The Hermitage Within

Cistercian Studies Series #180

by A. Carthusian, Alan Neame (Translator)

Book annotation not available for this title.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality

152 pages, Paperback

Published January 11, 1999

Reviews

[Skip Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

The edition that I own is titled: The Hermitge Within. The book was written by a Cistercian monk and translated by Alan Neame. An easy to read book, the writer urges the Christian reader to find their own inner-hermitage, apart from the demands of modern life, a place of calm and contemplation where one might hear God.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Not everyone can, or should, live as a hermit. Yet all Christians need an inner hermitage, a place apart where we come face to face with our true selves, and listen to the still, small voice of God."
(from the back cover)
The Hermitage Within is a beautiful account of the hermetical life. All of us whether professed religious or lay faithful need some time in the desert. Scripture, the desert, the mountain and the temple provide the focus of the author's reflections. The author is anonymous; his name on the cover of the book is simply "A Monk" (not sure why the name Alan Neame is listed above as the author.)
Whether you consider yourself a contemplative or not, The Hermitage Within has something to teach all of us about how to listen for that still, small voice of God. Our world is filled with noise and distraction, a little quiet solitude on a regular basis is good for our souls.
This would be an excellent book for anyone looking for something to read while on a silent retreat.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

in simple (but not simplistic) language, the author writes about finding our inner hermitage - that silent place within ourselves.

this is a book i have read twice now - both times during Lent. while this book goes deep within (and many contemplative minded persons will devour it) it is not a volume necessarily directed toward those with busy lifestyles, and not for the faint-of-heart. please note that this is not a criticism of busy persons .... only a "caution" that the material presented is not quickly digestible.

[Rohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully contemplative book that explores the spirituality of retreating into the inner hermitage, where one withdraws from the multiplicity of the world and rests finally in the boundless peace of God's life. The author points out that one does not need to be a monastic to attain the same kind of peace and joy as the saints, for the kingdom of God dwells within every believer, offering a transformative encounter with the mystery of God's quiet presence.

[Ralph Wechuli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece in religious life... Seclusion is indeed necessary at some moments in life to communicate with the creator.

[Ephrem Arcement · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good (but not great) articulation of desert spirituality and the contemplative life.

[Samuel Moss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Naively thought that this would offer some concrete ways of advice on how to establish an 'inner hermitage'.

As someone who is not Christian, who is not even terribly religious, I am always amazed at how much Christian literature seems to be repeating the same handful of talking points.

This book mostly just talks about how great Jesus is, how believing in him will do good things for you, how life is hard even if you believe in Jesus and how important it is to have faith in him. In large parts it reads like any proselytizing pamphlet which seems funny because this is meant to be read by novice monks. I don't see why the author would feel the need to convince someone who just decided to become a monk...to believe in Jesus.

[David Weller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do's and don'ts, especially don'ts spiritually, for those serious about living the path of the Christian hermit.

[grey1066 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hardcore manual for hermits.