In general, it can be said that no contemplative life is possible without ascetic self-discipline. One must learn to survive without the habit-forming luxuries which get such a hold on men today. I do not say that to be a contemplative one absolutely has to go without smoking or without alcohol, but certainly one must be able to use these things without being dominated by an uncontrolled need for them.
Thomas Merton. New Seeds of Contemplation. (New York: New Directions Books), p 12
In a culture addicted to "I can everything I want and I can have it now," the words of Merton here will fall on deaf years. He/She who has ears to hear.....
ReplyDeleteRon:
ReplyDeleteIt's better not to dominated by any addiction.
Merton did enjoy the occasional beer,(Asian Journal).
ReplyDeleteSeeds is one of his writings that not many navigate as well as some of his other writings. He is timeless. Have a great weekend.
Capananda, Thank you for the visit. I have read Seeds several times. Among contemplatives, it is still popular.
ReplyDelete