Religion as techne. A Study of the Anatomy of Contemplative Practice

This study is a comparative examination of three contemporary systems of contemplative practice – mindfulness, christfulness and centering prayer. The texts of these systems of contemplative practice will be analyzed, and the contemplative practices described therein will be practiced as well. Through such an approach the traditional dichotomy between observer/practitioner and insider/outsider will be challenged. An assumption of this study shall be that such an approach is thought to enable new perspectives to arise, and are therefore considered worthwhile. The conceptual category of techne will also be analyzed, and thereafter applied as a lens through which to study contemplative practices. Friedrich von Hügel s philosophy of religion will also be used throughout. The main purpose of the study is to provide an anatomy of contemplative practice. In these days when contemplative practices are starting to go mainstream and the hype of mindfulness can be felt throughout the Western world, there is a need to map and elucidate such practices and honestly assess their potential and worth