These talks give an unparalleled glimpse into the genius of Thomas Merton. Through these captivating talks, you will experience a truly intimate side of Merton. Originally delivered at a hermitage to a group of Carmelite sisters in Savannah, they are now available to the public, complete with an afterword by Fr. Anthony Ciorra, Ph.D., of Sacred Heart University. Merton gave these talks in 1967, two years after the conclusion of Vatican II. Follow along as he deals with cultural issues, the concept of spiritual poverty, and what it truly means to be contemplative. When he wrote the beloved spiritual classic The Seven Storey Mountain, Merton viewed himself as escaping the predominant culture. Twenty years later, however, he saw himself not as turning from the world but embracing it and exploring its relationship to the Church. Merton stresses the importance of developing relationships with other cultures, so that we can better understand our own culture. Join Thomas Merton as he shares some of his most powerful insights and move towards a fuller vision of faith today.