A retreat exploring the spiritual teachings of Thomas Merton. An emphasis will be given to Merton's insights into the contemplative path along which we learn to live in habitual awareness of God's presence. The retreat will include periods for group meditation, personal reflection and discussion of the themes presented.
(Note: the conferences James Finley shares in this retreat closely follow the conferences in his audio series titled The Path to the Palace of Nowhere, published by Sounds True.)
The topics covered in the conferences include:
A Brief biographical sketch of Merton's life: The guiding principles of his teachings.
Developing a Contemplative World View: How life looks through awakened eyes.
Humility as a Path of self-transformation.
The nature and practice of contemplative prayer.
The journey from the false self to the true self.
Themes of social justice, and dialogue with Zen and other non-Christian contemplative traditions.
Suggested Reading
Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation
No Man is an Island
Disputed Questions
The Sign of Jonas
Mystics and Zen Masters James Finley, Merton's Palace of Nowhere
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