PDF Summary:The Seven Storey Mountain, by Thomas Merton

In his autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain, author Thomas Merton narrates his journey of spiritual exploration and discovery that ultimately led him to embrace Catholicism. He recounts his early encounters with various religious denominations, from Quakerism to Episcopalianism, that piqued his intrigue but lacked depth. Merton then traces how his intellect was captured by the philosophical richness of Catholicism, drawn in by its theological profundity as expressed through art and ceremony.

The account then follows Merton's decision to fully commit to the Catholic faith, describing his spiritual rebirth through ritual sacraments. He wrestles with integrating his newfound piety into daily life, acknowledging the need for divine grace and finding solace through practices like communion. The culmination is his growing desire for a deeper contemplative existence within monasticism.

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He experienced a deep sense of peace and a strong spiritual bond with the divine within the hallowed grounds of Catholic locations.

While journeying through Europe and residing in Rome, Merton experienced an increasing pull towards Catholicism. He gradually became attracted to a deeper charm: the sense of peace and oneness. He narrates how the profound appeal of holy places resonated with a mysterious yearning within him, hinting at a hidden pull towards the divine, even though he did not fully comprehend it then. The author reflects on how these dialogues subtly prepared his heart to embrace the faith that is deeply rooted in these traditions.

The sermon that eloquently and earnestly proclaimed the divine nature of Christ resonated deeply with him.

The pivotal moment in the journey of faith for Thomas Merton occurred during his initial experience of Mass at Corpus Christi Church in New York. His deep understanding was shaped by the instruction regarding the divine nature of Christ. Merton was filled with an unparalleled sense of joy and peace as he observed the congregation's clear devotion and listened to the priest's passionate and persuasive exposition on the doctrines of the Catholic Church. He narrates a transformative experience when he started to see Christ not merely as a figure from history or a teacher of ethics, but as the very foundation of being and truth itself.

Committed to progressing along a spiritual journey grounded in the Catholic faith.

Merton's journey into a spiritual life and the challenges he faced as he integrated these beliefs into his everyday life are thoroughly examined in this section of the book. He grapples with the internal struggle to align his past tendencies with the demands of a spiritually led existence, highlighting the constant struggle between the essence of humanity and divine benevolence.

His spiritual rebirth was marked by his participation in the sacraments, specifically being baptized and receiving his first Eucharist.

Merton delivers an engaging account of how he embraced spirituality, depicting it as a journey of deep personal change. He provides a detailed account of the sacred rituals, which include renouncing Satan, affirming one's beliefs, carrying out rites of exorcism, and embracing the Eucharist, along with the use of holy water during the baptismal ceremony. He describes this event as an intense cleansing that freed him from the previously defining mortal limitations of his life. The author emphasizes the importance of sacred rituals in leading him to a state of divine grace, marked by his involvement in the divine presence. They also underscore his acknowledgment of the ongoing battle against misdeeds and the fundamental necessity for consistent spiritual growth.

Feeling the pull to a more dedicated religious life, specifically monasticism

Thomas Merton grappled with a growing desire for a more profound dedication to faith, particularly in the context of monastic living. The serene atmosphere of the Trappist haven at Tre Fontane, located just outside of Rome, ignited within him a profound longing to commit his life to a contemplative and prayerful existence. From a young age, he exhibited a fascination that foreshadowed the profound impact a monastic way of life would have in shaping his life's journey. The author suggests that this early encounter with Cistercian life planted a seed within him that would gradually blossom into a full-fledged vocation.

He grappled with the concept of an existence that transcended the material world, even following his spiritual enlightenment.

Merton faced significant challenges in incorporating his new faith into his daily actions, despite his intellectual embrace of Catholicism and his deep yearning for a richer spiritual life. He grappled with the challenges of living a life deeply rooted in spirituality, frequently reverting to former patterns and cravings. This tension highlights the crucial distinction between mere agreement with religious principles and the rigorous endeavor to assimilate these principles into one's life. The writer emphasizes that the progression towards a spiritual way of life is an ongoing process, not a one-time event, characterized by a persistent effort to align personal ambitions with divine purposes, a journey fraught with challenges and hardships.

Acknowledging his personal shortcomings, he understood his need for divine help and favor.

As Merton's exploration of his Christian faith intensified, he became increasingly aware of his shortcomings and the critical importance of divine grace. The writer conveys episodes characterized by profound regret and humiliation, recognizing his inability to overcome his inclination toward sin without heavenly assistance to foster his spiritual growth. He emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging our spiritual impoverishment and surrendering to the powerful sway of God's grace. Thomas Merton's journey of faith was marked by a significant transformation, evolving from a stance of independence to one of profound reliance on spiritual mercy.

His daily communion brought him a captivating sense of serenity and fortitude.

Merton’s daily reception of Communion becomes a central force in his spiritual life. He underscores the deep serenity and fortitude he gained through his regular involvement in the Eucharist celebrations. The writer depicts this as a daily renewal that purified his soul, bolstering his determination to resist temptation and strengthening his commitment to a life of spirituality. He underscores the profound impact that the sacrament exerted on his journey toward holiness. He also reflects on the deep peace and joy that comes from a deed that is both simple and mysterious.

Practical Tips

• Explore different religious traditions to find what resonates with you by visiting various places of worship and participating in their services or rituals. This could include attending a Quaker meeting to appreciate the silence and contemplation, visiting an Episcopalian church to experience the ceremonial richness, or sitting in on a Catholic Mass to understand its theological depth. Each visit allows you to reflect on what aspects of the experience feel meaningful to you.
• Create a personal ritual that incorporates elements from various religious practices that appeal to you. This could involve setting aside a time each day for quiet reflection, using symbolic objects that hold meaning for you, or reading and meditating on texts from different faiths. The goal is to build a practice that fosters a sense of peace and connection with the divine as you understand it.
• Journal about your spiritual journey, noting moments of peace, insight, or spiritual connection you experience. Write down your thoughts after engaging with different religious practices or theological concepts. This can help you track your evolving understanding and feelings about spirituality, much like someone might track their physical fitness progress or personal growth milestones.