Early Life

Born on January 31st, 1915 in Prades, France. Whilst in Italy he had a vision of his father, thus he fell into Catholicism and prayer. Entered the Abbey of Gethsemani. A community of monks belonging to the order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance

Central Belief
Every religious person follows the same road. Religion has two parts:
The natural techniques The graces

A blending of religions would bring us to a full magnificent liberty

Origin of Beliefs
When he came across Aldous Huxley he got the book Ends and Means. His mentality and perspective of life changed . He dove into mysticism and started to relate to other religions Felt like all religions were similar through spending considerable amount of time in Asia.

Connection With Buddhism

Fascination with mysticism made him start a long-term study of Buddhism. Implored the idea of emptying the mind and entering a void state. His Belief was that it helped to self examine yourself. Wanted to integrate both religions to make a unitary one.

Why is this Important?

Mertons ideals are controversial and give religion a whole new light. Religion incorporates both aspects of itself and not just one or the other. Gives the people a better understanding of other religions and their purpose in life There is more to Religion than just prayer and charity.

Works Cited
http://www.apostasyalert.org/Merton.htm http://www.therealmerton.com/tommie5.html http://www.merton.org/chrono.htm http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cac he:S_7NBIpMVlgJ:www.hundredmountain.com/Page s/pageone_stuff/mertonpages_fall00/merton_fall00.ht ml+merton's+conversion+to+catholicism&cd=2&hl=e n&ct=clnk&gl=us