Weekend Retreat: Thomas Merton on Contemplative Prayer

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December 11 – 13

David M. Odorisio, PhD

Friday 7 – 8:30 pm

Saturday 10 am – noon, 2 – 4 pm

Sunday 10 am – noon

Onsite and Zoom

Single Session $20, Series $80.00

Thomas Merton’s (1915-1968) writings continue to speak to contemporary persons interested in deepening their spiritual lives. A Trappist monk and one of the leading spiritual authors of the twentieth century, his voice has the ability to cut through our hardness of heart and social personas to uncover a deeper or more hidden, even secret, aspect of ourselves. This interior dimension is marked by silence, inner peace, and a river of compassion. This weekend retreat draws upon writings from two of Merton’s most celebrated publications, New Seeds of Contemplation and Contemplative Prayer. Each serve as a foundation and guide for entering into our own hearts, reminding us who we are, and sharing in the contemplative peace that for Merton is a result of authentic prayer.

Participants are encouraged to read portions or the entirety of both books prior to the weekend, but this is not necessary. Themes and ample quotations from these and other of Merton’s writings will lead our discussions and guide our deepening into the silence of contemplative prayer. Participants will be invited to participate in gentle, guided contemplative practice to make this a true “retreat” experience. This is a nonsectarian gathering that encourages and welcomes participants from all faith traditions, denominations, and spiritual backgrounds.

Accommodation is available.

David M. Odorisio, PhD, serves as Dean of Academic Programs, and is Chair and Associate Professor in the Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, CA. He is the editor of Thomas Merton in California: The Redwoods Conferences and Letters, and Merton and Hinduism: The Yoga of the Heart. David additionally serves as Co-Chair of the Mysticism Unit for the American Academy of Religion, and on the Board of Directors for the International Thomas Merton Society. www.ahomeforsoul.com