From December 12 to 13, 2010, Dr. Stephan Rothlin, Secretary-general of Center for International Business Ethics offered the “Contemplation Course” to a small group of business people under great stresses. It was the second session of this course in Beijing held at a beautiful and silent place called Spring Home near to Xiadian Village, Changping district, Beijing.

Contemplation course offers busy people a simple way to get rid of nervous distractions, to reach inner calm and enjoy life more fully. It is actually an easy method of meditation focused on the perception of one’s own breathing, body and one word, such as “Abba”, “Om” or “Jesus”. Contemplation is both rooted in the Zen tradition as well as in the Christian Orthodox tradition of the “Prayer of Jesus” which can be practised by atheists as well as by people with a religious background. This meditation is easy to practise and does not require any previous qualifications. It is however necessary to have a certain psychological equilibrium in order to make progress in the exercise of Contemplation.

During the course, Dr. Rothlin introduced the trainees the practise of Contemplation which led to explore insights into major Oriental and Western wisdom traditions and stories such as Chinese and Indian philosophy, Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, Christianity and Christian Social Teaching. “The course is open to all religious denominations.” Dr. Rothlin emphasized.

Professor Cheng Dongfeng, one of the trainees pointed out that, the contemplation course presented him a unique opportunity to relax, re-examine himself and build an active lifestyle. Moreover, its simplicity made it possible to be daily exercises. Only 15 minutes per day could bring notable results. He therefore recommended more people to take part into this special course.

The contemplation course is designed to be held in every year’s May, June, September and October both in Beijing and Hong Kong. 

Sessions: November 12/13, 2010

November 12

8.00 pm  -  8.30 pm:        Introduction into the method of contemplation and wisdom tradition

8.30 pm -   9.00 pm:        Contemplation practice 1:

9:00 pm -   9.30 pm:        “Revision de Vie”: Learning to better appreciate the gifts of each day  

November 13

7.30 am   -  8.00 am:        Tibetan exercises for body and mind (optional): the Welcome to a New day

8.00 am                            Breakfast

9.00 am -    9.30 am:        Instruction on integrating texts into daily life: during exercise, Jogging; during contemplation; during the day, a ritual,

9.30 am   -  11.00 am:      Contemplation: practice 2

11.00 am -  12.20 am:      Individual encounter with the director (optional)

12.30 am:                         Lunch

2.00 pm  -   2.30 pm:        Instruction on Contemplation as serving others: Action oriented Contemplation: “In Actione Contemplativus”: Reaching an inner Structure of one’s life; the symbol of heart in the Buddhist and in The Christian tradition

2.30 pm -    4.00 pm:        Contemplation: practice 3 Individual encounter with the director (optional)