How are the Spiritual Exercises of ECK (contemplation) different from prayer and meditation?
Beyond prayer is contemplation. Contemplation is a method that enables you to begin to go out and actively explore the inner worlds of your own being. It is different than meditation, a passive state in which the practitioner goes within and just quietly waits for the light. One contemplative technique is to read something inspirational—a biblical verse or a passage from the ECK writings—then shut your eyes and look inwardly, very gently, at the form of an ECK Master, Jesus, or any figure you feel is a spiritual traveler. Ask to be shown the truth. You can ask for love, wisdom, and understanding, but something greater than these three things, which are only attributes of God, is to ask for the realization of God. For more information see Spiritual Wisdom on Prayer, Meditation, and Contemplation in the Eckankar Online Bookstore (link opens in a new window).
