Chapter 1: Understanding Contemplation

Contemplation has been highlighted by numerous philosophers and theologians, yet its nature can be complex. Thomas Merton, an influential American Trappist monk and a prolific author, was a strong advocate for contemplative practices. Throughout his brief life, he penned over 50 books, delving into Eastern religions and mysticism.

In the introduction to New Seeds of Contemplation, Merton reflects on this profound practice:

> Contemplation represents the pinnacle of human intellectual and spiritual existence. It embodies a state of being that is fully alert, active, and conscious of its own vitality. It is a deep appreciation for the sacredness of life, a spontaneous sense of wonder. It encompasses gratitude for existence, awareness, and simply being.

Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, similarly posited that the pursuit of wisdom culminates in contemplation, declaring it “the highest activity of human life.”

Section 1.1: The Nature of Contemplation

For Merton, contemplation offers a form of spiritual insight that both reason and faith strive towards inherently. Absent this insight, both remain unfulfilled. Yet, contemplation transcends mere vision; it perceives “without seeing” and understands “without knowing.” It embodies a deeper level of faith, a comprehension that eludes images, words, or even clear concepts. In essence, contemplation allows us to know through “unknowing,” or, more accurately, to know beyond the limits of knowledge.

Richard Rohr, a contemporary theologian and author, describes contemplation as a profound, loving observation of reality. He asserts that “contemplation is a means to embrace all our experiences without suppression.” This practice encourages us to reflect on all our actions—both those taken and those avoided.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Depth of Knowing

Merton noted that poetry, music, and art share a connection with the contemplative experience. However, contemplation itself goes beyond aesthetic appreciation, art, and poetry. It transcends philosophy and speculative theology, embodying their essence while also surpassing them.

Contemplation exists beyond personal knowledge, beyond our own understanding, and beyond established systems or discourses. Merton emphasized that:

> To truly engage in contemplation, one must, in a sense, undergo a death; yet this death serves as a gateway to a more profound existence. It is a death that fosters life, relinquishing everything we hold dear—knowledge, thoughts, experiences, joy, and being.

Consequently, contemplation appears to overshadow and set aside all other forms of understanding and experience—whether in art, philosophy, theology, liturgy, or even in ordinary expressions of love and belief. This apparent rejection, however, is superficial; contemplation harmonizes with all these aspects as their ultimate fulfillment. In the moment of contemplation, other experiences may fade away.

Chapter 2: The Role of Contemplation in Spiritual Growth

The first video titled "Silence & Contemplation (PM) | Merton in His Own Words" offers an intimate look at Merton's thoughts on the significance of silence and reflection in the contemplative process.

In the second video, "The Inner Experience - According to Thomas Merton | In Search of Wisdom Podcast," listeners explore Merton's insights into the nature of inner experience and its connection to contemplation.

Thank you for engaging with this exploration. May you find value in these reflections.