Catholic priests mixing meditation, music of Bach to find inner peace

[rug]

Stations of the cross: Participants in a program combining meditation with Bach's music pause before a crucifix outside a Catholic church in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, on June 2. | KYODO

Jul 15, 2013
by Takeshi Nishide
Kyodo

A unique weekend session combining meditation and the music of Bach was held last month at a Catholic church in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture.

As some 20 participants listened to the German composer’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor during the first session of the two-day program, the Rev. Takehiro Kunii said, “Bach’s music gives expression to movements in our soul we cannot describe.”

Later the participants took in lectures about the teachings of Jesus Christ, read the Bible and listened to more Bach music, such as St. Matthew’s Passion.

“Please try to be silent as much as possible,” Kunii told the group before sending them off to meditate. “If you control your external side and become silent internally, you may be able to hear God talking.”

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/07/15/national/catholic-priests-mixing-meditation-music-of-bach-to-find-inner-peace/#.UeRZZ2LD_cs

[Trajan]

1. Most of Bach's music is church based

His masses and hymns form the backbone of his work ...

J.S. is the man ....

[rug]

2. Well, then, let's hear some.

[demosincebirth]

3. I can't imagine the spiritual feeling.