Dark Night of the Soul Quotes

“mysticism without a rational base may become untethered, while intellectualism without a mystical dimension may become stale. A mature Christian journey integrates both rational and mystical elements, as John and Thomas demonstrate, showing that these pathways complement rather than contradict each other.”
― St. John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul: A Modern Translation

“Isn’t it paradoxical that what is most beneficial to us – losing oneself and embracing humility – is often considered the worst thing in the world, while seeking solace and sweetness, which typically leads to spiritual regression, is mistakenly viewed as best.”
― St. John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul: A Modern Translation

“The wisdom of contemplation, as the language of God speaking to the soul, transcends the senses and is beyond their comprehension.”
― St. John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul: A Modern Translation

“the mark of a spirit that is purified and annihilated with respect to any understanding of the mind is that, in this state where it finds pleasure in nothing and understands nothing, dwelling in its emptiness, darkness, and obscurity, it becomes fully receptive to everything.”
― St. John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul: A Modern Translation

“the dark night of contemplation begins with self-knowledge, acting as a foundation for the subsequent knowledge of God. This aligns with Saint Augustine's prayer to God: "Let me know myself, Lord, so that I may know You.”
― St. John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul: A Modern Translation

“contemplation is nothing but a secret, peaceful, and loving infusion from God, which, if allowed, kindles the soul with the spirit of love,”
― St. John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul: A Modern Translation

“During this night of the senses, they should abstain from reasoning and meditation as it's not the appropriate time. Instead, they should let the soul abide in the quietness, even if it seems like they are doing nothing or wasting time, and even if they think their lack of desire to think of anything is a sign of weakness.”
― St. John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul: A Modern Translation

“If those souls experiencing this could simply be still, trying not to do anything – either inwardly or outwardly – and not even worried about doing anything, then they would encounter this internal refreshment. This refreshment is so subtle that, typically, if we actively desire or worry about experiencing it, then we won’t experience it.”
― St. John of the Cross, Dark Night of the Soul: A Modern Translation