Book Review
February 10, 2010 Thomas Merton's "Dialogues with Silence"
By Mira Kingsley
The true contemplative is not one who prepares his mind for a particular message that he wants or expects to hear, but is one who remains empty because he knows that he can never expect to anticipate the words that will transform his darkness into light. He does not even anticipate a special kind of transformation. He does not demand light instead of darkness. He waits on the word of God in silence, and, when he is 'answered,' it is not so much by a word that bursts into silence. It is by his silence itself, suddenly, inexplicably revealing itself to him as a word of great power, full of the voice of God.”
Click image for Amazon.com book detailsAmerican Trappist Monk, Thomas Merton (1915-1968), dedicated his life to the patient and passionate search for God. His mystical journey took place almost entirely within the enclosed walls of the Abbey of Gethsemani. Located near Bardstown, Kentucky, he lived there in silent retreat for more than 20 years. Most spiritual practitioners know of this master contemplative through his numerous writings. They chronicle his spiritual practice, relationship to silence and interest in other faiths, especially Zen Buddhism. However, it’s rarely known that he was also a visual artist.
“Dialogues with Silence” pairs Merton’s exquisitely humble Eastern style drawings with a compilation of some of his most moving prayers. The black and white paintings never consist of more than a few rough brush strokes but they resonate with complex and deep feeling. The loving portraits illuminate his fellow monks and nuns, his beloved Abbey, and the Holy figures of Jesus and Mary. The illustrations serve as meditative partners to his powerful contemplations. Together, they call attention to the fact that our ordinary, everyday surroundings can become extraordinary when given careful consideration. This book provides a perfect refresher in between mediation sessions during retreat or in your daily life. Open it up to any page and receive its blessing.