Basic Principles of Monastic Spirituality

Rating:
Summary: Written by a monk, for monks
Review: This little book was written by Thomas Merton as an orientation manual for Cistercian novices and postulates. This in no way limits its appeal to those of different rules and orders- or to complete outsiders. That is because this book is a concise, beautiful, expanation of the great theological principles without which monastic life would have no meaning. You will not find the many details of monastic rules, observances, ascetism, and prayer here. What who will find are intimations of what it truly means to live a life in constant contemplation of the mystery of Christ.

The epilog concerning the monk in the changing world is especially interesting. Written in 1957, Merton clearly saw that Communism contained the seeds of it's own destruction. Yet, he also had his resevations about unrestrained capitalism. As he points out, the monk is no reactionary out to preserve anything- his primary function is to keep himself alive by contact with God.

The monk is a Soldier of Christ appointed to fight his battles on a spiritual, hidden front, in mystery. While a true monk is obedient, humble, and self-sacrificing, he is also among the very few in the modern world who refuses to bow down before money, power, science, and the machine. The duty of the monk is to be a man of God- a man that lives by and for God alone. Robes and gothic walls are the least part of this.