Fr. Thomas presents two versions or paths of the unfolding of the spiritual journey. The first is described by St. Teresa of Avila from her experience, and the second is from St. John of the Cross’ experience. Teresa describes felt experiences of the presence of God as stages of prayer beginning with what she called infused recollection, then the prayer of quiet, the prayer of union, and finally, the prayer of full union.

To access a lesson that accompanies this particular video, go to https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/course/57-night-of-spirit-towards-transformation-part-1/.

This video is part of a complete online course, "The Spiritual Journey - Formation in the Christian Contemplative Life," available for free at https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/spiritual-journey-program. This foundational course is offered by Fr. Thomas Keating and Contemplative Outreach for those who wish to gain understanding of the Christian spiritual path of transformation in Christ. It consists of 100 lessons, each with quotes, notes, suggestions, and resources for further study. Most lessons have videos and audios that are easily downloadable, along with their transcripts.

How do the videos in this course (at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBE6fmRmYU8gPcv9ZFQgIRPpXTW2-IVXQ) compare to the original video series, "The Spiritual Journey with Fr. Thomas Keating," (at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBE6fmRmYU8g6CAOwq4-IEvpSnbBxKfRO )?

The videos in the course include most of the videos in the original five-part video series, shortened to include the most essential parts of those talks. In addition, the course videos include excerpts from other series, including four that Fr. Thomas recorded every three years in his latter years, which have not previously been released on YouTube: "Heartfulness," "The Gift of Life," "God is Love," and "That We May Be One." He considered these four series to be, in effect, parts 6 through 9 of the original five-part series.

For more information on Fr. Keating and Contemplative Outreach, and support in the practice of Centering Prayer and the Christian contemplative life, go to http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org.