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by David Steindl-Rast

The magnum opus of our most important living Catholic author—a pioneer in the Christian contemplative life and spiritual writing. Unlike any book he’s written before, Brother David Steindl-Rast offers spiritual direction from a unique perspective in history. At 96 years old, he has counted Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, Thomas Merton, H. H. the Dalai Lama, and Thomas Keating as friends and teachers. He has learned much, and offers it here.

Genres: Spirituality

176 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2023

About the author

Brother David Steindl-Rast is a Benedictine monk, author, and lecturer widely recognized for his commitment to interfaith dialogue and his emphasis on gratitude as a transformative spiritual practice. Born in Vienna in 1926, he survived the challenges of World War II before emigrating to the United States in 1952. He entered monastic life at Mount Saviour Monastery and went on to engage deeply with both Christian and Buddhist traditions, studying with notable Zen masters. His work bridges spirituality and science and has led him to collaborate with religious and cultural figures across traditions. He co-founded the Center for Spiritual Studies and A Network for Grateful Living, advocating for gratefulness as essential to human flourishing. His writings include Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer and Belonging to the Universe (with Fritjof Capra). Known for his mystical approach, he describes religion as a living flame that must be rediscovered beneath layers of doctrine, ritual, and dogma.

Reviews

[Karen]

A collection of luminous reflections that define concepts like gratitude, prayer, love, fear, hope, commitment, and more, this book is simple to “read” but requires — and rewards— attentive efforts to come to grips with each. My favorite selection of such meditations in a long time.

I became familiar with the author through his foundational work with the Network for Grateful Living (gratefulness.org). His path is Christian, but his wisdom is universalist.

[Susan]

I read it two times. And slowly. It takes awhile to absorb the ideas.

[Michael Moon]

a Life summation

Written by a 96 year old Christian monk, who against all odds has escaped the mind control of official Christendom strikes the perfect but dynamic pose of poetry and prose, of discourse and argumentation, of intimate disclosure and didactic explanation for living an epic life. I anticipate reading this again and again, one short passage at random after another.