Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton | |
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| Born | January 31, 1915 Prades, Pyrénées-Orientales, France |
| Died | December 10, 1968 (aged 53) Mueang Samut Prakan, Thailand |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Alma mater | Columbia University |
| Occupations |
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| Religion | Christianity (Roman Catholic) |
| Church | Latin Church |
| Ordained | May 26, 1949 (aged 34) |
| Writings | The Seven Storey Mountain (1948) |
| Part of a series on |
| Christian mysticism |
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Thomas Merton OCSO (January 31, 1915 – December 10, 1968), religious name M. Louis, was an American Trappist monk, theologian, mystic, poet, and social activist. He was a professed member of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, near Bardstown, Kentucky, living there from 1941 to his death.
Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice, and pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most widely-read works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948).
Merton became a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through study and practice. He pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures.