Weekend Retreat: Thomas Merton on Contemplative Prayer

This weekend meditation retreat at the Krotona Institute of Theosophy in Ojai, California, explores Thomas Merton's teaching on contemplative prayer through reading, discussion and guided silence. It is open to anyone drawn to the Christian contemplative tradition, whether or not they come from it, and is led by Merton scholar David M. Odorisio, PhD. People can attend in person or by Zoom.

Merton (1915-1968) was a Trappist monk and one of the leading spiritual authors of the twentieth century. The retreat draws on two of his best-known books, New Seeds of Contemplation and Contemplative Prayer, as a guide into the interior life: a hidden dimension of ourselves marked by silence, inner peace and compassion.

What to Expect

The retreat unfolds over a weekend in four sessions. Seminar-style discussion is built around Merton's own words, with themes and generous quotations from these two books and his other writings leading the conversation. Between the talk, Odorisio invites participants into gentle, guided contemplative practice and periods of silence, so the weekend feels like a true retreat rather than a lecture series.

- Friday, 7:00 to 8:30 pm: an opening session introducing Merton's contemplative vision.
- Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm: morning discussion and practice.
- Saturday, 2:00 to 4:00 pm: an afternoon session with guided contemplative practice.
- Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm: the final session and closing practice.

The gathering is nonsectarian. People of all faith traditions, denominations and spiritual backgrounds, including secular perspectives, are welcome.

About David M. Odorisio, PhD

David M. Odorisio serves as Dean of Academic Programs and is Chair and Associate Professor in the Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness program at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. He is the editor of Thomas Merton in California: The Redwoods Conferences and Letters and Merton and Hinduism: The Yoga of the Heart. He also co-chairs the Mysticism Unit of the American Academy of Religion and sits on the Board of Directors of the International Thomas Merton Society.

The Setting

The retreat takes place at the Krotona Institute of Theosophy in Ojai, and it is also offered online by Zoom for those who cannot travel. Accommodation is available at or through the institute. Anyone wanting a room should contact Krotona directly about the types of rooms and how to reserve one. Meals are not included.

Before You Go

No prior experience is required. Familiarity with Merton or with contemplative practice is helpful, but Odorisio provides extensive textual context and guidance, and the group includes newcomers as well as people with established meditation or prayer practices. Participants are encouraged to read portions or all of both books beforehand, though this is not necessary. Books are not provided, so bring your own copies or arrange library access.

The retreat is held in English. Attendees may join a single session or the full series, and lectures and discussions can be experienced either in the room or over Zoom.