100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ

Enjoy overnight NZ-wide delivery from our NZ-owned independent bookstore! ๐ŸŽ‰

On Eastern Meditation

3.69 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 36 ratings, 3 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
On Eastern Meditation collects the profound writings of Thomas Merton on Eastern religions, revealing his journey from Catholic monk to a scholar and admirer of Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. The book explores his encounters with figures like Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, and D. T. Suzuki, and his reflections on texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Zen teachings, offering a unique bridge between Western Christianity and Eastern spirituality.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2699
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This elegantly designed gift book appeals to readers interested in comparative religion, Eastern philosophy, and spirituality, especially those seeking a thoughtful dialogue between Christian and Asian contemplative traditions.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A great introduction to the religions of the East by a monk from the West.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Merton's biographer, George Woodcock, once wrote that "almost from the beginning of his monastic career, Thomas Merton tentatively began to discover the great Asian religions of Buddhism and Taoism." Merton, a longtime social justice advocate, first approached Eastern theology as an admirer of Gandhi's beliefs on non-violence.

Through Gandhi, Merton came to know the great Hindu text the Bhagavad Gita and in time came to have dialogues with the Dalai Lama and Taoist leader D. T. Suzuki. Merton then became deeply interested in Chuang Tzu and Zen thought.

On Eastern Meditation, edited by Bonnie Thurston (author of Merton and Buddhism), gathers the best of his Eastern theological writings into a gorgeously designed gift book edition.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Robert Thurman praises Merton as "the saintly man who caused the Dalai Lama to come to admire Christianity as the equal to his beloved Buddhism." Thich Nhat Hanh calls Merton "an artist, a Zen," while The New York Review of Books highlights his authentic engagement with spiritual purity, even beyond his Catholic roots.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780811219945

Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 June 2012

Country: United States

Imprint: New Directions Publishing Corporation

Contributors:

  • Edited by Bonnie Thurston

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 102.0mm

Height: 152.0mm

Weight: 86g

Pages: 80

About the Author

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) entered the Cistercian Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, following his conversion to Catholicism and was ordained Father M. Louis in 1949. During the 1960s, he was increasingly drawn into a dialogue between Eastern and Western religions and domestic issues of war and racism. In 1968, the Dalai Lama praised Merton for having a more profound knowledge of Buddhism than any other Christian he had known. Thomas Merton is the author of the beloved classic The Seven Storey Mountain. Scholar and poet, Bonnie Thurston is a founding member and past president of the International Thomas Merton Society. She is an ordained minister of the Christian Church.

Also by Thomas Merton

View all
  • Silence, Joy
    In this day of mindless distraction, we're desperate for reasons to put down our phones and reconnect with our spiritual selves. In time for the 50th anniversary of Thomas Merton's death in 1968, Silence, Joy is an invitation to slow down, take a breath, make a space for silence, and open up to joy. Poet, monk, spiritual advisor, and social...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Watch for the Light
    There's plenty out there on the 'real' meaning of Christmas; this volume steps back further to examine more vital questions: What does it mean that God took on human form? That Mary believed? That Christ came down to earth, and will one day come again? Whether dipped into at leisure or used for formal daily devotions, this unparalleled collection gives...
    Hardback
    $6300
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • The Way of Chuang Tzu
    Working from existing translations, Thomas Merton composed a series of his own versions of the classic sayings of Chuang Tzu, the most spiritual of Chinese philosophers. Chuang Tzu, who wrote in the fourth and third centuries B.C., is the chief authentic historical spokesperson for Taoism and its founder Lao Tzu (a legendary character known largely through Chuang Tzu's writings). Indeed...
    Paperback
    $4500
    Available
    Ships in 2-3 weeks
  • The Wisdom of the Desert
    The personal tones of the translations, the blend of reverence and humour so characteristic of him, show how deeply Merton identified with the legendary authors of these sayings and parables, the fourth-century Christian Fathers who sought solitude and contemplation in the deserts of the Near East. The hermits of Screte who turned their backs on a corrupt society remarkably like...
    Paperback
    $2499
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Zen and the Birds of Appetite
    "Zen enriches no one," Thomas Merton provocatively writes in his opening statement to Zen and the Birds of Appetiteโ€”one of the last books to be published before his death in 1968. "There is no body to be found. The birds may come and circle for a while...but they soon go elsewhere. When they are gone, the 'nothing,' the 'no-body' that...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Thomas Merton: Insights and Interviews An Anthology Drawn from 35 years of the Merton Annual (1988-2022)
    This two-volume set of essays and interviews from over 35 years of The Merton Annual is a sterling resource for Merton readers. Volume II brings together seminal oral-history interviews with people who knew Merton personally, along with little-known or previously unpublished writings by Merton himself. This volume is a sumptuous banquet bringing together the highlights of this important scholarship and...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Religion & Spirituality

View all
  • New Release
    2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include:ย โ€ข 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open)ย โ€ข Spiral binding allows the pages to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The King Is Coming
    Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faithโ€”the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelsonโ€™s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Braiding Sweetgrass
    Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a graceful and illuminating study of the wisdom of the natural world, bringing together the knowledge of modern science with the teachings of Indigenous cultures. At its heart, the book explores the interconnectedness between humans and nature, offering profound insights on how this relationship can foster a deeper ecological consciousness. As a botanist...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • KJV Holy Bible: Economy Paperback: Beautiful. Trustworthy. Timeless, Comfort Print: King James Version
    The full text of the KJV with extra helps is an excellent Bible for a new Christian or someone interested in learning more about God. The King James Version of the Bible is the bestselling and most-read English translation of all time. This low-cost Bible with extra helps is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute Godโ€™s Word through...
    Paperback
    $900
    Elsewhere:
    $1000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Heroes
    Heroes by Stephen Fry is an enthralling journey into the heart of ancient Greek mythology, brought to life with Fry's signature wit and intelligence. This dazzling companion volume to the bestselling Mythos recounts the breath-taking exploits of some of the most legendary figures in Greek lore, showcasing the timeless tales of bravery, cunning, and adventure. In Fry's masterful retelling, readers...
    Paperback
    $2600
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover
    The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Scriptures through the lens of ancient Christian traditions. This comprehensive study Bible represents a groundbreaking effort to present the Bible of the early church to the modern world, reflecting the rich heritage and profound spiritual wisdom of Orthodox Christianity, which is the...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Troy
    The city of Troy has long been a beacon of legend and myth, and in Stephen Fry's Troy, the timeless story of love and war is brought to life with a vivid blend of wit, insight, and meticulous detail. At its heart is the kidnapping of Helen, a queen whose beauty is so enchanting that her abduction by Paris of...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Screwtape Letters
    A milestone in the history of popular theology, The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is an iconic classic on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil. This profound and striking narrative unfolds as a series of captivating letters penned by Screwtape, a senior devil in the Infernal Civil Service, to his eager but inexperienced nephew, Wormwood. Wormwood is...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    14% off
    The Practice of Not Thinking
    Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Mere Christianity
    Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis is a profound literary work that offers a compelling and articulate exploration of the Christian faith. This timeless classic emerged from a series of radio talks given by Lewis during the dark days of World War II, where he aimed to demystify the essence of Christianity and present a logical case for its core...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.