AUDIOBOOK
About
Join monk and mystic Thomas Merton on a journey through monastic and contemplative history. In these talks delivered by Thomas Merton, you will gain a rich introduction to the monastic period of Church history, encountering such figures as St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Benedict, John Cassian, Basil, and Charlemagne. As you will come to discover, the history of monasticism is deeply intertwined with the greater history of Europe and the Christian contemplative tradition. You can take no better guide for this journey than Thomas Merton, who discovered a radical spirituality in his cloistered life. After a spiritual awakening, Merton joined the Trappist Order at the Abbey of Gethsemani, where he sought to interact with the world on a deeper, more contemplative level. As you listen Merton's powerful voice, you will look at the emergence of the Cistercians, the order to which he belonged. Founded by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the Cistercian Order sought to return to the tradition of contemplation, prayer, and simplicity that had flowered under St. Benedict. By studying the Cistercians and the early monastic tradition, you will discover how all contemplative persons-whether lay or religious-share in God's divine light through lives of prayer. As you join Merton on this journey, you great insight into contemplative spirituality, history, and the spiritual life.