Embracing the Void: The Art of Letting Go in Contemplation

Thomas Merton's assertion, "The way you prepare for contemplation is to give up everything that is not contemplation," invites us into a profound exploration of the inner landscape necessary for genuine reflection. In a world saturated with distractions and incessant demands, this call to relinquish the non-essential becomes a radical act of self-liberation. It challenges us to examine what we hold onto and to discern the true essence of our spiritual journey. The stakes are high: without this letting go, the depth of our contemplative practice remains shallow, and our connection to the divine is obscured.

To prepare for contemplation, as Merton suggests, is not merely about setting aside time for quietude; it is an invitation to engage in a transformative process of inner purification. This preparation requires a willingness to confront the clutter of our minds and hearts, to sift through the myriad attachments that bind us. It is a journey toward simplicity and clarity, where the act of letting go becomes a pathway to deeper understanding and connection. In this light, Merton's words resonate as a timeless reminder of the essential work required to cultivate a space for authentic contemplation.

The image / the metaphor

Merton's quote conjures a vivid image of a gardener preparing the soil for planting. Just as a gardener must clear away weeds and debris to create fertile ground, so too must we clear our minds and hearts of distractions that inhibit our ability to contemplate. The verbs "prepare" and "give up" evoke a sense of active engagement in the process of spiritual cultivation. This imagery speaks to the necessity of intentionality in our spiritual lives, emphasizing that contemplation is not a passive state but an active endeavor requiring preparation and sacrifice.

Diving deeper into the metaphor, we can see that the act of giving up is not merely about loss; it is also about making space for new growth. In the context of contemplation, this means relinquishing our attachments to thoughts, desires, and even identities that do not serve our spiritual evolution. The felt sense of this process can be likened to shedding layers of an onion, where each layer removed brings us closer to the core of our being. It is in this core that true contemplation resides, waiting to be discovered in the stillness of our hearts.

In the speaker's tradition

Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, draws from a rich tradition that emphasizes the importance of inner silence and the transformative power of contemplation. In the Trappist tradition, concepts such as kenosis—the self-emptying of one's will—align closely with Merton's call to let go of everything that is not contemplation. This notion of self-emptying resonates with the Buddhist concept of sunyata, or emptiness, which invites practitioners to release attachments and embrace the void as a space of potential. Both traditions recognize that true spiritual insight arises from a place of profound stillness and surrender.

In Merton's work, particularly in "New Seeds of Contemplation," he articulates the necessity of this inner work through the lens of love and compassion. He writes, "The contemplative life is a life of love, and love is the fulfillment of the law." This echoes the sentiment found in many spiritual texts that emphasize the interconnectedness of letting go and the cultivation of love. By preparing ourselves for contemplation through the act of relinquishing, we open ourselves to a deeper experience of love and connection with the divine and with others.

Living the teaching

Consider a modern scenario where Merton's teaching might resonate: a busy professional overwhelmed by the demands of work and life. In this context, the idea of giving up everything that is not contemplation could manifest as a conscious decision to unplug from technology and social media, creating a sacred space for reflection and inner peace. This act of letting go allows the individual to reconnect with their inner self, fostering clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. It is a tangible example of how preparation for contemplation can lead to transformative experiences in everyday life.

Another application of this teaching might arise in the realm of relationships. Imagine a person grappling with unresolved conflicts or emotional baggage that clouds their ability to connect authentically with loved ones. By embracing Merton's call to let go of these burdens, they might engage in practices such as forgiveness or open communication, allowing for deeper intimacy and understanding. In this way, the preparation for contemplation becomes a catalyst for healing and growth, enriching not only the individual’s spiritual journey but also the relationships that matter most.

A reflection

As we contemplate Merton's profound insight, we are invited to reflect on our own lives: What are the attachments or distractions that hinder our ability to engage in true contemplation? In what ways can we actively prepare ourselves to let go of these non-essential elements, creating space for deeper connection and understanding? This question serves as a guiding light, encouraging us to embark on our own journey of letting go, ultimately leading us closer to the essence of our spiritual selves.