Let’s state it clearly: One great idea of the biblical revelation is that God is manifest in the ordinary, in the actual, in the daily, in the now, in the concrete incarnations of life, and not through purity codes and moral achievement contests, which are seldom achieved anyway.

Prayer is not about changing God, but being willing to let God change us.

Contemplation is an alternative consciousness that refuses to identify with or feed what are only passing shows. It is the absolute opposite of addiction, consumerism or any egoic consciousness.

When we fail we are merely joining the great parade of humanity that has walked ahead of us and will follow after us.

A mystic doesn’t say “I believe.” They say “I know.” A true mystic will ironically speak with that self-confidence but at the same time with a kind of humility. So when you see that combination of calm self-confidence, certitude, and humility all at the same time you have the basis for mysticism in general.

I decided years ago that if I'm going to keep teaching contemplation, then the last years of my life should be contemplative.

One wonders how far spiritual and political leaders can genuinely lead us without some degree of mystical seeing and action.