The Spirit of Simplicity

This classic book about Cistercian spirituality was edited and translated by Thomas Merton in 1948. The first part is by the French Abbot Jean-Baptiste Chautard and the second consists of texts by St Bernard of Clairvaux on interior simplicity, with a commentary by Merton. Right from the beginning the monk is defined as a man absorbed in one exclusive ideal: union with God. With this in mind, simplicity consists of stripping away the superfluous at every level and observing the Rule of St Benedict, which is discussed in considerable detail. Between the two parts is a series of black-and-white photographs of various abbeys. For St Bernard, we are already made in the image of God, and the mystical path consists of developing into the full likeness corresponding to the very depths of the human soul. This involves sincerity and humility applied to the mind, heart and will - and forbearance in a community setting that also entails obedience as a form of simplicity applied to the will. St Bernard is very clear that knowledge does not enlighten our minds but can lead to love that gives us a concrete experience of God (p. 86). Merton explains that we cannot become one substance with God, but that a union of wills makes us one spirit with the God of intimate love. This is a powerful contemplative guide and a favourite text of many leading Catholics, including Pope Benedict XVI.