La noche oscura del alma
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
The great Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross became a Carmelite monk in 1563 and helped St. Teresa of Avila to reform the Carmelite order -- enduring persecution and imprisonment for his efforts. Both in his writing and in his life, he demonstrated eloquently his love for God. His written thoughts on man's relationship with God were literacy endeavors that placed him on an intellectual and philosophical level with such great writers as St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas.
In this work -- a spiritual masterpiece and classic of Christian literature and mysticism -- he addresses several subjects, among them pride, avarice, envy, and other human imperfections. His discussion of the "dark night of the spirit," which considers afflictions and pain suffered by the soul, is followed by an extended explanation of divine love and the soul's exultant union with God.
This fine translation by E. Allison Peers "is the most faithful that has appeared in any European language: it is, indeed, much more than a translation for [Peers] added his own valuable historical and [critically interpretive] notes." -- London Times.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0486426939
ISBN13:9780486426938
Release Date:May 2003
Publisher:Dover Publications
Length:128 Pages
Weight:0.26 lbs.
Dimensions:0.3" x 6.6" x 8.2"
Age Range:14 years and up
Grade Range:Grade 9 and higher
Related Subjects
Faith Grace Hope Humility Love Redemption Salvation Suffering Christian Books & Bibles Christian LivingCustomer Reviews
7 ratings
Absolutely humbling
Published by mint , 4 years ago
If you feel stalled in the faith or spiritually dry, I recommend this book. It's excellent at helping you find the sins or inconsistencies of thought that are preventing you from making progress in prayer. A must read for any catholic, a humbling experience reading it.
An in depth exploration into walking with God
Published by LisaS , 5 years ago
Absolutely beautiful book. Tons of glorious insights! I went through the Dark Night of the Soul previously so I'm not sure if you can HEAR it if you read it while you're walking blind, but you'll want it when you come out on the other side. So much joy!
darkness just enlit by a blazing fire of burning love, painful!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
this little book just blew my mind and heart. i only finished it yesterday, but my heart has been burning with the pain and bliss of the fire of gods love since reading it. awesome. always interesting. starts slowly and then just blasts off into the stratosphere on the ignition of chapter ten! this book is largely about the pain of the dark night of the soul. 1. suffering is difficulty (definition) 2. suffering is neither here nor there. 3. suffering is in what you do. (cause/solution) God does not cause suffering, rather suffering is in what we do. it is not here nor there. not in earthquakes, pain, or death. suffering is in what you do. thank you mirabai, thank you, thank you, thank you! love, from, snow-flake. xxx
A hidden classic, Know or Learn Spanish!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
A great book with a very open mind on the form of the divine. A must read for persons seeking to deepen and mature their spiritual journey in the way of Christ. Get it!! It helps to know Spanish to read the whole poem in the begining.
Mystical work of Art.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
St. John of the Cross is truly a superb Saint and Mystic. Through his writings You can see how your own spiritual journey may not always be easy. If you are looking for a book that will not only inform you of the dark night, but also give you a self evaluation of your own life, then this is the book for you. In parts it may seem that St. John is peering into your soul and speaking directly to you. The wonderful thing about this book is that no one will have the same experence of it. Everyone who reads it will read it in light of where they are in their own lives. the reflection and thoughts of this Holy man will force you to look inside yourself to find what you need to do to reach the Ultimate union with God. St John of the Cross...Pray For Us!
Brilliant - but requires background for understanding
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
John of the Cross's writings show the total intensity and detachment of one who has reached a point of union with God that is a sheer gift of grace. The Dark Night of the Soul is among the greatest writings of mystic theology and experience, and highly recommended for those who have some understanding of the concepts of which he writes. The total turning of the will to God, to a point where nothing on earth can satisfy the lover except union with the Beloved, is a marvellous and deeply moving "sight" - and the exquisite poetry here is one of the best expressions in the history of Christianity.This said, it is essential that one have background in order to understand this work. (More easily understood introductions, such as Thomas Dubay's "Fire Within," should precede reading the Dark Night.) John is by no means writing of depression or misery, nor is his path one which is common to all (or indeed many) Christians. Let the serious Christian seeker approach this work with humility - it pre-supposes knowledge and an openness to divine love that is far from universal. And, above all, take John's cautions against self-deception to heart as much as he did.
the masterpiece by the midnight mystic
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
St. John was one of the first mystics I read who helped me see that an experiential relationship with the sacred isn't all joy; instead, it can hurt, stretch into periods of barrenness and shadows...which themselves to the patient penitent eventually stand revealed as the wordless Word itself, darkening the mind as bright light darkens the eyes. I wish I could have met the author.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
