Thomas Merton (January 31, 1915 – December 10, 1968) was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist and scholar of comparative religion. On May 26, 1949, he was ordained to the Catholic priesthood and given the name "Father Louis". He was a 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 a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). His account of his spiritual journey inspired scores of World War II veterans, students, and teenagers to explore offerings of monasteries across the US. It is on National Review's list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century.Merton became a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through his study of mystic practice. 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. This was highly unusual at the time in the United States, particularly within the religious orders.
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Some of their strengths
Thomas Merton has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Altruistic, Bold, Confident, Energetic, Extroverted, Passionate, and Intelligent.
Idealistic and Altruistic
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Thomas Merton is someone who is an idealist and an altruist who possesses an innovative, intellectual, and analytical mind, and who approaches life in an optimistic and easygoing manner. A person who is a bit of a "lone wolf".
Adventurous and Free
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Thomas Merton well know them as someone who can be talented, wayward and free, like a big river or the ocean.
Truthful and Kind
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Thomas Merton as someone who is honest, compassionate, imaginative, and instinctual.
A person who enjoys new challlenges, is a magnet for attracting other creative types, good at identifying opportunities, and who is good at forming loyal, lifelong friendships.
Emotionally Intelligent and Intuitive
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Thomas Merton is someone who tends to have strong emotional intelligence and intuition, and who can be a catalyst of change for others.
They are also someone who is altruistic, tolerant, and sophisticated, and who tends to be a perfectionist who is always working to try and make everything and everyone better.
Altruistic and Innovative
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Thomas Merton tends to be someone who sacrifices things for the good of others and wants to do "good" in the world. Who is often thought of as an innovator or rebel who thrives when trying to chase a breakthrough of some sort, who has a clear and sound mind, and who can be charming and sociable.
Some of Thomas Merton's challenges
While Thomas Merton has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Thomas Merton can be Rebellious, Indecisive, Unrealistic, Emotionally Distant, Arrogant, Status-seeking, and Emotional.
Rebellious and Emotionally Distant
One of Thomas Merton's key challenges is that they are someone who can be rebellious and emotionally distant.
Thomas Merton must also exercise caution as they can have a hard time reconciling wants and needs, and can be short-tempered and aggressive.
Unrealistic and Indecisive
Thomas Merton is someone who can be unrealistic, indecisive, and lacking in confidence, who can be impulsive when it comes to making important decisions, have difficulty collaborating with others, can be argumentative and not willling to accept criticism, and who can be disappointed by the high expectations they place on others.
Serious and Callous
Finally, Thomas Merton also can be too giving, come across as too "high and mighty", and can have a hard time expressing feelings.
