May 2011

Into the Silent Land: The Practice of Contemplation, by Martin Laird OSA, Oxford University Press, UK, 2006.

Reviewed by Veronica Griffith SGS

At the silence of the mind
Is when we live best, within
Listening distance of the silence we call God …
Is a presence then,
Whose margins are our margins,
That calls us out over our won fathoms. – R.S, Thomas.

This beautifully written book reminds us that we are made for contemplation, and suggests the skills needed to move into this wonderful dimension of life.

The first two chapters set the scene for practical considerations: God is the ground of our being, not something we acquire. The book then explores some reasons why we are so ignorant of this. The rest of the book presents some of the fundamentals of contemplative practice, focussing especially on interior silence, and letting go, in the midst of struggles and distractions, with balance and gentleness.

Through poetry and story, personal experience and the writings of the mystics, the author presents us with a beautiful book of inspirational and practical suggestions to enable us to journey into the stillness. He uses encouraging words such as “enter eagerly into the treasure house that is within you and you will see the things that are of heaven” (St Isaac the Syrian), to gently lead the reader into deeper reflection.

It is a book that lends itself to revisiting passages once they have been read. It gives nourishing food for the soul for those who are looking for something extra to guide them on the way to deeper prayer and contemplation.