Transcendent Knowing

In the journey of Western civilization, the contemplative mind once stood in the shadows, deemed uninteresting and counterproductive to the pursuits of egoic ambitions. We embraced defined goals, progress, science, and development, losing sight of paradox, mystery, and the wisdom of unsayability—the very elements that infuse biblical faith with dynamism, creativity, and nonviolence.

Yet, the essence of Christianity lies not in an insatiable thirst for information, but in the supremacy of love. A mature Christianity humbly acknowledges that love allows knowing to be patient, recognizing the valuable lessons other traditions and people offer. The synergy of head (Scripture), heart (Experience), and body (Tradition) brings forth a profound integration, fostering honesty about our experience of God.

Contemplation grants us the ability to perceive the world in its entirety, fostering respect by encouraging us to see things anew. It's a letting-go lesson, a self-emptying (kenosis) that transcends the superficiality of self-centered perspectives. Only through deeper contemplation do we grasp the correlation between our actions, taking each moment with seriousness and respect, unveiling and diminishing our ego games.

This knowing doesn't oppose rationality; it embraces a holistic, trans-rational perspective. It ventures where the rational mind cannot, only to return honoring the rational. This is the essence of "contemplative epistemology," a theory of knowing that transcends and transforms—the change that changes everything, beginning with the seer.

May we shift from egoic pursuits to embrace the supremacy of love
in our journey through Western civilization,
recognizing the richness of humility and
the wisdom found in diverse traditions.

Through contemplation, may we unravel ego games,
embracing a trans-rational perspective that transforms and enlightens.

In shadows cast by Western's course,
Contemplative mind deemed dull, counterproductive.
Egoic ambitions soared, defined goals embraced,
Paradox and mystery eclipsed in the march of progress.

Yet, Christianity's core is love, not relentless thirst for knowledge.
Love, patient and humble, learns from varied traditions.
Head, heart, and body unite, a symphony of integration,
Honesty blooms about the divine in our experience.

Contemplation unfolds, unveiling the world's entirety,
Encouraging fresh visions, a letting-go dance, kenosis.
Deeper still, correlation revealed in each solemn moment,
Ego games fade, respect and seriousness emerge.

Knowing transcends rational bounds, a trans-rational embrace,
Venturing where the mind hesitates, returning with honor.
"Contemplative epistemology," the change that transforms,
Beginning with the seer, a dance of profound revelation.