Asphyxiation Quote by Thomas Merton
““I have my own way to walk and for some reason or other Zen is right in the middle of it wherever I go. So there it is, with all its beautiful purposelessness, and it has become very familiar to me though I do not know "what it is." Or even if it is an "it." Not to be foolish and multiply words, I'll say simply that it seems to me that Zen is the very atmosphere of the Gospels, and the Gospels are bursting with it. It is the proper climate for any monk, no matter what kind of monk he may be. If I could not breathe Zen I would probably die of spiritual asphyxiation.””
About This Quote
The speaker sees Zen as an omnipresent, ineffable atmosphere that permeates his life and the Gospels, essential for spiritual vitality.
In simple terms: Zen is an essential, pervasive spiritual atmosphere.
Key Takeaway
Zen is vital for spiritual breathing.
Themes
spirituality
Zen
Christian mysticism
interfaith synthesis
existential awareness
Mood
contemplative
reverent
introspective
Type
philosophical
spiritual
interfaith
When to use this quote
- personal meditation practice
- interfaith dialogue
- monastic life
- spiritual crisis
- theological study
Key Concepts
Zen as atmosphere
Gospel resonance
spiritual suffocation
interfaith harmony
Practical Applications
- integrating Zen mindfulness into Christian prayer
- using Zen concepts to enrich spiritual counseling
Questions to Reflect On
- How does one experience Zen without formal practice?
- What does 'spiritual asphyxiation' imply about religious neglect?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that Zen and Christianity have incompatible doctrines, making such synthesis superficial.
![“I don't see [the jungle] so much erotic. I see it more full of obscenity. It's just - Nature here is vile and base. I wouldn't see anything erotical here. I would see fornication and asphyxiation and choking and fighting for survival and growing and just rotting away. Of course, there's a lot of…” quote by Werner Herzog](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1b3/werner-herzog-964_asphyxiation_i-don-t-see-the-jungle-so-much-erotic-i_1128692.jpg)
