Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton, whose religious name was M. Louis, was an American Trappist monk, theologian, mystic, poet and social activist who lived from 1915 to 1968. He was a professed member of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani near Bardstown, Kentucky, living there from 1941 until his death. Over 27 years he wrote more than 50 books, mostly on spirituality, social justice and pacifism, along with scores of essays and reviews; his best known work is the bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain, published in 1948. Merton was a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through study and practice, and he pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures.