What Is A Meditation On The Two Standards?

Unraveling the Mystery of the Two Standards Meditation

Ah, the path to spiritual awakening is fraught with curiosity, isn’t it? If you’ve ever dipped your toes into the serene waters of meditation practices, chances are you’ve come across some intriguing terms. Among these, the Meditation on the Two Standards surely stands out as a beacon of intrigue. But what exactly is it? Let’s peel back the layers.

A Glimpse into Ignatian Spirituality

The Meditation on the Two Standards is a key component of the Spiritual Exercises developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Now, before you go thinking this is some ancient, out-of-reach concept, hear me out. St. Ignatius, back in the 16th century, was all about making spirituality accessible and practical. Dude was way ahead of his time! In the grand scheme of his Spiritual Exercises, he introduced the idea of contemplating two flags or “standards” – one led by Christ and the other by Lucifer.

Now, you might be thinking, “Hold up, flags? Lucifer? What’s all this about?” Don’t fret; it’s not as ominous as it sounds. It’s actually a powerful exercise aimed at understanding the choices we face in life and aligning ourselves with the values and leaders we choose to follow.

Diving Deeper: The Battle of Values

In the meditation, participants are invited to visualize two camps. On one side, under Christ’s standard, are virtues like love, humility, and service to others. On the flip side, under Lucifer’s standard, lie the tempting vices of greed, pride, and power. It’s like the ultimate showdown between good and bad, right in the noggin! The essence of this meditation is not just about choosing sides but delving deep into the reasons behind our choices and their consequences.

St. Ignatius was a bit of a genius in crafting this meditation. He knew too well that life’s moral battlefield can be a tangled mess of grey, not just black and white. This meditation serves as a compass, guiding us through the mire, helping us to make choices that align with our deepest values, and encouraging us to lead lives of purpose and meaning.

Why Give It a Go?

“Alright,” you’re probably thinking, “why should I give this ancient meditation a shot?” Well, in today’s fast-paced, often superficial world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. The Meditation on the Two Standards is like a spiritual detox, a chance to step back, reflect, and recalibrate.

Here’s what you stand to gain: Clarity: Identifying the values that truly resonate with you. Purpose: Refocusing on what’s genuinely important in your life. Resilience: Strengthening your resolve to make choices that reflect your true self, even when it’s tough.

In a nutshell, dabbling in this meditation is not just about spiritual enlightenment; it’s about empowering yourself to lead a more intentional, fulfilling life. So why not take the plunge? You’ve got nothing to lose but your chains of confusion and indecision.

In wrapping up, the Meditation on the Two Standards is far more than a quaint spiritual exercise from the 16th century. It’s a vibrant, relevant tool for self-discovery and personal growth. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or just curious about the spiritual path, this meditation offers profound insights into the human condition and the choices we face. Give it a go; you might just be amazed at what you uncover about the world and yourself.