Into the Silent Land

A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation

By: Martin Laird

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Length: 5 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Sitting in stillness, the practice of meditation, and the cultivation of awareness are commonly thought to be the preserves of Hindus and Buddhists. Martin Laird shows that the Christian tradition of contemplation has its own refined teachings on using a prayer word to focus the mind, working with the breath to cultivate stillness, and the practice of inner vigilance or awareness.

But this book is not a mere historical survey of these teachings. In Into the Silent Land, we see the ancient wisdom of both the Christian East and West brought sharply to bear on the modern-day longing for radical openness to God in the depths of the heart. Laird's book is not like the many presentations for beginners. While useful for those just starting out, this book serves especially as a guide for those who desire to journey yet deeper into the silence of God.

The heart of the book focuses on negotiating key moments of struggle on the contemplative path, when the whirlwind of distractions or the brick wall of boredom makes it difficult to continue. Laird shows that these inner struggles, even wounds, that any person of prayer must face, are like riddles, trying to draw out of us our own inner silence.

Ultimately Laird shows how the wounds we loathe become vehicles of the healing silence we seek, beyond technique and achievement. Throughout, the language is fresh, direct, and focused on real-life examples of people whose lives are incomparably enriched by the practice of contemplation.

©2006 Martin Laird, O.S.A (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Martin Laird is a Master of Contemplation

This book, the first of a trilogy, is an excellent introduction to contemplation. Audible publish the other two! It would be a service to those who are searching a deeper connection with the Divine Mystery by whatever name or no name you invoke it.

Great primer on Contemplation

This book is a must read for those seeking to know God in the deepest way possible.

Difficult to absorb

Deep & simple. Best savored in small bites. A Christian intro to meditation as prayer.

Easy listening

A good book on contemplative prayer. A compliment to Open Mind, Open Heart by Keating. Highly recommend

Extraordinary wisdom, beautifully read

This is incredibly accessible, full of helpful images and practical guidance. A must read for any Christian wanting to explore contemplative practice.

The Silent Land

Very well done. A little too slow for me so I bumped it up 20%. I'm sure I will be listening to this one many more times.

Deep thoughts

I am not familiar with Contemplative practice. This book has stretched me. I certainly plan to listen/read again and gain more insight into silence and contemplative prayer.

Simply the Best!!

This is simply the best modern exposition of contemplative prayer!!! It is my favorite book of 2020. It is at once a very practical how-to and a clear description of what to expect along the mystical path. Thank you to Brother Martin for writing it and to Audible for making the audiobook available. I would hope to see his other books in the trilogy on audio.

Great

This is a very helpful book that I listened to several times. I seems to me that this book really explains Contemplative prayer. I enjoy listening to Merton and Keating. This book however, draws a map that makes everything clearer. This was not my last listen. Thank you.

A Masterpiece of Spiritual Insight!

Wise, deep, insightful, this slim volume gives the best overview of Christian contemplation (or meditation) I have yet come upon. Despite its slender size it manages to be both comprehensive and profound, combining a surprisingly thorough overview of the history of Christian contemplation with an in-depth description of its practical application — including a truly brilliant account of how to embrace the many hurdles encountered along this path in a way that leads to further growth.

Read it and give it a try. It will open a whole new world.