Thomas Mertons Encounter with Buddhism and Beyond

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 Mertons role as a pioneer of Buddhist-Christian dialogue and monastic interreligious dialogue. It delves into the process of Mertons 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 Mertons understanding of Buddhism. Fr. Jaechan Anselmo Park, OSB, articulates and analyzes the influences of Buddhist theory and practice on Thomas Mertons contemplative spirituality and shows how Mertons legacy has influenced and continues to inspire interreligious and inter-monastic dialogue, particularly in an Asian monastic context.