dark faith,” a state of passive purification…
Read More…was the interior way of contemplation to which anyone with divine assistance can attain and that can last for years, even for a lifetime. This contemplation is a vague, undetermined view of God that inhibits a human’s interior powers. The soul remains in “dark faith,” a state of passive purification…
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Roman CatholicismHermits and monks…God by prolonged, almost constant contemplation. Where large numbers of hermits assembled in the same place, cenobitism (common life) emerged, and the hermits or monks (Greek monachos, “solitary”) elected one of their members abbot (Aramaic abba, “father”). Eastern monasticism produced the rules of
Read More…God by prolonged, almost constant contemplation. Where large numbers of hermits assembled in the same place, cenobitism (common life) emerged, and the hermits or monks (Greek monachos, “solitary”) elected one of their members abbot (Aramaic abba, “father”). Eastern monasticism produced the rules of
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