The Way of Simplicity: The Cistercian Tradition

Traditions of Christian Spirituality

by Esther de Waal

In The Way of Simplicity Esther de Waal reveals the riches of the Cistercian (Trappist) tradition and its relevance for today's world. The book draws not only on such twelfth-century writers as Bernard of Clairvaux and Aelred of Rievaulx, but also on Thomas Merton and many contemporary Cistercians.
These Cistercian men and women wrote on matters of perennial the true self, growth, integration, friendship, the love of God, and above all the life of prayer. Anyone wishing to explore Cistercian spirituality will find this book an illuminating and practical guide.

Genres: Spirituality, Prayer, Nonfiction, Christian

173 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and I thank Esther De Waal for authoring it. There has been a lot written about simplicity and the Cistercian life style but very few authors have understood the driving forces that maintain this life style. It is very evident the Easter De Waal invested years of study and research into monasticism. However, she came away with much more than research she developed, and shares with us, a deep understanding and appreciation of the purpose for the monastery.

She examines monks living under a 1500 year old rule and traces the harmony and similarity of monks from the twelfth century to those in the twentieth century. She shares her understanding and blending of thoughts expressed by monks who wrote and lived separated by hundreds of years. She really helps the reader appreciate the relevance of these time tested and proven disciplines to our current world.

[John Howes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking discussion of the Cistercians, Alain known as the Trappists, and an exploration of their spirituality. An easy read and similar in style to the author’s book on St Benedict.

[Inga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened to read this beautiful, reflective book while on my first retreat in a Cistercian convent in Wales. An apt setting, perhaps, to appreciating the author's insights on the Cistercian way - and I enjoyed the book thoroughly, it seemed like an answer to everything I was looking for. I met Esther two years later in the same convent, when she was sharing her knowledge on Cistercian architecture and the meaning of a sacred space.
The author is a lay (Anglican) follower of the rule of St Benedict, a contemplative, a humble seeker, who has spent years studying Cistercian spirituality and seeking to apply it to the life outside the monastery. Highly recommended!