Merton & Hesychasm: The Prayer of the Heart & the Eastern Church (1) (The Fons Vitae Thomas Merton Series)

A groundbreaking work that introduces the West to Eastern Christian spirituality through the “lens” of Thomas Merton—to the “Prayer of the Heart”—as practiced from the time of the Desert Fathers. Following the best-seller, Merton and Sufism: the Untold Story, a complete compendium of materials revealing the king of spiritual nourishment Merton gained from Islam and his profound friendship with the Muslims, Merton and Hesychasm: The Prayer of the Heart brings to light what inspired the monk’s captivation with the Oriental mystic tradition. Among the riches presented are: Key explanatory essays by Oxford’s Bishop Kallistos Ware (translator of the Philokalia) on this spiritual methodology, including “Praying with the Body”; illuminating writings on the subject by other authorities such as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, and a transcription of Merton’s lectures on the Prayer of the Heart delivered at Gethsemani. Edited by Jonathan Montaldo, president of the International Thomas Merton Society and author of extensive works on Merton including The Intimate Merton. Read more