When we think of meditation, we think of an Eastern tradition, individuals or groups in a meditative trance chanting Om.
This is true, but only partly true.
Sometimes I find myself in Guildford when the Guildford Cathedral choir is in Holy Trinity for sung Evensong. The words are lost on me, it is a wonderful meditative experience.
- Sung evensong in Holy Trinity
- Beautiful sung evensong
When people chant in a group, they synchronise and resonate with each other.
As the Abbot of Alton Abbey recently warned, be wary of meditating on your own. You can get lost, you need a guide. [see Does it matter how we pray?]
Nor is chanting necessarily a scared experience. In Nineteen Eighty-Four, we have the Two Minutes Hate, where those present chant B-B.
Longplayer is a piece of music that is designed to last for one thousand years. A meditation using six Tibetan bowls. Composed by Jem Finer, one of the founding members of the group The Pogues.
Tags: meditation
