Thomas Merton on the Poetry and Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke

De: Thomas Merton

Narrado por: Thomas Merton

Join Thomas Merton in exploring the timeless words of one of the world’s greatest poets, Rainer Maria Rilke.

Before entering the monastery, Thomas Merton studied English at Columbia University and taught literature at St. Bonaventure University. His passion for literature never faded, and now, you have the rare opportunity to take Thomas Merton as your guide in this set of his outstanding, remastered talks. Delivered to the community at the Abbey of Gethsemani in 1965 and 1966, Merton’s talks examine one of his favorite poets: Rainer Maria Rilke (1875 - 1926).

Aside from William Blake, perhaps no poet had as great an influence on Merton as Rilke, who was arguably the greatest poet from turn-of-the century Europe. Born to a devout Catholic mother in 19th-century Bohemia, Rilke is cherished for his beautiful verse and his multifaceted views on faith. Deeply influenced by the spiritual figures of his time, Rilke sought to explore God through the imaginative possibilities of art. A renowned (and prolific) poet himself, Merton saw poetry as one of the most fundamental and profound modes of human expression.

By exploring the works of Rilke, Merton marries his Catholic spirituality with his passion for poetry, showing how they complement and shed light on each other. By looking at such works as Duino Elegies, The Book of Hours, and Letters to a Young Poet, you will discover how Rilke demonstrates holiness through imaginative possibilities. As you listen to Merton’s voice, you will more fully appreciate the abiding power of poetry.

This set includes an afterword by Thomas Merton biographer and literature professor Michael W. Higgins.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

©2013 Now You Know Media Inc. (P)2013 Now You Know Media Inc.

Thomas Merton on Rilke

If you like Merton then these lectures are priceless. not so much on Rilke. Solid.

A great combination!

This is a great series by a spiritual master on a great poet. It provides insights both into Merton’s and Rilke’s mind while giving the listener a deeper education on the church and poetry.

How can you find anything more authentic?

Merton knows everything about Rilke worth knowing. On top of it he knows what Rilke was missing on Rilke's quest to god. Using Rilke as a vehicle to explain the mystery about both poetry and religion, Merton is a true master that kills the mystery out of the two birds with one stone.

Spiritual feeding

This is about the art of poetry, the experience of the monastic life, and about !ove. There is humor and wisdom. What more could you want than to attend classes taught by Thomas Merton in the maturity of his life?