Most Popular Books by Thomas Merton

The New Man shows Thomas Merton at the height of his powers and has as its theme the question of spiritual identity. What must we do to recover possession of our true selves? By way of an answer, Merton discusses how we have become strangers to ourselves by our depence on outward identity and success, while our real need is for a concern with the image of God in ourselves. At a time of retrieval of our religious traditions, Merton''s voice is both intelligent and spiritually compelling.Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, is perhaps the foremost spiritual thinker of the twentiethcentury. His diaries, social commentary, and spiritual writings continue to be widely read after his untimely death in 1968.

Examines the meaning and purpose of spiritual direction. Also provides insights into how to meditate.

This volume is a stimulating series of spiritual reflections which will prove helpful for all struggling to find the meaning of human existence and to live the richest, fullest and noblest life. --Chicago Tribune

Showing that the summit of ultimate truth is reached in contemplation, this book offers an exposition of the doctrines of St John of the Cross. The expositions and meditations are nourishment for the spirit journeying towards truth.

In Life and Holiness, Thomas Merton offers a simple yet profound exploration of the fundamental principles of Christian spirituality. This concise treatise illuminates the transformative power of grace, the divine light that purifies hearts, shapes souls in the likeness of Christ, and empowers believers to act as instruments of God''s love in the world. Merton''s insights transcend the contemplative-active dichotomy, presenting a vision of the Christian life in which action flows naturally from a deep union with God, making this book a valuable resource for all who seek to live out their faith with authenticity and purpose.

Thoughtful and eloquent, as timely (or timeless) now as when it was originally published in 1956, Thoughts in Solitude addresses the pleasure of a solitary life, as well as the necessity for quiet reflection in an age when so little is private. Thomas Merton writes: "When society is made up of men who know no interior solitude it can no longer be held together by love: and consequently it is held together by a violent and abusive authority. But when men are violently deprived of the solitude and freedom which are their due, the society in which they live becomes putrid, it festers with servility, resentment and hate." Thoughts in Solitude stands alongside The Seven Storey Mountain as one of Merton''s most uring and popular works. Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, is perhaps the foremost spiritual thinker of the twentiethcentury. His diaries, social commentary, and spiritual writings continue to be widely read after his untimely death in 1968.

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) is the most admired of all American Catholic writers. His journals have recently been published to wide acclaim. The collection of Merton''s letters in The Hidden Ground of Love were selected and edited by William H. Shannon.

Letters to James Baldwin, Evelyn Waugh, Henry Miller, and more by the famed monk, "one of the great American letter-writers of the century" ( Kirkus Reviews). From 1948 until his death in 1968, Trappist monk and author of The Seven Storey Mountain Thomas Merton corresponded with writers around the world, sharing with them his concerns about war, violence and repression, racism and injustice, and all forms of human aggression. Addressed to Evelyn Waugh, Czeslaw Milosz, Boris Pasternak, James Baldwin, Walker Percy, Victoria Ocampo, Henry Miller, Jacques Maritain, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, William Carlos Williams, and others, this collection "reveals aspects of the monk that are seldom seen in literature apart from his letters" ( Booklist). "Witty . . . confessional . . . insightful." — The Boston Globe "Highly articulate and quietly inspirational." — Publishers Weekly

This diary of a monastic life is "a continuation of The Seven Storey Mountain . . . Astonishing" ( Commonweal). Chronicling six years of Thomas Merton''s life in a Trappist monastery, The Sign of Jonas takes us through his day-to-day experiences at the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, where he lived in silence and prayer for much of his life. Concluding with the account of Merton''s ordination as a priest, this diary documents his growing acceptance of his vocation—and the greater meaning he found within his private world of contemplation. "This book is made unmistakably real and almost, at times, unbearably poignant by the fact that the exuberance of youth so often wells up through it with rapture, impatience, and even bluster." — The New York Times "A stirring book—the most readable and on the whole, most illuminating of the author''s writings." — Catholic World

Discover the timeless wisdom of Thomas Merton, one of the most influential contemplative voices of the twentieth century, in A Book of Hours. This beautifully curated collection draws from Merton’s most lyrical and prayerful writings, offering a rich resource for daily prayer and contemplation that embraces the ancient monastic tradition of “praying the hours.” Editor Kathleen Deignan has carefully selected and arranged passages from Merton’s vast works into a rhythm of prayers for dawn, day, dusk, and dark for each day of the week. Enriched with psalms, prayers, readings, and reflections, this book creates a sanctuary for quiet contemplation and divine connection amid the busyness of daily life. A Book of Hours draws from Thomas Merton’s rich writings and blends elements of Christian liturgy to guide both personal and communal prayer. It includes: Verses, hymns, and antiphons to invite prayer and reflection throughout the day. Psalms, canticles, and litanies for deep spiritual dialogue, praise, and insight. Readings and responsories for lectio divina, with Merton’s writings offering spiritual guidance. Exhortations and meditations to inspire and challenge us. The ancient examen practice, helping us reflect on our thoughts, habits, and true self. Let A Book of Hours guide you into moments of peace and spiritual renewal, inviting you to pause, reflect, and rediscover the sacred in every moment.

An informative and fascinating look at Merton''s life and writings by a fellow-Trappist. Father Basil takes us on a whirlwind review through the seasons of Merton''s life and work. "An engaging approach for new readers and a refreshing review for long-time Merton fans, this carefully planned anthology by a fellow monk and a friend abounds with helpful insights into the life and writings of the most influential spiritual mentor of our time." William H. Shannon Author of Silent Lamp: The Thomas Merton Story "A splendid introduction to Thomas Merton in his own words. Selections paint a balanced and rich portrait of the monk, mystic, poet, prophet, and spiritual master. Once again, Father Pennington reveals his intimate knowledge of his subject." E. Glenn Hinson Professor Emeritus Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond

"Reflecting Thomas Merton''s lifelong examination of the relationship between the monastic, contemplative life and the need for spiritual expression in the secular world, these essays explore the coming together of the active and the contemplative life and the relationship of persons to social organizations. Ranging from an account of the Greek monastic community on Mount Athos to a look at the spiritually destructive power of racism, Merton''s writing manages to be both lively and profound as he leads the reader through the hard questions of modern existence, bringing together traditional religious values with a concern for the spiritual needs of the present day.".--cover matter.

Thomas Merton’s most intimate work—a stunning devotional beaming with prayers, poems, and never-before-seen drawings The perfect companion for daily prayer and reflection, this spiritual guide and gift combines Merton’s artistic and contemplative sides, showing readers a different side of this beloved writer and theologian. Grippingly filled with warmth and comfort, Dialogues with Silence is a rich a selection of prayers from throughout Merton’s life—from his journals, letters, poetry, books—accompanied by all 100 of Merton’s rarely seen, delightful Zen-like pen-and-ink drawings. This elegant collection is designed to savored slowly, leaving readers with a profound sense of hope and enlightenment. Vulnerable, inspiring, and unlike any other devotional published, this assortment of spiritual astonishment is the perfect companion to daily prayer, meditation, and reflection in all its glorious forms.

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.

Discusses Blake, Joyce, Pasternak, Faulkner, Styron, O''Connor, Camus, symbolism, creativity, alienation, contemplation, and freedom.

Come into the Silence is an easy-to-use devotional for all those seeking peace, stillness, and solitude in a busy and noisy world. Part of the bestselling Great Spiritual Teachers series, this book invites you into the contemplative life through the words of Thomas Merton, one of the most popular spiritual masters of the twentieth century. In his journals, letters, and spiritual writings such as New Seeds of Contemplation, Merton explored the tension between the human longing for both connection and solitude. Merton, a Trappist monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani, offered a model of contemplative life that allowed him to be deeply engaged with pressing issues of the time, including the nonviolent civil rights movement. Requiring only a few minutes each day, Come into the Silence helps you realize how God sees you and to embrace his divine vision of you and each person you encounter. This devotional also allows you to reflect deeply on the fundamental longings for meaning, belonging, and intimacy as well as the call to service and social justice in your life. Each book in the Great Spiritual Teachers series provides a month of daily readings from one of Christianity''s most beloved spiritual guides. For each day there is a brief and accessible morning meditation drawn from the mystic''s writings, a simple mantra for use throughout the day, and a night prayer to focus one''s thoughts as the day ends. These easy-to-use books are the perfect prayer companion for busy people who want to root their spiritual practice in the solid ground of these great spiritual teachers.

A collection of thirty-nine short essays in which Thomas Merton examines what true contemplation is and how it can impact one''s spirituality.

First published in 2003 and now available in paperback to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of Thomas Merton''s birth, When the Trees Say Nothing has sold more than 60,000 copies and continually inspires readers with its unique collection of Merton''s luminous writings on nature, arranged for reflection and meditation. Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk, author, poet, social commentator, and perhaps the most influential and widely published spiritual writer of the twentieth century. In When the Trees Say Nothing, editor Kathleen Deignan sheds new light on Merton by focusing on a neglected theme of his writing: the natural world as a manifestation of the divine. Drawing from Merton''s voluminous writing on nature, Deignan has thematically assembled a collection of lucid, poetic reflections. Chapters on the four elements, the seasons, the Earth and its creatures, and the sun, moon, and stars provide brief passages from his diverse works that reveal the presence of God in creation.