Thomas Merton recognized the value and possibility of contemplative dialogue between monastics and contemplatives of other religious traditions and hoped that, through such dialogue, monastics would strive for ‘inter-monastic communion’ and a bonding of the broader ‘spiritual family.’ He held out hope that this bond would demonstrate the fundamental unity of humanity to a world that was becoming ever more materialistic and divided.
Among other themes and topics, this book explores Thomas Merton’s role as a pioneer of Buddhist-Christian dialogue and monastic interreligious dialogue. It delves into the process of Merton’s self-transformation through contemplative experiences, explores his encounter with Zen and Tibetan Buddhists and his pioneering engagements in Buddhist-Christian dialogue, and presents and responds to the criticisms of those who raise questions about Merton’s understanding of Buddhism.
Fr. Jaechan Anselmo Park, OSB, articulates and analyzes the influences of Buddhist theory and practice on Thomas Merton’s contemplative spirituality and shows how Merton’s legacy has influenced and continues to inspire interreligious and inter-monastic dialogue, particularly in an Asian monastic context.
Industry Reviews
"Jaechan Anselmo Park has gifted us with a carefully written, well-organized exploration of Thomas Merton's understanding of inner experience, interreligious dialogue, and inter-monastic/inter-contemplative dialogue. His detailed exploration of Merton's legacy concerning these matters establishes a context for considering the future of inter-monastic exchange and contemplative dialogue in Asia, and more specifically, Korea. Thomas Merton's Encounter with Buddhism clearly describes each of the topics that are explored, providing a historical overview and a critical analysis, drawing from well-recognized Merton scholars. Park makes extensive use of the books and journals of Merton, demonstrating both a familiarity and a critical knowledge of these works. He carefully—and this is much appreciated—repairs the exclusive language found in the older texts. Whether readers have an interest in the work of Thomas Merton, interreligious dialogue, orinter-monastic discourse, they will find this book to be an essential companion."Dennis Patrick O'Hara, St. Michael's College, University of Toronto
