What can the lay person learn from the life of a monk? Solitude and Silence are two pillars of monastic life that many people quickly point to as the hardest and most confusing parts of this kind of religious consecration. However, the great spiritual writer Thomas à Kempis, author of The Imitation of Christ, helps us to understand that all Christians are called to some solitude and silence in our lives while not taking on a complete eremitical life. He recommends the systematic and intentional incorporation of solitude and silence in a manner which is consistent with each one’s vocation and state of life.
It is important for us to cultivate these two habits in order to enter into contemplation and conversation with God. This vision of God may also be experienced (to varying degrees) even in this world, through the grace of contemplative prayer. And silence and solitude are the hallowed doors through which one must pass to arrive at this delightful and serene state of holy contemplation.
- Publication Date:
- 10/17/23
- Imprint:
- TAN Books
- Author:
- Thomas à Kempis
- Pdf:
- https://tanbooks.com/content/3162_Preview.pdf
- Pages:
- 80
- Height:
- 7.00
- Width:
- 5.00
7 Reviews
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Extremely Uneven
For a couple of pages, I was duly inspired. I think my first red flag was when he spoke of a few people who could manage sans spiritual direction from others and could go straight to God. Erm… that sounds rather dangerous to say, but he mentioned such multiple times. One of the most intellectually sloppy things he wrote was, “whenever those whom we have loved and who have been faithful during their life have passed away, we may be confident that they are now rejoicing in the eternal peace of heaven.” No. Seriously, no. That’s what Jesus was talking about when He said not to judge. Our place is to pray for the faithful departed, not to canonize them. He got around to this point eventually, but not before doubling down that “for they have surely gone to the Father and now dwell in the celestial mansion which He promised them and prepared for them.” He also had a section that was extremely feelings-based. In other words, if you were really devout, then all this would feel nonstop delightful. Someone alert St. John of the Cross that he’s doing it all wrong. Then he later admitted that devout souls can endure less than euphoria at times, but his initial remarks in the chapter were in stark contrast to his later conclusions. About halfway in, it began to settle down into fewer “are you kidding me” points. But by then I was so busy being watchful that it became hard to trust him. Yes, there were some truly wise words in here. But if I had the purchase to do over again, I would select someone else.
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Solitude and Silence
Wonderful book. Easy to read... and very good translation. Highly recommended.
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A Kempis Silence & Solitude
A beautifully published book of a smooth translation of this valuable spiritual book.
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I needed this book
This book spoke to me as I seek the silence from this world to draw closer to God.
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Solitude and Silence
This is a very calming book on quieting yourself and contemplating on God and His Presence. Silence & listening to God. Happy with purchase.
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Very readable
I've only just begun reading this but already I find it interesting and useful. The contents are laid out in short sections, each leading to the next, and the text itself is very readable. This small, convenient volume may go with me to time before the Blessed Sacrament. Thank you for making it available.
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Beautiful!
This book is very beautifully presented and comes in such a nice portable size. The reflections are in short sections, so that it is easy to read one when you have a moment. Silence and solitude are much needed today, and I appreciate the encouragement and advice in this book. Perfect for carrying around!
