Editorial Review

In 1941, a brilliant, good-looking young man decided to give up a promising literary career in New York to enter a monastery in Kentucky, from where he proceeded to become one of the most influential writers of this century. Talk about losing your life in order to find it. Thomas Merton's first book, Read more

Reviews (80)

The Call of the Wild
This story of youthful conversion strangely remains the most famous of Merton books, and is usually called a "classic spiritual autobiography"though it is really neither.Which is not to say it lacks value; it is evident that decades after publication it retains its original power for many.Doubtless its status owes a lot to its partial inarticulateness, and the obvious youth of its subject.Others at about the same stage of life may justly understand it and prize those qualities, and gloss over its faults. It has a certain unabashed personal quality that cannot be faked.
Rich in detail and compelling in plot, Thomas Merton's life makes for a stellar read.
Upon reading the spiritual autobiography of Thomas Merton, the immediate details of his life that boldly jutted out and painted the overall portrait of the man was his controlled yet cyclonic whirlwind of pell-mell inconsistency and the overall amorphousness of his ever evolving life up into manhood.
Interesting, inspiring, & thoughtful
I'm not a Catholic and knew nothing of Thomas Merton, but came across this book by following links of "customers who bought this, also bought..." and by reading Amazon reviews.I was not disappointed.Reading like a novel at times, this book is an autobiography of a faith.I was very impressed with the author's search for a faith, his many trials and searches in the wrong place, and his determination to find somthing "bigger than himself."This book written over 50 years ago is dated in ways by theology and politics that seem out of place now; however, the overall impact of Merton's search is well worth the effort to read.This book is for someone who is searching for a deep quiet faith -- one that is found through searching, reading, praying and worshiping quietly and individually.
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Subjects:  1. 1915-1968    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Christianity - Catholicism    6. Inspirational - Catholic    7. Merton, Thomas,    8. Monasticism    9. Religion    10. Religious    11. Trappists    12. United States   

Reviews (4)

Elegant!
Seeking God is an elegant, insightful, and extremely valuable treatment of the spirituality inherent in St. Benedict's Rule. The further into the book I read, the better I realized it was. Again and again I was impressed withthe wisdom and psychological astuteness of the Rule as deWaal explained it.Benedict's way of moderation, humility, and balance, as interpreted bydeWaal, seems one of the wisest and healthiest examples of Christianthinking that I have encountered. It is an excellent antidote to theregrettable tendency of some to want to separate body from soul and thematerial world from the spiritual world; Benedictine spirituality insteadbalances and integrates them!

Seeking God at Home
"Seeking God" helped bring "The Rule of St. Benedict" into focus for me, enabling me to see clearly the wisdom of Benedict's vision for our day. For two other books that explore Benedictine wisdom for parents, look for "The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home" and "The Christian Family Toolbox: 52 Benedictine Activities for the Home", both by David Robinson (New York: Crossroad,2000 and 2001). Benedict still speaks relevantly and prophetically in our day!

Excellent in terms of spirituality and guidance.
The author was recommended to me both by my spiritual director and by a monastic.I see why.It is written simply and directly.It does not drip religiousity nor is it so esoteric that one becomes stalled in frustration. Instead, de Waal relates the Rule of St. Benedict to life in the worldtoday.She does not compromise the Rule nor interpose her own"doctrine"- she draws from a great knowledge of writers of theBenedictine tradition from the past to the present, couples that with herexperience as a wife and mother, presenting a straight forward discussionof the Rule, how it is of help to the Christian of today, and how it may beapplied in the life of the individual who is seeking a rule for his or herown life.Her tradition is Anglican but one does not sense anintrusiveness- rather a calm, rational, feet on the floor contemplativeguide which opens the door to further spiritual growth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Benedict,    2. Christian Life    3. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    4. Institutions & Organizations    5. Monasticism    6. Monasticism and religious orde    7. Regula    8. Religion    9. Religion - Worship - Liturgy    10. Religious    11. Rules    12. Saint, Abbot of Monte Cassino    13. Specific Religious Congregations And Orders    14. Benedict   

Reviews (21)

Hard to Fathom

A Wonderful Look into the Monastic World of the Sixties
As a religious, I found this book particularly interesting.Although I am not part of a monastic order (in the strict sense), I can appreciate the similarities that are shared in all aspects of Roman Catholic religious life.From the description of the community interaction - relatively little for the Carthusians - to the use of terms of the day-to-day living of professed life; this is a well-researched and written book.
Realistic portrayal
I got this book a few days ago and read it through in a sitting.It is a chronicle of 5 young men who enter the carthusian order in England back in the early 1960's.We first meet each one as he prepares to ring the bell to the monastery to begin his postulancy.We are then taken through the years of novitiate and temporary vows.The question always is: who will leave and who will stay?The carthusian way of life is not for the faint of heart:It is intense, with lots and lots of solitude.There is plenty of room for petty annoyances to get blown out of proportion.My own personal favorite vignette/comment was the young man who thought he would never be able to learn the complex, atonal polyphonic chant -- only to discover that it was simply that the monks were offkey and not able to stay together in the singing.Personally, I found that charming.As to the nightmares -- Actually, I spent a few years in a monastic order in the mid-1960s, and have continued to dream of the monastery and the nuns at least every few months.However, no nightmares -- just friendly revisiting.I think it is such a focussed, intense life that it is absolutely formative and leaves a permanent stamp on a person.Generally, the stamp is a positive one.It helps keep things in perspective and certainly makes one a more compassionate person.I recommend this book highly.It is an honest, no holds barred, look at this life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Carthusians    3. Christianity - Ritual & Practice    4. England    5. General    6. Monasticism    7. Religion    8. Religious    9. Religious Congregations And Orders    10. St. Hugh's Charterhouse (West Sussex, England)    11. West Sussex    12. Religious life & practice   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - Catholic    2. Church history    3. Cluny    4. Cluny (Benedictine abbey)    5. Cluny (France)    6. France    7. Institutions & Organizations    8. Monastic and religious life    9. Monasticism    10. Religion    11. Religion - Classic Works    12. Religion / Monasticism   

Editorial Review

The renowned Trappist monk Thomas Merton wrote Read more

Reviews (18)

Contemplative, Spiritual Thoughts
The first thing that struck me when receiving this book in the mail was its small pocket/travel size. The physical size should not fool the reader, however.Like the book itself, the pithy sentences and chapters carry weighty clout within the interior of thought.
Never Alone
Written in a monastery tool shed, this enduringly popular book is a stream-of-consciousness series of meditations on the value and meaning of solitude. According to Merton, true solitude is not solipsistic, but rather a search for the mercy of God and a foundation for genuine (that is, loving and truthful) relationships.
Good or fair? Depends
This is by no means a light reading. Let's read the first four paragraphs of Chapter XVIII. Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic authors    2. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    3. Merton, Thomas, 1915-1968    4. Monasticism    5. Religion    6. Religion - Classic Works    7. Solitude    8. Spiritual life    9. Spirituality - General   

Reviews (4)

This book doesn't do what it says on the label.
This book doesn't do what it says on the label. It is not a practical, hands-on, guide to Benedictine spirituality for lay people. It is more a guide book, background, history and explanation for those people on their way to becoming lay oblates with a particular Benedictine Monastery. It would be extremely useful for someone taking formal steps of becoming an oblate, and would perhaps help them explain what being an oblate entails to friends and family. What itwon't do is give clear guidance and advice on implementing the Rule of Benedict in everyday life. It doesn't tell you how to *live* as a monastic in the world. More, it tells you how to become formally associated with a monastery and what this might entail.

lay monasticism
The title leads one to believe that this is as hands-on as Beyond the Walls, by Paul Wilkes, or The Inner Room, by Mark Plaiss.This book is more of a history and discussion of the Benedictines, and less a practical guide to incorporating Benedictine monasticism into everyday life.

Doubts Dispelled
I wanted to follow Christ under the umbrella of the Rules of Benedict. This book answered all the questions I had about what would be expected of me as an Oblate. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Benedictines    2. Inspirational - Catholic    3. Institutions & Organizations    4. Monasticism    5. Religion    6. Religion - Classic Works    7. Spiritual life    8. Third orders    9. Religious communities & monasticism   

Reviews (1)

Monastic Daily Prayers
I should qualify my review by saying that I regularly go to retreats at the Convent of St. Helena in Augusta, so I have an image in my head of the service as I use this book.I also have a slightly different edition, the monastic edition.
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Subjects:  1. Anglican Communion    2. Breviaries    3. Christianity - Episcopalianism    4. Devotional    5. English    6. Liturgy    7. Monastic and religious orders for women    8. Monasticism    9. Prayer-books and devotions    10. Religion    11. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    12. Texts    13. Christian theology   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Institutions & Organizations    3. Monastic and religious life    4. Monasticism    5. Religion    6. Religious communities & monasticism   

Reviews (6)

Thoughts Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life
This is an excelent book for those well along the path of Christian spirituality.It is not intended for the beginner but for those who are seeking a deeper relationship with God and a more intense practice of Christian spirituality.It has many eye-opening passages.I found it very helpful during a time of spiritual renewal.

Best capsule course in ascetic theology I have seen
Based on the classic ascetic practises of the patristic era, and on their application in the Rule of Benedict, this book sets forth clear, solid, far-reaching insights which would enrich the life of anyone seeking to grow in the spiritual life. Spiritual insights in plain English!
This plainly written book can help you overcome the daily struggles that prevent you from developing a strong relationship with God.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cassian, John,    2. Catholic Church    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Deadly sins    5. Devotional    6. Doctrines    7. Monasticism    8. Mysticism    9. Religion    10. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    11. Spiritual life    12. Cassian, John    13. Christian communities & monasticism    14. Christian life & practice    15. Christian mysticism    16. Religion & Beliefs   

Reviews (14)

A LIFE-CHANGING BOOK!
Reading this book has been one of the most beautiful gifts that a human being
Absolutely Amazing!
Padre Pio is a modern day saint. With the exception of Mother Teresa, no other person in the religious life has commanded so much respect in recent times.Rather than focusing on the controversies, Renzo Allegri focus on the man in Padre Pio: Man of Hope.It is truly an inspiring read.
Execellent book!
Although I have not read another book on Saint Padre Pio I highly recommend this one. It tells the story of his life clearly and even tells the torments he suffered from the Church he loved.
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Subjects:  1. 1887-1968    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Capuchins    5. Christianity - History - Catholic    6. General    7. Italy    8. Monasticism    9. Pio,    10. Religion    11. Religious    12. of Pietrelcina, Saint,    13. Pio   

Reviews (6)

The Rule of Benedict for Beginners.
This is a brief, well written and organized book on the application of the Rule of Benedict to everyday life and work.It is a perfect book for "beginners," by which it is meant serious practicing religious and spiritual laypersons that "begin" at each moment, here and now and, practice attending to every activity with the same degree of gratitude and devotion.This is a book that can and must be read more than once and has applications for individual practice as well as group study.I recommend it highly to helping professionals.

Not just for Catholics and wannabe Benedictines
While this book obviously has a role as a guide for Catholics wanting to develop a Benedictine spirituality in their life, there is a tremendous amount here that would be useful for anyone looking for new ways to overcome the petty distractions in life, and to get more out of both work and play. The foundation of the book may be the lives of Benedictine monks, but what they've learned over the centuries can be useful to all of us.
Living the Rule apart from a monastery
Of all the books about living the Rule of St. Benedict as a lay person, I think this one is the best. Though not lengthy, it takes time to read and to ponder. If you're wondering about whether Western monastic principles might help you live your own life, outside a monastery, this gem is for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Benedict,    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Inspirational - Catholic    5. Monasticism    6. Regula    7. Religion    8. Religion - Classic Works    9. Saint, Abbot of Monte Cassino    10. Saint, Abbot of Monte Cassino.    11. Spiritual life    12. Spirituality - General    13. Benedict    14. Christian spirituality   

Reviews (8)

Illuminated Life:Monastic Wisdom for Seeker of Light
I ordered this for a Sister (nun) who lives at the Assisted Living facility where I work.
A wonderful little book of meditations
I admit it, I am a fan of Joan Chittister. And I am a fan of my autographed copy of this book. It's on my night table right now, and I am in the midst of my 3rd read-through. Now that I've explained my own prejudices... a must for spiritual seekers
I don't believe that the reviews here do justice to this profound work.I have read many books on the spiritual search and this is one of the best.I have lately been struggling with what prayer means and her chapter on prayer is the best I've ever read. It is a refreshing antidote to the books that say prayer, and God, for that matter, are a means to personal power and things going your way. Joan Chittister is a wise woman, steeped in years of the contemplative tradition, and in this book she shares the fruits of her wisdom.She illuminates all of us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Catholic authors    3. Christian Life    4. Christianity - Catholicism    5. Christianity - Christian Life - General    6. Inspirational - Catholic    7. Monastic and religious life    8. Monasticism    9. Religion    10. Religion - Classic Works    11. Roman Catholic Church    12. Spiritual life    13. Christian communities & monasticism    14. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    15. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church   

Editorial Review

In the tradition of Thomas Merton, Kathleen Norris gives us an intimate look at how religious life fills a gap in the soul. Her poetic sensibilities internalize the monastery as a symbol of spirituality, with its sanctity and humor, questioning and uncertainty, rhythm and vigor. Beyond moral precepts and Bible stories, Read more

Reviews (54)

Mertonian in Character
Folks, I've been listening to the audio version of _The Cloister Walk_, by Kathleen Norris and I have to say that I like what I am hearing. The Cloister Walk
If you liked Kathleen Norris' Amazing Grace you will love The Cloister Walk.It is a beautiful personal narrative of her faith journey as well as a journal about writing poetry.She uses such beautiful metaphoric language.A joy to read.

Five stars doesn't do justice to this book.
First of all, after reading a few of the reviews of this book here in amazon, I have to wonder: are you reading the same book the rest of us are?
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Inspirational - Catholic    4. Monastic and religious life    5. Monasticism    6. Religion    7. Religion - Classic Works    8. Spiritual life    9. Religion / Christianity    10. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (17)

Read for class
I had to read this for class. Not great literature, one may even say that it is bad. It is more of a diary about Zen buddism. I would bet that there are better books out there about Zen that are better.

A humorous, grouchy, true story
In the summer of 1958 Janwillem van de Wetering showed up at the door of a Zen monastery in Kyoto Japan, knowing pretty much no one, not speaking the language, and without a really good idea what he was doing there. This book describes, with a certain amount of humor and what seems to be quite a bit of honesty, the months that followed (interlaced with Zen stories that he heard during those months, including some that I hadn't heard anywhere else before; I like Zen stories).
how many books have been written about my 'trip to zen'?
too many - this is one of the first and is the BEST. period. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Buddhism - General    3. Buddhism - Zen    4. Japan    5. Monastic and religious life (Z    6. Monastic and religious life (Zen Buddhism)    7. Monasticism    8. Religion    9. Religious    10. Zen Buddhism   

Reviews (4)

Read Wisdom From The Monastery Instead Of This Book
I purchased "Wisdom From The Monastery". WFTM covers a lot compared to this book. Reading WFTM, one could start a program for himself. This books is like use and throw product. WFTM is like reading a book, keeping it in the shelf. Reading again and again.
Monastic awareness
This book really helped give me an insight into monastic life and the discipline required to participate on a lay basis.I particularly enjoyed the chapters about Faith and Prayer.I highly recommend this book for all those attracted to the idea of carrying out a "retreat" and for those seeking a deeper involvement in their own spiritual development.I read the book in a few days.

The Story of One Man's Journey
Take it for what it is.THE INNER ROOM is the story of one man's faith journey into Christianity, through Protestantism, moving to Catholicism, and finally finding a home as a lay person who practices Benedictine spirituality.The story is easy to read, honest, interesting.Those on a similar journey will resonate deeply with this book.Those curious about what it is to be a lay person in a monastery, may enjoy the book, but should remember it is only one's man's perspective.Those who are already negatively prejudiced about the direction Plaiss' journey has taken him should try to read the book with an open mind.
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Subjects:  1. Catholic Church    2. Institutions & Organizations    3. Laity    4. Monastic and religious life    5. Monasticism    6. Religion    7. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    8. Religious life    9. Spiritual life    10. Spirituality - General   

Reviews (4)

NOT WHAT IWANTED ON THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT
Thisbook was not helpful for living the spirit of the rule of St. Benedict. It would probably be good as a referene book

A very good book...
A must for a Christian spirituality library.. Anyone studying Christianity would be remiss not to include the study of Benedictine spirituality:lectio divina, praying the psalms.. Many modern Christian how to books may be trendy (but transient), Benedictine spirituality endures...
Listen!
The Benedictine Handbook is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in spiritual development, particularly through the Benedictine tradition and practice.Edited by Anthony Marett-Crosby OSB, it includes authors who are both 'full-time' Benedictines (i.e., residential Benedictines in monastic communites) and part-time, oblate Benedictines.Some are names that will be well known to the readers of spiritual literature (Kathleen Norris, Esther De Waal), and others, while lesser known, are no less skilled in their appointed tasks for this text. Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Catholicism    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. Devotional    4. Institutions & Organizations    5. Monasticism    6. Reference    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church Life   

Reviews (3)

inspirational work of art
I thoroughly loved this book, particularly the wonderful commentary.I found myself drawn to their lives and craving to learn more about the ammas.Also the historical perspective of the ever evolving role of women in catholicism was evident and insightful. I also found the dictionary in the back very helpful.

Buy it for the sayings of the Ammas
The sayings of the desert mothers (the Ammas) are worth the purchase of the book. They are starkly beautiful and fresh.However, Laura Swan's commentary is predictable, dull and full of religious jargon and psychological cliche. Often the commentary loses sight of a particular Amma's "saying" entirely. Swan has a knack for missing the humor or irony in many of the sayings. I soon gave up reading Swan and simply read the Ammas' sayings -- and was more than rewarded.

Fascinating introduction to little-known women
This is a wonderful resource book for anyone interested in the history of spirituality.We have heard about the desert fathers, but here is a well-documented, readable, sometimes quirky look at their female counterparts.Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiquities & Archaeology    2. Christianity - History - General    3. Early church, ca. 30-600    4. History    5. Monastic and religious life of    6. Monastic and religious life of women    7. Monasticism    8. Religion    9. Religion - Church History    10. Christian theology    11. Women's studies   

Reviews (5)

The Medieval World
Medieval Monasticism is a scholarly book, which keeps the readers interest and it flows well. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in looking at the Medieval Ages from another point of view, enjoys learning about the different church orders, or mere someone finds the Medieval World confusing. I am a medieval history student, who enjoys learning about the military order and wanted to learn a bit more about monasticism as a whole and this book gives a great overview. A word of caution, this is a scholarly book and not a narrative. So, be prepared to learn.

College Textbook on Monastacism
C.H. Lawrence is Professor Emeritus of Medieval History at the University of London and has authored this textbook on monasticism from roughly 200 A.D. to 1300 A.D.It's basically what you'd expect from a history textbook that covers over 1000 years:it hits the highlights, shows the major trends, and briefly explains why certain persons, intitutions, etc. are important.
Comprehensive work, but wheres St. Patrick?
This book sets out to provide a general overview of medieval monasticism.Starting with it's development in the 3rd Century in the Middle East, Lawrence describes it's early forms, such as strict adherence to ascetism,cenobitism or a combination, and key founders such as Pachomius and Basil.He then traces its spread westward and the explosion of monasticism that occurred shortly after Benedict wrote his Rule for monastic life.From here he touches on Irish monasticism, though perhaps not as thoroughly as warranted, as well as Columbanus and his work in Gaul with the Merovingians.Interestingly, he mentions St. Patrick only briefly and, to me, massively understates Patrick's role in founding the Celtic church and subsequent Irish Monasticism.Perhaps a bit of English bias?To continue, Lawrence examines the founding and influence of Cluny as the first "restoration of Benedictine life" as well as its decline and how it was eventually eclipsed by the Cistercians and subsequently the Friars, each of which also claimed to be getting back to the roots of Benedict's Rule. Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Institutions & Organizations    6. Medieval    7. Medieval Church (476-1517)    8. Middle Ages, 600-1500    9. Monasticism    10. Monasticism and religious orde    11. Monasticism and religious orders    12. Religion    13. Religious Congregations And Orders    14. Christianity    15. Europe    16. European history: c 500 to c 1500    17. History / General    18. Religious communities & monasticism    19. Religious life & practice    20. c 1000 CE to c 1500