CONTEMPLATIVE TRENDS TODAY

Abstract

We are at the threshold of the 3rd millennium. The tremendous explosion of knowledge and the impact of the electronic communication during the last decades brought along with it development and disadvantages for contemporary man. Stresses and strain are part and parcel of life today. To ease it, therefore, the next millennium will be preoccupied with a new ,discovery of man and his subconscious energies. Not only religionists but also the "Secular" man already speak about "the depth reality" and "inner dimension" of man', contemplation as a means to arrive at "calmness and serenity" at a "deeper level." Students and teachers, physicians and officials, scientists and businessmen are using zen and yoga, TM and biofeed back, mind-control techniques and visualization to enhance human potential and attend states of consciousness. The psychophysiology of awareness has become a new science of our age. a science of consciousness of mind expansion, of indepth awareness. Interestingly, all these are new expressions of what is traditionally called contemplation. Everyone needs contemplation today. Are we unconsciously entering into the "noosphere" prophesied by Teilhard the scientist and theologian?