What is Contemplation?

by Thomas Merton

From the back cover:

“The only way to find out anything about the joys of contemplation is by experience,”’ writes Thomas Merton. “We must test and see that the Lord is sweet.” In this early writing, unavailable for years, Thomas Merton sets forth the basics of Christian contemplation in the lucid, helpful way which has made him a favorite of millions. He provides a brief guide for the beginner and lets us know what to expect when we begin to move into this essential Christian experience. When you begin the life of contemplation, Merton writes, “you have left the beaten path and are traveling by paths that cannot be charted and measured."

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christian Living

79 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

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

[Reagan Vernon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to the contemplative life as ushered in by the dark night of the soul. For Merton, contemplation is rooted in a gift of overwhelming love and the active redemptive work of the spirit inside the believer. My edition also contained a few of Merton's sketches. These were lovely, though I do wish there was a bit of context provided for the images.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an early work of Thomas Merton that was modified and rewritten as Merton was never really satisfied with it. However, Thomas Merton provides the reader with a basic understanding of the various types of contemplation and emphasizes that contemplation is for everyone and not just for the clerics and or the chosen few. In "What is Contemplation," Thomas Merton differentiates between Active Contemplations and Infused Contemplation. Active Contemplation is the traditional means which require one's thought, action, and acts of will. It introduces the soul to the joys of the spiritual life and prepares the way for love. Infused Contemplation is a supernatural love and knowledge which is a gift of God of Himself which no man can acquire by any effort of his own. This is a very concise, short and well written book that gives the reader and excellent overview of the various forms of contemplation. I would highly recommend it.

[Mark Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great small book...a very good overview of contemplation...good history and explanation but the separator is the chapter entitles "What to do-the teaching of St. John of the Cross". This chapter was one of the most profound chapters I have ever read.Any Christian who reads this chapter will be deeply moved by the simplicity of approach and the stratospheric levels this practice can take one to.

I quote "You are out of your depth; your mind and your will have been led beyond the borders of the natural order and they can no longer function as they used to because they are in the presence of an object that overwhelms the. This is precisely as God wants it to be, for He Himself is that object...", and it just goes on from here.

Find this little gem and enjoy it. It is exhilarating to read!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall not one of my favorite Merton reads, but still this little book was sprinkled with tidbits that were absolutely profound. Merton, always gracious to a fault, nonetheless provides insightful and incisive descriptions of the quasi-Christian who goes through life believing he/she is pious because they go to church and pray and condemn all the right people; but never managing to walk the truly transformative path required by Christ.

Much more a description of the pure nature of contemplation than a "how to" manual on the practice itself, this slim little volume does not pull any punches when it comes to describing the challenges inevitably faced by contemplative novices; but also does a masterful job of describing the peace of mind and other fruits of the spirit that eventually manifest in our lives after a lifetime of patient practice.

[Claire Scorzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sei que não aproveitei tudo o que podia desse livro, mas fui oportunamente lembrada através dele da minha necessidade espirtiual - e de que, quando penso que estou 'seca', isto bem pode ser necessário; uma etapa que preciso atravessar, e nem sempre significando que fiz algo de muito errado ou que não fui zelosa o suficiente.

[Anne Roat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small but powerful book

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small book but very heavy reading.

[George Cole]

Good for a short read about God and The Holy and The Divine that takes about an hour to read.

Makes me feel like my life has not been a complete waste of time.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written description of opening the self to love.