Introducing Contemplative Studies

This is the first book–length introduction to a growing and influential interdisciplinary field focused on contemplative practice, contemplative experience, and contemplative pedagogy. Written by an internationally recognized leader in the area, Introducing Contemplative Studies seeks to provide readers with a deep and practical understanding of the nature and purpose of the field while encouraging them to find a place of their own in an increasingly widespread movement.

At once comprehensive overview, critical reflection, and visionary proposal, the book explores the central approaches and issues in Contemplative Studies, tackles questions and problems that sometimes go unaddressed, and identifies promising new developments. The author also discusses contemplative pedagogy, an experiential approach to teaching and learning informed by and expressed as contemplative practice.

Introducing Contemplative Studies is a must–read for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, teachers, and scholars in Contemplative Studies, as well as anyone who is curious about contemplative practice, meditation, contemplative experience, contemplative pedagogy, contemplative science, and, of course, the exciting field of Contemplative Studies.

List of Figures and Tables vi

Preface viii

Acknowledgments ix

Abbreviations xii

Introduction 1

1 Contemplative Studies 12

2 Contemplative Practice 49

3 Contemplative Experience 84

4 Contemplative Traditions 119

5 Contemplative Pedagogy 154

6 Interpretive Approaches 195

7 Current Trends 230

8 Future Prospects 268

Glossary 304

Bibliography 313

Index

Louis Komjathy is Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego. He is also founding Co–chair of the Contemplative Studies Group of the American Academy of Religion. He has published widely on contemplative practice both in Daoist contexts and from a comparative perspective, including the recent Contemplative Literature: A Comparative Sourcebook on Meditation and Contemplative Prayer and Taming the Wild Horse: An Annotated Translation and Study of the Daoist Horse Taming Pictures.