Solitude and Silence

The Cloister of the Heart

What can the lay person learn from the life of a monk? Solitude and Silence are two pillars of monastic life that many people quickly point to as the hardest and most confusing parts of this kind of religious consecration. However, the great spiritual writer Thomas à Kempis, author of The Imitation of Christ, helps us to understand that all Christians are called to some solitude and silence in our lives while not taking on a complete eremitical life. He recommends the systematic and intentional incorporation of solitude and silence in a manner which is consistent with each one’s vocation and state of life.

It is important for us to cultivate these two habits in order to enter into contemplation and conversation with God. This vision of God may also be experienced (to varying degrees) even in this world, through the grace of contemplative prayer. And silence and solitude are the hallowed doors through which one must pass to arrive at this delightful and serene state of holy contemplation.

©2023 TAN Books (P)2024 TAN Books

Good listen.

Very interesting. I need to listen again. Maybe more than once. I have Solitude as well as Silence, but I need to learn to practice them both

A blueprint to a deeper faith

Thomas A Kempis explains in an inspired blueprint of God’s wisdom, the need for silence and solitude in our lives to help us manage our fragile human nature and achieve, by God’s mercy and grace, a pathway to a deeper friendship with Christ and enjoy His glorious promises of love, peace, and happiness now and forever. A magnificent work.

Bless the Lord, Oh my soul 🙏

This book spoke to my soul. Every word resounded within it. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Silence in a noisy world

Thomas a Kempis is rich in thought and language. So grateful this book is now in English.

Relevant today!

Very timely and deeply wise. Succinct guidelines for having loving interactions with people and God.