Merton’s Final Journey

Longing

This thread follows Merton’s Asian journey from years of waiting to a final encounter with other contemplative traditions and his sudden death.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Years of Waiting Years of Waiting from "Longing". Years of Waiting A restricted vocation Merton longs for more solitude and wider spiritual conversation, but his monastic superiors limit his plans.

Years of Waiting from "Longing". Years of Waiting A restricted vocation Merton longs for more solitude and wider spiritual conversation, but his monastic superiors limit his plans.

Years of Waiting A restricted vocation Merton longs for more solitude and wider spiritual conversation, but his monastic superiors limit his plans. He remains committed to Gethsemani while feeling the need for another context. An unsettled purpose The long wait turns the journey into more than a trip; he hopes it will clarify a great question.

The Dalai Lama Dialogues The Dalai Lama Dialogues from "Longing". The Dalai Lama Dialogues A meeting of contemplatives Merton and the Dalai Lama discuss meditation, detachment, vows, and spiritual formation.

The Dalai Lama Dialogues from "Longing". The Dalai Lama Dialogues A meeting of contemplatives Merton and the Dalai Lama discuss meditation, detachment, vows, and spiritual formation.

The Dalai Lama Dialogues A meeting of contemplatives Merton and the Dalai Lama discuss meditation, detachment, vows, and spiritual formation. Their conversations are warm and intellectually serious. Friendship through questions Merton finds a shared concern for the inner life beneath differences in religious practice.

A Hermitage Reconsidered A Hermitage Reconsidered from "Longing". A Hermitage Reconsidered Solitude in a new light The journey makes Merton reconsider his hermitage at Gethsemani and his desire for deeper solitude.

A Hermitage Reconsidered from "Longing". A Hermitage Reconsidered Solitude in a new light The journey makes Merton reconsider his hermitage at Gethsemani and his desire for deeper solitude.

A Hermitage Reconsidered Solitude in a new light The journey makes Merton reconsider his hermitage at Gethsemani and his desire for deeper solitude. He hears differing views about how contemplation should relate to communal life. No easy resolution His questions remain open as he continues to value both his vocation and the possibility of a new setting.

Polonnaruwa’s Silence Polonnaruwa’s Silence from "Longing". Polonnaruwa’s Silence An unexpected encounter At Polonnaruwa, Merton stands before great Buddha statues and experiences a powerful sense of clarity and beauty.

Polonnaruwa’s Silence from "Longing". Polonnaruwa’s Silence An unexpected encounter At Polonnaruwa, Merton stands before great Buddha statues and experiences a powerful sense of clarity and beauty.

Polonnaruwa’s Silence An unexpected encounter At Polonnaruwa, Merton stands before great Buddha statues and experiences a powerful sense of clarity and beauty. He says he cannot adequately write about it. The search glimpsed The encounter seems to answer something he has long sought, though its exact meaning remains unresolved.

The Sudden Ending The Sudden Ending from "Longing". The Sudden Ending A journey cut short Merton dies in Bangkok after an accidental electrocution in his room.

The Sudden Ending from "Longing". The Sudden Ending A journey cut short Merton dies in Bangkok after an accidental electrocution in his room.

The Sudden Ending A journey cut short Merton dies in Bangkok after an accidental electrocution in his room. The event ends his Asian journey before its many planned visits can occur. An unfinished legacy His writings and the final journey leave readers with a continuing invitation to seek across traditions.

Before Merton receives permission to travel

November 1968

Between Merton’s conversations in India

During Merton’s visit to Sri Lanka in 1968

December 10, 1968