Autumn Quote by Thomas Merton
“When we are alone on a starlit night, when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a moment when they are really children, when we know love in our own hearts; or when, like the Japanese poet, Basho, we hear an old frog land in a quiet pond with a solitary splash - at such times the awakening, the turning inside out of all values, the "newness," the emptiness and the purity of vision that make themselves evident, all these provide a glimpse of the cosmic dance.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Seven Storey Mountain, Thomas Merton, 1948
Experiencing simple, natural moments can dissolve ordinary values, revealing a pure, cosmic perspective.
In simple terms: Simple moments reveal deeper truth.
Key Takeaway
Notice and cherish quiet, natural experiences.
Themes
nature
spirituality
perception
beauty
Mood
reverent
wonderful
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- watching birds
- children playing
- listening to nature
- quiet contemplation
Key Concepts
transcendence
mindfulness
cosmic unity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create space for these moments?
- What does “newness” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Such moments may be fleeting and hard to sustain in daily life.
