This is a large and important cache of letters that sparked Merton's interest in Sufism. Included are original signed letters by Aziz, and carbon copies or photocopies of letters by Merton. Only Merton's side of the correspondence has yet been fully published and can be found in «The Hidden Ground of Love». Selection from Aziz's side of the correspondence can be found in «Merton and Sufism». Also in this group of records can be found correspondence between the Merton Center and Nicholas Heer in regards to obtaining some correspondence between Heer and Aziz. This correspondence dating from 1959 through 1962 is included in this collection.

Content described at the Subseries level.

Content described at the Subseries level.

Content described at the Subseries level.

Merton and Arasteh trade books and essays. They discuss psychology, Sufism, Zen, Chuang Tzu, mysticism, Rumi, psychedelic drugs, etc. There are also letters by William H. Shannon who was approaching Arasteh about using his letters in «The Hidden Ground of Love», and other letters dealing with permissions to use articles or chapters for a Merton memorial publication.

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Abe, Masao".

Content described at the Subseries level.