On Eastern meditation

By Thomas Merton

Book Description

Thomas Merton's spiritual journey took an unexpected turn when he began exploring the profound wisdom traditions of Asia, moving beyond his Christian monastic roots to engage with Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. This collection reveals how one of America's most influential spiritual writers discovered common ground between Eastern and Western contemplative practices.

Beginning with his admiration for Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence, Merton's exploration deepened through encounters with sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and meaningful exchanges with spiritual luminaries including the Dalai Lama and Zen master Daisetz Suzuki. His interpretations of Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu and reflections from his Asian travels demonstrate a mind genuinely open to learning from diverse spiritual traditions.

Through poems, essays, dialogues, and personal journal entries, readers witness Merton's authentic engagement with Eastern theological concepts while maintaining his own contemplative foundation. His approach offers neither superficial appropriation nor rigid dogma, but rather thoughtful dialogue between different paths to spiritual understanding.

For those curious about how Eastern wisdom can inform Western spiritual practice, Merton serves as an ideal guide. His writings bridge cultural and religious divides, showing how genuine spiritual seeking transcends traditional boundaries. This compilation provides accessible entry into both Merton's evolving spiritual perspective and the timeless insights of Asian contemplative traditions.