Thomas Merton is a contemplative whose books are popular in new age book stores. I would not get too entrenched in the fascination of meditative practices which Merton involved himself bringing interfaith conversations involving buddhists, and Catholics. A little leaven ....leavens  the whole lump...Merton evidently was electrocuted in his bathtub while attending a Buddhist monk retreat I believe in Thailand .. Be careful doves to keep your eyes on Jesus only in these days
Keith T