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Seeds of Contemplation
“La sola, vera gioia sulla terra consiste nell'evadere dalla prigione del nostro falso io e di unirci, mediante l'amore, alla Vita che dimora e canta nell'essenza di ogni creatura e nell'intimo della nostra stessa anima.
Per me essere santo significa essere me stesso. Quindi il problema della santità e della salvezza è in pratica il problema di trovare chi sono io e di scoprire il mio vero essere.
La nostra scoperta di Dio è, in un certo senso, la scoperta che Dio fa di noi”.
Ecco alcuni, significativi, brani del testo di Thomas Merton, che costituisce un riferimento unico per chi voglia vivere la spiritualità in senso moderno, recuperando tutto il significato di una vera educazione interiore.
Personalità poliedrica e vivissima, Merton ci ha donato la possibilità di uno sguardo diverso sulla contemplazione del mistero dell’amore di Dio per gli uomini, facendo vivere attraverso i suoi testi la sua stessa esperienza di vicinanza con il divino.
Per me essere santo significa essere me stesso. Quindi il problema della santità e della salvezza è in pratica il problema di trovare chi sono io e di scoprire il mio vero essere.
La nostra scoperta di Dio è, in un certo senso, la scoperta che Dio fa di noi”.
Ecco alcuni, significativi, brani del testo di Thomas Merton, che costituisce un riferimento unico per chi voglia vivere la spiritualità in senso moderno, recuperando tutto il significato di una vera educazione interiore.
Personalità poliedrica e vivissima, Merton ci ha donato la possibilità di uno sguardo diverso sulla contemplazione del mistero dell’amore di Dio per gli uomini, facendo vivere attraverso i suoi testi la sua stessa esperienza di vicinanza con il divino.
201 pages, Hardcover
First published July 31, 2015
24 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Merton
559 books1,901 followersThomas Merton, religious name M. Louis, was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist and scholar of comparative religion. In December 1941 he entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani and in May 1949 he was ordained to priesthood. He was a member of the convent of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, near Bardstown, Kentucky, living there from 1941 to his death.
Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). His account of his spiritual journey inspired scores of World War II veterans, students, and teenagers to explore offerings of monasteries across the US. It is on National Review's list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century.
Merton became a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through his study of mystic practice. His interfaith conversation, which preserved both Protestant and Catholic theological positions, helped to build mutual respect via their shared experiences at a period of heightened hostility. He is particularly known for having pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures, including the Dalai Lama XIV; Japanese writer D.T. Suzuki; Thai Buddhist monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He traveled extensively in the course of meeting with them and attending international conferences on religion. In addition, he wrote books on Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and how Christianity is related to them. This was highly unusual at the time in the United States, particularly within the religious orders.
Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). His account of his spiritual journey inspired scores of World War II veterans, students, and teenagers to explore offerings of monasteries across the US. It is on National Review's list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century.
Merton became a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through his study of mystic practice. His interfaith conversation, which preserved both Protestant and Catholic theological positions, helped to build mutual respect via their shared experiences at a period of heightened hostility. He is particularly known for having pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures, including the Dalai Lama XIV; Japanese writer D.T. Suzuki; Thai Buddhist monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He traveled extensively in the course of meeting with them and attending international conferences on religion. In addition, he wrote books on Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and how Christianity is related to them. This was highly unusual at the time in the United States, particularly within the religious orders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 15, 2012
I didn't read this edition exactly, but one from the 1960s.
This book produced one of the more troubling moments while I was on retreat at Thomas Merton's former monastery, Gethsemani. Father Damion, the Guestmaster there, had described many of the concepts in this book without referencing this book directly, only saying "Merton said." In particular, the idea that our ultimate goal, as Christians, is to someday achieve the state where it is not my will, but God's will, that is done in every action and thought. This is a divinely-inspired state and can only arise out of humility, yet another state that cannot be achieved by anything other than grace. (Because, of course, the minute you think you are being humble, you have already lost humility.) Needless to say, it is easy to see the cycle of self-loathing at one's won inability to do anything in this model, peace that one must simply wait for God, and then more loathing that can occur. I was set adrift in this cycle when I picked up this book.
When I started reading it, it certainly did not help. It produced the one time I really totally broke down, completely sobbing. Because the entire first portion of this book is describing all the states of thought and being which are not complete union with God's will. And I was exhibiting pretty much all of them. Merton doesn't spare words; his prose is concise and intentional. Therefore, at the time, it seemed so very harsh and it all seemed worthless. I finally put the book down halfway through because I simply could not take it any longer and needed to do the Office anyway.
When I came back, the entire second half of the book is so reassuring and practical. It's not particularly a method, but the description by which you would start to go about trying to touch God, and assurances of this process. I found that I could also identify with much of what he described, and many more palliative phrases come into play. For instance, he reminds the reader that the only needful thing is that one really seriously crave God; that is really all he asks from us. I don't know if Merton was purposefully attempting a trial by fire or if I was very informed by what was going on in my own soul at the time, but this book was very, very hard and also incredibly insightful. I simply urge anyone having my same experience, that the book is so hard in the beginning, to stick it through. Merton doesn't simply leave you out there like in the desert he describes, but he does begin to bring you in. I intend to buy a copy, likely the newer version, and read it again soon.
This book produced one of the more troubling moments while I was on retreat at Thomas Merton's former monastery, Gethsemani. Father Damion, the Guestmaster there, had described many of the concepts in this book without referencing this book directly, only saying "Merton said." In particular, the idea that our ultimate goal, as Christians, is to someday achieve the state where it is not my will, but God's will, that is done in every action and thought. This is a divinely-inspired state and can only arise out of humility, yet another state that cannot be achieved by anything other than grace. (Because, of course, the minute you think you are being humble, you have already lost humility.) Needless to say, it is easy to see the cycle of self-loathing at one's won inability to do anything in this model, peace that one must simply wait for God, and then more loathing that can occur. I was set adrift in this cycle when I picked up this book.
When I started reading it, it certainly did not help. It produced the one time I really totally broke down, completely sobbing. Because the entire first portion of this book is describing all the states of thought and being which are not complete union with God's will. And I was exhibiting pretty much all of them. Merton doesn't spare words; his prose is concise and intentional. Therefore, at the time, it seemed so very harsh and it all seemed worthless. I finally put the book down halfway through because I simply could not take it any longer and needed to do the Office anyway.
When I came back, the entire second half of the book is so reassuring and practical. It's not particularly a method, but the description by which you would start to go about trying to touch God, and assurances of this process. I found that I could also identify with much of what he described, and many more palliative phrases come into play. For instance, he reminds the reader that the only needful thing is that one really seriously crave God; that is really all he asks from us. I don't know if Merton was purposefully attempting a trial by fire or if I was very informed by what was going on in my own soul at the time, but this book was very, very hard and also incredibly insightful. I simply urge anyone having my same experience, that the book is so hard in the beginning, to stick it through. Merton doesn't simply leave you out there like in the desert he describes, but he does begin to bring you in. I intend to buy a copy, likely the newer version, and read it again soon.
October 13, 2017
"To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence: for God is love. Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name."
Personally, this was the most astounding quote in 'Seeds of Contemplation'. I have read these words over and over during the last few weeks. I've held them in my mind, wrestled with them in my head, breathed them in. There's a new level of beauty found here that I was yet to realise and I am still yet to fully comprehend. That's the joy of the mystic tradition. That's the joy of contemplation.
The book contains a series of reflections or essays (or 'seeds') regarding the contemplative life. There's a depth contained within these words is hard to sum up - some moments profoundly moved me, some moments will need further reflection and consideration. Like most books from the monastic movement, it's one that will be worth returning to. I am sure different passages would stick out to different people.
In summary, it's a great read. A book to chew over in the background and take your time digesting. A book to not read all in one go. A book where the very words speak patiently to both your mind and your heart. I like that kind of book.
Personally, this was the most astounding quote in 'Seeds of Contemplation'. I have read these words over and over during the last few weeks. I've held them in my mind, wrestled with them in my head, breathed them in. There's a new level of beauty found here that I was yet to realise and I am still yet to fully comprehend. That's the joy of the mystic tradition. That's the joy of contemplation.
The book contains a series of reflections or essays (or 'seeds') regarding the contemplative life. There's a depth contained within these words is hard to sum up - some moments profoundly moved me, some moments will need further reflection and consideration. Like most books from the monastic movement, it's one that will be worth returning to. I am sure different passages would stick out to different people.
In summary, it's a great read. A book to chew over in the background and take your time digesting. A book to not read all in one go. A book where the very words speak patiently to both your mind and your heart. I like that kind of book.
December 10, 2007
If I remember right, there's a part in here -- Rain in the Rhinocerous -- that hit me hard and strong. Brilliant, beautiful, stuff.
January 11, 2023
so good. she’s a sipper
February 15, 2012
Let me be clear: I do not rate every book five stars and I don't label every book 'my favorite'. This one is my favorite. So many times throughout this book I found myself pausing to consider Merton's words. Several times I felt drawn to pray immediately and discuss these thoughts with Christ. Contemplation was not a common word in my vocabulary prior to reading SofC. Since reading I have discovered several other books from various authors and a few more by Merton. The chapters on prayer, solitude, detachment, and contemplative thought spoke to me on a deep level. Merton has a unique way of cutting to the intimate depth of human condition. I connected with his thoughts on weakeness, struggle and hope for something more. This is a wonderful book which I plan to read many times.
February 10, 2013
A number of years ago I read a short piece by Thomas Merton whose title I have forgotten. The gist was Merton acting as a night watchman in a monastery. The stations he passes on his nocturnal rounds trigger thoughts about the nature of faith and existence. As a religious diletante (former bhuddist and FARQ) I found the book interesting, though there were aspects in it that bothered me. HE seems somewhat judgemental of other contemplatives. He also occasionally copped a sort of supercilious attitude I remember so well from my days of Catholic education. Still, he makes such a dry topic very readable. I find his prose style crisp and concise. I found the beginning of the book particularly compelling, I would recommend it to anyone
February 21, 2012
i've re-read this several times over the years, and it is always helpful. Merton was not a typical catholic monk. An artist and avowed communist, his writing on this subject is very helpful to any one of any denomination (or not) that wish to investigate this process.
from the book,
"In humility is the greatest freedom. As long as you have to defend the imaginary self that you think is important, you lose your peace of heart."
and WHO doesn't think peace of heart is important, now?
great stuff for the spiritual aspirant.
from the book,
"In humility is the greatest freedom. As long as you have to defend the imaginary self that you think is important, you lose your peace of heart."
and WHO doesn't think peace of heart is important, now?
great stuff for the spiritual aspirant.
February 16, 2016
I would recommend to anyone who has felt the draw to contemplative prayer. Rich and helpful. It made me want to go pray when I sat to read it- which is the best thing a book on contemplation can do ultimately.
November 6, 2024
Disclaimer: I am totally aware of Thomas Merton being a controversial figure/thinker later in his life, but this book was written before he went awry, and is therefore orthodox.
Merton writes in the introduction to this that it is a book which "writes itself" in a monastery. In other words, it is entirely based on monastic life, work, prayer, which make up contemplation, and his ideas in this book are not groundbreaking to the monk or the nun. What I love about monastic literature (and consecrated religious themselves) is that because they are consecrated, there is no distinction between their "spiritual life" and their "life". All aspects of their life flow from God's love, so that they never cease to pray or contemplate. This comes across in the way they don't need to search for the religious meaning of a circumstance, but rather understand that all circumstances, as ordained by God, are Godly:
"And by accepting all things from Him I receive his joy into my soul, not because things are what they are but because God is who he is, and his love has willed my joy in them all."
This book is grounding to read. This is written for the body and soul, together, as they exist on this earth. Merton addresses various misconceptions about contemplation and what it means to be a contemplative; sanctity, and what it means to be a saint. These are not lofty ideas flying high above us, attainable only by the hermit who shuts himself away from all other creatures and starves himself and hates his life and himself; but rather, attainable here in this noisy, messy life, amidst "distractions" and work and things that we might think are taking us away from God.
"It is not humility to insist on being someone that you are not. It is as much as saying that you know better than God who you are and who you ought to be... How do you expect to reach your own perfection by leading someone else's life?... And so it takes heroic humility to be yourself and to be nobody but the man, or the artist, that God intended you to be."
"Be content that you are not yet a saint, even though you realize that the only thing worth living for is sanctity. Then you will be satisfied to let God lead you to sanctity by paths that you cannot understand."
For those of us who aren't contemplatives, contemplation seems distant and difficult. Reading this little book helped me to understand, in a very straightforward manner, that simply being present to our God who is Presence, is contemplation enough, and that being my true self and living the life God wills for me is how I will become a saint.
"To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence: for God is love. Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name."
other notable quotations:
"As the physical act of breathing keeps the spiritual soul united to a material body whose very matter tends always to corrupt and decay, so Catholic tradition keeps the Church alive under the material and social and human elements which will be encrusted upon it as long as it is in the world."
"Why should I fear anything that cannot rob me of God, and why should I desire anything that cannot give me possession of Him?... Exterior things come and go, but why should they touch me?... Why should I fear to cease to be what I am not when I have already become something of what I am?"
"Do not look for rest in any pleasure, because you were not created for pleasure: you were created for JOY."
Merton writes in the introduction to this that it is a book which "writes itself" in a monastery. In other words, it is entirely based on monastic life, work, prayer, which make up contemplation, and his ideas in this book are not groundbreaking to the monk or the nun. What I love about monastic literature (and consecrated religious themselves) is that because they are consecrated, there is no distinction between their "spiritual life" and their "life". All aspects of their life flow from God's love, so that they never cease to pray or contemplate. This comes across in the way they don't need to search for the religious meaning of a circumstance, but rather understand that all circumstances, as ordained by God, are Godly:
"And by accepting all things from Him I receive his joy into my soul, not because things are what they are but because God is who he is, and his love has willed my joy in them all."
This book is grounding to read. This is written for the body and soul, together, as they exist on this earth. Merton addresses various misconceptions about contemplation and what it means to be a contemplative; sanctity, and what it means to be a saint. These are not lofty ideas flying high above us, attainable only by the hermit who shuts himself away from all other creatures and starves himself and hates his life and himself; but rather, attainable here in this noisy, messy life, amidst "distractions" and work and things that we might think are taking us away from God.
"It is not humility to insist on being someone that you are not. It is as much as saying that you know better than God who you are and who you ought to be... How do you expect to reach your own perfection by leading someone else's life?... And so it takes heroic humility to be yourself and to be nobody but the man, or the artist, that God intended you to be."
"Be content that you are not yet a saint, even though you realize that the only thing worth living for is sanctity. Then you will be satisfied to let God lead you to sanctity by paths that you cannot understand."
For those of us who aren't contemplatives, contemplation seems distant and difficult. Reading this little book helped me to understand, in a very straightforward manner, that simply being present to our God who is Presence, is contemplation enough, and that being my true self and living the life God wills for me is how I will become a saint.
"To say that I am made in the image of God is to say that love is the reason for my existence: for God is love. Love is my true identity. Selflessness is my true self. Love is my true character. Love is my name."
other notable quotations:
"As the physical act of breathing keeps the spiritual soul united to a material body whose very matter tends always to corrupt and decay, so Catholic tradition keeps the Church alive under the material and social and human elements which will be encrusted upon it as long as it is in the world."
"Why should I fear anything that cannot rob me of God, and why should I desire anything that cannot give me possession of Him?... Exterior things come and go, but why should they touch me?... Why should I fear to cease to be what I am not when I have already become something of what I am?"
"Do not look for rest in any pleasure, because you were not created for pleasure: you were created for JOY."
January 24, 2019
I appreciated the first part of Seeds of Contemplation. Fr. Merton showed a balanced view concerning various philosophies of the monasteries and had some good beginning thoughts. But I questioned when he began talking more and more of emptying yourself. He described this process as going into a deeper and deeper darkness. This continues through the rest of the book. How can this be describing growing closer to God? "God is light and in him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5)." Emptying yourself is eastern contemplation, not Christian. This was confirmed in a recent article describing Thomas Merton as reaching out to learn from mystics of other religions, especially Buddhists.
Fortunately, I had already learned lessons of finding victory over my depravity through contemplating God's holiness and shedding of my lust for women in contemplating God's beauty. I'd experienced just a bit of Paul's direction in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "When we, with unveiled faces, look upon the face of Christ and see his glory, we will go from glory to glory." (paraphrase)
I'll keep looking for a book to encourage my contemplation.
Fortunately, I had already learned lessons of finding victory over my depravity through contemplating God's holiness and shedding of my lust for women in contemplating God's beauty. I'd experienced just a bit of Paul's direction in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "When we, with unveiled faces, look upon the face of Christ and see his glory, we will go from glory to glory." (paraphrase)
I'll keep looking for a book to encourage my contemplation.
September 11, 2024
Perfectly adequate devotional for developing a contemplative spiritual practice. He writes with a passionate simplicity that I think is very inviting, and he pushes back on the excesses of the world-denying school of contemplative theology. But, if you're read Merton's autobiography or really any of his more well known works, this will feel repetitive and, at times, dull.
I'm also not sure if this says more about how I read, but this is like the third book I've read in a row where I've found the further I read, the less and less I like the work as a whole. In a way, this book is comparable to your average Pop album. A couple banger singles up top that get you fired up, then slowly you come back to earth and have to muddle through some filler tracks.
I'm also not sure if this says more about how I read, but this is like the third book I've read in a row where I've found the further I read, the less and less I like the work as a whole. In a way, this book is comparable to your average Pop album. A couple banger singles up top that get you fired up, then slowly you come back to earth and have to muddle through some filler tracks.
October 3, 2025
Merton's first book aside from his published poetry.
This is a mini gold mine of depth on contemplation and the internal heart struggles of the Christian life. It's amazing to realize how young because the book is beyond his years which in and of itself is an advertisement for the contemplative life.
I was reading a library copy and this is one that I want to revisit and mark up so I'll be buying a copy to keep
This is a mini gold mine of depth on contemplation and the internal heart struggles of the Christian life. It's amazing to realize how young because the book is beyond his years which in and of itself is an advertisement for the contemplative life.
I was reading a library copy and this is one that I want to revisit and mark up so I'll be buying a copy to keep
November 28, 2025
I’ve been really encouraged by some progressive Christian writers and many say Merton was an influential figure in their journey of faith. So I read this little book of “sound bites” of his. A deep book and lost me a few times but more encouraged me, putting words to my joys and struggles in faith. The “Mental prayer” chapter really helped and although it’s not a reference book I feel I can re-read parts and be inspired when things in this world seem hopeless.
January 6, 2018
This man truly loved and lived a life of humility From the introduction, Merton writes that he never intended the book to be a success. He did not want his name to be attributed to it, either). Try reading a chapter per day, whenever you have set aside time and space to contemplate. The whole of "Seeds" puts your life into perspective.
December 28, 2019
I cannot do this book justice.
I would argue that this man has written and described a contemplative life that gets at what every Christian/person should be aiming to "achieve" in their life. I don't wave around this five star review lightly.
Stop reading reviews and just read it, it might be one of the most important books you ever read.
I would argue that this man has written and described a contemplative life that gets at what every Christian/person should be aiming to "achieve" in their life. I don't wave around this five star review lightly.
Stop reading reviews and just read it, it might be one of the most important books you ever read.
July 29, 2024
One of Thomas Merton's first books, written in 1948. I read it at least once in seminary, perhaps more. Back in those days I didn't know much that Merton was saying, I simply liked it! Reading it this time clarified much & as most of his books inspired me.
October 3, 2025
A slim volume of surpassing beauty and consolation
“The contemplative, nourished by emptiness, endowed by poverty and liberated from all sorrow by simple obedience, drinks fortitude and joy from the will of God in all things.”
“The contemplative, nourished by emptiness, endowed by poverty and liberated from all sorrow by simple obedience, drinks fortitude and joy from the will of God in all things.”
January 28, 2018
There is wisdom here, but unnecessarily complicates contemplation.
June 8, 2020
Took time, hard to read. Amazing and deep. Highly recommended it.
February 25, 2021
An exploration of basic teachings unearthed through monastic living
May 11, 2023
Some really powerful sections in this book exploring the life of a contemplative person and the sense of unity that can be found through faith and practice
June 27, 2023
I looked for this book for years in used book stores only to find it sitting on my in-laws' shelf. The search was worth it. This is an excellent book.
December 3, 2023
An absolute classic!
February 27, 2025
It’s hard to overstate how compelling, convicting and just so amazing about this early volume of Merton’s work. Published in 1949, the volume of short chapters focused on the contemplative life as he’s experienced and witnessed it, challenges and engages the reader with short lines of exquisite spiritual nourishment. I couldn’t keep up with all the post it notes I wanted to use to mark the book, but it will be on my reread list for sure. An examination of the contemplative life, as well as a map for the curious pre-contemplative soul, Merton delivers the reader never ending nuggets of spiritual brilliance and truth.
Merton has never disappointed and he doesn’t here
FEBRUARY 20, 2025; just finished a second reading of this book / almost 2 more years deeper into my Christian walk I wanted to relearn and absorb Merton’s writing in the light of my deeper need for connection with Jesus. His work is an amazing journey of spiritual contemplation and recognition - hard to believe he died in 1968. Just purchased his first great volume of his Christian life , “The Seven Story Mountain”. Written when he was 26. To be continued
Merton has never disappointed and he doesn’t here
FEBRUARY 20, 2025; just finished a second reading of this book / almost 2 more years deeper into my Christian walk I wanted to relearn and absorb Merton’s writing in the light of my deeper need for connection with Jesus. His work is an amazing journey of spiritual contemplation and recognition - hard to believe he died in 1968. Just purchased his first great volume of his Christian life , “The Seven Story Mountain”. Written when he was 26. To be continued
July 8, 2012
It's hard to explain the significance of this book written in 1948-1949 while at Gethsemani monastery. Merton had published his Seven Story Mountain biography to great fame and sales, and here was New Directions Publishing, a radical av avant-garde publisher taking up this deeply religious book. For whatever reason, it was published and has been out there for decades now. It's Merton's talk with us about the Godness in all things...the grace of being and our relationship to it. Take it in small doses and work through it a day at a time. It's so moving and clear.
Read
September 6, 2016I think I have a love/hate affair going on with Thomas Merton. He has so much to say that is valuable and also beautiful. But he is just such a blabber-mouth. He can't stop writing/talking. This obscures a lot of his message for me. It makes it just too hard to penetrate. I felt the same way about The Sign of Jonas, although the real-life scenarios and descriptions in that book carried me through.
I will check out what others have said about this book. Perhaps, they will give me some insight into the book that I can't reach on my own.
I will check out what others have said about this book. Perhaps, they will give me some insight into the book that I can't reach on my own.
August 12, 2011
Borrowed initially, but decided to buy a 2/6 copy from Amazon seconds after just the first few pages. Fantastic stuff; no wonder it's a classic. Didn't agree with everything, didn't understand everything, and it needed some discipline to do just one meditation every few days. Definitely a book I will dip back into time and time again.
September 27, 2014
Merton is full of sharp lines, inspirational quotes, and powerful paragraphs. He is undeniably a great spiritual writer. Why, then, does he need to be so accusatory and cynical about people who are not as far along the journey? This book is not necessarily prideful, but it does not have a tone that encourages one to follow the regular brilliance that shines through.
July 22, 2024
Läs den, långsamt och med en penna, även om man egentligen vill stryka under varenda mening. ”Denna bok kunde ha skrivits av vilken munk som helst,” skriver han, och det vittnar bara om vilken ödmjuk och självförsakande människa han genom år av kontemplation har blivit. Varje mening är så tydligt genomtänkt och genombedd, och Guds ljus och kärlek lyser igenom hela boken.
February 1, 2012
Coincidentally I just read an historical novel about a Cistertian and now I find myself reading Merton! Hmmm...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews