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Christian Sannyasa where compassion, and the capacity for love and friendship is present—which I have to attribute to God. But I also have a very profound need for solitude, and to maintain my balance. Only if I can be alone with God, then I can really be present to others.
L.M.: Today no one can, or perhaps should be, a cloistered meditator. Whether you are a Christian, Hindu, or Buddhist, you also need to integrate action and contemplation.
W.T. Right.
L.M.: We need to work for justice and a new world. A sannyasi is not indifferent to the world's pain.
W.T.: Not a true one.
L.M.: Or to the anxiety possible in contemporary society.
W.T.: A true sannyasi is a person for others. They have a responsibility to respect the needs of others. For a sannyasi, it is usually spiritual needs, such as giving guidance; hearing another person's story; teaching prayer and meditation; and providing insights into the relationship with the divine—and how to integrate one's life.
L.M.: Brother Wayne, if someone asked you: How I should I meditate? What would you advise them?
W.T.: I would teach them the basic, universal principles of meditation: bodily posture, breath control, and how to quiet the mind through breathing. Perhaps give them a sacred word, or mantra, if they want one. I would also take a more integral, holistic approach to prayer-one must bring the body into it. Walking is a part of my spiritual practice.
L.M.: Walking meditation-very slow walking, as in Buddhist practice or just walking?
W.T.: I have this practice of what I call a contemplative walk. If you've ever read Thoreau's essay on walking, I recommend it. Walking is very important
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