Turning to the Mystics with James Finley Thomas Merton: Session 3
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Mar 16, 2020 Explore the profound teachings of Thomas Merton on discovering your True Self beyond ego illusions. Delve into Merton's insights on divine identity and the healing power of contemplation. Engage in meditative practices that foster connection and community, including a collective recitation of the Lord's Prayer. This thought-provoking discussion invites listeners on a transformative journey toward recognizing their identity as creations of God.
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Our True Identity in God
- Our ultimate identity is hidden in the love and mercy of God, identical with God's infinite simplicity.
- Discovering oneself fully happens only through discovering God, since both are fundamentally intertwined.
The Illusion of the False Self
- The false self is an illusory ego identity detached from God's knowledge and love.
- Living by this false self causes sin and suffering because it's ultimately hollow and destined for destruction.
Sin and Spiritual Awakening
- Sin stems from the ego's claim to be the final authority on our identity, estranged from God's infinite love.
- Conversion opens the path to awakening by surrendering to God's love despite inner confusion and pain.