#5007
Mentioned in 14 episodes
The Cloud of Unknowing
Book • 2004
This book is a foundational text of Christian mysticism, written in the 14th century.
It advises readers to direct their full attention, love, and effort towards God by embracing a 'cloud of unknowing' that stands between them and God. The author emphasizes that God cannot be known through intellect but only through love and a deep, contemplative practice.
The text advocates for the abandonment of all worldly thoughts and distractions to focus solely on God, using a 'cloud of forgetting' to separate oneself from created things.
It is a guide for advanced spiritual seekers, outlining the stages of spiritual life including purgation, illumination, and union with God.
It advises readers to direct their full attention, love, and effort towards God by embracing a 'cloud of unknowing' that stands between them and God. The author emphasizes that God cannot be known through intellect but only through love and a deep, contemplative practice.
The text advocates for the abandonment of all worldly thoughts and distractions to focus solely on God, using a 'cloud of forgetting' to separate oneself from created things.
It is a guide for advanced spiritual seekers, outlining the stages of spiritual life including purgation, illumination, and union with God.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 14 episodes
Mentioned by Philip Goff as a guide for medieval Christians towards a deeper understanding of God.
75 snips
Rethinking Divinity: The Limited God and the Fine-Tuned Universe
Mentioned by the podcast host as a guide to contemplative prayer, emphasizing the emptying of the mind to connect with God.
16 snips
In Search of Wild Gods. Reflections on Nick Cave and Tom Holland in conversation about Christianity
Mentioned by Mark Vernon as a core book in his theistic practice with an apophatic strand of spirituality.
14 snips
An Implosion of Light. Talking mystical experiences with James Harpur and Mark Vernon
On Mysticism. With Simon Critchley on his new book, inc. figures from Mother Julian to Annie Dillard
Mentioned by Mark Vernon in relation to Meister Eckhart's teachings on the path to spiritual union with God.
Meister Eckhart's Christmas Sermon One. Where is the Word born and how?
Mentioned at the end of the podcast as a blessing.
Thomas Merton: Session 4
Mentioned by 
Father David Abernethy in the context of Western mystical traditions emphasizing inner wakefulness.
Father David Abernethy in the context of Western mystical traditions emphasizing inner wakefulness.
Nepsis, Wakefulness, Attentiveness
Mentioned as the basis for Centering Prayer practiced by the speaker.
Being Unborn: The Practice of Non-Objectification
Referenced as a source for Centering Prayer, a contemporary version of Christian contemplation.
Episode 55: Attention
