Watch The Many Storeys and Last Days of Thomas Merton

The Many Storeys and Last Days of Thomas Merton is a documentary film directed and produced by Morgan Atkinson. The film chronicles the life and spiritual journey of Trappist monk and influential theologian, Thomas Merton. The movie is divided into various segments, each delving into different aspects of Merton's life. The first segment focuses on Merton's childhood and early life. Born in France in 1915, Merton grew up in the United States and attended Columbia University, where he earned a degree in English literature. It was during his years at Columbia that he began to question his agnostic beliefs and became drawn to the Roman Catholic Church.

The next segment of the film explores Merton's entry into the Trappist order, which took place in 1941 at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. The movie provides a glimpse into the austere lifestyle of the Trappist monks and Merton's own struggles in adjusting to this way of life. Merton's growing interest in contemplative prayer and Eastern spirituality is also touched upon in this segment, which sets the stage for the later half of the movie.

The third segment of the film focuses on Merton's writings and his growing influence as a theologian and spiritual writer. Merton was a prolific writer, and this segment provides insight into his published works, including The Seven Storey Mountain, which brought him widespread acclaim.

The fourth segment of the movie deals with Merton's growing involvement in the peace movement of the 1960s. Merton was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and became active in promoting non-violent resistance. The movie explores Merton's interactions with other peace activists of the time, including Martin Luther King Jr.

In the latter half of the movie, the focus shifts to Merton's deepening spiritual journey and his growing interest in Asian spirituality. The movie takes viewers on a journey through Merton's travels to India, where he met the Dalai Lama, and to Asia, where he encountered Zen Buddhism. Merton's fascination with Zen Buddhism is explored in-depth in this segment, and viewers are given a glimpse into his own spiritual practices.

The final segment of the documentary deals with Merton's untimely death in 1968. Merton died while attending a conference in Thailand, and the movie explores the events leading up to his death, as well as the legacy that he left behind.

The Many Storeys and Last Days of Thomas Merton is a thoughtful and well-crafted tribute to one of the most influential spiritual writers of the 20th century. By exploring the different facets of Merton's life, the movie provides a comprehensive picture of a complex and fascinating figure, whose writings continue to inspire and challenge readers to this day.