Thomas Merton Books

The narrative delves into the inevitability of life's progression towards crisis and mystery, emphasizing the importance of personal action over mere words. It suggests that individuals define themselves through their actions, which are intertwined with the meanings of their words. This exploration highlights the relationship between speech and action, asserting that while actions are paramount, words still play a crucial role in clarifying and directing one's intentions. The work invites readers to reflect on their self-judgment in the face of life's challenges.

The second volume of Thomas Merton's "gusty, passionate journals" (Thomas Moore) chronicles Merton's advancements to priesthood and emergence as a bestselling author with the surprise success of his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain. Spanning an eleven-year period, Entering the Silence reflects Merton's struggle to balance his vocation to solitude with the budding literary career that would soon established him as one of the most important spiritual writers of our century.

Thomas Merton was one of the most prolific and provocative letter writers of the twentieth century. His letters (those written both by him and to him), archived at the Thomas Merton Studies Center at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, number more than ten thousand. For Merton, letters were not just a vehicle for exchanging information, but his primary means for initiating, maintaining, and deepening relationships. In this expert distillation of Thomas Mertons letters, we are offered a unique lens through which to relive the spiritual and social upheavals of the twentieth century, while encountering wisdom that is still relevant for our world today. Available now in paperback, this book is ideal for parish book groups, retreats, spiritual direction, and as a resource for training lay leaders.

Having embraced a life of solitude in his own hermitage, Thomas Merton finds his faith tested beyond his imagination when a visit to the hospital leads to a clandestine affair of the heart. Jolted out of his comfortable routine, Merton is forced to reassess his need for love and his commitment to celibacy and the monastic vocation.This astonishing volume traces Merton’s struggle to reconcile his unexpected love with his sacred vows while continuing to grapple with the burning social issues of the day – including racial conflicts, the war in Vietnam, and the Arab-Israeli conflict – visiting and corresponding with high-profile friends like Thich Nhat Hanh and Joan Baez, and further developing his writing career. Revealing Merton to be ‘very human’ in his chronicles of the ecstasy and torment of being in love, Learning to Love comes full circle as Merton recommits himself completely and more deeply to his vocation even as he recognizes ‘my need for love, my loneliness, my inner division, the struggle in which solitude is at once a problem and a ‘solution’. And perhaps not a perfect solution either’ (11 May, 1967).

The narrative explores the transformative journeys of Merton following the election of a new Abbot, granting him newfound freedom. His travels to California, Alaska, and Southeast Asia lead to profound encounters, including meetings with the Dalai Lama and various monks, fostering a deep spiritual connection. Amidst the backdrop of the turbulent sixties and significant events like the assassinations of key figures, Merton's final year brims with potential and excitement, rendering his accidental death in Bangkok at fifty-three particularly poignant.

Exploring the depth of worship found in the psalms, Merton guides readers on how to engage with these sacred texts to cultivate a profound sense of peace. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's will and fostering unwavering confidence in Him, revealing how the psalter can enrich spiritual life and enhance one's relationship with the divine.

A treasury of wisdom from the influential Christian contemplative, political activist, social visionary, and literary figure. Thomas Merton (1915–1968) was spiritual parent to a generation—and his influence, through his many books, has only increased in the half-century since his death. He was a hermit who maintained a compelling correspondence with some of the most influential thinkers of his age; he was a social and political activist whose ideas had a seminal influence in the world beyond his monastic cloister; and he was a Christian who saw through the boundaries of religious identity in a way that was truly ahead of his time. This collection of short excerpts from his voluminous writings covers all of the famous Trappist monk’s main themes, thus serving as a perfect short introduction to his work in his own words. This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series. The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.

The book showcases previously unpublished material from Thomas Merton, a celebrated Trappist monk and author. It includes his final conference talks delivered in the United States, offering insights into his thoughts and teachings shortly before his untimely death. This collection highlights Merton's profound reflections on spirituality and life, making it a significant addition for both fans and scholars of his work.

Focusing on the multifaceted life of Thomas Merton, this collection offers a compelling introduction to his work, showcasing his role as a Christian contemplative, political activist, and literary figure. The excerpts are thoughtfully arranged into four parts, reflecting the journey of a seeking soul in contemporary society. Merton's writings blend the honesty of Thoreau with the moral insight of Gandhi, making his profound ideas accessible to readers exploring spirituality and social vision.

Focusing on the life of St. Lutgarde of Aywieres, this biography by Thomas Merton explores the journey of a Cistercian mystic whose spiritual insights and experiences have largely been overlooked. Merton delves into her profound connection with God and the unique aspects of her mysticism, highlighting her significance within the Christian tradition. This reissued work brings renewed attention to her legacy, inviting readers to discover the depth of her spiritual life and the impact she had on her contemporaries.