(Reviewed by JD Jung)
Edward C. Sellner’s Kindred Spirits brings together two unlikely figures—Trappist monk Thomas Merton and Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac. This well-researched biography explores how Buddhist thought influenced each man’s spiritual journey.
Both men battled depression, wrote compassionately about society’s outsiders, and were influenced by Zen scholar D.T. Suzuki and the concept of “satori”.
What I found most compelling, however, were the differences. Merton, a convert to Catholicism, combined both Catholicism and Buddhism, whereas Kerouac struggled between the two religions. Also, Merton seemed to integrate his spiritual experiences into a balanced life, while Kerouac’s search for enlightenment never brought him the same sense of peace. That contrast made the comparisons even more thought-provoking.
Sellner also does an excellent job tracing formative events from each man’s early life and showing how those experiences shaped their beliefs and writing. I especially appreciated the discussions of Kerouac’s works, including Big Sur and The Dharma Bums, which added valuable context to his spiritual journey.
This is definitely a niche read, particularly for those interested in Beat literature, Thomas Merton, or the intersection of Buddhism and Christianity. I’ve always been fascinated with Beat culture, but not necessarily Eastern philosophy. Yet, I came away with a much deeper appreciation for both men—especially Kerouac—and the complex paths they followed in their search for meaning.