This CBSN 30-minute documentary explores the lives and influence of three religious teachers, Thomas Merton, His Holiness the 16th Karmapa and Karen Armstrong.

Thomas Merton

Photo: Publishing Perspectives.

For much admired Trappist monk Thomas Merton, the “deeply spiritual life” meant the “experience” of God’s presence and love at all times, combining that with action in everyday life. He was a prolific writer on topics ranging from contemplative prayer to non-violence. He also wrote poetry, essays and criticism. (PBS.org)

His Holiness the 16th Karmapa

Photo: Wikipedia.

As head of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism His Holiness the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, was second Lama to the Dalia Lama. He was considered an emanation of the Buddha of compassion known as Avalokitesvara, the great compassionate one.

The 16th Karmapa was a great master who demonstrated intuitive wisdom, joy, and loving kindness, his compassionate activity for others was beyond words or concepts. Under his leadership, the Karma Kagyu lineage not only survived the escape from Tibet but thrived. Since then, Karma Kagyu lineage spread all around the world. The Buddhist monasteries, institutes, and centers that the 16th Karmapa established grew and now offer Buddhist methods to people in India, Asia, and across the West. (BeHereNowNetwork.com)

Karen Armstrong

Photo: Bill Moyers.

Karen Armstrong has dedicated her life to the study of religion — both from inside the walls of a convent during her seven years as a Catholic nun — and as a author of books on the world’s faiths from Islam to Buddhism and a best-selling HISTORY OF GOD. Her examination of the commonalities of the world’s faiths has brought Karen Armstrong to her current project: the Charter for Compassion. (PBS.org)