Discover how an ancient monastic tradition speaks to the challenge of leading a balanced life in the 21st century.

Cistercian spirituality, rooted in the Benedictine rnovement, emphasizes the need to balance contemplative prayer, silence, study, manual work, and spiritual friendship. ln this succinct and beautifully written book, well known author and Cistercian monk Basil Pennington introduces the wisdom of the time-tested Cistercian way of life through the writings of four of its most celebrated teachers.

William of Saint Thierry offers practical guidance for the faith-journey, which begins with contemplation and leads to a union with God.

Aelred of Rievaulx shows us the ways of friendship and how to integrate our emotions with our love of the divine and the human.

Guerric of Igny provides a simple eight-step plan that shows how the link between an active and contemplative life brings us closer to God.

Bernard of Clairvaux guides us down the inward and olltward paths that we must follow to attain the ultimate goal-the embrace of divine love.