Editor Klaudia Menzi-Steinberger presents Br. David with the first copies of the new book.
The Benedictine monk David Steindl-Rast is one of the most influential spiritual figures of our time. As a seeker of truth, a bridge-builder, and a mentor of gratefulness, he has inspired people across religious and cultural boundaries for decades.
After many years in the United States, Brother David is now living and working at the European monastery of Gut Aich on Lake Wolfgang.
In celebration of the 100th birthday of Brother David on July 12, 2026, a beautiful new commemorative volume has been published: In Widening Circles: Honoring the 100th Birthday of David Steindl-Rast, OSB, edited by Klaudia Menzi-Steinberger and published by Paulist Press.
This inspiring volume brings together the voices of 55 contributors—friends, companions, and fellow travelers whose lives have been touched by Brother David’s presence, wisdom, and lifelong dedication to grateful living.
Among the many international contributors are His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sri Swami Satchidananda, Fr. Anselm Grün, OSB, Fritjof Capra, Joan Halifax, Rupert Sheldrake, David Whyte, Ken Wilber, and others, each offering personal reflections, stories, and testimonies of love and gratitude.
Brother David was personally presented with the completed volume on June 3, 2026 and his joy upon receiving this collaborative birthday offering was profound. He asked that his heartfelt gratitude be conveyed to all who contributed. A separate contributors’ directory, including personal photographs, was also given to him so that the faces of those who shared their memories could accompany him as he reads their words.
The book offers a rich and multifaceted portrait of Brother David: Benedictine monk, scholar, author, founder of Grateful.org, advocate for ecological responsibility, friend of the marginalized, and an untiring voice for interreligious understanding. The volume also includes an exclusive interview, personal photographs, and previously unpublished images that further illuminate his remarkable life and legacy.
Integral Yoga is especially honored that the book includes a remembrance of Brother David’s long and loving friendship with Sri Swami Satchidananda. Their bond was one of deep spiritual kinship and shared commitment to interfaith understanding. Together, they helped pioneer spaces where people of different religious traditions could come together in mutual respect, prayer, dialogue, and service.
In keeping with Brother David’s teachings on abundance and generosity, the book has been created as a charitable project. All net proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit initiative personally selected by Brother David for this special occasion.
In Widening Circles is more than a birthday tribute. It is an offering of gratitude for a life that has helped countless people awaken to wonder, compassion, kinship, and the sacredness of the present moment. Purchase the book here.
More info at: David100.info
Other celebrations will take place over the next several months including an interactive exhibition “David100,” explores key themes in his life. The exhibition aims to give as many people as possible insight into his life, work, and thinking, as well as his attitudes and his tireless quest for answers.
In addition the exhibition features around 50 works by international artists as well as contributions from children and young people from Sankt Gilgen. Together, these have given rise to a diverse range of perspectives on Brother David’s life themes—shaped by different experiences, life journeys, and forms of expression.
There is also the “Peace Park” with 100 white prayer flags, a “Consciousness Pavilion,” and a path of consciousness dedicated to peace. As a special highlight, the AI chatbot “Bruder David Bot,” developed by the University of Salzburg, invites visitors to a virtual conversation with Brother David! More info here at: david100.info
