The true solitude: Selections from the writings of Thomas Merton

by Thomas Merton

Genres: Spirituality, Inspirational

61 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

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

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still have difficulty with the term "God" and all the "He" and "Hims," but if I substitute the masculine pronouns for more neutral ones that stand in for a universal, loving force or power, then the concepts resonate powerfully. It's like the Vipassana teacher Goenka said: sometimes you want the message served in your own dish, but it's still the same rice pudding. I know not everyone agrees. I'd like to read more Merton to see how he felt about the matter.

There's so much to be said for solitude. I used to berate myself for wanting to be by myself -- wondering if there was something wrong with me when I wanted quiet. Quiet, though, seems essential for a healthy, happy, authentic soul.

I also love the way Merton writes about "selflessness." How can we give up attachment to some version of our "identity" and become part of a universal flow? How does this make us even more clearly and truly ourselves? Because really, Merton reminds us gently, there isn't so much danger of becoming anyone else... we're ourselves even if we're trying hard to be something we're not, it's just a less nice, less peaceful, less realized version.

_____

"Do not look for rest in any pleasure, because you were not created for pleasure: you were created for joy. And if you do not know the difference between pleasure and joy you have not yet begun to live."

[Chris Lemig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, slim volume of Merton quotes. I started underlining and dog-earing special passages until I realized that they are all inspiring. Here's an example:

"Do not look for rest in any pleasure, because you were not created for pleasure: you were created for JOY. And if you do not know the difference between pleasure and joy you have not yet begun to live."

Or this one regarding war:

"...instead of hating the people who you think are warmakers, hate the appetites and the disorder in your own soul, which are the causes of war."

Wow.

Happy reading.

[Cat Rayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Merton, a Trappist Monk, left numerous writings about spiritual living. This small collection, a sample really, explores the inner life. Of finding peace, in God, through solitude and reflection.

Most if these writings were from the 1950’s but hold credence in the decades that followed and those to come. Timeless words.

“One has to be alone,under the sky, before one finds his own place in the midst of it all”

This tiny book whets a Mertonion appetite.

[John Fredrickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a couple of books (Seven Storey, Seeds) by Merton in the past (prior to my engagement with Goodreads), and very much enjoyed these books.

This selection does not carry the same impact as the other Merton books I have read - the passages are clearly meant to inspire, but lack the continuity necessary for real engagement. The book comes across as pretty insipid and lacking in power.