Alone in Community: Journey Into Monastic Life Around the World
Inspired by the writings of Trappist monk Thomas Merton, Claassen traveled around the world visiting Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Coptic, Sufi, Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monasteries. Attempting to understand and communicate the gentle rhythms of life inherent in the monastic tradition, he embarked on a lifelong spiritual odyssey that included participating in religious retreats in a multitude of monastic communities in 11 different countries. By documenting and describing the daily rituals embraced and practiced by each secluded community that welcomed him, the author provides an intimate glimpse into a variety of contemplative lifestyles. An educational as well as inspirational pilgrimage.Margaret FlanaganCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved