--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The true contemplative is one who has…" description: "\"The true contemplative is one who has discovered the art of finding leisure even in the midst of his work, by working with such a spirit of detachment ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/549/thomas-merton-231_art_the-true-contemplative-is-one-who-has-di_2843205.jpg" --- # The true contemplative is one who has discovered the art… ![“The true contemplative is one who has discovered the art of finding leisure even in the midst of his work, by working with such a spirit of detachment and recollection that even his work is a prayer” quote by Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/549/thomas-merton-231_art_the-true-contemplative-is-one-who-has-di_2843205.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/549/thomas-merton-231_art_the-true-contemplative-is-one-who-has-di_2843205.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/549/thomas-merton-231_art_the-true-contemplative-is-one-who-has-di_2843205.jpg) > “The true contemplative is one who has discovered the art of finding leisure even in the midst of his work, by working with such a spirit of detachment and recollection that even his work is a prayer” [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True contemplation finds leisure within work, turning labor into prayer through detachment. **In simple terms:** Contemplation makes work feel like prayer. Key Takeaway Integrate mindfulness into daily tasks. Themes contemplation work leisure spirituality detachment Mood tranquil reflective Type spiritual philosophical When to use this quote - spiritual retreats - productivity seminars - personal development Key Concepts mindful labor spiritual practice work‑life balance Questions to Reflect On - How can one practice detachment at work? - What rituals turn tasks into prayer? A Different Perspective May be challenging in high‑stress jobs. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Contemplative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contemplative/) [Contemplative Discovered](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contemplative-discovered-3738725/) [Detachment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/detachment/) [Finding Leisure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/finding-leisure-3738726/) [Findings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/findings/) [Leisure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leisure/) [Midst](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/midst/) [Prayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer/) [Recollection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recollection/) [Recollection Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recollection-work-3738727/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Spirit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirit/) [True Contemplative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-contemplative-3539563/) ## Related quotes > [“Quoting from Thomas Merton Dialogues With Silence The true contemplative is not one who prepares his mind for a particular message that he wants…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-cope/quoting-from-thomas-merton-dialogues-with-silence-the-true/) [Stephen Cope](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-cope/) > [My main recollection is of the work I had to do in order to eat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clifton-fadiman/my-main-recollection-is-of-the-work-i-had-to-do-in-order-to-eat/) [Clifton Fadiman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clifton-fadiman/) > [One of the first things to learn if you want to be a contemplative is to mind your own business. 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