Contemplative Quote by Bernadette Roberts
“The onset of this second movement is characterized by the falling away of self and coming upon "that" which remains when it is gone. But this going-out is an upheaval, a complete turnabout of such proportions it cannot possibly be missed, under-emphasized, or sufficiently stressed as a major landmark in the contemplative life.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Contemplative Life, Bernadette Roberts, 1990
A profound inner shift where the ego dissolves, revealing a deeper, immutable presence.
In simple terms: Self disappears, a deeper self remains.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the inner stillness.
Themes
spirituality
self‑transcendence
contemplation
Mood
reflective
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation retreats
- deep prayer
- lonely reflection
- spiritual crisis
Key Concepts
non‑dual awareness
ego dissolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize the loss of self?
- What practices help you stay grounded?
A Different Perspective
The experience can be unsettling and may feel disorienting.
![“There are heavier and lighter sins. Falling away [Abfall] is far more serious than falling down [Fall].[5.] The most brilliant virtues of the apostates are as dark as night compared with the darkest weaknesses of the faithful.[6.]” quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/93c/dietrich-bonhoeffer-303_quote_there-are-heavier-and-lighter-sins-falli_1955409.jpg)
![“It is to this silence [contemplative prayer] that we all are called.” quote by Henri Nouwen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f97/henri-nouwen-600_contemplative_it-is-to-this-silence-contemplative-pray_179446.jpg)