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“This ambitious work aims to draw parallels between two post–World War II luminaries: the Trappist monk Thomas Merton and the Beat writer Jack Kerouac, two men who, as the author states, were ‘so different in personal choices and lifestyles’ yet united by their shared interest in Buddhism. In alternating chapters, the lives of Merton and Kerouac are relayed chronologically. Sellner relies on primary source material—letters, diaries, interviews, recollected conversations—to tell their stories.”—Kirkus Reviews
Brilliant interweaving of American writers Thomas Merton and Jack Kerouac, and the influence of Buddhism upon them
This book is about two twentieth century giants: the Catholic monk and spiritual writer Thomas Merton, and the Beat writer Jack Kerouac, who as Roman Catholics studied Zen Buddhism which changed them profoundly.
They shared much: Celtic ancestry, Columbia University, writings known nationally and internationally, grounded in a spirituality of nature that reflected respect for all sensate creatures. Merton became famous with the publication of his 1948 autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, and Kerouac with his iconic On the Road, first published in 1957. They knew of each other, but never met, although they had plans to do so before Merton’s tragic death in 1968. Both also were intensely involved in studying and writing about Buddhism; they each knew D.T. Suzuki, a leading figure introducing Zen to the West. Both too had a dark side, prone to depression, struggling with sanity, even suicidal thoughts. Sellner’s book examines the transformative, satori experiences in their lives, and how examining them together illuminates them both.
“Wise and spacious, this thoughtful new book by Edward Sellner provides a balanced and yet deeply integrated approach to the Mystery that is Thomas Merton.” —Cynthia Bourgeault
“Sellner’s book shows clearly and creatively how Merton and Kerouac, with all their faults and talents, were busy about liberation—their own and others.” —Jon M. Sweeney, author of Thomas Merton: An Introduction to His Life, Teachings, and Practices
“The sheer beauty and insights of Kindred Spirits is the way Sellner deftly, and in a nuanced and evocative manner, weaves together how Merton and Kerouac walk together on their Zen journey, and where they part paths and why. The nature of what it means to be a kindred spirit is also wisely and discerningly articulated.” —Ron Dart, National Executive of the Thomas Merton Society of Canada
“As Sellner explores their awakenings and epiphanies, so too the reader is encouraged, by the peaks and troughs of these two unique and extraordinary lives, in their own search on the path to enlightenment. This will be a great addition to the canon of work about Merton.” —Paul M. Pearson, PhD, director and archivist, Thomas Merton Center, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY
Edward C. Sellner received master and doctoral degrees in theology and spirituality from the University of Notre Dame, and taught at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, for 35 years. He is also a former chemical dependency counselor, helping him to understand the suffering of Kerouac. Sellner’s research for this book included traveling to India and Thailand, tracing Merton’s first and last pilgrimage to Asia, and visiting the buddhas at Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, where Merton had his last satori experience. He also visited sites associated with Kerouac in San Francisco and Big Sur, providing him with certain awareness overlooked by previous biographers. Sellner is a Fellow at the Oxford Centre of Animal Ethics in Oxford, England and the author of seventeen previous books. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.