‘What Is a Spiritual Practice?’

     
That is the inviting topic of conversation planned for a gathering August 30 at Bryant Park in Manhattan. Actually this is a Conversation Day event. Read about Conversations New York here.

The Carl Jung and Transpersonal Reading and Discussion Group and the New York City Joseph Campbell Mythology Roundtable will get together, but there’s no reason why others cannot join in the gathering. We’ll meet near the fountain, close to the 41st Street entrance, from 3 to 5 p.m.

From the publicity:

Question for the afternoon:

What is a ‘spiritual practice?’

Recently, I was reading the Fall 2014 issue of Parabola magazine. Its focus is on “spiritual practices,” hence the above question and my curiosity. Let’s explore the elements that may compose a “spiritual practice.” A few related questions (bring more of your own):

• Why are some people drawn to a spiritual practice and others are not?
• What composes a spiritual practice?
• Do you have a spiritual practice?
• Is there value with a practice?
• Does one need to be religious in a traditional/orthodox sort of way?
• Does one require a guide or a guru/teacher?
• How does one pray? Is prayer an aspect of a practice?
• Is devotion an aspect of a practice?
• Does a practice address the riddle of death?
• Can a spiritual practice be a personal experience or must one practice with others?
• Is meditation an aspect of a spiritual practice?
• Is a space and a time relevant for a practice and, if so, how?
• Must one be an “adult,” or may a child practice it?
• Is “interfaith” a dimension and/or a consideration for the practice?
• Are there historical figures we can refer to (personally or socially)? How can they fit in a practice?
• And more.

A great way to prepare oneself for the transition from summer refreshment to the September return of our Rosicrucian, Masonic, et al. activities. Should be a great opportunity.