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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
If experience is essential for a full life, enlightened reflection is needed to deepen it and integrate it into daily life. This is the aim of mystical theology, which is based on the need for spiritual healing above all else. It calls upon all human capacities, including intellectual ones, to better understand ourselves in relation to the mysterious Presence that animates us. How can we bring reason down to the level of the heart? What are the tools for self-knowledge? Which path is right for you? How do we orient ourselves in the world of spirituality (meditation, yoga, humanitarian action, psychedelic path, new age, etc.)? What does a master-disciple relationship mean? What does spiritual transformation entail? Does it require leaving the world, one's familiar surroundings? This program brings together the most relevant elements, both theoretical and practical, of the Christian contemplative heritage to offer you autonomy in exploring the paths of Silence and the summits of the spiritual life. |
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IN WHAT SPIRIT?
The program is offered with a view to better embodying the Divine Presence in daily life, by mastering as far as possible the theoretical instruments at our disposal, necessary for the discernment without which it is easy to get lost.
The program is designed to bring together experience and theory, faith and reason, artistic intelligence and intellectual rigor, silence and the spoken word.
We will discover Christian mysticism in dialogue with other contemplative paths, in particular Buddhist, Hindu and Sufi, in dialogue also with the demands of an ecological consciousness, with the sciences (anthropology, psychology, neurology, quantum physics, etc.), as well as with important aspects of our society (pluralism, transhumanism, psychedelic therapies, mindfulness meditation, etc.).
The program is offered with a view to better embodying the Divine Presence in daily life, by mastering as far as possible the theoretical instruments at our disposal, necessary for the discernment without which it is easy to get lost.
The program is designed to bring together experience and theory, faith and reason, artistic intelligence and intellectual rigor, silence and the spoken word.
We will discover Christian mysticism in dialogue with other contemplative paths, in particular Buddhist, Hindu and Sufi, in dialogue also with the demands of an ecological consciousness, with the sciences (anthropology, psychology, neurology, quantum physics, etc.), as well as with important aspects of our society (pluralism, transhumanism, psychedelic therapies, mindfulness meditation, etc.).
WHERE WILL YOU BE?
The program is available online, live via ZOOM and as a replay for those unable to attend or who wish to review the course content.The program is available online, live via ZOOM and as a replay for those unable to attend or who wish to review the course content.
The program is available online, live via ZOOM and as a replay for those unable to attend or who wish to review the course content.The program is available online, live via ZOOM and as a replay for those unable to attend or who wish to review the course content.
FORMAT AND SCHEDULE
The program consists of four modules or courses, two in autumn and two in winter. Each module comprises four teaching days, one Saturday per month.
Modules can be taken over two years; for example, take modules 1 and 3 this year and modules 2 and 4 the following year.
Modules are taught in a dynamic, interactive way. A balance is maintained between presentation of the material and question time. Exchanges and discussions are encouraged to deepen the points raised. Documents (written, video or audio) will be provided before each session for further reflection.
The timetable (three hours per day) has been set so that the modules can be followed live in France, Canada, French-speaking Africa and Costa Rica, where the program is based (the following timetable does not take into account the changeover to summer time).
Canada (East, EST): 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
France: 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
French-speaking Africa (Senegal, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso): 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
French-speaking Africa (Gabon, DRC, Cameroon): 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Costa Rica: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The program consists of four modules or courses, two in autumn and two in winter. Each module comprises four teaching days, one Saturday per month.
Modules can be taken over two years; for example, take modules 1 and 3 this year and modules 2 and 4 the following year.
Modules are taught in a dynamic, interactive way. A balance is maintained between presentation of the material and question time. Exchanges and discussions are encouraged to deepen the points raised. Documents (written, video or audio) will be provided before each session for further reflection.
The timetable (three hours per day) has been set so that the modules can be followed live in France, Canada, French-speaking Africa and Costa Rica, where the program is based (the following timetable does not take into account the changeover to summer time).
Canada (East, EST): 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
France: 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
French-speaking Africa (Senegal, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso): 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
French-speaking Africa (Gabon, DRC, Cameroon): 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Costa Rica: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
CONTENT INTEGRATION
. The four modules are designed to form a coherent whole, capable of achieving our objective. The integration of content will be gradual, developing the ability to make links between the various elements.
. Each course consists of a presentation and periods for questions and discussion. Pre-course readings will be used to deepen the learning process.
. We regularly send you documents (written, video, audio) to deepen your understanding of the subject matter, in line with your own experience.
. Personalized support is offered as needed throughout the course.
. We welcome special guests for one-off presentations, specialists in the fields that interest us.
. Evaluation exercises are offered throughout the course for those who wish to take them at their own pace. In particular, you will be asked to provide brief written answers to specific questions from one session to the next, and to complete a 10-page writing project to be handed in at the end of each module.
Please note that the courses are not intended to be performance-based; no grades will be awarded. However, comments may be made solely to sharpen your skills.
. Our aim is to create a research community, a platform that brings together people driven by the same desire for fulfillment, and who wish to share their questions with fellow travelers. To this end, a forum will be available for exchange and discussion outside the classroom.
. We ask participants to turn on their cameras during virtual meetings to establish better synergy.
. The limited number of participants will enable better learning and greater interaction.
. Finally, we suggest starting each session with a short period of silent meditation. We encourage participants to regularly practice silent meditation alongside more theoretical reflection.
. The four modules are designed to form a coherent whole, capable of achieving our objective. The integration of content will be gradual, developing the ability to make links between the various elements.
. Each course consists of a presentation and periods for questions and discussion. Pre-course readings will be used to deepen the learning process.
. We regularly send you documents (written, video, audio) to deepen your understanding of the subject matter, in line with your own experience.
. Personalized support is offered as needed throughout the course.
. We welcome special guests for one-off presentations, specialists in the fields that interest us.
. Evaluation exercises are offered throughout the course for those who wish to take them at their own pace. In particular, you will be asked to provide brief written answers to specific questions from one session to the next, and to complete a 10-page writing project to be handed in at the end of each module.
Please note that the courses are not intended to be performance-based; no grades will be awarded. However, comments may be made solely to sharpen your skills.
. Our aim is to create a research community, a platform that brings together people driven by the same desire for fulfillment, and who wish to share their questions with fellow travelers. To this end, a forum will be available for exchange and discussion outside the classroom.
. We ask participants to turn on their cameras during virtual meetings to establish better synergy.
. The limited number of participants will enable better learning and greater interaction.
. Finally, we suggest starting each session with a short period of silent meditation. We encourage participants to regularly practice silent meditation alongside more theoretical reflection.
MODULE CONTENT
. Module 1: Writing workshop and self-awareness (Autumn 2023)
The first step is to learn about the joys and challenges of writing and research. A better understanding of one's relationship with the divine, and those of the great mystical authors, necessarily involves mastering words and their meaning. Experience can deceive us if it is not formulated according to a coherent conceptual framework that has been tested over time.
We deepen our understanding of who we are through the ability to articulate our questions and find the right words to express our intuitions and better communicate what makes us tick.
Here, we learn to develop our own thinking about spiritual matters, transforming our opinions into informed, nuanced arguments so as to adopt a worldview capable of freeing us from psychological and conceptual shackles. This course is also an opportunity to discover how writing can become a spiritual practice in itself.
. Module 2: Mystical paths from yesterday to today: characteristics and challenges (Autumn 2023)
In a second stage, we will be introduced to the great mystical authors of yesterday and today who make up the richness of Christianity (Saint Paul, Evagrius the Pontic, John Cassian, Denys the Areopagite, Saint Augustine, Master Eckhart, John of the Cross, Saint Theresa of Avila, Madame Guyon, Le Saux, Thomas Merton, etc.). What are the similarities and differences between the great witnesses who have explored the depths of the heart and shown us the way? Here we discover how we can make their teachings resonate in our lives, in our everyday activities.
We also show how the relationship with the Sacred has evolved over the ages, and the challenges it faces in today's society. What are the conditions for spiritual renewal, particularly through meditation practices, in a world where it's easy to become scattered and confused about one's place in the Universe?
. Module 3: Contemplative theology and dialogue (Winter 2024)
Once we have completed the first two modules, we will be able to go further in our reflection by exploring the main principles of contemplative theology. Here we put into practice the elements of methodical thinking for a balanced and liberating vision of what it means to be human in relation to the Divine Presence at the heart of all things.
We also show how a profound dialogue with other contemplative paths can enrich our experience and understanding. The practice of hospitality is vital today for a holistic approach to the spiritual and for a new way of living together.
. Module 4: Steps to Plenitude and types of accompaniment (Winter 2024)
Finally, we take a closer look at the teachings of the great mystical authors to highlight the stages of self-transformation, the path that leads from confusion to peace, from anguish to joy, from obsession to contentment, from darkness to light.
In doing so, we show which types of accompaniment are appropriate for each stage, and also the conditions for benefiting from these aids. Contemplative tradition teaches us that we are unlikely to reach our goal without adequate support and preparation.
. Module 1: Writing workshop and self-awareness (Autumn 2023)
The first step is to learn about the joys and challenges of writing and research. A better understanding of one's relationship with the divine, and those of the great mystical authors, necessarily involves mastering words and their meaning. Experience can deceive us if it is not formulated according to a coherent conceptual framework that has been tested over time.
We deepen our understanding of who we are through the ability to articulate our questions and find the right words to express our intuitions and better communicate what makes us tick.
Here, we learn to develop our own thinking about spiritual matters, transforming our opinions into informed, nuanced arguments so as to adopt a worldview capable of freeing us from psychological and conceptual shackles. This course is also an opportunity to discover how writing can become a spiritual practice in itself.
. Module 2: Mystical paths from yesterday to today: characteristics and challenges (Autumn 2023)
In a second stage, we will be introduced to the great mystical authors of yesterday and today who make up the richness of Christianity (Saint Paul, Evagrius the Pontic, John Cassian, Denys the Areopagite, Saint Augustine, Master Eckhart, John of the Cross, Saint Theresa of Avila, Madame Guyon, Le Saux, Thomas Merton, etc.). What are the similarities and differences between the great witnesses who have explored the depths of the heart and shown us the way? Here we discover how we can make their teachings resonate in our lives, in our everyday activities.
We also show how the relationship with the Sacred has evolved over the ages, and the challenges it faces in today's society. What are the conditions for spiritual renewal, particularly through meditation practices, in a world where it's easy to become scattered and confused about one's place in the Universe?
. Module 3: Contemplative theology and dialogue (Winter 2024)
Once we have completed the first two modules, we will be able to go further in our reflection by exploring the main principles of contemplative theology. Here we put into practice the elements of methodical thinking for a balanced and liberating vision of what it means to be human in relation to the Divine Presence at the heart of all things.
We also show how a profound dialogue with other contemplative paths can enrich our experience and understanding. The practice of hospitality is vital today for a holistic approach to the spiritual and for a new way of living together.
. Module 4: Steps to Plenitude and types of accompaniment (Winter 2024)
Finally, we take a closer look at the teachings of the great mystical authors to highlight the stages of self-transformation, the path that leads from confusion to peace, from anguish to joy, from obsession to contentment, from darkness to light.
In doing so, we show which types of accompaniment are appropriate for each stage, and also the conditions for benefiting from these aids. Contemplative tradition teaches us that we are unlikely to reach our goal without adequate support and preparation.
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM ACHIEVE?
. The program leads to a certificate attesting to your active participation.
. This certificate gives you access to more demanding and specialized Solars courses.
. After obtaining the certificate, we propose a seminar in Costa Rica to meet face-to-face and deepen our exchanges around a theme chosen together.
. In terms of personal skills, the program enables you to acquire autonomy in exploring contemplative paths with discernment and in resonance with your own experience.
. It offers the opportunity to nourish one's spiritual life in dialogue with other ways of thinking and praying.
. It introduces students to the great authors of the Christian mystical tradition, its historical evolution and current challenges.
. It makes it easier to become aware of the obstacles and aids to welcoming the Divine Presence within oneself, and to simply live it out on a daily basis.
. The program also gives you the ability to develop critical thinking skills in writing, so as to transform an opinion into nuanced arguments, and in so doing, to engage in enlightened research on the themes that interest us.
. Above all, following this program is an opportunity to quench your thirst for the divine, and to embody your faith more fully.
. The program leads to a certificate attesting to your active participation.
. This certificate gives you access to more demanding and specialized Solars courses.
. After obtaining the certificate, we propose a seminar in Costa Rica to meet face-to-face and deepen our exchanges around a theme chosen together.
. In terms of personal skills, the program enables you to acquire autonomy in exploring contemplative paths with discernment and in resonance with your own experience.
. It offers the opportunity to nourish one's spiritual life in dialogue with other ways of thinking and praying.
. It introduces students to the great authors of the Christian mystical tradition, its historical evolution and current challenges.
. It makes it easier to become aware of the obstacles and aids to welcoming the Divine Presence within oneself, and to simply live it out on a daily basis.
. The program also gives you the ability to develop critical thinking skills in writing, so as to transform an opinion into nuanced arguments, and in so doing, to engage in enlightened research on the themes that interest us.
. Above all, following this program is an opportunity to quench your thirst for the divine, and to embody your faith more fully.
DATES
. Module 1 (Autumn 2023): September 9, October 7, November 4, December 2
. Module 2 (Autumn 2023): September 23, October 21, November 18, December 16
. Module 3 (Winter 2024): January 13, February 10, March 9, April 6
. Module 4 (Winter 2024): January 27, February 24, March 23, April 20
. Module 1 (Autumn 2023): September 9, October 7, November 4, December 2
. Module 2 (Autumn 2023): September 23, October 21, November 18, December 16
. Module 3 (Winter 2024): January 13, February 10, March 9, April 6
. Module 4 (Winter 2024): January 27, February 24, March 23, April 20
COSTS AND REGISTRATION
To facilitate participation, no fee is required. You can register for free or make a voluntary contribution. We ask for your generosity to help us make our activities accessible to all. To give you an idea, the minimum cost of this type of training is around CAN$750.
As a condition of registration, you must commit to taking the entire course in order to get the most out of it for yourself, and to create a group dynamic conducive to the integration of the content.
This training includes :
. Module instruction (48 hours)
. Written and audiovisual documents
. Continuous assessment (sending general exercises, answering e-mails, commenting on submitted work)
. One-to-one support (in-depth discussion of assignments and personal questions). For the hours of private coaching throughout the course, we encourage a voluntary contribution according to individual means. To give you an idea, the minimum fee for this type of activity is around CAN$60.
To facilitate participation, no fee is required. You can register for free or make a voluntary contribution. We ask for your generosity to help us make our activities accessible to all. To give you an idea, the minimum cost of this type of training is around CAN$750.
As a condition of registration, you must commit to taking the entire course in order to get the most out of it for yourself, and to create a group dynamic conducive to the integration of the content.
This training includes :
. Module instruction (48 hours)
. Written and audiovisual documents
. Continuous assessment (sending general exercises, answering e-mails, commenting on submitted work)
. One-to-one support (in-depth discussion of assignments and personal questions). For the hours of private coaching throughout the course, we encourage a voluntary contribution according to individual means. To give you an idea, the minimum fee for this type of activity is around CAN$60.
