No Man Is an Island (original: 1955; edição: 2003)

Here, in one of his most popular of his more than thirty books, Thomas Merton provides further meditations on the spiritual life in sixteen thoughtful essays, beginning with his classic treatise "Love Can Be Kept Only by Being Given Away." This sequel to Seeds of Contemplation provides fresh insight into Merton's favorite topics of silence and solitude, while also underscoring the importance of community and the deep connectedness to others that is the inevitable basis of the spiritual life—whether one lives in solitude or in the midst of a crowd.

EG-5

Spiritual matters are inconducive of understanding through the means of written words alone, much less their essence to be grasped merely by reading eyes. ( )

I found it to be interesting, but also a fairly difficult book...partly because it was written for an audience of religious people (e.g., his fellow brothers), but also because it requires a deeper understanding of specific Catholic concepts like charity. I just don't have the background it assumes. Also, making sense of non-dual concepts (if that's not already an oxymoron) is just plain difficult for a reading brain! Still and all it was worth the effort. ( )

First published in the mid-1950s, this book of reflections will occasionally require some deciphering since the language is that of the Roman Catholic Church before Vatican II and therefore a bit outdated at times. Merton always rewards his readers, in this case with penetrating insights about such topics as love, solitude, spiritual development and sincerity. Each chapter is on a theme including the ones just listed, and divided into shorter sections which are self-contained reflections on those themes. Not the first Merton book I would recommend, but one to read slowly, savor, ponder, and keep handy to refer to over and again. ( )