Thomas Merton's Encounter with Buddhism and Beyond

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Thomas Merton's Encounter with Buddhism and Beyond is written by Jaechan Anselmo Park and published by Liturgical Press. It's available with International Standard Book Number or ISBN identification 0814684742 (ISBN 10) and 9780814684740 (ISBN 13).

Thomas Merton recognized the value and possibility of contemplative dialogue between monastics and contemplatives of other religious traditions and hoped that, through such dialogue, monastics would strive for "inter-monastic communion" and a bonding of the broader "spiritual family." He held out hope that this bond would demonstrate the fundamental unity of humanity to a world that was becoming ever more materialistic and divided. Among other themes and topics, this book explores Thomas Merton's role as a pioneer of Buddhist-Christian dialogue and monastic interreligious dialogue. It delves into the process of Merton's self-transformation through contemplative experiences, explores his encounter with Zen and Tibetan Buddhists and his pioneering engagements in Buddhist-Christian dialogue, and presents and responds to the criticisms of those who raise questions about Merton's understanding of Buddhism.