Monastic Journey

by Brother Patrick. Hart

Written during the last decade of Merton's life, these articles reflect his mature thought on monastic life in community and in solitude. Appealing to the monastic dimension in al of us, his reflections have meaning for those living outside as well as inside monastery walls, fellow travellers on the same journey he took, aware of the fragility and imperfections, as well as the great potential for growth and love, within each human person.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Christianity, Philosophy, Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the monastic (Benedictine/Cistercian) life. It should be read slowly but regularly in order to really absorb the spiritual lessons he gives, but the preface and introduction are especially helpful in giving insight to what it means to be a monk in the 20th (21st) century (especially for those who know very little about contemporary monasticism). As with most of Merton, it's very well written, and its spiritual conclusions are poignant and accurate.

[Mary S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much to think about
Edit: thought about much
“The absence of the transcendent God is also, paradoxically, his immanent presence, though it may well be that recollection, silence and a certain measure of withdrawal from the agitation of life are necessary for perceiving this.”

[Paul Hoehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult to review. Not meant for me. Made me go a little crazy. Pushed my thinking about contemplation.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A POSTHUMOUS COLLECTION OF MERTON'S LATER WRITINGS ON MONASTICISM

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. Tragically, he was accidentally electrocuted while in Thailand at a conference of Christian and non-Christian monks. This 1977 book is a collection of Merton's writings from the last decade of his life, containing reflections on community monastic living and the contemplative experience.

He suggests, "The discipline of the monastic life is all directed to one end: the development of this 'purity of heart' which is a condition of peace, self-forgetfulness, humility, unconcern with the images and preoccupations of a life dominated by servile care." (Pg. 24) He states, "Monastic discipline gives the monk mastery over his own liberty, so that he is at last capable of a full and spontaneous self-surrender to his perfect good, which is charity." (Pg. 79)

He later adds, "But neither is Christian monasticism adequately defined as a quest of perfection. A Zen Buddhist... may enter a monastery to seek a life of retirement and spiritual discipline. He is perhaps seeking the highest reality. He is seeking 'liberation.' Now if we enter the monastery seeking the highest reality, seeking perfection, we must realize that for us this means something somewhat more than it can ever mean for a Zen Buddhist." (Pg. 31)

He argues, "The solitary life in the strict sense is the crown of the monastic vocation. Though not all monks are called to the solitary life permanently, and though the relative solitude of a silent community may normally be sufficient, there are nevertheless some monks who need a greater degree of solitude than is offered by the cenobitic life." (Pg. 179) He notes at the end, "When I first became a monk, yes, I was more sure of 'answers.' But as I grow old in the monastic life, and advance further into solitude, I become aware that I have only begun to seek the questions." (Pg. 220)

Although not an integrated "book," this collection contains numerous "gems" of insight, and will be of great interest to all of Merton's readers.