Fr. Martin Laird OSA

Fr. Martin Laird, OSA, is a respected writer, retreat leader, and professor whose teachings have become a vital source of inspiration and guidance for many drawn to the Christian contemplative path. A Roman Catholic priest and member of the Order of St. Augustine, he is widely known for his accessible yet profound exploration of the Christian mystical tradition.

Martin has been a very supportive and influential presence in the development of The School of Contemplative Life. His writings and teachings have shaped our vision, grounded our practice, and continue to guide many within our community on the contemplative path.

Background and formation

Martin Laird was born in the United States and is a professed member of the Augustinian order. He earned his D.Phil. from the University of Oxford and has served as a professor of early Christian and mystical theology at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

His work is deeply rooted in both the Desert Fathers and Mothers and later mystical voices such as Julian of Norwich, The Cloud of Unknowing, John of the Cross, and Meister Eckhart.

Books and writings

Martin Laird is perhaps best known for his trilogy on Christian contemplative practice, which has become foundational reading for many entering the silent path:

Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation (2006). This well-loved introduction lays out the essential principles of contemplative prayer with clarity and gentleness. Laird guides readers beyond distraction and self-talk into the stillness of God’s presence.
A Sunlit Absence: Silence, Awareness, and Contemplation (2011). Building on his first book, this work delves deeper into the subtle dynamics of silence, emphasizing the role of awareness, vulnerability, and healing in contemplative life.
An Ocean of Light: Contemplation, Transformation, and Liberation (2018). His most mature work to date, this book explores the terrain of spiritual transformation, including the experience of suffering and the illusion of separation. It calls the reader beyond self-consciousness into the boundless awareness of God.

All three books combine poetic language, theological insight, and practical wisdom, making them accessible to beginners while also enriching for experienced practitioners.

Teachings and influence

Martin Laird’s teaching centres on the practice of silence—a path of resting in the presence of God beyond words, images, and thoughts. He speaks often of awareness as the gateway to inner freedom and teaches that our thoughts are not the problem—our attachment to them is.

His insights are shaped not only by Christian mysticism but also by psychological depth and interfaith openness. He frequently draws parallels with insights from modern neuroscience and, occasionally, other contemplative traditions such as Zen, while remaining deeply grounded in Christian theology.

Through retreats, lectures, and writings, he continues to accompany many on the contemplative path. His voice is a steady and compassionate companion to all who seek silence not as escape, but as encounter.