The Cloud of Unknowing

[Zack]

I am wondering if anyone here has read this work, The Cloud of Unknowing, and what they think of it.

[Jhanananda]

I am pretty sure I read the book a few decades ago.  If I recall correctly it is a work of Tibetan Buddhism.  I believe the original Tibetan term might refer to a Sanskrit term that appears in the 'darmagha.'  Otherwise I do not recall finding the work of much use.

[Zack]

I'd be interested to know what book you are thinking of, but this is a book of Christian mysticism written by an anonymous author in the 1300s. I knew I should have made my original post a little more descriptive. The whole thing appears to be on Sacred-Texts.com: http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/cou/index.htm.

“The Cloud of Unknowing was written by someone who was exceedingly tough-minded in the sense in which William James used the phrase. He was most unsentimental, matter of fact, and down to earth; and he regarded this habit of mind as a prerequisite for the work in which he was engaged. He proceeded upon the belief that when an individual undertakes to bring his life into relation to God, he is embarking upon a serious and demanding task, a task that leaves no leeway for self-deception or illusion. It requires the most rigorous dedication and self-knowledge. The Cloud of Unknowing is therefore a book of strong and earnest thinking. It makes a realistic appraisal of the problems and weaknesses of individual human beings, for it regards man's imperfections as the raw material to be worked with in carrying out the discipline of spiritual development.” - Ira Progoff

I haven't found anything in it that seems to correlate specifically with the jhanas, but then I haven't sat down and read the whole thing.

[Alexander]

I've intended to read this book for some time. But, my inner guide has never pushed me to do it. The couple times I tried reading it I got very fatigued. But, that could have been my selfishness, as it's probably a remarkable book of mysticism.

I believe the metaphor is that the last stage of the mystic life involves traversing a thick, dark cloud. And, if this is true, then you would find no opposition to that here. If we compared it to St. John of the Cross, he would say the same thing. The "dark night of the soul" must be overcome in order to attain perfection. During this time, one surrenders to the divine, purifies oneself, and cultivates inner silence.

*We made a list of some mystic books we've read here: http://fruitofthecontemplativelife.org/forum/index.php/topic,734.0.html

[Zack]

Thanks for the link to that other thread Alexander, I've bookmarked it.

I've had a copy of this book for a long time and I too haven't feel drawn to reading it. A lot of online descriptions I read mention it talks about the 'advanced stages' of mystic life, but the bits I've read haven't really seemed like this; then again, I'm not really one to say. It's a relatively short read and I have a long bus ride tomorrow, so I might give it a go.

[Alexander]

There are definitely books written for those just starting out, and for those who are progressed in the spiritual life. I remember getting The Dark Night of the Soul in the beginning - and when I tried reading it, it was inaccessible to me. I didn't have any appreciation of the text. But, when I read the book later on, I understood. And, I gained such an appreciation for John of the Cross as well.

Let us know how your reading goes, what you find out.

[Jhanon]

There are definitely books written for those just starting out, and for those who are progressed in the spiritual life. I remember getting The Dark Night of the Soul in the beginning - and when I tried reading it, it was inaccessible to me. I didn't have any appreciation of the text. But, when I read the book later on, I understood. And, I gained such an appreciation for John of the Cross as well.

Let us know how your reading goes, what you find out.

I want to second what Alexander said. Specifically, there are books for those just starting out, and for those who are more progressed. A personal example is that I began, believe it or not, with a website that showed daily Buddha quotes. This was about 6 years ago. Eventually, once things were DEFINITELY HAPPENING in my progression, I read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. That basically sealed the deal and put me in touch with the GWV. At which point I began reading the original discourses of the Buddha and St. John. Admittedly, at this point I'm not reading anything. I think it is very important to continue reading teachings that elicit spiritual development, and to follow your "inner guide", as Alexander put it.

[Jhanananda]

There are definitely books written for those just starting out, and for those who are progressed in the spiritual life.

I completely agree with Alexander.  And, we may find a book inspiring early in our spiritual career that we may find later to be childishly naive.  I think we just need to take the inspiration wherever it comes from.

Admittedly, at this point I'm not reading anything. I think it is very important to continue reading teachings that elicit spiritual development, and to follow your "inner guide", as Alexander put it.

Yes, I found reading as little as just a stanza or paragraph every time I sat to meditate, and I sat to meditate at least twice a day, was sufficient to keep me inspired, as well as informed.  People could also read short sections of the GWV website or forum, to gain the inspiration one needs.

[Jhanon]

I think this is probably one of the greatest motivators for writing a book and getting it out there. Problem is that I'm not a good writer, yet. And that I'm not an arahant, yet. Doesn't stop me from trying. I'm at school trying to learn to write better. Clearer. More direct. Less nebulous. I've found St. John to be very elucidating. He really drove the points home. If I remember correctly, he wrote many chapters simply on desire.

[Zack]

I didn't read any of it. I just preferred sitting there. Maybe someday I will get to it.