I had the opportunity to meet Father Thomas Keating at the Garrison Institute at a conference a few years ago on inter-disciplinary traditions where I was leading yoga and meditation and could take part in the sessions. He was teaching about "Contemplative Prayer." I loved his explanation of how he got started into this. Someone asked if they could use a room to teach meditation in their church. Attendance was so high he got alarmed and starting attending. From his own practice he has managed to articulate what is essentially 'mantra' meditation into a format that has made it accessible for countless people.
He has a wonderful transmission. When he taught at the conference it was clear he was giving a talk he's given thousands of times, but he used that as a way to personally connect with each person through eye contact. I was touched and inspired by his friendly and caring nature.
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(Thanks, George!)