In this episode I am speaking with Reverend Dr. Nicholas Buxton. Nicholas is the Director of St Antony’s Priory, in Durham, and founder of ‘Just Meditation’ and the Newcastle Meditation Centre. He has a PhD in Buddhist philosophy from the University of Cambridge and is an experienced meditation teacher and retreat leader. Publications include The Wilderness Within: Meditation and Modern Life (Canterbury Press, 2014), and Tantalus and the Pelican: Exploring Monastic Spirituality Today (Continuum, 2009).Topics discussed are:Christian contemplatives throughout historyWhat is the focus of Christian contemplative practice compared to other meditative traditions?Who were the Desert Fathers?Is there a place for austerity in modern life?How Nicholas understands Jesus, the man, and the story of Christ?Is there a distinction between religious and spiritual?Do you see religious practice on a spectrum moving from an exoteric to a deeper esoteric dimension?Is your mission to promote the contemplative side of Christianity today?What is the difference between a meditation technique and prayer?What does the Christian tradition uniquely offer to spiritual practice?How do you structure life on a typical retreat at St Antony's Priory? Links to Nicholas' projectsFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/StAntonysPriory/St. Antony's PrioryJust meditation https://justmeditation.org/

Ver todos los episodios