Invitation to the Comtemplative Life

by Thomas Merton, Wayne Simsic (Editor)

Thomas Merton, a twentieth-century Trappist monk, wrote passionately about spirituality in a way that speaks to the hearts of men and women today. Merton's gift to all of us is this simple the contemplative experience, which uncovers our unity with the Lord and a new vision of life, is not only for monks but for all Christians. This collection highlights the main themes of Merton's contemplative the search for freedom; prayer of the heart; solitude and silence; love of nature; community life; and work, among others. Guided by his wisdom and insight, readers can uncover their own unique path inward and receive the gift of the contemplative experience.

Genres: Religion

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Thomas 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.

Reviews

[Anders Holmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a book to change you...this is it.
I often try to read one reading alongside the Book of Common Prayer daily.

[Fabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merton’s work was a 5, the editor’s probably a 3

[Dennis]

This is an edited collection of excetpts. Thus, it is difficult to rate as it is both Merton's writing and the compilation of another person. There are some gems here and certainly Merton was gifted and insightful.

[Coicoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Early in 2020, I started this and found it helpful. However, after some time, the Lord directed me to read the scriptures themselves, and this began to feel a bit fluffier in comparison.