

#1671
Mentioned in 15 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 15 episodes
Mentioned by 

and 

in a discussion about awakening and unknowing.


Kevin Rose


Henry Shukman

153 snips
The Path to Awakening: Meditation, Zen, and Becoming a Person of No Rank (#73)
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 ![undefined]()

in the context of Christian contemplative practices.

Joshua DiCaglio

44 snips
Scale Theory: Contemplating Everything-At-Onceness with Joshua DiCaglio
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 ![undefined]()

. as one of the most interesting books of British mysticism.

Alex W

16 snips
Ep316: Dharma & the Goddess - Alex W
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a core book in his theistic practice with an apophatic strand of spirituality.

Mark Vernon

14 snips
An Implosion of Light. Talking mystical experiences with James Harpur and Mark Vernon
Mentioned by 

as a medieval text exploring contemplation and the divine mystery.


Gerry Crete

12 snips
158 Who is Your Inmost Self?
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when recommending a spiritual practice of focusing on one word.

David James Duncan

Sun House – A Conversation with David James Duncan
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a companion piece to The Book of Privy Counseling.

Thomas McConkie

Episode 7: A Different Kind of Fasting
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing the concept of mysticism and peak experiences.

Mark Vernon

On Mysticism. With Simon Critchley on his new book, inc. figures from Mother Julian to Annie Dillard
Mentioned by 

as a book she read during a retreat.


Elise Loehnen

Becoming Untrapped (Pico Iyer)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in relation to Meister Eckhart's teachings on the path to spiritual union with God.

Mark Vernon

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 

in the context of Western mystical traditions emphasizing inner wakefulness.


Father David Abernethy

Nepsis, Wakefulness, Attentiveness
Mentioned by 

in relation to the concept of self-knowledge and humility.


Richard Foster

Conversation with Richard Foster
Referenced as a source for Centering Prayer, a contemporary version of Christian contemplation.

Episode 55: Attention
Mentioned by W. as one of the many saints who wrote about the mystery of the incarnation.

Marian Mysticism: The Joyful Mysteries
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book he read in high school that resonated with him.

James Shaheen

The Work of Not Knowing with Marie Howe
Mentioned as the basis for Centering Prayer practiced by the speaker.

Being Unborn: The Practice of Non-Objectification
Mentioned by 

when discussing his early musical influences and inspirations.


John S. Hall

JOHN S. HALL of KING MISSILE