A Search for Solitude: Pursuing the Monk's True Life, The Journals of Thomas Merton, Volume 3: 1952-1960

The Journals of Thomas Merton #3

by Thomas Merton

The third volume of Thomas Merton's journals chronicles Merton's attempts to reconcile his desire for solitude and contemplation with the demands of his new-found celebrity status within the strictures of conventional monastic life.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Theology

432 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 1996

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

[David Lafferty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Merton left a successful literary career as a young man to become a Trappist monk and live a life of prayer, simplicity and poverty. Fortunately for readers, he was encouraged to continue writing and publishing for the rest of his relatively brief life. His output was prodigious, including many books on contemplation, Christianity, and later in his life, Zen.

Most readers come to Merton by way of his autobiographical work "Seven Storey Mountain". In "Mountain" Merton leads us through his childhood in France, to a decadent life in New York, and finally to his entrance into the Monastery. The book became a huge bestseller, and is one of my favorite books of all time.

As wonderful as "Mountain" is, Merton's true gems are found in his journals, most of which are published. Merton was fastidious in keeping his diary. His thoughts are varied, evolving, fascinating, and often theologically brilliant. This volume is one of my favorites, chronicling his early life in the monastery.

If you haven't read any Merton, I would start with "Seven Storey Mountain". If you enjoy it, you're in for a wonderful experience diving into his journals.

[Adam Gossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t stop reading

Sane second time around.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so thankful these journals were published. The window into Merton's more private thoughts and wrestlings is an encouragement to anyone who struggles with vocation, social issues, relationships, God's will, meaning, etc. (which, I believe, we all struggle with at one point or another). This collection really highlights Merton's journey from wilfullness to willingness, and we get to see how he arrives at the peaceful and fulfilling surrender that seemed to define his final decade of life. He is a master writer and a delight and comfort to read.

[Juna Baleau · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a journal. I would recommend reading the major works of Merton prior to the journals. If these are appealing, and further insight into Merton is desired, by all means continue with the journals.

[FRED GARTNER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I truly liked this book. An intimate look into the contemplative life. Although Thomas Merton is no longer with us, this book of his journals are a good inside look at the daily life of a monk. His thoughts are refreshing even though they are more than 60 years ago. It is also a good inside life of a great priest. I encourage all who are pondering the life Merton chose to follow in his footsteps if you have the inspiration to follow a life that he chose. Good Luck!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intense but beautiful.

[John English · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seeing what Merton wrote as a journal is very interesting; even here he seems tome to have written well. Its a good book - not a difficult read.

[Craig Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crucial period of Merton's life, the one in which he makes his last push to move from Kentucky. A book for those who want to engage deeply with Merton. If you do, absolutely worth the time.

[Maria Iliffe-Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading the inner workings of Merton’s mind. The truth and reality of it. The humanness of him. Not spiritually written but seeing the deep spirituality that underpins his humanity.

[Liann McCreery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all these journals.