A New Value System

 What might be the results of this “inner transformation” that comes with a contemplative way of life?  Values change.  The secular value of success, prestige, acquisition and esteem for instance, begin to be de-valued by the contemplative.  Outside stuff loses its interest.  People don’t choose a simplicity of life, or “poverty” for that matter because they want to have little or nothing.  They simply lose interest in acquisition and “things” for things sake.  A monk who chooses poverty but has no contemplative life, will be a rather unhappy monk.  So practice the prayer first and let the de-valuation process follow more naturally.