Thomas Merton on Spirituality - 1 Author:Thomas Merton Thomas Merton on Spirituality - Part 1 of 2 (6 Titles, 6 CDs) In these live audio CD recordings you will hear Thomas Merton's own voice discussing his thoughts on spirituality with visiting novices during his stay at the Abbey of Gethsemani. — MONASTIC SPIRITUALITY / CITEAUX — Merton talks about the beginning of the Cistercians as a monastic order... more ». He explains the key elements of a monk's spirituality, especially the inner heart of poverty and the longing for God.
MONASTIC SPIRITUALITY II
Merton contrasts the way of life and the way of death in the Didache. He says that the spiritual life is like being suddenly transported to a foreign land where we can only say, "God, you put me here, help me live here."
THE MEANING OF MONASTIC SPIRITUALITY
Merton speaks of the inner pull of God. When we pay loving attention to God, we are drawn towards him. As we are drawn toward God, we are drawn together within ourselves and with others. All things become cohesive. Our life has meaning and a purpose.
THE DESERT GOD
Thomas Merton loved the desert as a symbol and experience of monastic life. The traditional term among the desert fathers was a place to hear the spirit. Merton grows eloquent as he talks about our need for silence, solitude and prayer, and ho.
SILENCE
Silence is our admission that we have broken communication with God and are now willing to listen. It has many human values, but exists primarily to enable us to worship.
BEAUTY IS FROM GOD
At first it may be surprising how important pleasure is in Merton's worldview. He relates pleasure, art, and contemplation and finds God in all three.« less