John Main (1926-1982), an English Benedictine monk, pioneered the practice of Christian meditation. His genius was to recover a way into the contemplative experience for ordinary people within the Christian tradition. Through books and retreats he promoted the practice of meditation as a way for modern people to develop a deeper spiritual life.
Hailed by Bede Griffiths as the "most important spiritual guide in the church today," his work inspired the foundation of World Community for Christian Meditation and a network of hundreds of meditation groups around the world.