Public Lecture: The Asian Journal of Thomas Merton - Presenter Dara Tatray

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was the most influential American Catholic author of the twentieth century, a celebrity Trappist Monk (yes, usually a contradiction in terms), a world-famous pacifist, poet, theologian, social activist, and a deeply affecting author of over 50 books. Converting from the Church of England to Catholicism, Merton eventually found his home in the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, a Trappist monastery in Kentucky USA.

In 1968 he met with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who thenceforth regarded Merton as his spiritual brother. Compassion being central to both Buddhism and Christianity, there was that connection between the two, in addition to Merton's abiding love of contemplation. In his deep contacts with spiritual luminaries throughout Asia, Thomas Merton found consolation in his own faith in Christ and His indwelling spirit, which he believed is in the heart of all. In 1964 Merton met with D.T. Suzuki, forming a bridge between Christianity and Zen Buddhism at the highest levels of both.

Experience key moments in Thomas Merton's journey into the heart of religion in our presentation on The Asian Journal of Thomas Merton.

Dara Tatray is the President of the Adelaide Theosophical Society. Previously she worked at the national headquarters of the TS in Australia in various capacities - National President, National Secretary, Editor of Theosophy in Australia, and national lecturer. She holds a PhD in the History and Philosophy of Science (UNSW 2006) and has a long-standing love of Advaita Vedānta and the perennial philosophy, especially through the works of Ramana Maharshi, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Patañjali, and Helena Blavatsky.

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