This book examines the spiritual odyssey of this extraordinary Trappist monk. The author, who knew Merton, writes about his journals, his circular letter, and his interests in centering prayer, social activism, and Byzantine spirituality. Pennington, a Trappist monk, zeroes in on the evolution of Merton's monastic consciousness with essays on his efforts at teaching and spiritual direction. This book lifts up and celebrates Merton's great attentiveness and his gift for deep listening.