The Wisdom of the Desert

In "The Wisdom of the Desert," Thomas Merton shares his favorite translations of sayings and parables from the fourth-century Christian fathers, who sought solitude in the deserts of the Near East. With a unique blend of reverence and humor, Merton captures the essence of these hermits, whose lives parallel those of Zen masters from China and Japan. This work reflects Merton's deep identification with their spiritual journey and his aspiration to embrace a hermitic life.