Thomas Merton on Contemplation

Written by Thomas Merton

Narrated by Thomas Merton

You are invited to sit at the feet of a contemplative master.
In the words of renowned theologian Fr. Lawrence Cunningham, Thomas Merton was perhaps "the greatest spiritual writer and spiritual master of the 20th century." With a poet's sensibility, an intellectual's inquiring mind, and a prophet's courage, Merton has captured the hearts of readers and listeners around the world.

After a radical conversion experience, Merton became a Trappist monk in the Abbey of Gethsemani, where he wrote the spiritual classic The Seven Storey Mountain. At the heart of Merton's transformative conversion was contemplation. Now, this series invites you into that profound contemplative experience. 

Recorded during the last decade of his life, these six powerful conferences were delivered by Merton at Gethsemani, where he gave religious instruction to the novice monks. As you listen to Merton in his own voice, you will encounter a candid, personal side of this beloved spiritual writer. Remastered for you to enjoy, these conferences exemplify his teachings on prayer and contemplation.

These carefully selected conferences cover such topics as the spiritual journey, John Cassian's philosophy of prayer, silence as an act of worship, and the key components of prayer in meditation. In the final conference, you will listen to Merton's farewell address, a powerful talk that captures his human side. With an extensive afterword by Merton expert Fr. Anthony Ciorra, these conferences are true treasures.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Learn25
• Release date: Apr 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781632510273

Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) is one of the foremost spiritual thinkers of the twentieth century. Though he lived a mostly solitary existence as a Trappist monk, he had a dynamic impact on world affairs through his writing. An outspoken proponent of the antiwar and civil rights movements, he was both hailed as a prophet and castigated for his social criticism. He was also unique among religious leaders in his embrace of Eastern mysticism, positing it as complementary to the Western sacred tradition. Merton is the author of over forty books of poetry, essays, and religious writing, including Mystics and Zen Masters, and The Seven Story Mountain, for which he is best known. His work continues to be widely read to this day.

Reviews for Thomas Merton on Contemplation

[Juan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thomas Merton gives the best lectures on contemplation. He does not stand on a bunch of flowery language. He gives his thoughts clearly in straightforward speech. His understanding and translation of latin texts is excellent. I love these lectures.