Description: Thomas Merton on Self Actualization (4 Titles, 4 CDs) In these live audio CD recordings you will hear Thomas Merton's own voice discussing his thoughts on self actualization with visiting novices during his stay at the Abbey of Gethsemani. THE TRUE AND FALSE SELF - Our cross is to let our false self die so our true self can emerge. Merton explains Martin Buber's concept of inner identity and the Tree of Life, then shows that a purely individual approach to our true self is inadequate. THE FULLY HUMAN BEING - Merton begins with Greek tragedy and then moves to Confucius as he describes what it is that makes a person fully human. Especially relevant to our day is Confucius' criticism of the profit motive as destructive. AUTHENTIC FRIENDSHIP - Friendship maintains the balance of independence and intimacy. Merton describes the characterstics of real friendship and contrasts it with manipulative behavior. SURRENDER TO GOD - Using the metaphors of Lot's wife and Jesus' parable of not turning back once you've put your hand to the plow, Merton explains what it means to let go of a self-centered life and try to live a life surrendered to God. His teaching on the humility involved is brilliant.
Description: Thomas Merton on Prayer - Part 2 of 2 (4 Titles, 5 CDs) In these live audio CD recordings you will hear Thomas Merton's own voice discussing his thoughts on prayer with visiting novices during his stay at the Abbey of Gethsemani. PRAYER AND THE ACTIVE LIFE (2 CDs) - For the person of prayer, affirmation of the self and its work and importance is done by God, not by me. He affirms my real self, not my own image or my superficial desires. FAITH AND PRAYER - We are able to see what is true because we believe it. Believing is seeing. After treating some obstacles to prayer, Merton talks eloquently of meditation. DOES GOD HEAR OUR PRAYER? - The real problem is to know when you are praying, Merton says. Using practical advice from the early desert fathers, Merton explains why prayer must sum up our personal stance. THE JESUS PRAYER - The prayer of Jesus is a prayer of the heart. There is power in the name of Jesus and this mantra gives us access to the Holy Spirit. Merton then compares Jesus to the Indian gurus. We can follow our Divine Master as the Hindus do their human masters.
