12- Contemplation

Introduction

What is the meaning of contemplation? When one contemplates on something, it means that he is examining it closely, exploring, inspecting and analysing, to see its depth.

Contemplation then is entering into the depth, either in the work of the thought or the work of the spirit.

It is reaching a type of knowledge that is much higher than ordinary knowledge, a knowledge that is above the senses, a knowledge that is new to you and is a delight to your spirit. You find in it spiritual nourishment and enjoyment.

Or contemplation is the opening of the mind, the heart and the spirit to receive the divine knowledge from above or from inside the person, from the Spirit of God that dwells in him..

For contemplation, it is appropriate to have quietness and calmness, being far from noise that occupies the senses and thus occupies the mind and keeps it from the work of the spirit in it. Contemplation becomes deeper whenever the senses become free from outside disturbance and one is released from the control of his personal thoughts in order to receive what the spirit grants. What helps contemplation is the desire to understand and concentration on the divine.

There are many spheres for contemplation that we would like to discuss in detail..

There is contemplation on the Holy Bible or on hymns and tunes. Or contemplation on the creation and nature or on heaven and the angels, or on death, judgment and what follows. And there is contemplation on events and the lives of the saints, on virtues generally and specifically, or on God’s commandments. There is another type, and a more sublime one, of contemplation on God’s beautiful attributes.. such as contemplation on the unlimited, the truth and the grace.. However, the subjects for contemplation are countless so that the spiritual person could contemplate on everything, even the materials: trying to extract from them spiritualities that would benefit him...

Fields for contemplation:

13	Contemplation on the Holy Bible
14	Contemplating on Nature
15	Contemplating on Events
16	Contemplating on Prayer
17	Contemplating on death and judgment
18	Contemplating on God’s attributes
19	Other Subjects For Contemplation | Contemplating on the lives of the saints

Reading the lives of the saints

The Spiritual Means Books by H. H. Pope Shenouda III

Contemplation on the Holy Bible