Title: The Seven Storey Mountain
Author: Thomas Merton
First published January 1, 1948
467 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780156010863 (ISBN10: 0156010860)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
Thomas Merton’s The Seven Storey Mountain is an unforgettable memoir of a young man’s search for meaning, peace, and faith. With a restless heart and a brilliant mind, Merton takes the reader on a journey through his early years, his worldly pursuits, and his ultimate decision to join the Trappist monks.
At the Abbey of Gethsemani, Merton grapples with his inner demons, seeking to find solace and freedom within the confines of the monastery’s walls. This spiritual autobiography is a testament to the transformative power of faith and has touched the lives of millions of readers worldwide.
Translated into over twenty languages, The Seven Storey Mountain continues to inspire and captivate readers with its profound insights, honest reflections, and timeless message of hope.
About the Author
Thomas Merton is a name that continues to resonate with many people, even after his death. He was a Catholic author who had a significant impact on the 20th century.
Merton was a Trappist monk who resided in the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, which is situated in the state of Kentucky in the United States. He was known for his exceptional writing skills, and he wrote on a wide range of topics, including spirituality, poetry, and social activism.
He authored over 60 books, numerous essays, and reviews that continue to inspire readers today. His life has been the subject of many biographies, and people continue to be fascinated by his work.
Merton believed in inter-religious dialogue, and he engaged in spiritual conversations with influential figures like the Dalai Lama XIV, Thich Nhat Hanh, and poets. Unfortunately, his life was cut short at the age of 53 when he was electrocuted while stepping out of his bath.
His death was a tragic loss, but his legacy continues to live on, and he remains an influential figure in the Catholic Church and beyond.
Editoral Review
The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton is a spiritual autobiography that was first published in 1948. Merton was a Trappist monk, theologian, and writer who became well-known for his works on spirituality and social justice.
The Seven Storey Mountain is considered a classic in the genre of spiritual autobiographies and has been widely read and discussed for over seven decades. The book chronicles Merton’s journey from a comfortable and privileged life in America to a monastic life of prayer and contemplation.
Merton’s quest for inner peace and spiritual fulfillment takes him through different countries, different religions and philosophies, and different experiences of love and loss. The book is divided into ten chapters, each representing a stage in Merton’s spiritual development, from his childhood in France to his conversion to Catholicism, his entry into the monastery, and his growing understanding of the monastic life.
The Seven Storey Mountain is a deeply personal and honest account of Merton’s search for meaning and purpose, and his encounter with God. Merton’s prose is vivid and immersive, and his descriptions of nature, art, music, and literature are lyrical and evocative.
The book is also a valuable historical document, as it presents a vivid picture of America and Europe during and after World War II, and the cultural and intellectual debates of the time. Merton’s portrayal of his characters is nuanced and compassionate.
He is especially adept at conveying the inner struggles and doubts of his fellow monks, and the challenges of living in community. Merton’s portrayal of the monastery as a place of both refuge and discipline, of both joy and pain, is both realistic and inspiring.
One of the strengths of The Seven Storey Mountain is its clarity and simplicity. Merton eschews intellectual jargon and elaboration, and instead focuses on the essentials of the spiritual life.
He presents a compelling vision of the monastic life as a path to inner freedom, wholeness, and union with God. The book is also notable for its interfaith perspective, as Merton draws on the wisdom of different traditions, including Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Sufism, to enrich his understanding of Christian spirituality.
However, The Seven Storey Mountain is not without its flaws. Some readers may find Merton’s prose too dense or verbose, or his theology too narrow or dogmatic.
Others may criticize Merton’s portrayal of women, who are largely invisible or marginal in the book. Finally, some may argue that Merton’s brand of spirituality is too individualistic, and does not adequately address the social and political issues of the time.
Nevertheless, The Seven Storey Mountain is a powerful and inspiring book that deserves to be read and re-read. For readers who are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves, their faith, and their place in the world, this book is a valuable resource.
For readers who are interested in the history of spirituality, religious life, or intellectual life in the mid-twentieth century, this book is an essential text. The Seven Storey Mountain is a timeless classic of spiritual literature, and a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to journey deeper into the mystery of life.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
