Thomas Merton’s understanding of contemplation is rich and multifaceted, drawing from his deep engagement with Christian mysticism, particularly the monastic tradition, as well as his openness to Eastern spiritual practices. Let’s deep dive into who he was, what he did for the Contemplative Practice movement and then take a look at one of my favourite books, New seeds of Contemplation.

Merton: A Life Forged in Silence and Action

Thomas Merton, a figure who stands as a beacon of contemplative wisdom in the turbulent landscape of the 20th century, was far more than a simple monk. He was a writer, a theologian, a social critic, and a spiritual guide whose influence continues to resonate. His life, a compelling narrative of transformation, was a testament to the power of inner exploration and its profound impact on the world.

His journey began in France, in 1915, a life marked by the restlessness of a soul searching for its purpose. Merton’s early years were a tapestry of travel and intellectual curiosity, a period of navigating the complexities of a world on the brink of profound change. This search culminated in a pivotal moment of conversion to Catholicism while he resided in the vibrant, yet often isolating, metropolis of New York City. This profound shift in his spiritual compass led him, in 1941, to the austere walls of the Abbey of Gethsemani, a Trappist monastery nestled in the rolling hills of Kentucky. It was within these silent walls that Merton would spend the remainder of his life, a life dedicated to the pursuit of God and the exploration of the human soul.

The silence of the monastery, however, did not stifle Merton’s voice. Instead, it became the fertile ground for a prolific outpouring of literary work. His writings, spanning a vast spectrum of topics, from the intricacies of spiritual theology to the urgent cries for social justice, became a lifeline for a world grappling with existential questions. His autobiography, “The Seven Storey Mountain,” became an instant bestseller, captivating readers with its raw honesty and compelling narrative of spiritual awakening.

It was a book that introduced Merton’s personal quest to a global audience, making his spiritual insights accessible to those far beyond the monastery walls. Further works, such as “New Seeds of Contemplation,” delved into the very heart of contemplative prayer, exploring the depths of the human psyche and the elusive search for the authentic self.

Merton’s understanding of contemplation transcended the traditional monastic framework. He saw it not as a mere practice, but as a way of being – a state of profound presence, a direct encounter with God and the world around him. He emphasized the vital role of inner silence, self-awareness, and the relentless pursuit of one’s true identity. His writings, imbued with this deep understanding, played a crucial role in reviving interest in contemplative prayer, making it relevant and accessible to laypeople in a rapidly changing world. Furthermore, his open mind allowed him to find value in the wisdom of Eastern religions, integrating these insights into his own contemplative practices and writings, demonstrating a remarkable openness for his time.

His monastic life, however, was not one of isolation. Merton remained deeply engaged with the world, his voice a powerful force for social justice. He spoke out against the horrors of nuclear proliferation and the deep-seated injustices of racial discrimination, his social commentary rooted in the profound interconnectedness he perceived through his contemplative lens. He saw the world not as a collection of isolated entities, but as a unified whole, a tapestry woven together by divine love. Through his writings and his life, Thomas Merton demonstrated that contemplation and action are not mutually exclusive, but rather, two sides of the same coin, both essential for a life lived in truth and purpose.

Thomas Merton and the Heart of Contemplation

For Thomas Merton, contemplation was not merely a mental exercise, but a profound and transformative experience of encountering the living God. It was a journey into the depths of one’s being, a stripping away of the false self to discover the true self, which is found in union with the divine.

Contemplation is the highest expression of man’s intellectual and spiritual life. It is that life itself, fully awake, fully active, fully aware that it is alive. It is spiritual wonder. It is spontaneous awe at the sacredness of life, of being. It is gratitude for life, for awareness and for being. It is a vivid realization of the fact that life and being in us proceed from an invisible, transcendent and infinitely abundant Source. Contemplation is, above all, awareness of the reality of that Source – Merton in new seeds.

Key Elements of Merton’s Contemplative Vision:

• Beyond Rationality:
  • Merton emphasized that contemplation transcends the limitations of discursive reasoning. It is not about intellectual analysis, but about a direct, experiential awareness of God’s presence.
  • He saw it as “the highest expression of man’s intellectual and spiritual life,” yet it is a “spiritual wonder,” an “awe at the sacredness of life.”  
• The True Self:
  • A central theme in Merton’s thought is the distinction between the false self, the ego-driven persona we project to the world, and the true self, the image of God within us.  
  • Contemplation is the process of shedding the false self and discovering the true self, which is found in surrender to God’s love.
• The Importance of Silence:
  • Silence is essential for contemplation, not just the absence of noise, but an inner stillness that allows us to listen to the voice of God.  
  • Merton understood that in the silence, we can encounter the “Word of God” that transforms our darkness into light.  
• A Gift of God:
  • Merton stressed that contemplation is ultimately a gift from God, not something we can achieve through our own efforts.  
  • It is a grace that is bestowed upon those who open their hearts to God’s presence.  
• Contemplation and the World:
  • While contemplation involves withdrawal from the distractions of the world, it does not mean escaping from it.
  • For Merton, true contemplation leads to a deeper engagement with the world, a compassionate awareness of the suffering of others.
  • He also saw the importance of social justice, and that a contemplative life should lead to action in the world.  
• Inter-religious Dialogue:
  • Merton’s openness to Eastern spiritual traditions, particularly Zen Buddhism, enriched his understanding of contemplation.
  • He recognized the common ground between different contemplative paths, emphasizing the universal search for spiritual truth.

In essence:

Merton’s understanding of contemplation is a call to a deeper, more authentic way of being. It is a journey of self-discovery, a path to union with God, and a source of compassion for the world. His writings continue to inspire those who seek a more contemplative life in the midst of a busy and often chaotic world.

Thomas Merton’s perspective on contemplation highlights it as a transformative experience of encountering God beyond intellectual analysis. Central themes include the distinction between the false self and true self, the necessity of silence, and contemplation as a divine gift. Merton advocates for compassion and action in the world while embracing inter-religious dialogue.

New Seeds of Contemplation Book by Merton

Merton’s “New Seeds of Contemplation” explores the path to spiritual awakening and union with God. A modern day look at Thomas Merton and Contemplation shows us the deep importance of cultivating an inner contemplative life by recognizing the seeds of spiritual vitality present in everyday experiences. The book encourages readers to detach from the superficial self and embrace humility, poverty, and solitude to discover their true identity in Christ.

Merton contrasts genuine contemplation with false forms of mysticism, advocating for a faith that challenges complacency and embraces love, mercy, and selflessness. The text presents contemplation as a transformative experience that leads to a deeper understanding of God and a more profound connection with others in the Mystical Body of Christ. Ultimately, the book invites readers to participate in God’s cosmic dance by aligning their will with His and living a life of love and self-surrender. New Seeds of Contemplation” explores the nature of contemplation, its necessity for authentic Christian life, and the obstacles that prevent individuals from achieving union with God.

Merton emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, humility, solitude, and compassion as essential elements in the contemplative journey. He critiques false notions of self, the dangers of pride, and the illusion of separation from others, advocating for a life grounded in love, truth, and the will of God.

Main Themes and Ideas:

The Nature of Contemplation: Contemplation is not merely intellectual effort or self-hypnosis, but a religious and transcendent gift from God. “And so the contemplation of which I speak is a religious and transcendent gift.

It is not something to which we can attain alone, by intellectual effort, by perfecting our natural powers. It is not a kind of self-hypnosis, resulting from concentration…” It is the ordinary fulfillment of Christian life accessible to anyone. “It has no other end or ideal in view than what should be the ordinary fulfillment of the Christian life of grace, and therefore everything that is said here can be applied to anyone, not only in the monastery but also in the world.” Contemplation involves a real and experimental contact with God. “There exists some point at which I can meet God in a real and experimental contact with His infinite actuality.” It is the reason for our creation by God, the fulfillment of deep capacities in us.

“Contemplation, by which we know and love God as He is in Himself…is the reason for our creation by God.” The Importance of Self-Discovery:Sanctity involves discovering one’s true self. “For me to be a saint means to be myself. Therefore the problem of sanctity and salvation is in fact the problem of finding out who I am and of discovering my true self.” This true self is found in union with God, in receiving His Word and Spirit.

“My discovery of my identity begins and is perfected in these missions, because it is in them that God Himself, bearing in Himself the secret of who I am, begins to live in me not only as my Creator but as my other and true self.” Refusing God’s will is refusing one’s own existence. “To refuse them is to refuse everything; it is the refusal of my own existence and being: of my identity, my very self.” A modern day look at Thomas Merton and Contemplation would not be complete without a proper understanding of his identity and mission statement if you will.

Merton had a critique of the false self. He said that the “cogito ergo sum” is alien to contemplation, representing an alienated being. “Nothing could be more alien to contemplation than the cogito ergo sum of Descartes. ‘I think, therefore I am.’

Thomas Merton’s “New Seeds of Contemplation” is a profound exploration of the contemplative life, delving into the nature of God, self, and the path to spiritual awakening. Rather than a traditional, linear argument, the book unfolds as a series of reflections, inviting readers to engage in their own inner journey. Here’s a general overview of key themes and concepts:

Core Themes:

• The Nature of Contemplation:
  • Merton distinguishes contemplation from mere thought or meditation, emphasizing it as a deep, experiential awareness of God’s presence.
  • He portrays it as a state of being, a “dialogue of love” with God, rather than a set of techniques.
• The True Self vs. the False Self:
  • A central theme is the distinction between the “false self,” constructed by ego and societal pressures, and the “true self,” found in union with God.
  • Contemplation involves shedding the false self to discover one’s authentic identity.
• The Presence of God:
  • Merton stresses that God is not distant but present in every moment, within every person.
  • Contemplation is about awakening to this ever-present reality.
• Spiritual Awakening:
  • The book charts a path toward spiritual awakening, which involves a transformation of consciousness and a deeper understanding of reality.
  • This awakening is not always comfortable, and often involves periods of doubt and darkness.
• The importance of “Seeds”:
  • Merton uses the metaphor of “seeds” to explain how every moment of our lives “plants something in our soul.”
  • In this Contemplation is about how to nurture the good seeds, and to be aware of the seeds that are being planted.

Conclusion

Thomas Merton, a significant 20th-century figure, explored the depths of contemplation, emphasizing inner silence, self-discovery, and union with God. His works, particularly “New Seeds of Contemplation,” advocate for genuine spiritual awakening, forming a bridge between contemplation and social action, encouraging compassion and awareness in addressing global injustices. We hope you enjoyed A modern day look at Thomas Merton and Contemplation and check out our talks and videos on Contemplation and Contemplative Practice as well as the Book, The Power of Contemplative Intelligence, by Mark L Lockwood.