Thomas Merton’s “The Other Side of the Mountain” is a collection of journals that document the final 14 months of his life. Merton was a Trappist monk and Catholic author who is widely regarded as one of the most influential American Catholic writers of the 20th century. The journals offer a glimpse into Merton’s thoughts and travels during this period, which was unexpectedly shortened by his untimely death at the age of 53.
The journals in “The Other Side of the Mountain” cover a wide range of topics, including Merton’s reflections on his own spirituality, his travels around the world, and his interactions with other people. One of the most interesting aspects of the journals is the way that Merton uses allegory to explore complex ideas and themes. By using allegory, Merton is able to convey his ideas in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking.
Thomas Merton: An Overview
Thomas Merton was an American Trappist monk, writer, and theologian who lived from 1915 to 1968. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential Catholic authors of the twentieth century, and his works continue to be read and studied today.
Merton’s most famous work is his autobiography, “The Seven Storey Mountain,” which chronicles his journey from a secular life to becoming a Trappist monk. He wrote over 70 books on a wide range of topics, including spirituality, social justice, and Eastern religion.
Merton’s writing is characterized by his openness to different religions and his exploration of the commonalities between them. He was an advocate for peace and social justice, and his writings often reflected this.
Throughout his life, Merton struggled with his faith and his role within the Catholic Church. He was critical of some aspects of the Church but remained a devout Catholic until his death.
Literary Context of ‘The Other Side of the Mountain’
Thomas Merton’s ‘The Other Side of the Mountain’ is a spiritual and philosophical work that explores the journey of a Trappist monk in the last year of his life. The book is part of Merton’s published journals, which document his thoughts and experiences as a monk.
Merton’s work is heavily influenced by his Catholic faith and his interest in Eastern religions, particularly Zen Buddhism. He blends these two traditions in ‘The Other Side of the Mountain,’ creating a unique and thought-provoking allegory.
The book is also situated in the context of the Cold War era, which saw tensions between the East and West. Merton’s travels to the Far East and his interactions with monks from different traditions reflect his desire for peace and understanding between cultures.
Main Themes in the Allegory
“The Other Side of the Mountain” by Thomas Merton is a complex allegory that explores various themes, including the search for truth, the struggle between good and evil, and the journey of self-discovery.
One of the main themes of the allegory is the search for truth. The protagonist embarks on a journey to find the truth about himself and the world around him. Through his experiences and encounters with various characters, he learns that truth is not always easy to find and that it often requires sacrifice and struggle.
Another important theme in the allegory is the struggle between good and evil. The protagonist encounters various obstacles and temptations on his journey, and he must choose between the path of righteousness and the path of darkness. The allegory suggests that the struggle between good and evil is an ongoing battle that requires constant vigilance and effort.
Finally, the allegory explores the journey of self-discovery. The protagonist must confront his own weaknesses and flaws in order to grow and develop as a person. Through his journey, he learns that self-discovery is a lifelong process that requires courage, honesty, and self-reflection.
Characters and Symbolism
Thomas Merton’s “The Other Side of the Mountain” is an allegorical work that employs a range of characters and symbols to convey its message. The main character, Merton, is a Trappist monk who embarks on a spiritual journey that takes him to different parts of the world. Through his experiences, Merton encounters a variety of characters that represent different aspects of the human condition.
One of the most prominent symbols in the book is the mountain. The mountain represents the spiritual journey that Merton is undertaking. It is a metaphor for the challenges and obstacles that he must overcome to reach enlightenment. The mountain also represents the divine, the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey.
Another significant symbol in the book is water. Water is often used to symbolize renewal and purification. In “The Other Side of the Mountain,” water represents the spiritual cleansing that Merton undergoes as he progresses on his journey.
The characters in the book also serve as symbols. For example, the monks that Merton encounters represent the different paths that one can take on the spiritual journey. Some are more traditional, while others are more unconventional. Each monk represents a different aspect of the spiritual journey.
Interpretations of the Mountain
The Other Side of the Mountain by Thomas Merton is a book that is open to various interpretations. Some readers view the mountain as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, while others see it as a metaphor for life’s challenges.
One interpretation of the mountain is that it represents the journey towards spiritual enlightenment. Merton’s journey towards becoming a Trappist monk is a difficult one, but it is ultimately rewarding. The mountain can be seen as a representation of the obstacles that one must overcome in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
Another interpretation of the mountain is that it represents life’s challenges. Merton faces many challenges throughout his life, including the death of his father and his struggle with mental illness. The mountain can be seen as a metaphor for these challenges, which must be faced in order to grow and develop as a person.
Merton’s Spiritual Journey
Thomas Merton’s spiritual journey is a central theme in “The Other Side of the Mountain.” As a Trappist monk, Merton’s life was one of contemplation and devotion to God. Throughout his life, Merton explored various religious traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism, seeking to find common ground between them.
Merton’s journey took him to many different places, both physically and spiritually. He traveled extensively throughout the United States and the Far East, meeting with other monks and spiritual leaders along the way. These experiences helped to shape his understanding of the world and his place in it.
One of the key themes of Merton’s journey was the idea of solitude. He believed that true spiritual growth could only be achieved through periods of quiet reflection and contemplation. This idea is reflected in his writings, which often explore the nature of silence and the importance of stillness in the spiritual life.
Allegorical Elements and Their Meanings
Thomas Merton’s “The Other Side of the Mountain” is a thought-provoking allegory that explores the journey of the soul towards enlightenment. The story is rich with allegorical elements that represent deeper meanings and ideas.
Comparative Analysis With Other Works
In terms of allegorical works, “The Other Side of the Mountain” by Thomas Merton stands out as a unique and compelling read. While it shares similarities with other works in terms of its use of symbolism and imagery, it also differs in significant ways.
For instance, unlike other allegorical works that tend to use animals or fantastical creatures to represent abstract concepts, Merton uses more grounded and relatable images such as mountains, valleys, and rivers. This makes the allegory more accessible and easier to understand for readers.
Furthermore, Merton’s work also stands out for its emphasis on spirituality and faith. While other allegorical works may touch on these themes, they often do so in a more subtle or indirect way. In “The Other Side of the Mountain,” however, Merton’s religious beliefs are front and center, and the allegory is used as a means of exploring and conveying these beliefs.
Impact on Contemporary Thought
Thomas Merton’s “The Other Side of the Mountain” has had a significant impact on contemporary thought. The book’s allegory has been interpreted in various ways, and its themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and social justice continue to resonate with readers today.
Merton’s writings on contemplation and meditation have influenced many in the modern mindfulness movement, who seek to integrate these practices into their daily lives. His emphasis on the importance of solitude and self-reflection has also been embraced by those seeking to disconnect from the constant distractions of modern life.
Furthermore, Merton’s advocacy for social justice and civil rights has inspired many activists and advocates. His commitment to promoting peace and understanding between different cultures and religions has also had a lasting impact on interfaith dialogue.
Reader’s Guide to ‘The Other Side of the Mountain’
‘The Other Side of the Mountain’ by Thomas Merton is a thought-provoking book that offers readers a glimpse into the author’s spiritual journey. Here are some tips and insights that may help readers to better understand and appreciate the book:
-
Take your time: Merton’s writing is deep and reflective, so it’s important to take your time and read slowly. This will allow you to fully absorb the ideas and concepts that he presents.
-
Understand the allegory: ‘The Other Side of the Mountain’ is an allegory, which means that it uses symbolic characters and events to represent deeper truths. To fully appreciate the book, readers should try to understand the allegory and what each character and event represents.
-
Consider the historical context: Merton wrote ‘The Other Side of the Mountain’ during a time of great change and upheaval in the world. Understanding the historical context in which the book was written can help readers to better understand Merton’s ideas and the significance of his journey.
-
Reflect on your own spiritual journey: While ‘The Other Side of the Mountain’ is a deeply personal book, it also has universal themes that can speak to readers from all walks of life. As you read, take time to reflect on your own spiritual journey and how the ideas presented in the book might apply to your own life.