About The Thomas Merton Vihara
About Merton's Journey
Welcome to "The Thomas Merton Vihara"—a site dedicated to exploring the deep and transformative relationship between one of the most profound Christian mystics of the 20th century and the ancient wisdom of Buddhism.
Who Was Thomas Merton?
Thomas Merton (1915–1968) was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, and mystic. Merton's journey to spiritual depth and enlightenment was deeply influenced by his study of Eastern philosophies, particularly Buddhism. Throughout his life, he sought to bridge the gap between Western Christian mysticism and Eastern spiritual traditions, discovering points of convergence that transcended religious boundaries.
Merton's Encounter with Buddhism
Merton first encountered Buddhism in the 1950s, when he was introduced to Zen and other forms of Eastern thought. His spiritual journey expanded further during a trip to Asia in 1968, where he met with Buddhist monks and scholars, and began integrating Buddhist principles into his understanding of prayer, meditation, and human interconnectedness.
He found that many Buddhist teachings resonated with his Christian contemplative practices—especially the emphasis on mindfulness, non-attachment, and the search for the true self. Merton's writings from this period reflect a growing understanding of the common ground shared between Christian mysticism and Buddhist philosophy.
Key Themes in Merton’s Buddhist Influence
- Contemplative Prayer and Meditation: Merton integrated Buddhist meditation practices, particularly Zen, into his Christian contemplative tradition. He believed that both traditions sought an encounter with the divine, not through intellectual understanding but through direct experience.
- Interfaith Dialogue: Merton was a pioneer of interfaith dialogue, seeking a shared path between Christianity and Buddhism. He advocated for a respectful, open-minded approach, promoting spiritual unity across traditions.
- The Search for Inner Peace: Merton often spoke of inner peace as being essential to the spiritual life. His exploration of Buddhist teachings deepened his understanding of non-duality and the importance of inner stillness.
- The Not-Self (Anatta) and Christian Mysticism: Merton's engagement with the Buddhist concept of "Anatta" or "not-self" allowed him to reflect on the Christian notion of self-emptying or kenosis. This exploration of the self helped him to delve into the core of human experience and divine presence.
Selected Works and Writings
- The Way of Chuang Tzu – A collection of Merton's reflections on Taoist and Buddhist teachings.
- Mystics and Zen Masters – A groundbreaking work where Merton explores the similarities between Christian mysticism and Zen Buddhist meditation practices.
- The Asian Journal of Thomas Merton – Merton's spiritual diary during his1968 trip to Asia, where he engaged in deep conversations with Buddhist monks and scholars.
Why Merton's Journey Matters
Merton’s dialogue with Buddhism offers us a compelling model of spiritual openness and curiosity. His work continues to inspire individuals from diverse religious backgrounds to explore the intersections of wisdom traditions and to embrace the universal pursuit of truth, compassion, and inner peace.
Explore this site to learn more about the influence of Buddhism on Merton’s life and writing, discover his key texts, and reflect on how his teachings resonate with modern spiritual seekers.
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About the Thomas Merton Vihara
About the Author
Michael Roe is a Refugee Chaplain, family and immigration lawyer, and graduate of the University of Notre Dame and USD Law School (Catholic/Jesuit). As a Thai Forest samanera, he taught English to Karen refugees in Chiang Mai Thailand. He continues his involvement with NGO work in Chiang Mai and Mae Sot Thailand for the benefit of refugees from the Burma genocide.
The Thomas Merton Vihara
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