Integrating Spiritual Traditions: A Path to Non-Dual Awakening
Exploring the Intersection of Faith and Enlightenment: A Tribute to Father Bede Griffiths
In the journey towards spiritual awakening, the teachings of great mystics often serve as guiding lights. Among these revered figures, Father Bede Griffiths stands out as a beacon of wisdom, seamlessly blending the essence of Christianity with the profound depths of other spiritual traditions. His insights have greatly influenced my path, and I am grateful to a local Catholic priest who introduced me to his works. This priest took me to the library of the monastery and showed me an entire section dedicated to comparative religion, including books on Zen, Christianity, and the works of Father Bede Griffiths.
Father Bede Griffiths, a Benedictine monk from England, dedicated his life to exploring the deeper dimensions of Christian faith through the lens of Hindu, Buddhist, and Sufi teachings. His approach to spirituality was not about diluting one's faith but enriching it by embracing the wisdom of other traditions. In a YouTube video, Father Bede speaks about how exploring other religions can enhance the faith you practice. He emphasizes the importance of simplifying one's life and looking beyond reality to the mystery, thereby drawing closer to God.
Video Highlights
In a captivating video excerpt, Father Bede Griffiths shares profound insights:
On Unity and Multiplicity: "In the trees, in nature, you see all these differences, but it’s all enclosed in a unity. It’s so profound; in one, you see all the multiplicity. Everyone around is part of a whole which is totally one, and yet we retain our uniqueness."
On Simplicity: "For me, coming to America from India, the complexity of life... all these telephones, cars, TV... In India, we have none of these things. In the simplicity, you seem to gather an integrity, a wholeness. Life comes from within; you’re not distracted by so many things."
On the Mystery Beyond: "We need some image, some concept, the Bible, or sacred scriptures to give us an understanding about God. But we should not stop there. All images, concepts, and ideas should take us beyond to the mystery."
These insights resonate deeply with my own spiritual journey and the retreats I facilitate. They echo the essence of self-inquiry and non-duality that forms the core of my teachings.
Connecting Father Bede Griffiths to Our Retreats
At "The Dance of Stillness," our meditation and self-inquiry retreats are designed to help participants explore the profound truths of existence, much like Father Bede Griffiths encouraged. We strive to create a supportive environment where seekers can delve into the mysteries of their being, uncover the interconnectedness of all things, and experience the divine presence in everyday moments.
Non-Dual Awakening Retreat in Stroud
This December, join us for a transformative 3-day retreat in Stroud, near Newcastle. Inspired by the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, St. Francis of Assisi, Meister Eckhart, and influenced by Father Bede Griffiths, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into the essence of non-duality, self-inquiry, and spiritual awakening, with a special focus on energetic awakening.
Retreat Dates: December 1-3, 2024
Location: Stroud Monastery, Stroud, NSW (one hour from Newcastle)
Register your interest
What to Expect
In the serene and supportive environment of Stroud, we will explore:
Non-Dual Awakening: Dissolving the illusion of separation and experiencing the interconnectedness of all things, recognizing the true Self as the sole reality.
The Power of Surrender: Letting go of resistance and aligning with the flow of life, allowing grace to guide our every action.
The Illusion of Doership: Understanding that life unfolds through us, not by us, and realizing the non-volitional nature of existence.
Spontaneous Living: Embracing the present moment and living authentically, free from the constraints of the past and future.
Happiness as Your True Nature: Discovering the inherent joy and bliss that lies beyond external circumstances, rooted in the realization of the Self.
Divine or Universal Love: Opening your heart to the boundless love that permeates all existence, as taught by the great mystics.
Who Should Attend?
This retreat is ideal for those seeking:
A profound and genuine introduction to non-duality.
A supportive and sacred environment for deep self-discovery and spiritual exploration.
Authentic techniques to cultivate inner peace, wisdom, and well-being.
A deeper connection to their true nature and an experiential understanding of divine union.
Retreat Activities
Guided Meditations: Experience profound stillness and presence through guided sessions, facilitating a deep connection to the Self.
Interactive Workshops: Engage in immersive discussions and practices that deepen your understanding of non-duality, self-inquiry, and mystical spirituality.
Laying on of Hands: Experience healing and balance through gentle, restorative energy work, harmonizing the body and mind.
Sound Healing Sessions: Participate in sound therapy sessions facilitated by Malachi Lonsdale, using instruments and techniques to awaken and harmonize the life force energy.
Attunement to Oneness: Unique energetic sessions designed to facilitate spiritual awakening through hands-on energy sharing, gentle hand movements with light pressure, soothing music, mantras, sound, and softly spoken guided meditative words.
Non-Duality Satsang: Gatherings for readings from classical texts or the words of sages, music, chanting, relaxed discussions, and enjoy chai and biscuits afterward.
Blessings from the Self: Recognize that blessings arise from the Self or The Totality, acknowledging the ever-present energy of Grace.
About David Rivers
David Rivers is a modern spiritual teacher, writer, artist, and father. In his early twenties, he experienced a sudden and profound spiritual awakening, revealing the fundamental ground of Being and igniting a powerful flow of subtle life energy known as Kundalini. This transformative experience marked the beginning of a journey filled with paradox, where bliss and pain co-exist in a harmonious dance between darkness and light.
Rooted in the teachings of his mentor, Master Charles Cannon, and inspired by Ramana Maharshi, St. Francis of Assisi, Meister Eckhart, and Father Bede Griffiths, David’s approach emphasizes the experiential understanding of our true nature. His path is deeply aligned with the principles of Advaita Vedanta, Christian mysticism, and the non-dual wisdom of these great saints, focusing on the nature of consciousness, the illusion of the separate self, and the cultivation of inner peace and understanding.
How to Register
Limited spaces are available. To secure your spot and for more details, please contact us at riversdave@gmail.com or 0431722372.
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Email: riversdave@gmail.com
Phone: 0431722372
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The Dance of Stillness
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Contact:
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This article not only pays homage to Father Bede Griffiths and his influence on my journey but also connects his profound teachings to the retreats we offer at "The Dance of Stillness." Through these retreats, we aim to provide a sacred space for seekers to explore the depths of their being and experience the divine presence in every moment.
