Ascent of Mount Carmel

John of the Cross

Nov 2023 · DigiCat

About this ebook

In 'Ascent of Mount Carmel' by John of the Cross, the author explores the journey of the soul towards spiritual union with God through a series of mystical poems and prose. Written in the 16th century during the Golden Age of Spanish literature, the book combines poetic language with deep theological insights, making it a profound and influential work in Christian mysticism. John of the Cross uses allegorical imagery and metaphors to depict the soul's purification and enlightenment on its way to divine union, drawing from his own experiences as a mystic and contemplative. The book's structure and language reflect the author's spiritual depth and artistic skill, inviting readers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and deepen their relationship with God. John of the Cross, a Spanish mystic and poet, was a key figure in the Counter-Reformation movement and a co-founder of the Discalced Carmelites. His personal struggles and spiritual insights shaped his writing, including 'Ascent of Mount Carmel', which is considered one of his greatest works. His profound understanding of mysticism and theology is evident in the book, making it a timeless classic for spiritual seekers and scholars alike. I highly recommend 'Ascent of Mount Carmel' to readers interested in deepening their spiritual journey and exploring the mystical tradition. John of the Cross's poetic and profound insights offer valuable guidance and inspiration for those seeking a closer connection with God.

About the author

Saint John of the Cross is a figure of immense significance in the landscape of Spanish mystical literature. Born Juan de Yepes y Álvarez in Fontiveros, Spain, in 1542, John became a Carmelite friar and, later, a major proponent of the Counter-Reformation. He is renowned for his works that fuse spirituality, theology, and poetry, with 'Ascent of Mount Carmel' being amongst his most celebrated treatises. Coupled with its companion piece, 'The Dark Night of the Soul', these writings delve into the peregrination of the soul to its union with God. 'Ascent of Mount Carmel' outlines the spiritual journey through the metaphor of climbing a mountain, representing the rigorous path toward contemplative life through detachment, humility, and suffering. Recognized for the richness of his imaginative style and the depth of his interpretive skill, John's work navigates the intersection of mystical experience and philosophical inquiry, shaping a tradition of mystical theology that reverberates through the subsequent centuries. His influence transgresses the boundaries of religious doctrine, impacting literature and psychology with terms like 'dark night' entering the broader psychological lexicon as a descriptor of spiritual crisis and transformation. Saint John of the Cross was canonized in 1726 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926, affirming his profound contribution to Christian mysticism and to the Spanish Golden Age of literature.