These are some of the most fascinating Thomas Merton lectures ever recorded.

Recorded in the last year of his life, these talks capture Merton as he ponders profound questions in an accessible, down-to-earth way. You will glean insight from Merton on a wide range of subjects, all held together by his conviction in our call to live in freeing obedience to the Holy Spirit.

As Merton critiques the culture of his day, he speaks frankly about the way it creates alienated individuals who chase after superficial goals. He points to the contemplative life as a way to refute such a worldview. He guides us to seek out our deepest vocation. For him, the most mundane task done to glorify God is a prayer, and we can attain union with God through our daily work.

Among the interreligious topics Merton covers, his commentary on the relationship of Buddhism to Christianity is especially noteworthy, given that the Dalai Lama himself praised Merton as having a more profound understanding of Buddhism than any other Christian he had ever known.

This course is truly remarkable. These talks will deliver you to the depth of Merton's great mind.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

Photograph of Thomas Merton by Sibylle Akers. Used with permission of the Merton Legacy Trust and the Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University.