{"product_id":"seeds","title":"Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eThomas Merton is often considered the most prominent Christian contemplative of the twentieth century, but he was also a political activist, social visionary, and literary figure whose writings combine the candor of Thoreau and the moral vision of Gandhi. Here is a remarkably accessible introduction to his work: a collection of a short, vivid excerpts arranged in four parts so as to parallel the journey of a seeking soul in the modern world.   \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e\t\"Real and False Selves\" distinguishes between our real selves, a deep religious mystery known entirely only to God, and the identities we take on in order to function in society. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\t\"The World We Live In\" provides a spiritual context to modern life, moving from a stark rejection of its empty promises to a deep compassion for its tragic limitations. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\t\"Antidotes to Illusion\" reflects on contemplative practices that can serve as the allies of our \"real selves\" in the battle against illusion: silence, solitude, meditation, prayer, charity, and faith. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\t\"Love in Action\" explores the role of the contemplative in the modern age and the challenges and pitfalls of living a life of active love. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cli\u003eMerton's startling critique of a society driven by technology and rampant acquisition, the politics of \"good versus evil,\" and the self-deluding complacency of the spiritual \"lifestyle\" demonstrate beyond doubt that his writings are as urgent today as they were in his lifetime.\u003c\/li\u003e","brand":"Shambhala","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":47685932089433,"sku":"9781570629303","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0742\/6981\/8969\/files\/9781570629303.jpg?v=1787679084","url":"https:\/\/www.shambhala.com\/products\/seeds","provider":"Shambhala Publications","version":"1.0","type":"link"}