What do you think?
Rate this book
The Asian Journal of Thomas Merton
"This is quintessential Merton."—The Catholic Review.
"The moment of takeoff was ecstatic...joy. We left the ground—I with Christian mantras and a great sense of destiny, of being at last on my true way after years of waiting and wondering..." With these words, dated October 15. 1968, the late Father Thomas Merton recorded the beginning of his fateful journey to the Orient. His travels led him from Bangkok, through India to Ceylon, and back again to Bangkok for his scheduled talk at a conference of Asian monastic orders. There he unequivocally reaffirmed his Christian vocation. His last journal entry was made on December 8, 1968, two days before his untimely, accidental death. Amply illustrated with photographs he himself took along the way and fully indexed, the book also contains a glossary of Asian religious terms, a preface by the Indian scholar Amiya Chakravarty, a foreword and postscript by Brother Patrick Hart of the Abbey of Gethsemani, as well as several appendices, among them the text of Merton's final address.484 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1973
125 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Merton
554 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 9, 2017
Gave me goose bumps. Experienced a surreal slowing of time as I read his speculation about where he would find a place to settle down, when as a reader, I know that he will die in 3 weeks. Other than that, very beautifully and lovingly written explanations and explorations of Buddhism and Hinduism.
December 14, 2018
difficult to say something about someone's private notes that would not appear in this way, but who knows ...
last months were filled with the Asian Journal, intentionally to finish on 50th anniversary of his death.
Very often I wondered, what of this or that experience of his is still actual and what is even more today than it was 50 years ago.
Trappist monk, spiritual "celebrity" discovers unknown around him or perhaps even more in himself,
only in order to discover that "the One who is alone is actually here" ...
last months were filled with the Asian Journal, intentionally to finish on 50th anniversary of his death.
Very often I wondered, what of this or that experience of his is still actual and what is even more today than it was 50 years ago.
Trappist monk, spiritual "celebrity" discovers unknown around him or perhaps even more in himself,
only in order to discover that "the One who is alone is actually here" ...
May 17, 2010
Vibrant, wonderful explorations of Buddhist teachings and teachers on Merton's Asian journey, abbreviated by his accidental death by electrocution in a Bangkok hotel. Merton is a great observer on his own and others inner transformations; and a careful, deep reader too, much of the journal consists of copied passages and notes from his daily study. He is singularly impressed with the profound "attainment" or realization he experiences with the Tibetans he encounters. He has a few interviews with the Dalia Lama (one of the 1st western accounts of the Dalai Lama post-exile), and is struck by the young and energetic Chogyam Trungpa. Merton has a profound experience at the great Buddha statues at Polonnaruwa in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), writing that "I don't know when in my life I have ever had such a sense of beauty and spiritual validity running together in one aesthetic illumination." There's a sense of deep discovery and excitement, right up to the end. Then nothing. It ends. His death a simple, sharp teaching on the impermanence and the immanence of death. Don't waste your time!
Also includes an interesting essay he presented in Thailand on Buddhism, Communism and the monastic ideal.
Also includes an interesting essay he presented in Thailand on Buddhism, Communism and the monastic ideal.
May 6, 2008
If you've never heard of Thomas Merton, check him out. Not only was he one of the world's most well-known Christian monks he was also a famous author, beat poet, peace advocate, mystic and philosopher. He posessed a staggering intellect, an always open mind, a compassionate heart and a light-hearted sense of humor.
The Asian Journal is his account of his 1968 journey to India and Southeast Asia that he describes as the pinnacle of his spiritual life.
Although he spent 27 years rarely leaving Gethesmani monastary in Kentuncky, his openness to other faiths and traditions was astounding. Unlike his contemporary hippies, Merton went to Asia with an impressive grasp on the fundementals of Eastern religious and philosophical thought. Because of the depth of his own contemplative life he immediately recognized the profound truths to be found in Buddhism and Vedanta. They were not abstract concepts to him but confirmation of the insights he had attained through his personal experience.
Here's a little taste from the entry that descibes his visit to the giant Buddha statues in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka:
"I am able to approach the Buddhas barefoot and undisturbed, my feet in wet grass, wet sand. Then the silence of the extraordinary faces. The great smiles. Huge and yet subtle. Filled with every possibility, questioning nothing, knowing everything, rejecting nothing, the peace not of emotional resignation but of Madhyamika (the middle path), of sunyata (emptiness), that has seen through every question without trying to discredit anyone or anything-without refutation-without establishing some other argument. For the doctrinaire, the mind that needs well-established positions, such peace, such silence can be frightening. I was knocked over with a rush of relief and thankfulness at the obvious clarity of the figures, the clarity and fluidity of shape and line, the design of the monumental bodies composed into the rock shape and landscape, figure, rock and tree...The rock, all matter, all life is charged with dharmakaya...everything is emptiness and everything is compassion. I don't know when in my life I have ever had such a sense of beauty and spiritual validity running together in one aesthetic illumination."
Wow!
Happy reading!
The Asian Journal is his account of his 1968 journey to India and Southeast Asia that he describes as the pinnacle of his spiritual life.
Although he spent 27 years rarely leaving Gethesmani monastary in Kentuncky, his openness to other faiths and traditions was astounding. Unlike his contemporary hippies, Merton went to Asia with an impressive grasp on the fundementals of Eastern religious and philosophical thought. Because of the depth of his own contemplative life he immediately recognized the profound truths to be found in Buddhism and Vedanta. They were not abstract concepts to him but confirmation of the insights he had attained through his personal experience.
Here's a little taste from the entry that descibes his visit to the giant Buddha statues in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka:
"I am able to approach the Buddhas barefoot and undisturbed, my feet in wet grass, wet sand. Then the silence of the extraordinary faces. The great smiles. Huge and yet subtle. Filled with every possibility, questioning nothing, knowing everything, rejecting nothing, the peace not of emotional resignation but of Madhyamika (the middle path), of sunyata (emptiness), that has seen through every question without trying to discredit anyone or anything-without refutation-without establishing some other argument. For the doctrinaire, the mind that needs well-established positions, such peace, such silence can be frightening. I was knocked over with a rush of relief and thankfulness at the obvious clarity of the figures, the clarity and fluidity of shape and line, the design of the monumental bodies composed into the rock shape and landscape, figure, rock and tree...The rock, all matter, all life is charged with dharmakaya...everything is emptiness and everything is compassion. I don't know when in my life I have ever had such a sense of beauty and spiritual validity running together in one aesthetic illumination."
Wow!
Happy reading!
December 15, 2024
I can’t truly rate it because I refused to read all the footnotes and ended up not knowing what was being discussed pretty often. Nevertheless I enjoyed it
Want to read
July 7, 2025Haven't read it yet but gonna leave a review here and update it bc the title in and of itself is sus to me, but he probably makes some really good observations, so will check back in a year or so
December 7, 2018
Not far from where I grew up was a Trappist monastery in Huntsville, UT. As a child I visited there many times with my parents where they purchased bread and honey and my father always had conversations with the monks. It wasn't until after college that I first was introduced to the writing of perhaps the most famous Trappist of all, Thomas Merton. I have read most of Merton's writing and am a big fan. The Asian Journal of Merton in and of itself was not as engaging and insightful as most of his other writings. I suppose that is because he never intended his journal as a book. It is a travel log with some contemplative thoughts scattered. But it shows a deeply religious man recognizing that truth can be added upon from many sources and he was brave enough to expand his horizons spiritually.
It's value is that it is his last writing before his tragic accidental death just a few days after his last entry. The supplemental material, particularly his writing contemporary to the trip is quite good. Merton was ahead of his time as he sought and recognized value in various religious traditions. His Asian journey was to gain greater insight a personal devotion by learning from the monastic traditions of the East. He was engaging in interfaith dialogue at a time when it was frowned upon in many religious traditions particularly his.
It's value is that it is his last writing before his tragic accidental death just a few days after his last entry. The supplemental material, particularly his writing contemporary to the trip is quite good. Merton was ahead of his time as he sought and recognized value in various religious traditions. His Asian journey was to gain greater insight a personal devotion by learning from the monastic traditions of the East. He was engaging in interfaith dialogue at a time when it was frowned upon in many religious traditions particularly his.
December 25, 2017
I love Thomas Merton.
April 13, 2016
Lovely description of Asian beauty and monastic orders. His last journal entry, before his accidental death, is a reminder that we are not eternal. One day will be our last entry.
July 19, 2024
MERTON'S FINAL WRITINGS ON EASTERN RELIGIONS
Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was a Trappist monk of the Abbey of Gethsemani, Kentucky, as well as a best-selling writer, poet, social activist, and student of comparative religion. He wrote many books, including 'The Seven Storey Mountain,' 'Mystics and Zen Masters,' 'Zen and the Birds of Appetite.' Tragically, he was accidentally electrocuted while in Thailand at a conference of Christian and non-Christian monks. This journal was composed in the period of October 15-December 8, 1968, while he was touring the Orient. It was compiled after his death, with substantial helpful editorial notes added.
He recounts a chance meeting with Chogyam Trungpa, who is "a completely marvelous person. Young, natural, without front or artifice, deep, awake, wise... I am now determined to go see his Tibetan monastery if I can... He is also a genuine spiritual master." (Pg. 30-31) Meeting the Dalai Lama, he notes, "The Dalai Lama is also sensitive about the views of other Buddhists concerning Tibetan Buddhism, especially some Theravada Buddhists who accuse Tibetan Buddhism of corruption by non-Buddhist elements." (Pg. 102)
While staying inside with a cold, he wrote, "I appreciate the quiet more than I can say. This quiet, with time to read, study, meditate, and not talk to anyone, is something essential in my life." (Pg. 158)
In a lecture printed as an Appendix, he said, "I speak as a Western monk who is pre-eminently concerned with his own monastic calling and dedication. I have left my monastery to come here not just as a research scholar or even as an author... I come as a pilgrim who is anxious to obtain not just information, not just 'facts' about other monastic traditions, but to drink from ancient sources of monastic vision and experience. I seek... to become a better and more enlightened monk." (Pg. 312-313)
While it is terrible that Merton never lived to publish these meditations, this is an excellent edition of them, and it will be of great interest to anyone interested in contemplative traditions, or comparative religions.
Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was a Trappist monk of the Abbey of Gethsemani, Kentucky, as well as a best-selling writer, poet, social activist, and student of comparative religion. He wrote many books, including 'The Seven Storey Mountain,' 'Mystics and Zen Masters,' 'Zen and the Birds of Appetite.' Tragically, he was accidentally electrocuted while in Thailand at a conference of Christian and non-Christian monks. This journal was composed in the period of October 15-December 8, 1968, while he was touring the Orient. It was compiled after his death, with substantial helpful editorial notes added.
He recounts a chance meeting with Chogyam Trungpa, who is "a completely marvelous person. Young, natural, without front or artifice, deep, awake, wise... I am now determined to go see his Tibetan monastery if I can... He is also a genuine spiritual master." (Pg. 30-31) Meeting the Dalai Lama, he notes, "The Dalai Lama is also sensitive about the views of other Buddhists concerning Tibetan Buddhism, especially some Theravada Buddhists who accuse Tibetan Buddhism of corruption by non-Buddhist elements." (Pg. 102)
While staying inside with a cold, he wrote, "I appreciate the quiet more than I can say. This quiet, with time to read, study, meditate, and not talk to anyone, is something essential in my life." (Pg. 158)
In a lecture printed as an Appendix, he said, "I speak as a Western monk who is pre-eminently concerned with his own monastic calling and dedication. I have left my monastery to come here not just as a research scholar or even as an author... I come as a pilgrim who is anxious to obtain not just information, not just 'facts' about other monastic traditions, but to drink from ancient sources of monastic vision and experience. I seek... to become a better and more enlightened monk." (Pg. 312-313)
While it is terrible that Merton never lived to publish these meditations, this is an excellent edition of them, and it will be of great interest to anyone interested in contemplative traditions, or comparative religions.
December 27, 2023
Thomas Merton was an interesting figure. Committed to traditional Catholic monasticism, with a focus on contemplation and the protection of ancient wisdom and institutions built up over millennia. And yet, in many ways he shared a kinship with the counterculture, following the path of many '60s hippies in travelling Asia seeking to learn from spiritual and wisdom traditions.
He clearly had a generous and open-minded spirit and willingness to read the shared insights across traditions, while maintaining the depth of his particular Catholic theological commitments. His comparison of Trappism and Buddhism points to the contemplative and meditative aspects of Catholic monasticism which are often forgetten. His dialogue with the Dalai Lama on this topic is particularly interesting.
The level of interest I had in the content of this book definitely varied - it is a mix of travelogue, collation of excerpts and quotes on Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Asian religions, and exploration of the parallels between Catholic and Buddhist monasticism. Some of the quotes and statements didn't mean that much to me without context, while others were quite striking. In some ways the best bits of the book are the appendices - Merton's essays on his Trappist monasticism in relation to Buddhism, the "renunciation" and self-marginalisation of the hippies, and the resurgent Marxism of the New Left. On the latter, Merton suggests that concepts of alienation and the need for radical transformation are shared by Marxism and Christianity - though their understandings of the mechanism for change differ.
He clearly had a generous and open-minded spirit and willingness to read the shared insights across traditions, while maintaining the depth of his particular Catholic theological commitments. His comparison of Trappism and Buddhism points to the contemplative and meditative aspects of Catholic monasticism which are often forgetten. His dialogue with the Dalai Lama on this topic is particularly interesting.
The level of interest I had in the content of this book definitely varied - it is a mix of travelogue, collation of excerpts and quotes on Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Asian religions, and exploration of the parallels between Catholic and Buddhist monasticism. Some of the quotes and statements didn't mean that much to me without context, while others were quite striking. In some ways the best bits of the book are the appendices - Merton's essays on his Trappist monasticism in relation to Buddhism, the "renunciation" and self-marginalisation of the hippies, and the resurgent Marxism of the New Left. On the latter, Merton suggests that concepts of alienation and the need for radical transformation are shared by Marxism and Christianity - though their understandings of the mechanism for change differ.
April 21, 2020
If I weren't already dangling on the edge of a monastic lifestyle, and had not immersed myself in the study of Buddhism, Hinduism, and been raised Catholic, I may not have been so deeply overwhelmed by the awareness Thomas Merton was bringing to Western monastic tradition. The value of the transformational possibilities, and the heart-expanding power of a contemplative lifestyle, are needed as much today as in the past, and it is within us to be revealed. With dedication to one's vocation, and the wise guidance of sages past and present, making meditation a way of life is an honorable and much needed job, especially today.
This book, as the title states, presents us with journal entries of his travels in Asia in the fall/Winter of 1968. They are often simple observations any traveler might make. His encounters with many fellow religious persons and others are touched on lightly, topical observations that he would likely had gone into once his journey ended. We will never know. The papers he gave at gatherings give us a view into the man's deepest passion and desires. He was a driving force for the evolution of monastic life in the present (it being 1968) to meld Eastern and Western essence and technique to go beyond dialog to self realization. The connections he makes are worth checking out.
Appendixes 2,3,4,7 and 9 give a pretty clear view of his open vision, and valuable connections to further the cause of a monastic life.
This book, as the title states, presents us with journal entries of his travels in Asia in the fall/Winter of 1968. They are often simple observations any traveler might make. His encounters with many fellow religious persons and others are touched on lightly, topical observations that he would likely had gone into once his journey ended. We will never know. The papers he gave at gatherings give us a view into the man's deepest passion and desires. He was a driving force for the evolution of monastic life in the present (it being 1968) to meld Eastern and Western essence and technique to go beyond dialog to self realization. The connections he makes are worth checking out.
Appendixes 2,3,4,7 and 9 give a pretty clear view of his open vision, and valuable connections to further the cause of a monastic life.
January 31, 2022
A strange thing to read someone's private journal entries, stranger still that the journal was written in the weeks leading up to that person's abrupt death, and strangest of all to rate that journal with "five stars" — or any amount of stars.
On December 4, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, six days before he died, Thomas Merton wrote: "...I know and have seen what I was obscurely looking for. I don't know what else remains but I have now seen and I have pierced through the surface and have got beyond the shadow and the disguise."
On December 6, in Singapore, he wrote: "But the journey is only begun. Some of the places I really wanted to see from the beginning have not yet been touched."
Last recorded words of Thomas Merton, from a lecture given in Bangkok a few hours before his death: "So I will disappear."
On December 4, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, six days before he died, Thomas Merton wrote: "...I know and have seen what I was obscurely looking for. I don't know what else remains but I have now seen and I have pierced through the surface and have got beyond the shadow and the disguise."
On December 6, in Singapore, he wrote: "But the journey is only begun. Some of the places I really wanted to see from the beginning have not yet been touched."
Last recorded words of Thomas Merton, from a lecture given in Bangkok a few hours before his death: "So I will disappear."
August 13, 2017
As a Merton fan, this was a poignant read. Knowing, as I started reading his last journal, that his long-anticipated journey to visit and learn from Asian monastics would not be completed due to his unexpected death in Bangkok added an eerie quality. His was a great soul who recognized and connected with other great souls he met along the way. My own connection comes with his total devotion and love for his own Catholic faith while being open to continued revelation of the Divine in other cultures and faiths. The extensive notes and complementary readings included in this edition added many entries to my reading list.
September 13, 2020
One step closer to understanding what Buddihsm really is about...
Still, I could live without reading this book, to say the truth. I see nothing really special about it. Appendixes were much more interesting for me than the journal itself. Maybe 3 stars are even too much? I don't know. Still was quite easy to read and to understand, so let's leave it on 3.
Book for enthusiasts of this kind of topics.
Still, I could live without reading this book, to say the truth. I see nothing really special about it. Appendixes were much more interesting for me than the journal itself. Maybe 3 stars are even too much? I don't know. Still was quite easy to read and to understand, so let's leave it on 3.
Book for enthusiasts of this kind of topics.
April 9, 2025
Merton is a bit intellectual and long-winded but his heart and spirit are in the right place. This is an important book because it is a diary of the period before his sudden accidental death. The picture on the cover is of the amazing reclining Buddha at Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka where he had an 'enlightenment' experience. I have visited the site and can say the statue the most extraordinary presence and stillness.
October 17, 2017
A tantalizing mishmash of this and that, observations about traveling by jeep and train, insights into Buddhist and his own Christian meditation and monasticism.
An unfinished symphony; a deeply sobering book. It does not end; it simply stops. The is a routine entry for December 8, 1968 and then the postscript telling of Merton's death by accidental electrocution on December 10.
An unfinished symphony; a deeply sobering book. It does not end; it simply stops. The is a routine entry for December 8, 1968 and then the postscript telling of Merton's death by accidental electrocution on December 10.
June 10, 2020
Merton talks to Buddhist monks about what they have in common and finds a lot. In addition to his journal, this book includes papers delivered in Asia just before he died, excerpts from the books he was reading and thinking about, letters, and more. As I neared the end of the journal, it felt weird to know that he was about to die when he didn't.
January 15, 2022
50 years after he wrote these entries and the essays collected in the appendix, Merton’s simplicity and lucidness still reverberate. Wonderful to read his presentation of foundational Christian monastic wisdom at a time of contemplative renewal and of course the vital intersections, just beginning to be explored in the late 1960s, with contemplative streams within Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.
October 10, 2022
I suppose this book would be most useful to people who revere and have read a lot of Thomas Merton, because this book represents his final, culminating thoughts. Coming to the book myself with little knowlege of Merton, I found it part travelogue and part a collection of thoughts on Asian and Chirstian philosophy, not quite integrated, but beautiful and beautifully written.
December 7, 2024
"To live selflessly is to live in joy, realizing by experience that life itself is love and gift. To be a lover and a giver is to be a channel through which the Supreme Giver manifests His love in the world."
October 11, 2019
“The metaphysician as a wounded man.”
February 24, 2020
Really interesting journal entries by Thomas Merton. His last stuff before his tragic death. Good read though.
April 8, 2021
This is a good book to start with, if you want to know more about Merton, but you aren't a Catholic. B+
Read
August 13, 2022How do you rate someone’s journal? Something not written for publication. You can’t.
I enjoyed reading of his time in Asia. It’s was sad to read as it got closer to the time of his death.
I enjoyed reading of his time in Asia. It’s was sad to read as it got closer to the time of his death.
May 18, 2024
Boring in the way journals can be boring. Shocking in the way that insight across time and place can be shocking.
February 1, 2013
After slogging through THE SEVEN STOREY MOUNTAIN years ago, I thought, "enough Merton for me." I've never been able to get behind his poetry, either. But I've wanted to read THE ASIAN JOURNAL for years.
I picked it up while on retreat at a Benedictine monastery last weekend and could barely put it down. While journals and letters are a perennially favorite genre for me, there was a strange (added?) feeling of voyeurism in this reading experience: Merton's spontaneous impressions, and most poignantly, his hopes for the future, when I, the reader, knew he was writing from the last days of his life and he did not. Despite the feeling of the end of the story being so unforeseeable for Merton or his loved ones, there is the joyful sensation that no one could be in a better place to face death than he was in those energetic days of mid-life. He was so explicitly voyaging out: toward joy, toward freedom, a voyage so boundary-less that incorporating the leap of death into that it doesn't at all seem impossible.
On an oddball readerly note, the part of this I cherished the most was not the exploration of interreligious thought, of various Buddhisms, or even of travel in Asia. It was Merton's description of travel by airplane. It's an experience that's always felt so downright holy to me, so incomparable to anything else in life, and Merton never tires of it either. He describes the world laid out below him with such love every time.
I picked it up while on retreat at a Benedictine monastery last weekend and could barely put it down. While journals and letters are a perennially favorite genre for me, there was a strange (added?) feeling of voyeurism in this reading experience: Merton's spontaneous impressions, and most poignantly, his hopes for the future, when I, the reader, knew he was writing from the last days of his life and he did not. Despite the feeling of the end of the story being so unforeseeable for Merton or his loved ones, there is the joyful sensation that no one could be in a better place to face death than he was in those energetic days of mid-life. He was so explicitly voyaging out: toward joy, toward freedom, a voyage so boundary-less that incorporating the leap of death into that it doesn't at all seem impossible.
On an oddball readerly note, the part of this I cherished the most was not the exploration of interreligious thought, of various Buddhisms, or even of travel in Asia. It was Merton's description of travel by airplane. It's an experience that's always felt so downright holy to me, so incomparable to anything else in life, and Merton never tires of it either. He describes the world laid out below him with such love every time.
March 13, 2015
This book would be especially meaningful to my youngest sister, who has traveled everywhere that Merton visits in this journal. The book is heavily annotated by his editors, which could get distracting at times, but I appreciated the inclusion of the photographs and the extensive appendices (Merton's speeches, letters, and other salient quotations about Buddhism and meditation). I also didn't realize that the diary ends just a few days before Merton died; he was electrocuted in his room in Bangkok when he tried to turn off a fan. Astonishing. He was such a powerful and thoughtful person, and I've always enjoyed his writings and his thoughts. Would that more American Christians would seek him as an example of Christian harmony and peace with the world.
September 7, 2014
It was disappointing not to feel engaged in this journal and perhaps it is due to the abrupt passing of the author and unintended editing job of his writings into this narrative. after doing a few other quick reads of the author's letters it is clear to me that I don't appreciate his perception of humanity much less spirituality.
this journal in particular is painfully arrogant in its treatment of Asian community and cultural identity. The author doesn't seem to perceive people, places or customs outside his world view of spiritual aspiration and religious benevolence.
I am surprised how obviously sanctimonious the ideas and words are from this well liked, well published monk. my experience reading this author is cutely summed up in a t-shirt logo "monks are people too"
this journal in particular is painfully arrogant in its treatment of Asian community and cultural identity. The author doesn't seem to perceive people, places or customs outside his world view of spiritual aspiration and religious benevolence.
I am surprised how obviously sanctimonious the ideas and words are from this well liked, well published monk. my experience reading this author is cutely summed up in a t-shirt logo "monks are people too"
August 2, 2012
Putting a rating to this book is not easy, generally you're reviewing the content and giving your thoughts. In this case the content is good but large in part it is a reprinting of volume seven of the journals. True there are some fabulous photos taken by Merton and some excellent appendixes as well but surely something else could have been done such as combining the Alaskan journal with the insights in this volume and made it one. So my dissatisfaction is not with Merton but the compilers who thought this was a good idea.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews