In this episode I am speaking with Reverend Dr. Nicholas Buxton. Nicholas is the Director of St Antony’s Priory, in Durham, and founder of ‘Just Meditation’ and the Newcastle Meditation Centre. He has a PhD in Buddhist philosophy from the University of Cambridge and is an experienced meditation teacher and retreat leader. Publications include The Wilderness Within: Meditation and Modern Life (Canterbury Press, 2014), and Tantalus and the Pelican: Exploring Monastic Spirituality Today (Continuum, 2009).

Topics discussed are:

• Christian contemplatives throughout history
• What is the focus of Christian contemplative practice compared to other meditative traditions?
• Who were the Desert Fathers?
• Is there a place for austerity in modern life?
• How Nicholas understands Jesus, the man, and the story of Christ?
• Is there a distinction between religious and spiritual?
• Do you see religious practice on a spectrum moving from an exoteric to a deeper esoteric dimension?
• Is your mission to promote the contemplative side of Christianity today?
• What is the difference between a meditation technique and prayer?
• What does the Christian tradition uniquely offer to spiritual practice?
• How do you structure life on a typical retreat at St Antony's Priory?

Links to Nicholas' projects
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/StAntonysPriory/
St. Antony's Priory
Just meditation https://justmeditation.org/