Showing posts with label "contemplative life". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "contemplative life". Show all posts

2021/02/11

The Cloud of Unknowing eBook: Anonymous, Underhill, Evelyn: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

The Cloud of Unknowing eBook: Anonymous, Underhill, Evelyn: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

Product description
From the Inside Flap
Written by an anonymous English monk during the late fourteenth century, The Cloud of Unknowing is a sublime expression of what separates God from humanity and is widely regarded as a hallmark of Western literature and spirituality. A work of simplicity, courage, and lucidity, it is a contemplative classic on the deep mysteries of faith.

Lift up your heart to God with a humble impulse of love and have himself as your aim, not any of his goods ... Set yourself to rest in this darkness, always crying out after him whom you love. For if you are to experience him or to see him at all, insofar as it is possible here, it must always be in this cloud and in this darkness. -- The Cloud of Unknowing

--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
About the Author
Christian philosopher and teacher Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941) helped establish mysticism as a legitimate philosophy. She achieved international fame with the 1911 publication of Mysticism and wrote nearly 40 other books, including novels and poetry. The first woman invited to lecture on theology at Oxford, she was the religion editor for Spectator.
Kim Boykin has a Ph.D. in theology from Emory University. She teaches at Marymount College and is the author of Zen for Christians. --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.
Read more
Product details
ASIN : B0046A9RU4
Language : English
File size : 174 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
-
Print length : 138 pages
----
4.5 out of 5 stars 730
Kindle Edition
$0.94 
The Way of Perfection by Saint Teresa of Avila (A Christian classic!)
The Way of Perfection by Saint Teresa of Avila (A Christian classic!)
Saint Teresa of Avila
4.6 out of 5 stars 83
Kindle Edition
$1.03 
The Cloud of Unknowing: A New Translation
The Cloud of Unknowing: A New Translation
Carmen Acevedo Butcher
4.7 out of 5 stars 73
Kindle Edition
$14.16 
Interior Castle
Interior Castle
St. Teresa of Avila
4.7 out of 5 stars 888
Kindle Edition
$6.25 


How would you rate your experience shopping for books on Amazon today





Very poor Neutral Great
Customer reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
311 global ratings
5 star
 65%
4 star
 13%
3 star
 10%
2 star
 5%
1 star
 7%
How are ratings calculated?
Review this product
Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Sponsored 

Top reviews
Top reviews
Top reviews from Australia
Alwyn Noronha
2.0 out of 5 stars Boring
Reviewed in Australia on 9 May 2020
Verified Purchase
the book just meanders along until it gets so abstract it it becomes boring to go any further. I will still try and read through the book in time.
Helpful
Report abuse
Fr. Neville
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in Australia on 15 December 2014
Verified Purchase
This spiritual masterpiece demands attention no only in the Middle Ages.
Helpful
Report abuse
See all reviews
Top reviews from other countries
Samantha Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating Guidebook to Contemplative Life
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 September 2019
Verified Purchase
This is a classic guide for the true Contemplative who desires to seek God's face, the Mary who sits at Jesus's feet. It wasn't until about halfway through the book that I reached the practical insight so persevere.
3 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent translation of this incredibly valuable book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 March 2014
Verified Purchase
I have struggled with other so called "modern" translation of this book that still sounded like old English to me. The language always got in the way of the deep spiritual concepts and wonderful guidance offered by the anonymous author. This translation keeps the beauty and warmth of the original, but allows ordinary readers like me to focus wholly on the concepts and advice he is offering, many of which need time and contemplation to be fully absorbed. I am thankful to the anonymous author for writing down his advice, and to Bernard Bangley for this excellent and loving translation.
14 people found this helpful
Report abuse
James Maccabe
5.0 out of 5 stars none have done it better than this writer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 November 2016
Verified Purchase
Evelyn Underhill really understood this ancient work by an unknown monk. If you want to understand this mystical book ,
none have done it better than this writer. Excellent!
7 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Anne
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2017
Verified Purchase
I am growing in understanding of this text, but it could be a challenge for the general reader
3 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Andy H
5.0 out of 5 stars ? ....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 March 2020
Verified Purchase
Great quality book, I am still to read and from other reviews - wish me luck!.
Report abuse
See all reviews
===
From other countries
Duncan Moss
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 December 2020
Verified Purchase
A classic
Report abuse
Aquinas
5.0 out of 5 stars I was disappointed and purchased Evlyn underhills translation instead which I find ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 July 2014
Verified Purchase
I found this particular translation of the Cloud more difficult to understand. I thought the English would be more up to date than it is. I was disappointed and purchased Evlyn underhills translation instead which I find very beautiful and would highly recommend its simplicity.
8 people found this helpful
Report abuse
S. Burns
5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any Christian who wants to learn more
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 January 2019
Verified Purchase
Brilliant for students of Christian spirituality
Report abuse
gerry divine
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 October 2015
Verified Purchase
Very good spiritual book full of insights
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
E. Pascal-n
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 March 2018
Verified Purchase
Thnak you so much
Report abuse
PS
5.0 out of 5 stars Precious and helpful. A spiritual guide that is timeless ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 January 2017
Verified Purchase
Precious and helpful. A spiritual guide that is timeless.
Report abuse
Tony
5.0 out of 5 stars This book knows where it’s going
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2017
Verified Purchase
A book to stretch the mind
Report abuse
Wren
4.0 out of 5 stars Mysticism
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 June 2014
Verified Purchase
Very useful though the translation is not as easy to read as more recent trans;ations but it being available on Kindle means it can be easily available
Report abuse
corricook
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 March 2016
Verified Purchase
Great Thanks
Report abuse
William Heath
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the great classics of religeous contemplation
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 September 2014
Verified Purchase
One of the great classics of religeous contemplation. For all those who seek and for those who believe they have found.
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
←Previous
Next page→

Sponsored 
Need customer service? Click here
‹ See all details for The Cloud of Unknowing

===
From other countries
Happy Camper
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 29 January 2016
Verified Purchase
Great to have on my digital devices for a very cheap price. Highly recommend
Report abuse
Judith Oldridge
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent condition!
Reviewed in Canada on 1 February 2013
Verified Purchase
Excellent condition, and it was easy to obtain in Canada. It is a book well worth the money. We live in a small town, and don't have a book store for miles around! So this is such a blessing! Thank you so much!
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars One Star
Reviewed in Canada on 10 April 2017
Verified Purchase
The book is great but this translation isn't.
Report abuse
Andrew McDonald
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on 24 October 2014
Verified Purchase
An excellent translation of an important read for any serious Christian who desires to pray more effectively.
Report abuse
Nancy Wanda Neumann
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring
Reviewed in Canada on 5 October 2014
Verified Purchase
This is a book of constant inspiration
Report abuse
Elsie
4.0 out of 5 stars Cloud of Unknowing:The classic of Medieval Mysticism
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 September 2012
Verified Purchase
The book arrived promply and in excellent condition. This is a book to read slowly and savour the depth of meaning within the words. An excellent book for a study group.
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Susan Roddy
5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant, I hope to grow into it
Reviewed in Canada on 12 November 2015
Verified Purchase
Fascinating, nonsensical, brilliant, I hope to grow into it.
Report abuse
Avid Reader
2.0 out of 5 stars This version is still in "ancient" English
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 December 2012
Verified Purchase
We tried the book and the principles and encouragement s are excellent. However, we found it too distracting perpetually having to decipher the "ancient" style of English. After a short trial, we sent it back and with the refund, bought a different version in modern English.
4 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Mr Peter Essex
1.0 out of 5 stars One Star
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 June 2016
Verified Purchase
Cannot understand the old English text
Report abuse
Sujittra Chaturongkul
5.0 out of 5 stars He makes me feel that there's still something good left of our humanity.
Reviewed in the United States on 27 August 2015
Verified Purchase
I bought it for the reason that it says it's a Christian classic, and also I'd heard a lot about this book while reading about Christian mysticism. It's such a great book. The author is warmhearted, witty, genial, down-to-earth, very mature, contemplative, deep type of a guy. After I left the book for a while, I had the sense of a "true peace" and a "comfort with God" ( his words in quotations ) when coming back to it.

Evelyn Underhill writes the Introduction and says " The MS from which it was made is unknown to us." It's still controversial who the author really was. But it was written around the latter half of the fourteenth century, England. There are so many things around and about him such as his other books, his being a cloistered monk, his being a Carthusian etc. which are still uncertain and unprovable.

No doubt that the book is a mystical treatise. It talks about how to get to God by going over the cloud of unknowing leaving behind the cloud of forgetting. All just have to be between you and God, other things else have to be forgotten. It's the "speedily springing unto God as a sparkle from the coal." There are two kinds of the church life, the active life and the contemplative life. The active life is the life of busying with all kind of religious activities such as helping the poor, the needy, and doing other charity works. The contemplative life "should be occupied, in reading, thinking, and praying" and "contemplative sitteth in peace with one thing." His view of praying is that, "Prayer in itself properly is not else, but a devout intent direct unto God, for getting of good and removing of evil." And God is, " The everlastingness of God is His length. His love is His breadth. His might is His height. And His wisdom is His deepness."

The quotations were just to let you know of how he writes and his main ideas. I would recommend this book for anyone, religious, or mystic. I love the author so much, he makes me feel that there's still something good left of our humanity.
35 people found this helpful
Report abuse
←Previous
Next page→

Sponsored 
Need customer service? Click here
‹ See all details for The Cloud of Unknowing
===
From other countries
Paul Towers
5.0 out of 5 stars An invitation of unknowing
Reviewed in the United States on 29 November 2017
Verified Purchase
This is an excellent book concerning the understanding and practice of the contemplative life. Its purpose is clear and written by one who experiences this life. I would recommend the Cloud of Unknowing to anyone who desires a closer encounter with God.
15 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Kay Hill
5.0 out of 5 stars A very useful translation
Reviewed in the United States on 6 January 2013
Verified Purchase
The very simple language of this translation makes this spiritual classic available to those who might otherwise find it difficult to understand. I use it in a contemplative prayer group which I facilitate in a prison for inmates with psychological disorders. Many of them are illiterate or nearly so. We are moving very slowly through this book because it has stirred up the best discussions we have ever had., They are really getting it. I have used other more beautiful translations with better educated groups and many just don't like the book. I think it might be useful for children. This book really fills a need.
43 people found this helpful
Report abuse
L. Reffett
4.0 out of 5 stars Know and Experience God's Depth and Love.
Reviewed in the United States on 16 August 2014
Verified Purchase
The book is written by an anonymous English monk of the 14th Century, and he starts out with a warning - Only those who are serious in being a "perfect follower of Christ" is to read this book. I found this book very helpful in understanding how to go beyond meditation, and the monk states the exercise is "to hold nothing in your mind, but place yourself in the presence of God." The cloud of unknowing is a reference to a spiritual reality that we do not always know what may be blocking or hindering our relationship with God. We cannot completely know or understand God, but in this exercise, we do not use our mind, thoughts, feelings, or even self, to try to understand God. We simply place ourselves in the presence of God, and He come to us in a deeper way. I am currently reading, Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating, which seems to be expanding on this monk's work and the contemplative life. Keating states, "God's first language is silence." God meets you in the silence, and you "let God draw your love up to the cloud, for he who seeks God perfectly will not take his rest of any angel or saint." We do not ask God for anything or seek enlightenment in this exercise. We do not engage in thoughts about God or put any image in our mind which becomes a spiritual cloud, obscuring our quiet time with God. It is like being in a room with a friend you love and trust, and you know each other so well that you do not need to talk, but you are just enjoy being together, enjoying each other's love and company. This exercise is not to replace other forms of pray or the study of God's Holy Word, perhaps through Lectio Divina, where you Red, Reflect, Respond, and Rest in the Scripture and God. I will end this with how the monk ends his book, "Blessings to you, Spiritual Friend, and I beseech Almighty God that true peace, sane counsel, and spiritual comfort in God with abundance of grace always be with you, and with all those who on earth love God. Amen."
26 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Silence
5.0 out of 5 stars As close as possible
Reviewed in the United States on 12 December 2018
Verified Purchase
This translation is as close to exact as possible (I guess) given the history of its existence and of the English language.
This copy I sent to my brother who has a degree in (protestant) theology and objects to my being Catholic.

If he can understand it.

Thank you.
4 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Asuvas
4.0 out of 5 stars It is my favorite translation. The format gets only 2 stars
Reviewed in the United States on 18 October 2014
Verified Purchase
The actual text gets 5 stars. It is my favorite translation. The format gets only 2 stars; it is hard to read in my Kindle, as the pages are laid out like images--if you enlarge them so you can read it, the text doesnt wrap, and the lines grow longer until half the sentence is off the page.
16 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Kindle Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars Horrendous translation
Reviewed in the United States on 3 January 2021
Verified Purchase
The translation of this beautiful text obscures the glorious beauty of the book. If anyone ever actually spoke in "thees and thous" and "untos and wherefors" I have no doubt no two people ever understood the meaning of the speaker.
Report abuse
Patricia A. Long
2.0 out of 5 stars Seeing through the Cloud
Reviewed in the United States on 3 June 2013
Verified Purchase
I first read this book many, many years ago when I was a third degree Discalced Carmelite, We read it as a group and had discussions facilitated by a semi-cloistered Carmelite nun. It was such a beautiful book by a Catholic brother who totally gave himself over to God. It was so inspiring.

So, I decided to read it again. But this time I had trouble understanding the language he used. However, I plodded on, occasionally running into a sparkling jewel of a thought that I could meditate on. I never did finish it though because it was just too much work without a "interpreter."
10 people found this helpful
Report abuse
R. Mcmillen
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on Biblical Contemplation but Middle English can be a challenge
Reviewed in the United States on 9 January 2021
Verified Purchase
Love the content but I had some problems understanding this version. Bought an Audible version in modern English to continue my study.
Report abuse
Jessica
2.0 out of 5 stars I should not have wasted my money on it
Reviewed in the United States on 27 September 2017
Verified Purchase
This book is not complete; this is not the complete book and the print is so small, even if you don't need glasses, it takes a magnifying glass to read it. I should not have wasted my money on it.
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
William D. Curnutt
5.0 out of 5 stars A classic on the contemplative life
Reviewed in the United States on 3 January 2012
Verified Purchase
This short book written hundreds of years ago by an unknown Monk is interesting, concise, humbling and relevant even today for the Christian who is seriously curious about delving into the spiritual realm of a contemplative.

This is not a "scholarly" writing, but that of a mentor to his friends whom he wants to instruct on how to go deeper in their walk with Christ. Some of the writing is a bit difficult at first to understand, you must read with a meditative reading style. I would alsonsuggestnreading it out loud as it will help with your attention and understanding.

The author expresses that this will be a difficult read for someone knew to the thoughts of a contemplative lifestyle. He recommends that you need to read this through two or three times to fully grasp the thoughts and lessons.

He also acknowledges that this task will be hard work. It doesn't come easy. It doesn't come quickly. It is a calling from God. But after all the hard labor the rewards are worth it.

I think that this translation by Harper Collins is well done and worth your consideration.

Enjoy!
9 people found this helpful
Report abuse
←Previous
Next page→

Sponsored 
Need customer service? Click here
‹ See all details for The Cloud of Unknowing

===
From other countries
Charlie White
5.0 out of 5 stars Clearly, an inspired text
Reviewed in the United States on 20 April 2014
Verified Purchase
For those willing to invest the time in wading through this book, with it's olde English prose, you will be rewarded with a treasure of insight . For those unwilling (or unable) to invest the time, you might want to find something a little more suited for your available time. The blessings shall be the same, if you follow your desires for grace.
4 people found this helpful
Report abuse
TDR
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Classic of Catholic Literature!
Reviewed in the United States on 11 November 2006
Verified Purchase
Written by an anonymous Monk in the 1300s, you will find this book to be very different than many other Catholic reads. As a Catholic, I found this book to be refreshing and thought-provoking, and yet even more proof that there are so many different sides to Catholicism, Catholic thought, and Catholic practice. At times, the book has a very Eastern feel to it- almost Buddhist-like- and yet at other times, it has much more of a classic-medieval-Christian feel...

However, please be forewarned: (1) Even though this version of the book is translated into modern English, the sentences can still be rather long, and are not very concise at times (at least when compared to most modern English writing). So you may find yourself having to re-read some sentences, and/or contemplating the meaning of what you just read- which for me was worth the effort, but may not be for everyone... We are not talking brain-surgery here, but I think you get the idea. (2) This book was written a very long time ago, in a different age with different outlooks on the world- and I think there are strong indicators in certain chapters that the author assumes his readers will (for the most part) be people who are in some religious order of some sort from his time period. Consequently, some readers may find this book interesting, but not that practical for every day use in their lives. However, I also think that there is a large set of people, (especially many Catholics), who will find this book, in addition to being a fascinating read, to also (with its different approach) be very useful in their quest for deeper spirituality.

Sample (from one of the more concise paragraphs): ...Do not hang back then, but labor in it until you experience the desire. For when you first begin to undertake it, all that you will find is a darkness, a sort of cloud of the unknowing; you can not tell what it is, except that you experience in your will a simple reaching out to God. This darkness and cloud is always between you and God, no matter what you do, and it prevents you from seeing Him clearly by the light of understanding in your reason and from experiencing Him in sweetness of love in your affection. So set yourself to rest in this darkness as long as you can, always crying out for Him whom you love. For if you are to experience Him at all, insofar as it is possible here [that is, in this existence], it must always be in this cloud and in this darkness...

There are many chapters, but they are very short. Most will find reading a chapter a day a very realistic goal. I hope you enjoy this highly regarded classic as much as I did!
84 people found this helpful
Report abuse
C. V. Sawyer
3.0 out of 5 stars The cloud of unknowing
Reviewed in the United States on 19 June 2014
Verified Purchase
A bit too esoteric for what I sought, The Cloud of Unknowing is very deep. Though it would serve as a perfect introduction to the contemplative life, I was hoping for a shortcut. Another weak human here.
6 people found this helpful
Report abuse
S. Crayne
1.0 out of 5 stars Botched Kindle edition
Reviewed in the United States on 17 June 2015
Verified Purchase
I had read about half of the William Johnston translation in an old copy of an Image paperback. I have old eyes- the forty year old pb had small print- so, knowing Underhill's own writing, I ordered her translation today on my Kindle, for the bargain price of 99 cents. Big mistake. I just deleted it without reading. It's just about illegible: no Table of Contents, formatted in some weird way with footnotes first, I couldn't make any sense of it.
10 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Ziprgun5
5.0 out of 5 stars An enigma and paradox in a conundrum wrapped in a cloud. Essential reading.
Reviewed in the United States on 2 February 2015
Verified Purchase
This classic deserves a reading by any religious person on earth – no matter what the religion (re=again;ligare=to attach; ie, to reattach), there comes moments in a person seeking that are drier than a bone in the desert. But when you reach the cloud of unknowing you know it. It's an enigma a paradox in a conundrum wrapped in a cloud.
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Clarice Jane Mullikin
5.0 out of 5 stars The writing style is unique but the understandings I gleaned ...
Reviewed in the United States on 19 March 2018
Verified Purchase
The writing style is unique but the understandings I gleaned as I studied this along with St. John of the Cross 'Dark Night of the Soul' was gratifying.
Report abuse
JPra
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on 4 October 2020
Verified Purchase
Great book and seller.
Report abuse
Dennis McCown
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful spiritual insights’
Reviewed in the United States on 25 November 2019
Verified Purchase
Challenging English but well worth the effort!
Report abuse
mary a echols
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on 29 April 2017
Verified Purchase
Wonderful addition to my spiritual library.
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Desiree Valenzuela
5.0 out of 5 stars for anyone interested in the tradition of Christian meditation
Reviewed in the United States on 25 March 2013
Verified Purchase
this was written in the 13th century, by an obviously intelligent, well educated, and warm-hearted monk with a real desire to help others. Not all meditation traditions/techniques derive from eastern (Hindu, Buddhist, etc) sources- a common misconception which I once believed myself. The language has been updated, but certainly not dumbed-down. God Bless our unknown author for sharing this with us... the methods described in this book are not easy, quick-fix, psycho-babble of the sort to be found in all too many modern books on the subject of meditation. But they are very well worth the time and effort for the sincere seeker of God and His truth. A very old Christian monastic tradition with ancient roots, just waiting to be discovered and put to use by the rest of us. Highly reccomended.
6 people found this helpful
Report abuse
←Previous
Next page→

Sponsored 
Need customer service? Click here
‹ See all details for The Cloud of Unknowing

The Cloud of Unknowing - Wikipedia

The Cloud of Unknowing - Wikipedia

The Cloud of Unknowing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigationJump to search
The Cloud of Unknowing
AuthorAnonymous
Original titleThe Cloude of Unknowyng
CountryEngland
LanguageMiddle English
SubjectSpiritual guide to contemplative prayer
GenreChristian mysticism
Publication date
Late 14th century
Followed byThe Book of Privy Counseling 

The Cloud of Unknowing (Middle EnglishThe Cloude of Unknowing) is an anonymous work of Christian mysticism written in Middle English in the latter half of the 14th century. The text is a spiritual guide on contemplative prayer in the late Middle Ages. The underlying message of this work suggests that the way to know God is to abandon consideration of God's particular activities and attributes, and be courageous enough to surrender one's mind and ego to the realm of "unknowing", at which point one may begin to glimpse the nature of God.

History[edit]

The Cloud of Unknowing draws on the mystical tradition of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite and Christian Neoplatonism,[1] which focuses on the via negativa road to discovering God as a pure entity, beyond any capacity of mental conception and so without any definitive image or form. This tradition has reputedly inspired generations of mystics, from John Scotus EriugenaNicholas of Cusa, and John of the Cross, to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (the latter two of whom may have been influenced by The Cloud itself). Prior to this, the theme of The Cloud had appeared in the Confessions of St. Augustine (IX, 10) written in AD 398.[2] Concerning the placement of The Cloud of Unknowing in the trends of the Catholic Church at the approximate time of its writing, the work joins a broader medieval movement within Christianity toward a religious experience of a more individual and passionate view of relationship with God.[3]

The author is unknown. The English Augustinian mystic Walter Hilton has at times been suggested, but this is generally doubted.[4] It is possible he was a Carthusian priest, though this is not certain.[5]

A second major work by the same author, The Book of Privy Counseling (originally titled Prive Counselling), continues the themes discussed in the Cloud. It is less than half the size of the Cloud, appears to be the author's final work, and clarifies and deepens some of its teachings.[6] In this work, the author characterizes the practice of contemplative unknowing as worshiping God with one's "substance," coming to rest in a "naked blind feeling of being," and ultimately finding thereby that God is one's being. Experience, in keeping with the mystical tradition, is considered the ultimate means by which a Christian can and should relate to God, and the practice of contemplation in The Cloud is thus focused on the experience of God by the contemplative. This relationship between God and the contemplative takes place within continual conflict between the spirit and the physical. God is spirit in the purest sense; therefore, no matter intensity of desire or fervor of love, the movement toward God by body-bound contemplatives will ever be halted by the cloud of unknowing that hides God from understanding and prevent fullest and truest experience of God's being. The object of the contemplative experience is to know God, as much as possible, from within this cloud of unknowing.

Contents[edit]

The Cloud of Unknowing is written specifically to a student, and the author strongly commands the student in the Prologue, "do not willingly and deliberately read it, copy it, speak of it, or allow it to be read, copied, or spoken of, by anyone or to anyone, except by or to a person who, in your opinion, has undertaken truly and without reservation to be a perfect follower of Christ."[7]

The book counsels the young student to seek God, not through knowledge and intellection (faculty of the human mind), but through intense contemplation, motivated by love, and stripped of all thought.[note 1] Experience of a "cloud of unknowing" is introduced Chapter 3:

"For the first time you [lift your heart to God with stirrings of love], you will find only a darkness, and as it were a cloud of unknowing [...] Whatever you do, this darkness and the cloud are between you and your God, and hold you back from seeing him clearly by the light of understanding in your reason and from experiencing him in the sweetness of love in your feelings. [...] And so prepare to remain in this darkness as long as you can, always begging for him you love; for if you are ever to feel or see him...it must always be in this cloud and this darkness."

— The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works. Translated by A. C. Spearing. London: Penguin. 2001. pp. 22. ISBN 0-14-044762-8.

This is brought about by putting all thoughts and desires under a "cloud of forgetting," and thereby piercing God's cloud of unknowing with a "dart of longing love" from the heart. This form of contemplation is not directed by the intellect, but involves spiritual union with God through the heart:

For He can well be loved, but he cannot be thought. By love he can be grasped and held, but by thought, neither grasped nor held. And therefore, though it may be good at times to think specifically of the kindness and excellence of God, and though this may be a light and a part of contemplation, all the same, in the work of contemplation itself, it must be cast down and covered with a cloud of forgetting. And you must step above it stoutly but deftly, with a devout and delightful stirring of love, and struggle to pierce that darkness above you; and beat on that thick cloud of unknowing with a sharp dart of longing love, and do not give up, whatever happens."[8]

As one pursues the beating of the cloud of unknowing as compelled by spiritual stirrings of love in the heart, the intellect and sinful stirrings will often pull the contemplatives focus away from God and back to the things of physical world and of the self. The author thus enjoins the contemplative to "vigorously trample on [any new thoughts or sinful stirrings] with a fervent stirring of love, and tread them down beneath your feet. And try to cover them with a thick cloud of forgetting, as if they had never been done by you or anyone else on earth. [...] Push them down as often as they rise."[9]

The author draws a strong distinction in Chapters 16-22 between the active and contemplative Christian life. He illustrates the distinction by drawing heavily from the account of Mary and Martha in the Gospel of Luke, writing that "[By] Mary all contemplatives are understood, so that they should model their way of life on hers; and similarly by Martha, all actives, with the same consequent resemblance."[7] While the author holds Mary as the superior example in the passage as a "model for all of us [who seek to be contemplatives]," he clarifies that Martha's activity in service to God was nonetheless "good and beneficial for her salvation" but not the best thing.[10]

Chapter 23 of The Book of Privy Counseling glorifies experience over knowledge:

"And so I urge you, go after experience rather than knowledge. On account of pride, knowledge may often deceive you, but this gentle, loving affection will not deceive you. Knowledge tends to breed conceit, but love builds. Knowledge is full of labor, but love, full of rest."[11]

Chapters 39 and 40 recommend the focus on a single word as the means to invoke the fullness of God:

When we intend to pray for goodness, let all our thought and desire be contained in the one small word "God." Nothing else and no other words are needed, for God is the epitome of all goodness. Immerse yourself in the spiritual reality it speaks of yet without precise ideas of God's works whether small or great, spiritual or material. Do not consider any particular virtue which God may teach you through grace, whether it is humility, charity, patience, abstinence, hope, faith, moderation, chastity, or evangelical poverty. For to a contemplative they are, in a sense, all the same. Let this little word represent to you God in all his fullness and nothing less than the fullness of God.[12][note 2]

While the author presents many methods of his own for effective contemplation of God, he often leaves the teaching of method to God himself. In Chapter 40, for example, he advises a contemplative who is struggling with sin to "[...] feel sin as a lump, you do not know what, but nothing other than yourself. And then shout continuously in spirit, 'Sin, sin, sin! out, out, out!' This spiritual shout is better learned from God by experience than from any human being by word."[15]

While the practice of contemplation in The Cloud is focused upon the experience of spiritual reality by the soul, the author also makes some provision for the needs of the body, going so far as to say that care for the body is an important element of spiritual contemplation if only to prevent hindrance of its practice. He writes in Chapter 41:

And so, for the love of God, guard against sickness as much as you reasonably can, so that, as far as you may, you are not the cause of your own weakness. For I tell you that this work demands the greatest tranquility, and a state of health and purity in body as much as in soul. And so, for the love of God, regulate your conduct with moderation in body and in soul, and keep yourself as healthy as possible.

— The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works. Translated by A. C. Spearing. London: Penguin Publishers. 2001. pp. 64–65. ISBN 0-14-044762-8.

Other works by the same author[edit]

In addition to The Cloud of Unknowing and The Book of Privy Counseling, the Cloud author is believed to be responsible for a few other spiritual treatises and translations, including:

  • Deonise Hid Divinity, a free translation of the Mystical Theology by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. A vernacular translation of the Mystical Theology was unprecedented; however, it was clearly not widely read, since only two manuscripts survive.[16]
  • A Letter of Prayer (A Pistle of Prayer), which survives in seven manuscripts. (Online);
  • A Letter of Discretion of Stirrings (A Pistle of Discrecioun of Stirings). (Online, part VI of "The Cell of Self Knowledge")
  • It is possible, but doubtful,[16] that he wrote A Treatise of Discernment of Spirits (originally titled A Tretis of Discrecyon of Spirites), a free translation of Sermones di Diversis nos 23–24, by Bernard of Clairvaux, (Online).
  • It is possible, but doubtful,[16] that he wrote A Treatise of the Study of Wisdom that Men Call Benjamin (also called Pursuit of Wisdom, and, in its original, A Tretyse of the Stodye of Wysdome that Men Clepen Beniamyn), an abbreviated and free translation of the Benjamin Minor by Richard of Saint Victor (Online).

Manuscripts[edit]

The Cloud of Unknowing has 17 known manuscripts.[6] The two best known are British Library Harley MS 2373 and Cambridge University Library Kk.vi.26. These contain all seven of the works attributed to the Cloud author, the former extensively glossed in Latin.[2] Another important manuscript is British Library Harleian 2373, which contains all but Deonise Hid Divinity.[17]

Later influence[edit]

Given its survival in only seventeen manuscripts, The Cloud of Unknowing was not as popular in late medieval England as the works of Richard Rolle or Walter Hilton, perhaps because the Cloud is addressed to solitaries and concentrates on the advanced levels of the mystical path. Two Latin translations of the Cloud were made in the late fifteenth century. One was made by Richard Methley, a Carthusian of the Charterhouse of Mount Grace in Yorkshire, and finished in 1491.[18] The other is anonymous. Neither, however, enjoyed wide dissemination.[6]

This work became known to English Catholics in the mid 17th century, when the Benedictine monk, Augustine Baker (1575–1641), wrote an exposition on its doctrine based on a manuscript copy in the library of the monastery of Cambrai in Flanders. The original work itself, however, was not published until 1877. English mystic Evelyn Underhill edited an important version of the work in 1922.[1]

The work has become increasingly popular over the course of the twentieth century, with nine English translations or modernisations produced in this period. In particular, The Cloud has influenced recent contemplative prayer practices. The practical prayer advice contained in The Cloud of Unknowing forms a primary basis for the contemporary practice of Centering Prayer, a form of Christian meditation developed by Trappist monks William MeningerBasil Pennington and Thomas Keating in the 1970s.[19] It also informed the meditation techniques of the English Benedictine John Main.[6]

The contemplation method urged in The Cloud is similar to Buddhist meditation and modern transcendental meditation.[20] For example, the last paragraph of chapter 7 says:

If you want to gather all your desire into one simple word that the mind can easily retain, choose a short word rather than a long one. A one-syllable word such as "God" or "love" is best. But choose one that is meaningful to you. Then fix it in your mind so that it will remain there come what may. This word will be your defence in conflict and in peace. Use it to beat upon the cloud of darkness above you and to subdue all distractions, consigning them to the cloud of forgetting beneath you.

References in popular culture[edit]

Editions[edit]

Editions of related texts include

  • Deonise Hid Divinite: And Other Treatises on Contemplative Prayer Related to The Cloud of Unknowing (1955). ed., Phyllis Hodgson. Early English Text Society. Oxford University Press, 2002 paperback: 0859916987
  • The Pursuit of Wisdom: And Other Works by the Author of The Cloud of Unknowing (1988). translator, James Walsh. Paulist Press Classics of Western Spirituality. paperback: ISBN 0-8091-2972-8.

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ An important introductory section of Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica states a recurring premise of the work: that "we cannot know what God is, but rather what He is not, we have no means for considering how God is, but rather how He is not." As for how to proceed: "Now it can be shown how God is not, by denying of Him whatever is opposed to the idea of Him" (Intro to Treatise on Divine Simplicity, Prima Pars, Q. 3). It's possible either that the author of the Cloud was influenced by Aquinas, or correspondingly, both the author and Aquinas were influenced by Pseudo-Dionysius. Orthodox Christian philosophy is also influenced by Pseudo-Dionysius.
  2. ^ Ch. 39-40, other translations:
    Evelyn Underhill (1922/2003): "And if we will intentively pray for getting of good, let us cry, either with word or with thought or with desire, nought else nor no more words, but this word "God". For why, in God be all good..Fill thy spirit with the ghostly bemeaning of it without any special beholding to any of His works—whether they be good, better, or best of all—bodily or ghostly, or to any virtue that may be wrought in man’s soul by any grace; not looking after whether it be meekness or charity, patience or abstinence, hope, faith, or soberness, chastity or wilful poverty. What recks this in contemplatives?.. they covet nothing with special beholding, but only good God. Do thou.. mean God all, and all God, so that nought work in thy wit and in thy will, but only God.[13]
    Middle English original: "And yif we wil ententifly preie for getyng of goodes, lat us crie, outher with worde or with thought or with desire, nought elles, ne no mo wordes, bot this worde God. For whi in God ben alle goodes.. Fille thi spirit with the goostly bemenyng of it withoutyn any specyal beholdyng to any of His werkes whether thei be good, betir, or alther best, bodily or goostly—or to any vertewe that may be wrought in mans soule by any grace, not lokyng after whether it be meeknes or charité, pacyence or abstynence, hope, feith, or sobirnes, chastité or wilful poverté. What thar reche in contemplatyves?.. thei coveyte nothing with specyal beholdyng, bot only good God. Do thou.. mene God al, and al God, so that nought worche in thi witte and in thi wile, bot only God.[14]

References[edit]

  1. Jump up to:a b "Introduction", The Cloud of Unknowing, (Evelyn Underhill, ed.) 1922.
  2. Jump up to:a b "Introduction", The Cloud of Unknowing, (Patrick Gallacher, ed.) (TEAMS Middle English Texts Series, 1997)
  3. ^ Spearing, A. C. (2001). "Introduction". The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works. London: Penguin Books. pp. xii. ISBN 978-0-14-044762-0.
  4. ^ The Cloud of Unknowing, (James Walsh, ed.) (New York: Paulist Press, 1981), p. 2.
  5. ^ Walsh pp. 3-9.
  6. Jump up to:a b c d McGinn, Bernard. The Varieties of Vernacular Mysticism, (New York: Herder & Herder, 2012), p396.
  7. Jump up to:a b The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works. Translated by A. C. Spearing. London: Penguin. 2001. pp. 44-45ISBN 0-14-044762-8.
  8. ^ The Cloud of Unknowing and other works. Penguin Classics. 2001. ISBN 978-0-14-044762-0. Translated by A. C. Spearing
  9. ^ The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works. Translated by A. C. Spearing. London: Penguin Books. 2001. pp. 54ISBN 0-14-044762-8OCLC 59513557.
  10. ^ The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works. Translated by A. C. Spearing. London: Penguin Books. 2001. pp. 44-45ISBN 0-14-044762-8.
  11. ^ Johnston (1996), p. 188 (paperback).
  12. ^ Johnston (1996), pp. 98-101.
  13. ^ Cloud (version), Underhill (2003), pp. 69-72, Accessed 23 May 2010.
  14. ^ Cloud (original), Gallacher (1997), lines 1426 - 1471Archived 19 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine, Accessed 23 May 2010.
  15. ^ The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works. Translated by A. C. Spearing. London: Penguin Books. 2001. pp. 63ISBN 0-14-044762-8.
  16. Jump up to:a b c Bernard McGinn, The Varieties of Vernacular Mysticism, (New York: Herder & Herder, 2012), p398.
  17. ^ The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works, trans. by A. C. Spearing (London: Penguin, 2001), p. xl.
  18. ^ The Cloud of Unknowing, ed James Walsh, (New York: Paulist Press, 1981), p16.
  19. ^ Open Mind, Open Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel (2006/1986). by Thomas Keating. Continuum International Publishing Group. paperback: ISBN 0-8264-0696-3, hardback: ISBN 0-8264-1420-6.
  20. ^ The Cloud of Unknowing and Other Works, trans. by A. C. Spearing (London: Penguin, 2001), p. xviii; Ninian Smart, 'What Would Buddhaghosa Have Made of The Cloud of Unknowing?', in Mysticism and Language, ed. by Steven A, Katz (New York, 1992), pp. 103-22.
  21. ^ See verse four of the song.
  22. ^ Don DeLillo, Underworld (New York: Scribner, 1997), p. 273.
  23. ^ "Official trailer for First Reformed"IMDB.com. Appears at :10. Retrieved 8 June 2018.

External links[edit]

Categories:
14th-century Christian texts
Visionary literature
Middle English literature
Neoplatonic texts
Works published anonymously
Roman Catholic mystics
English Catholic mystics
English Roman Catholics
Catholic spirituality
English religious writers
Middle English language
English non-fiction books
14th-century English people
Works of unknown authorship

===
reassuring
While the language is condensed the content explained and normalized so many mystical experiences which I've never had anyone talk about. it really helps take the fear of the unknown and reassures that many people have been here before.

Was this review helpful for you?

Helpful
  Report this
1 person found this helpful

Overall    5 out of 5 stars
Performance    5 out of 5 stars
Story    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mark Rene
Mark Rene
26-12-2019
WOW, MESMERISING, IT SPOKE TO ME 😮😁
My God, 🙏 l truly understand what this humble genius was saying, l felt like he was speaking to me, even though his message is 600 years old. Beautiful, Aaron Abke recommended this book, l recommend him as he was the one who truly opened my eyes to what l've been looking for. Thank you Aaron & the unknown genius writer😁🙏

Was this review helpful for you?
===
From Australia
Alwyn Noronha
2.0 out of 5 stars Boring
Reviewed in Australia on 9 May 2020
Verified Purchase
the book just meanders along until it gets so abstract it it becomes boring to go any further. I will still try and read through the book in time.
Helpful
Report abuse
Fr. Neville
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in Australia on 15 December 2014
Verified Purchase
This spiritual masterpiece demands attention no only in the Middle Ages.
Helpful
Report abuse
From other countries
Samantha Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars Illuminating Guidebook to Contemplative Life
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 September 2019
Verified Purchase
This is a classic guide for the true Contemplative who desires to seek God's face, the Mary who sits at Jesus's feet. It wasn't until about halfway through the book that I reached the practical insight so persevere.
3 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent translation of this incredibly valuable book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 March 2014
Verified Purchase
I have struggled with other so called "modern" translation of this book that still sounded like old English to me. The language always got in the way of the deep spiritual concepts and wonderful guidance offered by the anonymous author. This translation keeps the beauty and warmth of the original, but allows ordinary readers like me to focus wholly on the concepts and advice he is offering, many of which need time and contemplation to be fully absorbed. I am thankful to the anonymous author for writing down his advice, and to Bernard Bangley for this excellent and loving translation.
14 people found this helpful
Report abuse
James Maccabe
5.0 out of 5 stars none have done it better than this writer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 November 2016
Verified Purchase
Evelyn Underhill really understood this ancient work by an unknown monk. If you want to understand this mystical book ,
none have done it better than this writer. Excellent!
7 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Anne
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2017
Verified Purchase
I am growing in understanding of this text, but it could be a challenge for the general reader
3 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Andy H
5.0 out of 5 stars ? ....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 March 2020
Verified Purchase
Great quality book, I am still to read and from other reviews - wish me luck!.
Report abuse
christine ann davis
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 April 2018
Verified Purchase
a classic all Christians and mystics should read
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Jeffrey Chase
5.0 out of 5 stars A Mystical Gem
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 October 2013
Verified Purchase
Although written in a very old English language style, I urge you to persevere through this inspired book. I found that the language quickly became less of an issue the further I progressed (similar to when hearing/reading Shakespeare for the first time). In many ways I found that the language helped the real truth being described register intuitively rather than intellectually.
JC
14 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Country Vicar
5.0 out of 5 stars Middle English!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 February 2015
Verified Purchase
Great book! But not one to read quickly! Middle English is interesting - even when edited, for this is a light editing. But a facinating and enlightening read for anyone interested in the business of contemplative prayer.
3 people found this helpful
Report abuse