American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist, and scholar of comparative religion. Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, interfaith  He is particularly known for having pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures, including the Dalai Lama; Japanese writer D. T. Suzuki; Thai Buddhist monk Buddhadasa, and Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He traveled extensively in the course of meeting with them and attending international conferences on religion. In addition, he wrote books on Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and how Christianity related to them.

Topics: Spirtuality