It is a paradox that the soul that longs for harmony is challenged by inner conflict. We often battle with the shadow side of ourselves. Exploring the great teachings in the Koran, Fr Laurence finds resonances between the Muslim and the Christian wisdom traditions. 

Harmony in the soul, he says, is found not in destroying our dark side but in reintegrating it with the self. And this is the work of meditation. It changes our negative thought-patterns, leads us to self-knowledge, and frees us from fear of our shadow side. This inner harmony then spreads outwards in the way we live, and begins to change the world. 

These talks were given at a retreat in Penang, Malaysia, in 2006.