Merton & Hesychasm: The Prayer of the Heart & the Eastern Church (1) (The Fons Vitae Thomas Merton Series)

A groundbreaking work that introduces the West to Eastern Christian spirituality through the "lens" of Thomas Merton--to the "Prayer of the Heart"--as practiced from the time of the Desert Fathers. Following the best-seller, Merton and Sufism: the Untold Story, a complete compendium of materials revealing the king of spiritual nourishment Merton gained from Islam and his profound friendship with the Muslims, Merton and Hesychasm: The Prayer of the Heart brings to light what inspired the monk's captivation with the Oriental mystic tradition. Among the riches presented are: Key explanatory essays by Oxford's Bishop Kallistos Ware (translator of the Philokalia) on this spiritual methodology, including "Praying with the Body"; illuminating writings on the subject by other authorities such as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, and a transcription of Merton's lectures on the Prayer of the Heart delivered at Gethsemani. Edited by Jonathan Montaldo, president of the International Thomas Merton Society and author of extensive works on Merton including The Intimate Merton.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1887752455
• ISBN13: 9781887752459
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Fons Vitae
• Length: 507 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.5" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

A gem for deeper prayer life

This is one of the best books for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Eastern Orthodox approach to reality, the Holy Trinity, and themselves, along with the strong connection to the life and writings of Thomas Merton. The contributors to this fine collection include Bishop Kallistos Ware, James Cutsinger, A.M. Allchin, Rowan Williams and many many other fine writers on the spiritual life. In fact, "The Power of the Name", the not too easy to find introduction to the Jesus Prayer by Bishop Kallistos Ware, is included as a chapter, alone worth the modest price of this thick book. This is also an excellent introduction to Thomas Merton and his connection to the fathers from the East. This is one of the best books on the subject around! Amazingly detailed. Contents of some of the chapters: 1. How do we enter the heart? Kallistos Ware 2. Silence in prayer: the meaning of hesychia Ware 3. The power of the Name Ware 4. The Ladder of divine ascent: the yoga of hesychism Custinger 5. A sufic perspec6tive on St. Seraphim of Sarov Gary Henry 6. Merton and the eastern fathers: the worship of the whole creation Allchin 7. Our lives, a powerful Pentecost: Merton and Russian spirituality Allchin 8. Merton and the Xpian East 9. Merton and Icons Jim Forest 10. Merton and Evdokimov PLUS 21 other chapters, all of strong erudition and scholarship. Very nourishing for mind and soul.