Video: “A real spiritual bond” — Dalai Lama recalls Thomas Merton

His Holiness the Dalai Lama recounted his 1968 meeting with Thomas Merton, the Catholic writer, mystic, and proponent of interfaith dialogue.

Lion’ s Roar27 May 2013
Photo via The Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University / merton.org

During their three long conversations, Merton and His Holiness discussed their monastic traditions, including day-to-day routines and the goals of their meditations. Merton wrote that he felt “a real spiritual bond” with His Holiness, and the Dalai Lama said last week he recognized Merton as a “serious practitioner of his faith.” Their meeting, and this photo of the two men together, have become significant for many people involved with dialogue between different religions. Read more at the Louisville Courier-Journal.

Last week’s interview was filmed by filmmaker Morgan Atkinson for a new documentary about Merton’s final days. Merton died in an accident in December 1968, just a few weeks after meeting with the Dalai Lama. For more about Thomas Merton, visit the Thomas Merton Center online.

Lion s Roar Staff

Lion’ s Roar

Lion’s Roar is the website of Lion’s Roar magazine (formerly the Shambhala Sun) and Buddhadharma: The Practitioner’s Quarterly, with exclusive Buddhist news, teachings, art, and commentary. Sign up for the Lion’s Roar weekly newsletter and follow Lion’s Roar on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.