,,! ,,que/ ,,s]ies ,edit$ by ,g4 ,r4 ,s4 ,,mead1 ,,editor ,,( ',,! ,,que/4' ,cr[n #hvo4 #bs4 #f;d4 net ea*4 ,,fir/ ,,li/ ,,( ,,volumes4 ,,psy*ical ,,rese>* ,,& ,,survival4 ,by ,james ,h4 ,hyslop1 ,ph4,d41 ,,ll4,d41 ,secret>y ( ,psy*ical ,rese>* ,society ( ,am]ica4 ,,! ,,que/ ,,( ,,! ,,holy ,,grail4 ,by ,jessie ,l4 ,we/on1 ,au?or ( ',! ,leg5d ( ,sir ,p]ceval4' ,,jewi% ,,my/icism4 ,by ,j4 ,abelson1 ,m4,a41 ,d4,lit1 ,pr9cipal ( ,aria ,college1 ,portsm\?4 ,,! ,,my/ics ,,( ,,islam4 ,by ,reynold ,a4 ,ni*olson1 ,m4,a41 ,litt4,d1 ,,ll4,d41 ,lectur] on ,p]sian1 ,cambridge ,univ]sity4 ,,buddhi/ ,,psy*ology4 ,by ,c4 ,a4 ,f4 ,rhys ,davids1 ,m4,a41 ,lectur] on ,indian ,philosophy1 ,man*e/] ,univ]sity4 ,,ruysbroeck4 ,by ,evelyn ,und]hill1 ,au?or ( ',my/icism1' ',! ,my/ic ,way1' etc4 ,,! ,,sid]eal ,,religion ,,( ,,! ,,anci5ts4 ,by ,rob]t ,eisl]1 ,ph4,d41 ,au?or ( ,welt5mantel und ,himmelszelt4' ,9 ! ,press4 ,london3 ,g4 ,,bell ,,& ,,sons ,,ltd4 ,,ruysbroeck ,,by ,,evelyn ,,und]hill ,,au?or ,,( ',,my/icism1' ',,! ,,my/ic ,,way1' ,,etc41 ,,etc4 ,,london ,g4 ,,bell ,,& ,,sons ,,ltd4 #aiae ,,= ,,jessie ,,to ,,:om ,,x ,,owes ,,s ,,mu* ,,?is ,,little ,,tribute ,,to ,a ,,mutual ,,fri5d ,,editor',s ,,note ,a glance at ! excell5t ,bibliographical ,note at ! end ( ! volume w reveal ! surpris+ paucity ( lit]ature on ,ruysbroeck 9 ?is c\ntry4 ,a s+le v]sion f ! orig9al ( "o %ort treatise1 publi%$ 9 ! pres5t ye>1 is all t we possess ( direct translation2 ev5 9 v]sions f translation !re is only "o treatise repres5t$2 add to ?is "o or two selections ( ! same nature1 & ! full tale is told4 ,we are equally poorly (f = /udies ( ! life & doctr9e ( ! great ,flemi% contemplative ( ! f\rte5? c5tury4 ,& yet ,jan van ,ruusbroec is ?\ght1 by no few compet5t judges1 to be ! greate/ ( all ! m$ival ,ca?olic my/ics2 &1 inde$1 x is difficult to po9t to 8 sup]ior4 ,miss ,evelyn ,und]hill is1 !re=e1 do+ lov]s n only ( ,ca?olic my/icism1 b also ( my/icism 9 g5]al1 a v real s]vice by h] monograph1 :i* deals m satisfactorily ?an any exi/+ "w 9 ,engli% ) ! life & tea*+s ( "o ( ! mo/ spiritual m9ds 9 ,*ri/5dom4 ,h] book is n simply a pa9/ak+ summ>y ( ! m pat5t g5]alities ( ! subject1 b r a deeply sympa!tic ent]+ into ! m9d ( ,ruysbroeck1 & t1 too1 ) no common insight4 ,,prefatory ,,note ,i owe to ! great k9dness ( my fri5d1 ,mrs4 ,!odore ,beck1 ! translation ( sev]al passages f ,ruysbroeck's ,sp>kl+ ,/one giv5 9 ! pres5t "w2 & 9 quot+ f ,! ,twelve ,bgu9es h (t51 ?\gh n always1 avail$ myself ( ! rec5tly publi%$ v]sion by ,mr4 ,john ,francis4 ,= all o!r r5d]+s ,i alone am responsible4 ,e4 ,u4 ,,cont5ts ,,*ap4 ,,page ,i4 ,ruysbroeck ! ,man #a ,,ii4 ,8 ,works #cf ,,iii4 ,8 ,doctr9e ( ,god #eb ,,iv4 ,8 ,doctr9e ( ,man #ff ,v4 ,! ,active ,life #id ,,vi4 ,! ,int]ior ,life3 ,illum9ation & ,de/itution #aae ,,vii4 ,! ,int]ior ,life3 ,union & ,contemplation #acf ,,viii4 ,! ,sup]ess5tial ,life #afd ,bibliographical ,note #ahg ,luce div9a sopra me s' appunta1 p5etr&o p] que/a ond' io m' inv5tro2 ,la cui virt1 col mio v$] congu9ta1 mi leva sopra me tanto1 *' io veggio la somma ess5za della quale munta4 ,qu9ci vi5 l' allegrezza1 ond' io fiammeggio2 p]* alla vi/a mia1 quant' ella *i>a1 la *i>it della fiamma p>eggio4 ,p>4 xxi4 #hc4 ,div9e ,light do? focus itself ^u me1 pi]c+ ?r\gh t :]e9 ,i am enclos$2 ! p[] ( :i*1 unit$ ) my sight1 s greatly lifts me up above myself t ,i see ! ,supreme ,ess5ce :]e f x is drawn4 ,!nce comes ! joy :]e) ,i flame2 = to my vision1 ev5 z x is cle>1 ,i make ! cle>ness ( ! flame respond4 ,,ruysbroeck ,,*apt] ,i ,,ruysbroeck ,,! ,,man ,! tree ,igdrasil1 :i* has its head 9 heav5 & its roots 9 hell 7! l[] p>ts ( ! e>?71 is ! image ( ! true man4444 ,9 proportion to ! div9e heights to :i* x asc5ds mu/ be ! obscure dep?s 9 :i* ! tree is root$1 & f :i* x draws ! my/ic sap ( its spiritual life4 ,cov5try ,patmore4 ,9 ! hi/ory ( ! spiritual adv5tures ( man1 we f9d at int]vals c]ta9 great my/ics1 :o appe> to ga!r up & fuse toge!r 9 ! crucible ( ! he>t ! div]se t5d5cies ( ^? :o h prec$$ !m1 &1 add+ to ^! elem5ts ! t9cture ( _! own ri* exp]i5ce1 give to u an int5sely p]sonal1 yet univ]sal1 vision ( ,god & man4 ,^! are con/ructive spirits1 ^: creations 9 ! spiritual sph]e sum up & repres5t ! be/ a*ievem5t ( a :ole epo*2 z 9 o!r sph]es ! great arti/1 musician1 or poet--always ! *ild ( tradition z well z ( inspiration--may d4 ,john ,ruysbroeck is su* a my/ic z ?is4 ,8 c>e]1 :i* cov]s ! great] "p ( ! f\rte5? c5tury--t gold5 age ( ,*ri/ian my/icism--seems to exhibit )9 ! circle ( a s+le p]sonality1 & c>ry up to a high] t]m ?an ev] be=e1 all ! be/ atta9m5ts ( ! ,middle ,ages 9 ! realm ( ,et]nal ,life4 ,root$ firmly 9 hi/ory1 fai?ful to ! tea*+s ( ! great ,ca?olic my/ics ( ! primitive & m$ival times1 ,ruysbroeck does n m]ely transmit1 b transfigures1 _! pr9ciples3 mak+ f ! salt1 sulphur1 & m]cury ( _! vision1 reason1 & love1 a new & liv+ jewel--or1 9 8 own words1 a 'sp>kl+ /one'--:i* reflects ! actual radiance ( ! ,uncreat$ ,light4 ,absorb+ f ! ri* soil ( ! ,middle ,ages all ! intellectual n\ri%m5t :i* he ne$s1 dep5d5t too1 z all real greatness is1 on ! human environm5t 9 :i* he gr[s--t my/]i\s int]action & int]-p5etration ( p]sonalities )\t :i* human consci\sness c nev] develop its full p[]s--he t[]s up f ! social & intellectual circum/ances t condition$ him3 a liv+1 gr[+1 unique & creative individual1 yet truly a "p ( ! e>? f :i* he spr+s4 ,to speak ( ,ruysbroeck1 z "s en?usia/ic biograph]s h done1 z an isolat$ spiritual ph5om5on totally unrelat$ to ! life ( 8 "t1 an 'ignorant monk' ^: pr(\nd k ( reality is entirely ! result ( p]sonal inspiration & indep5d5t ( human hi/ory1 is to misund]/& 8 greatness4 ,! 'ignorant monk' 0 b\nd by close l9ks to ! religi\s life ( 8 day4 ,he 0 no spiritual individuali/2 b ! humble1 ob$i5t *ild ( an in/itution1 ! loyal memb] ( a ,society4 ,he tells u aga9 & aga9 t 8 spiritual p[]s 7 n\ri%$ by ! sacram5tal life ( ! ,ca?olic ,*ur*4 ,f ! !ologians ( t ,*ur* came ! intellectual framework 9 :i* 8 sublime intuitions 7 express$4 ,all t he does--?\gh he does ?is to a degree p]haps unique 9 ,*ri/ian hi/ory--is to c>ry out into action1 completely actualise 9 8 own exp]i5ce1 ! high vision ( ! s\l's relation to ,div9e ,reality by :i* t ,*ur* is possess$4 ,! c5tral ,*ri/ian doctr9e ( ,div9e ,fa!rhood1 & ( ! s\l's 'p[] to become ! son ( ,god'3 x is ?is1 rais$ to ! n? degree ( int5sity1 exp]i5c$ 9 all its dep? & fullness1 & demon/rat$ ) ! exactitude ( a ma!matician & ! passion ( a poet1 :i* ,ruysbroeck gives u4 ,?us tradition & au?ority1 no less ?an ! abundant inspiration1 ! direct ec/atic k ( ,god to :i* 8 writ+s be> witness1 h _! "p 9 8 a*ievem5t4 ,8 !ological culture 0 wide & deep4 ,n only ! ,scriptures & ! ,liturgy1 b ,/4 ,augu/9e1 ,dionysius ! ,areopagite1 ,ri*>d ( ,/4 ,victor1 ,/4 ,b]n>d1 ,/4 ,bonav5tura1 ,/4 ,?omas ,aqu9as1 & _m o!rs h /imulat$ & controll$ 8 ?\ght2 int]pret+ to him 8 ineffable adv5tures1 & provid+ him ) vessels 9 :i* ! fruit ( ^? adv5tures c\ld be communicat$ to o!r m54 ,nor is ,ca?olic tradition ! only m$ium ?r\gh :i* human life has ex]cis$ a =mative influ5ce ^u ,ruysbroeck's g5ius4 ,8 worldly circum/ances1 8 place )9 & reaction to ! temporal ord]1 ! temp] ( ^? s\ls among/ :i* he grew--^! too are ( vital importance 9 relation to 8 my/ical a*ievem5ts4 ,to /udy ! int]ior adv5tures & =mal tea*+s ( a my/ic )\t ref]5ce to ! g5]al tr5d & special accid5ts ( 8 out] life1 is to neglect our be/ *ance ( und]/&+ ! nature & s\rces ( 8 vision ( tru?4 ,! angle f :i* t vision is p]ceiv$1 ! cont5t ( ! m9d :i* comes to x1 above all ! concrete activities :i* x induces 9 ! gr[+1 mov+1 supple self3 ^! are prim>y data :i* we %\ld nev] ignore4 ,action is ( ! v ess5ce ( human reality4 ,:]e ! inn] life is g5u9e & /rong ! out] life w reflect1 h[ev] fa9tly1 ! curve on :i* x moves2 = human consci\sness is a unit1 capable ( react+ to & syn!sis+ two ord]s1 n an unresolv$ dualism--z x 71 an angel & an animal--condemn$ to lifelong battle )9 a n>r[ cage4 ,!re=e we beg9 our /udy ( ,ruysbroeck ! my/ic by ! /udy ( ,ruysbroeck ! man3 ! circum/ances ( 8 life & environm5t1 s f> z we c f9d !m out4 ,= ! facts ( ?is life our *ief au?ority w be ! ,augu/9ian ,canon ,pom]ius1 :o 0 ,prior & *ronicl] ( ,ruysbroeck's own community ( ,gro55dael4 ,born 9 #achb1 a ye> aft] ,ruysbroeck's dea?1 & ent]+ ,gro55dael e>ly 9 ! fifte5? c5tury1 he knew & talk$ ) at lea/ two ( ! great my/ic's disciples1 ,john ( ,hoela]e & ,john ( ,scoonhov54 ,8 life ( ,ruysbroeck & hi/ory ( ! f\ndation ( ! mona/]y 0 f9i%$ be=e #adbj2 t is to say1 )9 ! lifetime ( ! g5]ation :i* succe$$ ! fir/ f\nd]s ( ! h\se4#a ,x repres5ts ! c>eful ga!r+ up1 sift+1 & arrang+ ( all t 0 rememb]$ & believ$ by ! community--/ill reta9+ sev]al memb]s :o _h kn[n him 9 ! fle%--( ! facts ( ,ruysbroeck's "* & c>e]4 ,pom]ius 0 no wild romanc]1 b a reasonably c>eful z well z a g5u9ely en?usia/ic mona/ic *ronicl]4 ,mod]ation is h>dly ! out/&+ virtue ( su* home-made lives ( mona/ic f\nd]s4 ,!y are inevitably compos$ 9 surr\nd+s :]e any criticism ( _! subject or scepticism z to 8 sup]natural peculi>ities is look$ ^u z a crime2 :]e e incid5t has be5 fitt$ ) a halo1 & ! unexpla9$ is indi/+ui%able f ! miracul\s4 ,nev]!less ! picture drawn by ,pom]ius--exagg]at$ ?\gh x be 9 c]ta9 respects--is a human picture2 possess$ ( di/9ct *>act]i/ics1 "s natural & *>m+1 "s deeply impressive4 ,x is complet$ by a second docum5t>y s\rce3 ! little sket* by ,ruysbroeck's intimate fri5d1 ,g]>d ,naghel1 ,prior ( ! ,c>?usian mona/]y ( ,hr9es ne> ,gro55dael1 :i* =ms ! prologue to our mo/ complete ,,ms4 collection ( 8 writ+s4 ,ruysbroeck's life1 z x is %[n to u by ,pom]ius & ,g]>d1 falls into ?ree ma9 divisions1 ?ree /ages ( asc5t3 ! natural active life ( boyhood2 ! contemplative1 discipl9$ c>e] ( 8 middle p]iod2 ! sup]ess5tial life ( supreme union :i* gov]n$ 8 exi/5ce at ,gro55dael4 ,?is c\rse1 :i* he trod 9 ! temporal ord]1 seems l ! r\gh sket* ( t o!r c\rse trodd5 by ! advanc+ s\l )9 ! et]nal ord]--! ,?reefold ,life ( man :i* he describes to u 9 ,! ,adornm5t ( ! ,spiritual ,m>riage & o!r ( 8 works4 ,n[ ! details ( t c>e] are ^!3 ,john ,ruysbroeck 0 born 9 #abic at ! little village ( ,ruysbroeck or ,ruusbroec1 betwe5 ,brussels & ,hal1 f :i* he takes 8 "n4 ,we "k no?+ ( 8 fa!r2 b 8 "m is describ$ z a good & pi\s woman1 devot$ to ! upbr++ ( h] son--a h>d task1 & "o t 0 soon prov$ to be beyond h]4 ,! *ild ,ruysbroeck 0 /rong-will$1 adv5tur\s1 insubord9ate2 already %[+ signs ( t ab\nd+ vitality1 t /range re/lessness & ne$ ( expansion :i* *ildr5 ( g5ius s (t5 exhibit4 ,at elev5 ye>s ( age he ran away f home1 & f\nd 8 way to ,brussels2 :]e 8 uncle1 ,john ,h9cka]t1 0 a ,canon ( ! ,ca!dral ( ,/4 ,gudule4 ,pom]ius assures u t ?is escapade1 :i* w\ld h seem$ a m]e naught9ess 9 normal little boys1 0 9 fact a pro( ( com+ sanctity2 t x 0 n ! attraction ( ! city b a precoci\s in/9ct = ! religi\s life--! fir/ crude /irr+s ( ! love ( ,god--:i* set ?is *ild ^u ! road4 ,su* a claim is natural to ! hagiograph]2 yet !re lies beh9d x a c]ta9 tru?4 ,! little ,john may or may n h dream$ ( be+ a prie/2 he did already dream ( a great]1 m entic+ life beyond ! b>ri]s ( use & wont4 ,?\gh he knew x n1 ! vision ( a spiritual city call$ him4 ,already ! primal ne$ ( 8 nature 0 ass]t+ itself--! dem&1 felt long be=e x 0 und]/ood1 = some?+ beyond ! com=table _w ( appe>ance--& ?is dem& cry/allis$ into a concrete act4 ,9 ! /urdy c\rage :i* fac$ ! unkn[n1 ! practical temp] :i* translat$ dream into action1 we see already ! g]m ( ^? qualities :i* aft]w>ds gave to ! great contemplative p[] to climb up to ! 'supreme summits ( ! inn] life' & face ! awful realities ( ,god4 ,su* adv5tures are n r>e 9 ! *ildhood ( ! my/ics4 ,always ( a romantic temp]am5t1 end[$ too ) an ab\nd+ vitality1 ! crav+ = "s dimly-guess$ & wond]ful exp]i5ce (t5 %[s itself e>ly 9 !m2 z ! passion = music1 col\r or poetry is sometimes se5 9 embryo 9 arti/s ( ano!r type4 ,! impact ( ,reality seems to be felt by su* spirits 9 e>lie/ *ildhood4 ,born susceptible 9 a special degree to ! messages :i* p\r 9 on man f ! ,transc5d5t1 !y move f ! fir/ 9 a diff]5t univ]se f t ( o!r boys & girls2 subject to exp]i5ces :i* !y d n und]/&1 full ( dreams :i* !y are unable to expla91 & (t5 impell$ to /range actions1 extremely disconc]t+ to ! ord9>y gu>dians ( y\?4 ,?us ! little ,ca!r9e ( ,si5a1 six ye>s old1 already liv$ 9 a _w :i* 0 peopl$ ) sa9ts & angels2 & rul$ h] small life by ! visions :i* %e _h se54 ,?us ! baby ,t]esa1 my/]i\sly attract$ by sacrifice1 z o!r *ildr5 are attract$ by games & toys1 set out to look = '! ,moors & m>tyrdom4' ,s too ! in/9ct = travel1 = ! remote & unkn[n1 (t5 %[s itself e>ly 9 ^! wayf>]s ( ! _s2 ^: de/9y x is to a*ieve a m ext5d$ life 9 ! int]e/s ( ! race1 to f9d & feel t ,inf9ite ,reality :i* alone c satisfy ! he>t ( man4 ,?us 9 _! e>ly ye>s ,francis1 ,ignatius & _m o!rs 7 re/less1 turbul5t1 eag] = adv5ture & *ange4 ,?is fir/ adv5ture br\ght ! boy ,ruysbroeck to a home s p]fectly fitt$ to 8 ne$s1 t x might seem z ?\gh "s secret in/9ct1 "s ov]%ad[+ love1 _h inde$ guid$ 8 /eps4 ,8 uncle1 ,john ,h9cka]t1 at ?is "t ab\t =ty ye>s ( age1 _h lately be5 conv]t$--x is said by a p[]ful s]mon--f ! com=table & easy-go+ life ( a prosp]\s ecclesia/ic to ! au/]e que/ ( spiritual p]fection4 ,he _h di/ribut$ 8 weal?1 giv5 up all self-indulg5ce1 & n[1 ) ano!r & y\ng] ,canon ( ! ,ca!dral nam$ ,francis van ,c\d5b]g1 liv$ 9 simple/1 poore/ /yle a d$icat$ life ( self-d5ial1 *>ity & pray]4 ,he receiv$ 8 runaway nephew will+ly4 ,p]haps he saw 9 ?is /range & eag] *ild1 sudd5ly flung ^u 8 *>ity1 an opportunity = repair+ "s at lea/ among/ ! omissions ( 8 pa/--t t]rible wreck ( wa/$ ye>s :i* torm5ts ! memory ( ^? :o are conv]t$ 9 middle life4 ,8 love & remorse might sp5d !mselves on ?is boy4 ,he might make ( him p]haps all t he n[ long$ to be1 b c\ld nev] :olly a*ieve3 a p]fect s]vant ( ! ,et]nal ,goodness1 "y1 vigor\s1 ard5t1 completely responsive to ! t\* ( ,god4 ,ruysbroeck1 !n1 f\nd a home soak$ 9 love1 gov]n$ by fai?1 r5unciation1 humility2 a =c+-h\se ( ! spiritual life4 ,9 ! p]sons ( ^! two gr[n m51 :o _h giv5 up all outw>d ?+s = ! sake ( spiritual realities1 he 0 br\ght face to face--& ?is 9 8 mo/ impressionable ye>s--) ! h>d facts1 ! concrete sacrifices1 ! h]oic life ( delib]ate mortification1 :i* und]lay ! lovely haunt+ vision1 ! revelation ( ! ,div9e beauty & love t _h possess$ him4 ,no lesson is ( high] value to ! natural my/ic ?an ?is4 ,! lov]s ( ,ruysbroeck %\ld n =get h[ mu* !y owe to ! m5 :o receiv$1 lov$1 influ5c$1 educat$ ! brilliant wayw>d & impressionable *ild4 ,8 atta9m5t is !irs4 ,8 my/icism is root$ 9 _! asceticism2 a fl[] directly dep5d5t = its p]fection on t fav\r+ soil4 ,?\gh 8 a*ievem5t1 l t ( all m5 ( g5ius1 is individual1 & transc5ds ! circum/ances & p]sonalities :i* surr\nd x2 /ill1 f ^? circum/ances & p]sonalities x takes its col\r4 ,x repres5ts f> m ?an a p]sonal & solit>y exp]i5ce4 ,beh9d x lies ! little h\se 9 ,brussels1 ! sup]natural atmosph]e :i* fill$ x1 & ! fo/]+ c>e ( ! two m5 ^: life ( ext]nal & delib]ate pov]ty only made m pla9 ! ri*ness ( ! spirits :o c\ld *oose1 & rema9 con/ant to1 ?is c>e] ( deta*m5t & love4 ,! p]sonal influ5ce ( ,h9cka]t & ,c\d5b]g1 ! moral discipl9es & p]petual self-d5ials ( ! life :i* he %>$ ) !m1 =m$ ! he>t ( ,ruysbroeck's education2 help+ to build up t manly & /urdy "* :i* gave its special temp] to 8 my/ical outlook4 ,l s _m *ildr5 de/9$ to greatness1 he 0 h>d to educate 9 ! ord9>y s5se2 un9t]e/$ 9 g5]al k1 impati5t ( s*ola/ic drudg]y4 ,no?+ :i* did n m9i/] to 8 innate passion = ultimates _h any attraction = him4 ,he 0 taught gramm> ) difficulty2 b on ! o!r h& 8 a/oni%+ aptitude = religi\s ideas1 ev5 ( ! mo/ subtle k9d1 8 passionate cle> vision ( spiritual ?+s1 0 already s highly develop$ z to attract g5]al att5tion2 & 8 writ+s are suffici5t witness to ! wid? & dep? ( 8 !ological read+4 ,) su* ta/es & p[]s z ^!1 & br\ght up 9 su* a h\sehold1 gov]n$ by religi\s en?usiasms & "u ! v %ad[ ( ! ,ca!dral walls1 x 0 natural t he %\ld wi% to become a prie/2 & 9 #acag he 0 orda9$ & giv51 ?r\gh ! influ5ce ( 8 uncle1 a preb5d 9 ,/4 ,gudule4 ,n[ a great my/ic is ! product n m]ely ( an untam$ g5ius = ! ,transc5d5t1 b ( a moral discipl9e1 an int]ior education1 ( ! mo/ /r5u\s k9d4 ,all ! v>i$ p[]s & t5d5cies ( a nature :i* is necess>ily /rong & passionate1 mu/ be h>ness$1 made subs]vi5t to ?is "o c5tral int]e/4 ,! in/9ctive egotism ( ! natural man--nev] m insidi\s ?an :5 set ^u spiritual ?+s--mu/ be eradicat$4 ,s1 beh9d ^! few outw>d ev5ts ( ,ruysbroeck's adolesc5ce1 we mu/ disc]n ano!r gr[?2 a p]petual int]ior travail1 a p]petual sl[ "*-build+ always go+ =w>d 9 him1 z 8 :ole p]sonality is m\ld$ into t con=mity to ! vision se5 :i* prep>es ! way ( union1 & m>ks (f ! my/ical sa9t f ! m]e adept ( transc5d5tal ?+s4 ,we "k f 8 writ+s h[ l>ge a "p su* moral purifications1 su* int]ior adju/m5ts1 play$ 9 8 concept ( ! spiritual life2 & ! intimacy ) :i* he describes ea* phase 9 ! battle ( love1 ea* /ep ( ! spiritual ladd]1 ! long process ( prep>ation 9 :i* ! s\l adorns h]self = ! 'spiritual m>riage1' gu>antees to u t he has himself trodd5 ! pa? :i* he maps out4 ,t pa? goes ! :ole way f ! fir/ impulse ( 'goodwill1' ( glad acquiesc5ce 9 ! univ]sal purpose1 ?r\gh ! tam+ ( ! pr\d w to humility & suppl5ess1 & ( ! insurg5t he>t to g5tl5ess1 k9dness1 & peace1 to t la/ /ate ( p]fect *>ity 9 :i* ! :ole _s ( man is "o w & "o love ) ,god4 ,?\gh 8 biograph]s h left u little mat]ial = a recon/ruction ( 8 inn] developm5t1 we may surely inf] some?+ ( ! c\rse :i* x foll[$ f ! vividly reali/ic descriptions 9 ,! ,k+dom ( ,lov]s & ,! ,spiritual ,m>riage4 ,p]sonal exp]i5ce und]lies ! wond]ful acc\nt ( ! asc5t ( ! ,spiritual ,sun 9 ! heav5s ( consci\sness2 ! rapture1 wildness & joy1 ! 'fev] ( love' :i* fulfils ! man :o feels its light & heat4 ,exp]i5ce1 too1 dictates ^! pr(\nd passages :i* deal ) ! t]rible spiritual reaction :5 ! ,sun decl9es 9 ! heav5s1 & man feels cold1 dead1 & ab&on$ ( ,god4 ,?r\gh ^! phases1 at lea/1 ,ruysbroeck _h surely pass$ be=e 8 great books came to be writt54 ,"o or two small indications !re are :i* %[ u 8 progress on ! my/ic way1 ! developm5t 9 him ( ^? second>y psy*ic *>act]s peculi> to ! my/ical type4 ,x seems t by ! "t ( 8 ord9ation t t5d5cy to vision :i* (t5 appe>s 9 ! e>lie/ y\? ( natural my/ics1 0 already e/abli%$ 9 him4 ,deeply impress$ by ! sacram5tal side ( ,ca?olicism1 & f9d+ 9 x ?r\gh\t 8 life a true means ( contact ) ! ,unse51 ! prie/hood 0 conceiv$ by him z br++ ) x a v]itable access ( grace2 fre% p[] p\r$ 9 on him f ! ,transc5d5t1 an increase ( /r5g? :]e) to help ! s\ls ( o!r m54 ,?is belief took1 9 8 m$itations1 a concrete & positive =m4 ,aga9 & aga9 he saw 9 dramatic vision ! s\l specially de> to him1 specially dep5d5t on him--t ( 8 "m1 :o _h lately di$ 9 ! ,brussels ,bgu9age--dem&+ h[ long %e mu/ wait till h] son's ord9ation made 8 pray]s effectual = h] release f ,purgatory4 ,at ! mom5t 9 :i* he f9i%$ say+ 8 fir/ ,mass1 ?is vision return$ to him2 & he saw 8 "m's _s1 deliv]$ f ,purgatory by ! p[] ( ! sacrifice :i* he _h (f]$1 ent]+ into ,heav5--an exp]i5ce orig9at+ 91 & giv+ %>p dramatic expression to1 t s5se ( new & sacr$ p[]s n[ conf]r$ on him1 :i* may well at su* a mom5t h flood$ ! consci\sness ( ! "y prie/4 ,?is /ory 0 repeat$ to ,pom]ius by ^? :o _h he>d x f ,ruysbroeck himself2 = he (t5 told x to ! bro!rs4 ,= tw5ty-six ye>s--t is to say1 until he 0 fifty ye>s ( age--,ruysbroeck liv$ 9 ,brussels ! indu/ri\s & inconspicu\s life ( a secul> prie/4 ,x 0 n ! solitude ( ! =e/1 b ! normal1 active exi/5ce ( a ca!dral *apla9 9 a busy capital city :i* controll$ 8 developm5t dur+ t long p]iod1 /ret*+ f ! v beg9n+s ( manhood to ! end ( middle age2 & x 0 9 fact dur+ ^! ye>s1 & 9 ! mid/ ( incessant di/ractions1 t he pass$ ?r\gh ! great oscillations ( consci\sness :i* m>k ! my/ic way4 ,x is probable t :5 at la/ he left ,brussels = ! =e/1 ^! oscillations 7 ov]1 equilibrium 0 a*iev$2 he _h climb$ 'to ! summits ( ! m\nt ( contemplation4' ,x 0 on ^? summits t he lov$ to dwell1 absorb$ 9 lov+ communion ) ,div9e ,reality2 b 8 c>e] fulfill$ t ideal ( a syn!sis ( "w & contemplation1 an acceptance & remak+ ( ! :ole ( life1 :i* he p]petually puts be=e u z ! ess5tial *>act]i/ic ( a true spirituality4 ,no my/ic has ev] be5 m free f ! vice ( o!r-worldl9ess1 or has practis$ m ?or\ghly & m unselfi%ly ! prim>y duty ( active *>ity t[>ds m5 :i* is laid ^u ! ,god-possess$4 ,! simple & devot$ life ( ! little family ( ?ree w5t on ye> by ye> undi/urb$2 ?\gh "o at lea/ 0 pass+ ?r\gh ^? pr(\nd int]ior *anges & adv5tures :i* he has describ$ to u z gov]n+ ! evolution ( ! s\l1 f ! /ate ( ! 'fai?ful s]vant' to ! transfigur$ exi/5ce ( ! ',god-see+ man4' ,ruysbroeck grew up to be a simple1 dreamy1 v sil5t & totally unimpressive p]son1 :o1 'go+ ab\t ! /reets ( ,brussels ) 8 m9d lift$ up into ,god1' seem$ a nobody to ^? :o did n "k him4 ,yet n only a spiritual life ( unequall$ ri*ness1 intimacy & spl5d\r1 b a p5etrat+ intellect1 a fe>less he>t1 deep k ( human nature1 rem>kable p[]s ( expression1 lay beh9d t meek & unattractive ext]ior4 ,z ,paul's twelve ye>s ( quiet & subord9ate "w 9 ,antio* prep>$ ! way ( 8 mission>y c>e]2 s dur+ ?is long p]iod ( s]vice1 ! sil5t gr[? ( "*1 ! /eady developm5t ( 8 my/ical p[]s1 _h gone =w>d 9 ,ruysbroeck4 ,:5 circum/ances call$ !m into play he 0 f\nd to be possess$ ( an unsuspect$ passion1 /r5g? & c\rage1 a p[] ( deal+ ) outw>d circum/ances1 :i* 0 directly dep5d5t on 8 inn] life ( contemplation & pray]4 ,! ev5t into :i* ! t5d5cies ( ?is /age ( 8 developm5t cry/allis$1 is "o :i* seems p]haps inconsi/5t ) ! common idea ( ! my/ical temp]am5t1 ) its suppos$ conc5tration on ! ,et]nal1 its indiff]5ce to temporal affairs4 ,z 8 *ildhood 0 m>k$ by an exhibition ( adv5tur\s love1 s 8 manhood 0 m>k$ by an exhibition ( militant love2 ( t /r5g? & /]nness1 t passion = ! true1 :i*--no less ?an humility1 g5tl5ess1 peace--is an integral "p ( t p>adoxical ?+1 ! ,*ri/ian "*4 ,! f\rte5? c5tury1 l all great spiritual p]iods1 0 a c5tury fruitful 9 my/ical h]esies z well z 9 my/ical sa9ts4 ,9 p>ticul>1 ! extravagant pan!ism prea*$ by ! ,bre?r5 ( ! ,free ,_s _h become widely diffus$ 9 ,fl&]s1 & 0 responsible = mu* bad morality z well z bad !ology2 ^? on :om ! ',_s' _h desc5d$ believ+ !mselves to be already div9e1 & emancipat$ f ob$i5ce to all human codes ( conduct4 ,soon aft] ,ruysbroeck came z a boy to ,brussels1 a woman nam$ ,bloem>d9ne plac$ h]self at ! head ( ?is sect1 & gradually ga9$ extraord9>y influ5ce4 ,%e claim$ sup]natural & prophetic p[]s1 0 said to be accompani$ by two ,s]aphim :5ev] %e w5t to ! alt> to receive ,holy ,communion1 & prea*$ a degrad$ eroticism "u ! title ( ',s]aphic love1' toge!r ) a quietism ( ! mo/ exagg]at$ & s\l-de/roy+ type4 ,all ! dang]s & follies ( a false my/icism1 dissociat$ f ! controll+ influ5ce ( tradition & ! ess5tial virtue ( humility1 7 exhibit$ 9 h]4 ,aga9/ ?is p[]ful woman1 !n at ! height ( h] fame1 ,ruysbroeck decl>$ w>2 & prosecut$ 8 campaign ) a viol5ce & c\rage :i* mu/ h be5 />tl+ to ^? :o _h reg>d$ him only z a %y1 pi\s1 r negligible "y man4 ,! pamphlets :i* he wrote aga9/ h] are lo/2 b ! passionate d5unciations ( pan!ism & quietism scatt]$ ?r\gh 8 lat] works no d\bt h _! orig9 9 ?is controv]sy1 & repres5t ! angle f :i* 8 attacks 7 made4 ,pan!i/s1 he says 9 ,! ,book ( ,tru?1 are a fruit ( hell1 ! m dang]\s because !y c\nt]feit ! true fruit ( ! ,_s ( ,god4 ,f> f possess+ t deep humility :i* is ! s\l's inevitable reaction to ! revelation ( ! ,inf9ite1 !y are full ( pride & self-satisfaction4 ,!y claim t _! imag9>y id5tity ) ! ,ess5ce ( ,god emancipates !m f all ne$ ( ef=t1 all practice ( virtue1 & leaves !m free to indulge ^? incl9ations ( ! fle% :i* ! ',_s' sugge/s4 ,!y believe !mselves sunk 9 inw>d peace2 b z a matt] ( fact !y are deep-dr[n$ 9 error4#b ,aga9/ all ?is ! /]n1 virile1 ard5t spirituality ( ,ruysbroeck oppos$ itself ) its :ole p[]4 ,especially did he hate & condemn ! laz9ess & egotism ( ! quieti/ic doctr9e ( contemplation3 ! ideal ( spiritual immobility :i* x set up4 ,t 'love _c be lazy' is a c>d9al tru? = all real my/ics4 ,aga9 & aga9 x appe>s 9 _! works4 ,ev5 t pr(\nd repose 9 :i* !y h fruition ( ,god1 is b ! accompanim5t or prelim9>y ( "w ( ! mo/ /r5u\s k9d1 & keeps at full /ret* ! s\l :i* truly ta/es x2 & ?is sup]natural /ate is z f> above t self-induc$ quietude ( 'natural repose'--consi/+ 9 no?+ b an idl5ess & int]ior vacancy1 to :i* !y are incl9$ by nature & habit--9 :i* ! quieti/s love to imm]se !mselves1 z ,god is above ,8 creatures4 ,"h is ! di/9ction1 always ne$$ & con/antly ignor$1 betwe5 t v]itable fruition ( ,et]nal ,life :i* results f ! int]action ( w & grace1 & dem&s ( ! s\l ! highe/ int5sity & mo/ active love1 & t col\rable imitation ( x :i* is produc$ by a psy*ic trick1 & is indep5d5t alike ( ! human ef=t & ! div9e gift4 ,ruysbroeck 9 fight+ ! ',free ,_s' 0 fight+ ! battle ( true my/icism aga9/ its mo/ dang]\s & p]si/5t enemy1--my/icality4 ,8 attack ^u ,bloem>d9ne is ! "o out/&+ incid5t 9 ! long ,brussels p]iod :i* has be5 pres]v$ to u4 ,! next great outw>d movem5t 9 8 /eadily evolv+ life did n happ5 until ! ye> #acdc1 :5 he 0 fifty ye>s ( age4 ,x 0 !n t ! ?ree companions decid$ to leave ,brussels1 & live toge!r 9 "s remote c\ntry place4 ,!y _h long felt a gr[+ di/a/e = ! noisy & di/ract+ life ( ! city2 a gr[+ dissatisfaction ) ! spiritual apa?y & l[ level ( religi\s obs]vance at ! ,ca!dral ( ,/4 ,gudule2 ! ne$ ( surr\nd+s 9 :i* !y might devote !mselves ) total conc5tration to ! contemplative life4 ,h9cka]t & ,c\d5b]g 7 n[ old m52 ,ruysbroeck 0 advanc$ 9 middle age4 ,! rhy?m ( exi/5ce1 :i* _h driv5 him z a *ild f c\ntry to t[n1 & h>ness$ him dur+ long ye>s to ! s]vice ( 8 fell[-m51 n[ drew him back aga9 to ! quiet spaces :]e he might be alone ) ,god4 ,he 0 approa*+ ^? heights ( exp]i5ce f :i* 8 greate/ my/ical works proce$2 & x 0 9 ob$i5ce to a true in/9ct t he w5t away to ! sil5t places ( ! =e/--z ,an?ony to ! solitude ( ! des]t1 ,francis to ! 'holy m\nta9' ( ,la ,v]na--t1 undi/ract$ by ! _m :om he _h s]v$ s fai?fully1 he might op5 8 :ole consci\sness to ! infl[ ( ! ,"o1 & receive 9 its p]fection ! message :i* x 0 8 duty to transmit to ! _w1 ,he w5t1 says ,pom]ius1 n t he might hide 8 light2 b t he might t5d x bett] & make x %9e m brightly4 ,by ! influ5ce ( ,c\d5b]g1 ,john ,,iii41 ,duke ( ,brabant1 gave to ! ?ree fri5ds ! old h]mitage ( ,gro55dael1 or ! ,gre5 ,valley1 9 ! =e/ ( ,soignes1 ne> ,brussels4 ,!y ent]$ into possession on ! ,w$nesday ( ,ea/] week1 #acdc2 & = five ye>s liv$ !re1 z !y _h liv$ 9 ! little h\se 9 ,brussels1 ) no o!r rule save _! own passion = p]fection4 ,b p]petual invasions f ! out] _w1 n only ( p5it5ts & w\ld-be disciples--= _! reputation = sanctity grew quickly--b ( huntsm5 9 ! =e/ & pleasure p>ties f ! t[n1 :o dem&$ & expect$ hospitality1 soon =c$ !m to adopt "s def9ite attitude t[>ds ! "q ( enclosure4 ,x is said t ,ruysbroeck begg$ = an entire seclusion2 b ,c\d5b]g insi/$ t ?is 0 contr>y to ! law ( *>ity1 & t "s at lea/ ( ^? :o s\ght !m mu/ be receiv$4 ,9 addition to ^! practical difficulties1 ! ,prior ( ! ,abbey ( ,/4 ,victor at ,p>is _h address$ to !m /rong remon/rances1 on acc\nt ( ! abs5ce ( rule 9 _! life & ! fact t !y _h n ev5 adopt$ a religi\s habit2 a proce$+ :i* 9 8 op9ion sav\r$ r ( ! ill-regulat$ do+s ( ! h]etical sects1 ?an ( ! decorum prop] to good ,ca?olics4 ,z a result ( ^! v>i\s consid]ations1 ! simple & in=mal exi/5ce ( ! little family 0 re-modell$ 9 con=mity ) ! rule ( ! ,augu/9ian ,canons1 & ! ,priory ( ,gro55dael 0 =mally creat$4 ,c\d5b]g became its provo/1 & ,ruysbroeck1 :o _h refus$ ! high] (fice1 0 made prior2 b ,h9cka]t1 n[ a v old man 9 feeble heal?1 refus$ to burd5 ! "y community ) a memb] :o might be a drag ^u x & c\ld n keep ! full rig\r ( ! rule4 ,9 a _s ( r5unciation :i* surely t\*es ! h]oic1 he sev]$ himself f 8 lifelong fri5d & 8 adopt$ son1 & w5t away to a little cell 9 ! =e/1 :]e he liv$ alone until 8 dea?4 ,! /ory ( ! f\ndation & gr[? ( ! ,priory ( ,gro55dael1 ! sa9tly p]sonalities :i* x n\ri%$1 is n = ?is place2 except 9 s f> z x affects our ma9 int]e/1 ! /ory ( ,ruysbroeck's s\l4 ,"u ! influ5ces ( ! =e/1 ( ! sil5t & regul> life1 ^? supreme contemplative p[]s :i* belong to ! ',sup]ess5tial ,life' ( ,unity n[ develop$ 9 him ) great rapidity4 ,x is possible1 z we %all see1 t "s at lea/ ( 8 my/ical writ+s may date f 8 ,brussels p]iod2 & we "k t at ! close ( ?is p]iod 8 reputation z an 'illum9at$ man' 0 already made4 ,nev]!less x seems safe to say t ! bulk ( 8 works1 z we n[ possess !m1 repres5t him z he 0 dur+ ! la/ ?irty ye>s ( 8 life1 r ?an dur+ 8 e>li] & m active c>e]2 & t ! int5se c]titude1 ! wide deep vision ( ! ,inf9ite :i* di/+ui%es !m1 are ! fruits ( ^? long h\rs ( pr(\nd absorption 9 ,god = :i* 8 new life f\nd place4 ,9 ! sil5ce ( ! woods he 0 able to disc]n ea* subtle acc5t ( t ,voice :i* is he>d )\t utt]ance1 & )\t ! s\nd ( words speaks all tru?4 ,l s _m ( ! greate/ my/ics1 ,ruysbroeck1 draw+ ne>] to ,div9e ,reality1 drew ne>] to nature too2 con=m+ to 8 own ideal ( ! contemplative1 :o1 hav+ be5 rais$ to ! simple vision ( ,god ,transc5d5t1 returns to f9d ,8 image reflect$ by all life4 ,_m passages 9 8 writ+s %[ ! clos5ess & sympa?y ( 8 obs]vation ( natural ?+s3 ! vivid description 9 ,! ,spiritual ,m>riage ( ! spr+1 summ] & autumn ( ! fruitful s\l1 ! con/ant insi/5ce on ! ph5om5a ( gr[?1 ! lessons drawn f ! habits ( ants & bees1 ! comp>ison ( ! surr5d]$ s\l to ! sunfl[]1 '"o ( nature's mo/ wond]ful works'2 ! ?ree types ( ,*ri/ians1 comp>$ ) birds :o c fly b pref] hopp+ ab\t ! e>?1 birds :o swim f> on ! wat]s ( grace1 & birds :o love only to so> high 9 ! heav5s4 ,= ! free1 exultant life ( birds he felt inde$ a special sympa?y & love2 & '_m-fea!r$' is ! be/ "n t he c f9d = ! s\l ( ! contemplative asc5d+ to ! glad vision ( ,god4 ,x is probably a true tradition :i* repres5ts him z hav+ writt5 8 greate/ & mo/ inspir$ pages sitt+ "u a fav\rite tree 9 ! dep?s ( ! woods4 ,:5 ! ',_s' came on him1 z x (t5 did ) a />tl+ sudd5ness1 he w\ld g away into ! =e/ c>ry+ 8 tablet & /ylus4 ,!re1 giv5 ov] to an ec/asy ( composition--:i* seems (t5 to h approa*$ ! limits ( automatic writ+1 z 9 ,/4 ,t]esa1 ,boehme1 ,blake & o!r my/ics--he w\ld write t :i* 0 giv5 to him1 )\t addition or omission2 break+ (f ev5 9 ! middle ( a s5t5ce :5 ! ',_s' abruptly dep>t$1 & resum+ at ! same po9t1 ?\gh sometimes aft] an int]val :i* la/$ sev]al weeks1 :5 x return$4 ,9 8 la/ ye>s1 :5 eyesight fail$ him1 he w\ld all[ a y\ng] bro!r to g ) him into ! woods1 & !re to take d[n f dictation ! fruits ( ^? m$itations 9 :i* he 'saw )\t sight'2 z ! illit]ate ,ca!r9e ( ,si5a dictat$ 9 ec/asy ! text ( h] ,div9e ,dialogue4 ,two witnesses h pres]v$ ,ruysbroeck's solemn affirmation1 giv5 fir/ to 8 disciple ,g]>d ,groot '9 great g5tl5ess & humility1' & repeat$ aga9 ^u 8 dea?-b$ 9 ! pres5ce ( ! :ole community1 t e ^w ( 8 writ+s 0 ?us compos$ "u ! imm$iate dom9ation ( an inspir+ p[]2 t 'second>y p]sonality ( a sup]ior type1' 9 t\* ) levels ( reality beyond ! span ( ! surface consci\sness1 :i* gov]ns ! activities ( ! great my/ics 9 _! la/ phases ( developm5t4 ,^! books are n ! fruit ( consci\s ?\ght1 b ',god-s5t tru?s1' p\r$ out f a he>t imm]s$ 9 t ,div9e ,abyss ( :i* he tries to tell4 ,t a sa9t mu/ ne$s be a vision>y1 is a conviction deeply implant$ 9 ! m9d ( ! m$ival hagiograph]2 :o always ascribes to ^! incid5ts an importance :i* ! sa9ts !mselves are ! fir/ to d5y4 ,pom]ius ?us attributes to ,ruysbroeck n only ^? pr(\nd & direct exp]i5ces ( ,div9e ,reality to :i* 8 works be> witness2 b also num]\s visions ( a conv5tional & an?ropomorphic type1 9 :i* he spoke ) ,*ri/1 ! ,bless$ ,virg9 & ! ,sa9ts1 ec/asies :i* fell ^u him :5 say+ ,mass--& ! passionate devotion to ! ,eu*>i/ :i* 8 writ+s express makes ^! at lea/ probable--a c]ta9 faculty ( clairvoyance1 & a prophetic k ( 8 own dea?4 ,fur!r1 x is said t once1 be+ miss$ f ! priory1 he 0 f\nd aft] long se>* by "o ( ! bro!rs he lov$ be/1 sitt+ "u 8 fav\rite tree1 rapt 9 ec/asy & surr\nd$ by an aura ( radiant light2 z ! disc]n+ eyes ( ^? :o lov$ !m h se5 ,/4 ,francis1 ,/4 ,t]esa1 & o!r contemplatives transfigur$ & made %9+ by ! int5sity ( _! spiritual life4 ,i ne$ n po9t out t ! fact t ^! ?+s are common =m 9 ! lives ( ! my/ics1 does n necess>ily discr$it !m2 ?\gh 9 any case _! int]e/ is less ( a my/ical ?an ( a psy*ological k9d4 ,n less significant1 & to u p]haps m w9n+1 is t side ( ,ruysbroeck's p]sonality :i* 0 turn$ t[>ds ! _w ( m54 ,9 8 own p]son he fulfill$ t tw(old duty ( ! deifi$ s\l :i* he has describ$ to u3 ! 9-brea?+ ( ! ,love ( ,god1 ! out-brea?+ ( t same radiant *>ity t[>ds ! race4 ,to give & receive1 bo? at once1 is ! ess5ce ( union1 he says2 & 8 :ole c>e] is an illu/ration ( ^! words4 ,he took 8 life f ! ,transc5d5t2 he 0 a focus ( di/ribution1 :i* gave out t joy\s life aga9 to o!r s\ls4 ,8 retreat at ,gro55dael1 8 ec/asies ( composition1 nev] kept him f ^? :o want$ 8 help & advice4 ,9 8 highe/ asc5ts t[>ds ,div9e ,love1 ! ri* complexities ( human love w5t ) him4 ,o!r m5 always meant mu* to ,ruysbroeck4 ,he _h a g5ius = fri5d%ip1 & gave himself )\t /9t to 8 fri5ds2 & ^? :o knew him said t none ev] w5t to him = consolation )\t return+ ) gladness 9 _! he>ts4 ,!re are _m tales 9 ! ,vita ( 8 p[] ov] & intuitive und]/&+ ( o!r m9ds2 ( conv]sions effect$1 motives unveil$ & cl\ds dispell$4 ,8 great fri5d1 ,g]>d ,naghel1 ! ,c>?usian prior--at ^: desire he wrote "o ( ! mo/ beautiful ( 8 %ort] works1 ,! ,book ( ,supreme ,tru?--has left a vivid little acc\nt ( ! impression :i* 8 p]sonality creat$3 8 peaceful & joyful c\nt5ance1 8 humble good-hum\r$ spee*4 ,ruysbroeck sp5t ?ree days 9 ,g]>d's mona/]y1 9 ord] to expla9 "s difficult passages 9 8 writ+s1 & ^! days 7 too %ort1 = no "o c\ld speak to him or see him )\t be+ ! bett] = x4 ,by ?is we may put ! description ( ,pom]ius1 f\nd$ ^u ! rem9isc5ces ( ,ruysbroeck's surviv+ fri5ds4 ,! grace ( ,god %one 9 8 face2 & also 9 8 mode/ spee*1 8 k9dly de$s1 8 humble mann]s1 & 9 ! way t e action ( 8 life exhibit$ uprightness & radiant purity4 ,he liv$ sob]ly1 neglect$ 8 dress1 & 0 pati5t 9 all ?+s & ) all p4 ,pla9ly ! great contemplative :o _h seem$ 9 ,brussels a 'negligible man1' kept to ! end a great simplicity ( aspect2 closely approximat+ to 8 own ideal ( ! 'really humble man1 )\t any pose or pret5ce1' z describ$ 9 ,! ,spiritual ,m>riage4 ,t pr(\nd self-imm]sion 9 ,god :i* 0 ! s\rce ( 8 p[]1 manife/$ itself 9 daily life "u ! lea/ impressive =ms2 ev] seek+ embodim5t 9 little concrete acts ( love & s]vice1 m9i/]+1 9 ! _w )\t1 to all :o ne$1 9 love & m]cy4#c ,we see him 9 8 ,franciscan love ( liv+ ?+s1 8 deep s5se ( k9%ip ) all ! little *ildr5 ( ,god1 'go+ to ! help ( ! animals 9 all _! ne$s'2 ?r[n into a torm5t ( di/ress by ! bro!rs :o sugge/$ to him t dur+ a h>d w9t] ! little birds ( ! =e/ might die1 & at once mak+ g5]\s & successful arrangem5ts = _! ent]ta9m5t4 ,we see him 'giv+ ,m>y & ,m>?a r5dez-v\s 9 8 he>t'2 work+ 9 ! g>d5 ( ! community1 try+ h>d to be useful1 :eel+ b>r[-loads ( manure1 & em]g+ f pr(\nd m$itation on ! ,inf9ite to pull up "y vegetables "u ! impression t !y 7 we$s4 ,he made1 9 fact1 valiant ef=ts to a*ieve t p]fect syn!sis ( action & contemplation 'ev] abid+ 9 ! simplicity ( ! ,_s1 & p]petually fl[+ =? 9 abundant acts ( love t[>ds heav5 & e>?1' :i* he reg>d$ z ! prop] goal ( human gr[?--ef=ts con/antly ?w>t$ by 8 own gr[+ conc5tration on ! ,transc5d5t1 ! ease & frequ5cy ) :i* 8 consci\sness n[ )drew f ! _w ( ! s5ses to imm]se itself 9 ,spiritual ,reality4 ,9 !ory !re 0 = him no cleavage betwe5 ! two3 ,be+ & ,becom+1 ! ,temporal & ! ,et]nal1 7 b two moods )9 ! m9d ( ,god1 & 9 ! sup]ess5tial life ( p]fect union ^! complet+ opposites %\ld m]ge 9 "o4 ,a life :i* %all f9d place = ! activities ( ! lov]1 ! s]vant1 & ! apo/le1 is ! goal t[>ds :i* ! great my/ics seem to move4 ,we h se5 h[ ! homely life ( ! priory gave to ,ruysbroeck ! opportunity ( s]vice1 h[ ! sil5ce ( ! =e/ fo/]$ & support$ 8 secret life ( love4 ,z ! ye>s pass$1 ! ?ird side ( 8 nature1 ! apo/olic passion :i* _h f\nd dur+ 8 long ,brussels p]iod ample scope = its activities1 once m came into prom95ce4 ,he 0 s\ght out by numb]s ( w\ld-be disciples1 n only f ,belgium itself1 b f ,holl&1 ,g]many & ,france2 & became a f\nta9head ( new life1 ! fa!r ( _m spiritual *ildr54 ,! tradition :i* places among ^! disciples ! great ,dom9ican my/ic ,taul] is probably false2 ?\gh _m passages 9 ,taul]'s lat] s]mons sugge/ t he 0 /rongly influ5c$ by ,ruysbroeck's works1 :i* _h already atta9$ a wide circulation4 ,b ,g]>d ,groot1 aft]w>ds ! f\nd] ( ! ,bro!rs ( ! ,common ,life1 & spiritual ance/or ( ,?omas ,kempis1 w5t to ,gro55dael %ortly aft] 8 conv]sion 9 #acgd1 t he might !re le>n ! rudim5ts ( a sane & robu/ spirituality4 ,ruysbroeck receiv$ him ) a special joy1 recognis+ 9 him at fir/ sight a peculi> aptitude = ! ?+s ( ! ,_s4 ,a deep fri5d%ip grew up betwe5 ! old my/ic & ! "y & vigor\s conv]t4 ,g]>d /ay$ (t5 at ! priory1 & correspond$ regul>ly ) ,ruysbroeck2 ^: influ5ce x 0 :i* condition$ 8 subsequ5t c>e] z a prea*]1 & z f\nd] ( a congregation z simple & unconv5tional 9 its fir/ beg9n+s1 z fruitful 9 its lat] developm5ts1 z t ( ,gro55dael itself4 ,! p5etrat+ rem>ks ^u human "* scatt]$ ?r\gh 8 works1 & ! anecdotes ( 8 deal+s ) disciples & p5it5ts pres]v$ by ,pom]ius1 sugge/ t ,ruysbroeck1 ?\gh he might n always recognise ! di/9ction betwe5 ! we$s & vegetables ( ! g>d51 0 seldom at fault 9 8 judgm5t ( m54 ,an in/9ctive k ( ! human he>t1 an un]r+ eye = ins9c]ity1 egotism1 self-deception1 is a p[] :i* ne>ly all ! great contemplatives possess1 & (t5 employ$ ) disconc]t+ effect4 ,i ne$ ref] only to ! cau/ic analysis ( ! 'false contemplative' conta9$ 9 ,! ,cl\d ( ,unkn[+1 & ! amus+ sket*es ( spiritual self-importance 9 ,/4 ,t]esa's lett]s & life4 ,! little tale1 s (t5 repeat$1 ( ! some:at self-consci\s prie/s :o came f ,p>is to consult ,ruysbroeck on ! /ate ( _! s\ls1 & receiv$ f him only ! blunt obs]vation--app>5tly s c>eless1 yet really plumb+ human nature to its deeps--,y are z holy z y wi% to be1 %[s him possess$ ( ?is same p[] ( /ripp+ (f ! husks ( unreality & p5etrat+ at once to ! fundam5tal facts ( ! s\l's life3 ! purity & direction ( its w & love4 ,! life-giv+ life ( union1 once man has gr[n up to x1 cl>ifies1 illum9ates1 raises to a high] t]m1 all aspects ( ! self3 intellig5ce1 no less ?an love & w4 ,t self is n[ h>monis$ ab\t its true c5tre1 & f9d+ ',god 9 all creatures & all creatures 9 ,god' f9ds !m 9 _! reality4 ,s x is t ,ruysbroeck's long life ( gr[?1 8 long education 9 love1 br++ him to t :i* he calls ! ',god-see+' /age1 br+s him to a po9t 9 :i* he f9ds ev]y:]e ,reality3 9 ^? rhy?mic seasonal *anges ( ! =e/ life :i* h inspir$ 8 wond]ful doctr9e ( ! p]petual rebir? & re-budd+ ( ! s\l2 9 ! he>ts ( m5--?\gh (t5 !re deep buri$--above all1 9 ! my/]ies ( ! ,*ri/ian fai?4 ,speak+ ) an unequall$ au?ority & intimacy ( ^? sup]s5su\s regions1 ^? my/]i\s contacts ( love :i* lie beyond & above all ?\ght1 he is yet firmly root$ 9 ! concrete2 = he has reconcil$ 9 8 own exp]i5ce ! p>adox ( a ,transc5d5t yet ,imman5t ,god4 ,!re is no break 9 ! life-process :i* beg9s ) ! little c\ntry boy runn+ away f home 9 que/ ( "s vaguely felt object ( desire1 "s 'bett] l&1' & :i* ends ) ! triumphant pass+ ov] ( ! s\l ( ! great contemplative to ! p]fect fruition ( ,et]nal ,love4 ,ruysbroeck di$ at ,gro55dael on ,decemb] #b1 #acha4 ,he 0 eighty-eight ye>s old2 feeble 9 body1 ne>ly bl9d1 yet keep+ to ! la/ 8 cle> spiritual vision1 8 vig\r & eag]ness ( s\l4 ,8 dea?1 says ,pom]ius1 speak+ on ! au?ority ( ^? :o _h se5 x1 0 full ( peaceful joy1 ( gaiety ( he>t2 n ! fall+ asleep ( ! tir$ s]vant1 b ! leap to m abundant life ( ! vigor\s *ild ( ! ,inf9ite1 at la/ set free4 ,) an imm5se gladness he w5t out f t "t-_w :i*1 9 8 own image1 is '! %ad[ ( ,god1' to ^? high m\nta9s ( ! l& ( promise :]e no %ad[ is1 b only ! ,sun4 ,"o ( ! greate/ ( ,*ri/ian se]s1 "o ( ! mo/ manly & human ( ! my/ics1 x is yet z a lov]1 9 ! noble/ & mo/ vital s5se ( ! ^w1 t 8 p]sonality lives = u4 ,f fir/ to la/1 "u all its ext]nal accid5ts1 we may trace 9 8 life ! activity--fir/ in/9ctive1 & only gradually und]/ood--( t 'unconqu]able love1' ard5t1 indu/ri\s1 at la/ utt]ly surr5d]$1 :i* he describes 9 ! wond]ful t5? *apt] ( ,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 z ! unique p[] :i* effects ! s\l's union ) ,god4 ,= no man und]/&e? :at love is 9 itself1 b su* are its work+s3 :i* give? m ?an "o c take1 & aske? m ?an "o c pay4 ,t love x 0 :i* came out f ! ,inf9ite1 z a t5d5cy1 an in/9ct end[$ ) lib]ty & life1 & pass$ across ! /age ( hi/ory1 manife/$ "u humble/ inconspicu\s =ms1 b ev] gr[+ 9 passion & p[]2 till at la/1 a*iev+ ! full /ature ( ! *ildr5 ( ,god1 x return$ to its ,s\rce & ,orig9 aga94 ,:5 we speak ( ! my/icism ( ,ruysbroeck1 x is ( ?is t we %\ld ?9k3 ( ?is gr[+ _s1 ?is ard5t1 unconqu]able1 creative ?+4 ,a v]itable "p ( our own ord]1 !re9 x 0 transmut$ f unreal to real exi/5ce2 putt+ on ,div9e ,humanity1 & atta9+ ! goal ( all life 9 ! int]e/s ( ! race4 ,,*apt] ,,ii ,,8 ,,works ,9 all t ,i h und]/ood1 felt1 or writt51 ,i submit myself to ! judgm5t ( ! sa9ts & ( ,holy ,*ur*1 = ,i w\ld live & die ,*ri/'s s]vant 9 ,*ri/ian ,fai?4 ,! ,book ( ,supreme ,tru?4 ,be=e discuss+ ,ruysbroeck's view ( ! spiritual _w1 8 doctr9e ( ! s\l's developm5t1 p]haps x w be well to consid] ! traditional names1 g5]al "*1 & cont5ts ( 8 admitt$ly au!ntic works4 ,only a few ( ^! works c be dat$ ) precision2 = rec5t criticism has %[n t ! s-call$ *ronological li/ giv5 by ,pom]ius#d _c be accept$4 ,z to sev]al ( !m1 we _c tell :e!r !y 7 compos$ at ,brussels or at ,gro55dael1 at ! beg9n+1 middle or end ( 8 my/ical life4 ,all 7 writt5 9 ! ,flemi% v]nacul> ( 8 own day--or1 /rictly speak+1 9 ! dialect ( ,brabant--= !y 7 practical books compos$ = a practical object1 n academic treatises on my/ical !ology4 ,f\nd$ on exp]i5ce1 !y deal ) & incite to exp]i5ce2 & 7 address$ to all :o felt )9 !mselves ! /irr+s ( a special grace1 ! call ( a sup]human love1 irrespective ( education or position--to h]mits1 prie/s1 nuns1 & ard5t s\ls /ill 9 ! _w :o 7 try+ to live ! "o real life--n m]ely to le>n$ pr(essors try+ to elucidate ! doctr9es ( t life4 ,ruysbroeck !re=e belongs to t consid]able gr\p ( my/ical writ]s ^: gift to ! hi/ory ( lit]ature is only less important ?an _! gift to ! hi/ory ( ! spiritual _w2 s9ce !y h help$ to break d[n ! b>ri] betwe5 ! writt5 & ! spok5 ^w4 ,at ! mom5t 9 :i* poetry fir/ =sakes ! 'lit]>y' language & uses ! p's spee*1 we ne>ly always f9d a my/ic ?us try+ to tell 8 message to ! race4 ,8 en?usiasm x is :i* is equal to ! task ( subdu+ a new m$ium to ! purposes ( art4 ,?us at ! v beg9n+ ( ,italian poetry we f9d ,/4 ,francis ( ,assisi s++ 9 ! popul> tongue 8 great ,canticle ( ! ,sun1 & soon aft] him come ! sublime lyrics ( ,jacopone da ,tod4 ,?us ,g]man lit]ature owes mu* to ,me*?ild ( ,magdeburg1 & ,engli% to ,ri*>d ,rolle--bo? =sak+ ,lat9 = ! common spee* ( _! day4 ,?us 9 ,india ! poet ,kabir1 ob$i5t to ! same impulse1 s+s 9 ,h9di r ?an 9 ,sanscrit 8 beautiful songs ( ,div9e ,love4 ,9 ,ruysbroeck1 z 9 ^! o!rs1 a /rong poetic inspiration m+l$ ) & sometimes controll$ ! purely my/ical side ( 8 g5ius4 ,(t5 8 love & en?usiasm break out & express !mselves1 sometimes 9 r\gh1 irregul> v]se1 sometimes 9 rhym$ & rhy?mic prose3 a k9d ( wild spontane\s *ant1 :i* may be relat$ to ! 'gho/ly song' t 'boil$ up' )9 ! he>t ( ,ri*>d ,rolle4 ,x is well-kn[n t automatic composition--& we h se5 t ! evid5ce ( ^? :o knew him sugge/s ! pres5ce ( an automatic elem5t 9 ,ruysbroeck's creative me?ods--t5ds to assume a rhy?mic "*2 be+ inde$ closely relat$ to t /range *ant$ spee* 9 :i* religi\s excitem5t frequ5tly expresses itself4 ,releas$ f ! control ( ! surface-intellect1 ! deep] m9d :i* is involv$ 9 ^! my/]i\s processes t5ds to pres5t its intuitions & concepts 9 measur$ waves ( words2 :i* sometimes1 z 9 ,rolle's 'gho/ly song' & p]haps too 9 ,ruysbroeck's ',song ( ,joy1' are actually giv5 a musical =m4 ,9 su* rhy?m ! my/ic seems to cat* some?+ ( ! cad5ces ( t f>-(f music ( :i* he is writ+1 & to receive & transmit a message :i* exce$s ! possibilities ( spee*4 ,ruysbroeck 0 no exp]t poet4 ,(t5 8 v]se is bad2 halt+ 9 cad5ce1 viol5t & unc\? 9 imag]y1 l ! /amm]+ utt]ance ( "o possess$4 ,b its pres5ce & quality1 its m+l$ simplicity & viol5ce1 assure u ( ! /rong excitem5t t fulfill$ him1 & t5d to corroborate ! acc\nt ( 8 m5tal processes :i* we h d$uc$ f ! /atem5ts 9 ,pom]ius' ,life4 ,elev5 admitt$ly au!ntic books & tracts survive 9 num]\s ,,ms4 collections1#e & f ^! come all t we "k ( 8 vision & tea*+4 ,! ,twelve ,virtues1 & ! two ,canticles (t5 attribut$ to him1 are probably spuri\s2 & ! tracts aga9/ ! ,bre?r5 ( ! ,free ,_s1 :i* are kn[n to h be5 writt5 dur+ 8 ,brussels p]iod1 h all disappe>$4 ,i give "h a %ort acc\nt ( ! au!ntic works1 _! names & g5]al cont5ts2 putt+ fir/ 9 ord] ^? ( unkn[n date1 "s ( :i* may possibly h be5 compos$ be=e ! f\ndation ( ,gro55dael4 ,9 ea* case ! fir/ title is a translation ( t us$ 9 ! be/ ,flemi% texts2 ! second1 t employ$ 9 ! great ,lat9 v]sion ( ,surius4 ,ruysbroeck himself nev] gave any titles to 8 writ+s4 #a4 ,! ,spiritual ,tab]nacle 7call$ by ,surius ,9 ,tab]naculum ,mosis74--,! longe/1 mo/ fanta/ic1 &1 9 spite ( "s f9e passages1 ! lea/ int]e/+ ( ,ruysbroeck's works4 ,probably f\nd$ ^u ! ,de ,arca ,my/ica ( ,hugh ( ,/4 ,victor1 ?is is an elaborate allegory1 ?or\ghly m$ival 9 type1 9 :i* ! ,tab]nacle ( ! ,israelites becomes a figure ( ! spiritual life2 ! details ( its con/ruction1 furniture & ritual be+ giv5 a symbolic significance1 9 accordance ) ! me?ods ( int]pretation popul> at ! "t4 ,9 ?is book1 & p]haps 9 ! a/ronomical treatise app5d$ to ,! ,twelve ,bgu9es 7,no4 #aa71 ,i believe t we h ! only surviv+ works ( ,ruysbroeck's fir/ p]iod2 :5 he _h n yet 'transc5d$ images1' b 0 at t po9t 9 8 my/ical developm5t 9 :i* ! "y contemplative loves to disc]n symbolic mean+s 9 all visible ?+s4 #b4 ,! ,twelve ,po9ts ( ,true ,fai? 7,de ,fide et ,judicio74--,?is little tract is 9 =m a gloss ^u ! ,nic5e ,cre$2 9 fact1 a *>act]i/ically ,ruysbroeckian confession ( fai?4 ,)\t ev] ov]-pass+ ! b\nd>ies ( ,ca?olic doctr9e1 ,ruysbroeck is "h able to turn all its imag]y to ! purposes ( 8 own vision ( tru?4 #c4 ,! ,book ( ! ,f\r ,temptations 7,de ,quatuor ,t5tationibus74--,! ,f\r ,temptations are f\r manife/ations ( ! high] egotism specially dang]\s to s\ls ent]+ on ! contemplative life3 fir/1 ! love ( ease & com=t1 z mu* 9 ?+s spiritual z 9 ?+s mat]ial2 secondly1 ! t5d5cy to pose z ! possessor ( special illum9ation1 ) o!r & l =ms ( spiritual pret5ce2 ?irdly1 intellectual pride1 :i* seeks to und]/& unfa?omable my/]ies & atta9 to ! vision ( ,god by ! reason alone2 f\r?ly1--mo/ dang]\s ( all--t false 'lib]ty ( _s' :i* 0 ! m>k ( ! h]etical my/ic sects4 ,?is book too may well h be5 writt5 be=e ! retreat to ,gro55dael4 #d4 ,! ,book ( ! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s 7,regnum ,deum ,amantium74--,?is & ! foll[+ "w1 ,! ,adornm5t ( ! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 conta9 ,ruysbroeck's fulle/ & mo/ ord]ly descriptions ( ! my/ical life-process4 ,! ',k+dom' :i* ,god's lov]s may inh]it is ! actual life ( ,god1 infus$ into ! s\l & deify+ x4 ,?is ess5tial life reveals itself "u five modes3 9 ! s5se _w1 9 ! s\l's nature1 9 ! witness ( ,scripture1 9 ! life ( grace or 'glory1' & 9 ! ,sup]ess5tial ,k+dom ( ! ,div9e ,unity4 ,by ! ?reefold way ( ! ,active1 ,contemplative1 & ,sup]ess5tial ,life1 "h describ$ z ! /eady & ord]ly appropriation ( ! ,sev5 ,gifts ( ! ,holy ,_s1 ! _s ( man may ent] into its inh]itance & atta9 at la/ to ! p]fect fruition ( ,god4 ,to ! ,active ,life belong ! gifts ( ,holy ,fe>1 ,godl9ess1 & ,k2 to ! ,contemplative ^? ( ,/r5g? & ,c\nsel2 to ! ,sup]ess5tial ^? ( ,intellig5ce & ,wisdom4 ,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s 0 traditionally reg>d$ z ,ruysbroeck's e>lie/ "w4 ,x 0 m probably writt5 dur+ ! e>ly ye>s at ,gro55dael4 ,mu* ( x1 l ,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 is 9 poetical =m4 ,?is 0 ! book :i*1 fall+ into ! h&s ( ,g]>d ,naghel1 made him seek ,ruysbroeck's acqua9tance1 9 ord] t he might ask = an explanation ( sev]al pr(\nd & difficult passages4 #e4 ,! ,adornm5t ( ! ,spiritual ,m>riage 7,de ,ornatu ,spiritalium ,nupti>um74--,?is is ! be/ kn[n & mo/ me?odical ( ,ruysbroeck's works4 ,9 =m a ?reefold comm5t>y ^u ! text1 ,behold1 ! bridegroom come?2 g ye out to meet him1 x is divid$ into ?ree books1 trac+ out 9 great detail1 & ) m>vell\s psy*ological insight1 ^? ?ree /ages ( ,active1 ,contemplative & ,sup]ess5tial ,life1 :i* appe> aga9 & aga9 9 8 writ+s4 ,pay+ due att5tion to ! ab]rations ( ! quieti/s1 he exhibits--) an intimacy :i* surely reflects 8 own p]sonal exp]i5ce ( ! ,way--! conditions "u :i* selves 9 ea* /age ( developm5t may see1 enc\nt]1 & at la/ unite )1 ! ,div9e ,bridegroom ( ! s\l4 ,a ,g]man translation ( sev]al ( its *apt]s1 pres]v$ 9 ,,ms4 at ,muni*1 /ates t ,ruysbroeck s5t ?is book to ! ,fri5ds ( ,god 9 #acej4 ,9 ?is case x belongs to ! ye>s imm$iately prec$+ or succe$+ 8 retreat4 ,we n[ come to ! works :i* 7 c]ta9ly compos$ at ,gro55dael1 ?\gh probably "s ( ^? already enum]at$ also belong to ! la/ ?irty ye>s ( ,ruysbroeck's life4 ,fir/ come ! ?ree treatises app>5tly writt5 = ,m>g>et van ,me]beke1 a *oir nun ( ! ,conv5t ( ,poor ,cl>es at ,brussels2 :o seems to h be5 to him :at ,/4 ,cl>e 0 to ,/4 ,francis1 ,elizabe? ,/gel to ,suso1 ,m>g>et ,kirkby to ,ri*>d ,rolle--fir/ a spiritual daught]1 !n a valu$ & sympa!tic fri5d4 #f4 ,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,salvation or ,book ( ! ,bless$ ,sacram5t 7,speculum t]n ,salutis74--,?is1 ! fir/ ( ! ?ree1 0 writt5 9 #acei4 ,x is address$ to "o :o is evid5tly a beg9n] 9 ! spiritual life1 z %e is yet a novice 9 h] religi\s community2 b :om ,ruysbroeck looks ^u z specially 'call$1 elect & lov$4' ,9 simple/ language1 (t5 ( extreme beauty1 he puts be=e h] ! magnitude ( ! vocation %e has accept$1 ! dang]s %e w enc\nt]1 & ! great s\rce f :i* %e mu/ draw h] /r5g?3 ! sacram5tal disp5sation ( ! ,*ur*4 ,9 a s]ies ( magnific5t *apt]s1 he celebrates ! my/ical doctr9e ( ! ,eu*>i/1 ! fe$+ ( ! ev]-gr[+ s\l on ! sub/ance ( ,god2 foll[+ ?is by a digression1 full ( %rewd obs]vation1 on ! diff]5t types ( believ]s :o come to communion4 ,we see !m ?r\gh 8 eyes3 ! religi\s s5tim5tali/s1 ':o are g5]ally wom5 & only v seldom m5'2 ! /urdy normal ,*ri/ian1 :o does 8 be/ to /ruggle aga9/ s92 ! humble & dev\t lov] ( ,god2 ! *ur*y hypocrite1 :o behaves ) great rev]5ce at ,mass & !n goes home & scolds ! s]vants2 ! h]etical my/ic full ( spiritual pride2 ! easy-go+ worldl+1 :o s9s & rep5ts ) equal facility4 ,! book ends ) a sup]b description ( ! goal t[>ds :i* ! "y contemplative is set3 ! 'life-giv+ life' ( p]fect union ) ,god 9 :i* t 'high] life' lat5t 9 e s\l at la/ atta9s to maturity4 #g4 ,! ,sev5 ,cloi/]s 7,de ,septem ,cu/odiis74--,?is 0 writt5 be=e #acfc1 & pres]ves its address to ',! ,holy ,nun1 ,dame ,m>g>et van ,me]beke1 ,cantor ( ! ,mona/]y ( ,/4 ,cl>e at ,brussels4' ,! novice ( ! ',mirror' is n[ a pr(ess$ religi\s2 & h] director in/ructs h] ^u ! attitude ( m9d :i* %e %\ld br+ to ! r\t9e duties ( a nun's day1 ! opportunity !y (f] = ! enri*+ & p]fect+ ( love & humility4 ,he describes ! education ( ! human _s up to t high po9t ( consci\sness :]e x kn[s itself e/abli%$ 'betwe5 ,et]nity & ,"t'3 "o ( ! fundam5tal ?\ghts ( ,flemi% & ,g]man my/icism4 ,?is education admits h] successively into ! sev5 cloi/]s :i* kept ,/4 ,cl>e1 ,f\ndress ( ! ,ord]1 unspott$ f ! _w4 ,! fir/ is ! physical enclosure ( ! conv5t walls2 ! next ! moral & volitional limitation ( self-control4 ,! ?ird is '! op5 door ( ! love ( ,*ri/1' :i* cr[ns man's affective p[]s1 & leads to ! f\r?--total d$ication ( ! w4 ,! fif? & six? repres5t ! two great =ms ( ! ,contemplative ,life z conceiv$ by ,ruysbroeck3 ! ec/atic & ! dei=m4 ,! sev5? admits to ,abyss ( ,be+ itself3 t 'dim sil5ce' at ! he>t ( :i*1 z 9 ! ,sev5? ,habitation ( ,/4 ,t]esa's ',int]ior ,ca/le1' he w f9d himself alone ) ,god4 ,!re ! my/ic union is consummat$1 & ! ,div9e activity takes ! place ( ! sep>ate activity ( man1 9 a simple beatitude :i* transc5ds all sanctity & ! practice ( virtue1 an ,et]nal ,fruition :i* satisfies all hung] & ?ir/1 all love & all crav+1 = ,god4 ,f9ally1 he returns to ! ,active ,life2 & ends ) a practical *apt] on clo!s1 & a *>m+ in/ruction1 full ( deep poetry1 on ! ev5+ m$itation :i* %\ld close ! day4 #h4 ,! ,sev5 ,degrees ( ! ,ladd] ( ,love 7,de ,septem ,gradibus ,amoris74--,?is book1 :i* 0 writt5 be=e #acgb1 is believ$ by ! ,b5$ict9es ( ,wisques1 ! late/ & mo/ le>n$ ( ,ruysbroeck's editors1 to complete ! trilogy ( works address$ to ,dame ,m>g>et van ,me]beke4 ,x traces ! s\l's asc5t to ! height ( ,div9e love by way ( ! *>act]i/ic virtues ( asceticism1 "u ! well-kn[n m$ival image ( ! 'ladd] ( p]fection' or '/airway ( love'--a metaphor1 orig9at+ 9 ,jacob's ,dream1 :i* _h already s]v$ ,/4 ,b5$ict1 ,ri*>d ( ,/4 ,victor1 ,/4 ,bonav5tura & _m o!rs z a useful diagram ( ! my/ic way4 ,orig9ality ( =m1 h[ev]1 is ! la/ ?+ we %\ld look = 9 ,ruysbroeck's works4 ,he p\rs 8 /range w9e into any vessel t comes to h&4 ,z (t5 8 mo/ sublime or amaz+ utt]ances orig9ate 9 comm5t>ies ^u "s famili> text1 or ! deepe/ tru?s are hidd5 "u ! mo/ grotesque similitudes2 s ?is well-worn metaphor gives him ! opportunity = "s ( 8 f9e/ descriptions ( ! s\l's movem5t to t transmutation 9 :i* all ard5t spirits 'become z live coals 9 ! fire ( ,inf9ite ,love4' ,?is book1 9 :i* ! influ5ce ( ,/4 ,b]n>d is /rongly m>k$1 conta9s "s beautiful passages on ! my/ic life consid]$ z a 'heav5ly song' ( fai?fulness & love1 :i* ,*ri/ our ,cantor & our ,*oragus has sung f ! beg9n+ ( ?+s1 & :i* e ,*ri/ian s\l mu/ le>n4 #i4 ,! ,book ( ! ,sp>kl+ ,/one 7,de ,calculo1 sive de ,p]fectione ,filiorum ,dei74--,?is priceless "w is said to h be5 writt5 by ,ruysbroeck at ! reque/ ( a h]mit1 :o wi%$ = fur!r light on ! high matt]s ( :i* x treats4 ,x conta9s ! f9e/ fl[] ( 8 ?\ght1 & %[s p]haps m cle>ly ?an any o!r ( 8 writ+s ! m>k ( direct inspiration4 ,"h aga9 ! scaffold+ on :i* he builds is almo/ z old z ,*ri/ian my/icism itself3 t ?ree-fold division ( m5 into ! 'fai?ful s]vants1 secret fri5ds1 & hidd5 sons' ( ,god1 :i* desc5d$ ?r\gh ! c5turies f ,clem5t ( ,alex&ria4 ,b ! t[] :i* he raises ) its help asc5ds to heights unrea*$ by any o!r writ]3 to ! po9t at :i* man is giv5 ! supreme gift ( ! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 or ,nature ( ,*ri/1 ! goal ( human transc5d5ce4 ,i reg>d ! n9? & t5? *apt]s ( ,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one--',h[ we may become ,hidd5 ,sons ( ,god & live ! ,contemplative ,life1' & ',h[ we1 ?\gh "o ) ,god1 mu/ et]nally rema9 o!r ?an ,him'--z ! high-wat] m>k ( my/ical lit]ature4 ,n[h]e else d we f9d su* a m>vell\s comb9ation ( wide & so>+ vision ) ! mo/ delicate & intimate psy*ological analysis4 ,! old my/ic1 sitt+ "u 8 fri5dly tree1 seems "h to be gaz+ at & report+ to u ! f9al secrets ( t et]nal _w1 :]e ! ,incompreh5sible ,light enfolds & p5etrates u1 z ! air is p5etrat$ by ! light ( ! sun4 ,!re he ta/es & appreh5ds1 9 'an unfa?omable see+ & behold+1' ! inbrea?+ & ! outbrea?+ ( ! ,love ( ,god--t d\ble movem5t :i* controls ! univ]se2 yet kn[s1 along ) ?is great cosmic vision1 t intimate & se>*+ communion 9 :i* ! ,belov$ & ! ,lov] are imm]s$ :olly 9 love1 & ea* is all to ! o!r 9 possession & 9 re/4 #aj4 ,! ,book ( ,supreme ,tru? 7call$ 9 "s collections ,! ,book ( ,retractations1 & by ,surius1 ,samuel47--,?is is ! tract writt5 by ,ruysbroeck1 at ! reque/ ( ,g]>d ,naghel1 to expla9 c]ta9 obscure passages 9 ,! ,book ( ! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s4 ,9 x he is specially conc]n$ to make cle> ! vital di/9ction betwe5 8 doctr9e ( ! s\l's union ) ,god--a union 9 :i* ! primal di/9ction betwe5 ,creator & creat$ is nev] ov]pass$--& ! pan!i/ic doctr9e ( complete absorption 9 ,him1 ) cessation ( all ef=t & /riv+1 prea*$ by ! h]etical sects ^: initiates claim to 'be ,god4' ,by ! "t t ?is book 0 writt51 c>eless read]s _h already *>g$ ,ruysbroeck ) ^! pan!i/ t5d5cies :i* he abhorr$ & condemn$2 & "h he sets out 8 def5ce4 ,he discusses also ! ?ree degrees ( union ) ,god :i* correspond to ! '?ree lives' ( ! gr[+ s\l3 union by means ( sacram5ts & good de$s2 union a*iev$ 9 contemplative pray] ')\t means1' :]e ! s\l le>ns its d\ble vocation ( action & fruition2 & ! highe/ union ( all1 :]e ! _s :i* has swung p5dulum-l betwe5 ! temporal & et]nal worlds1 a*ieves its equilibrium & dwells :olly 9 ,god1 'drunk ) love1 & sunk 9 ! ,d>k ,light4' #aa4 ,! ,twelve ,bgu9es 7,de ,v]a ,contemplatione74--,?is is a long1 composite book ( eighty-f\r *apt]s1 :i* app>5tly consi/s ( at lea/ ?ree di/9ct treatises ( diff]5t dates4 ,! fir/1 ,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 :i* ends ) *apt] xvi41 conta9s ! longe/ consecutive example ( ,ruysbroeck's poetic me?od2 its fir/ eight *apt]s be+ writt5 9 irregul> rhym$ v]se4 ,x is believ$ to be "o ( 8 la/ compositions4 ,its doctr9e diff]s little f t already set =? 9 8 e>li] works2 ?\gh n[h]e1 p]haps1 is ! developm5t ( ! spiritual consci\sness describ$ ) great] subtlety4 ,! s\l's communion ) & fe$+ on ! ,div9e ,nature 9 ! ,eu*>i/ & 9 contemplative pray]2 its acquirem5t ( ! art ( introv]sion2 ! ,way ( ,contemplation ) its f\r modes1 p>allel$ by ! ,way ( ,love ) its f\r modes2 ^! lead up to ! p]fect union ( ! _s ) ,god 9 "o love & "o fruition ) ,him1 fulfill$ 9 ev]la/+ bliss4 ,! sev5te5? *apt] beg9s a new treatise1 ) a description ( ! ,active ,life on ,ruysbroeck's usual l9es2 & at ! ?irtie? !re is aga9 a complete *ange ( subject1 introduc+ a my/ical & symbolic int]pretation ( ! sci5ce ( a/ronomy4 ,?is section1 s unlike 8 lat] writ+s1 some:at resembles ,! ,spiritual ,tab]nacle1 & may p]haps be a "w ( ! same p]iod4 ,a collection ( ,m$itations ^u ! ,passion ( ,*ri/1 arrang$ accord+ to ! ,sev5 ,h\rs ( ! ,roman ,brevi>y 7capp4 lxxiii4 to end71 completes ! book2 & also ! tale ( ,ruysbroeck's au!ntic works4 ,a critical li/ ( ! repr9ts & translations 9 :i* ^! may be/ be /udi$ w be f\nd 9 ! ,bibliographical ,note4 ,,*apt] ,,iii ,,8 ,,doctr9e ,,( ,,god ,my words are /range2 b ^? :o love w und]/&4 ,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,salvation4 ,my/ical writ]s are ( two k9ds4 ,"o k9d1 ( :i* ,/4 ,t]esa is p]haps ! supreme type1 deals almo/ :olly ) ! p]sonal & int]ior exp]i5ces ( ! s\l 9 ! /ates ( contemplation1 & ! psy*ological rules gov]n+ ^? /ates2 above all1 ) ! emotional reactions ( ! self to ! impact ( ! ,div9e4 ,?is k9d ( my/ic--:om ,william ,james accus$1 ) "s reason1 ( turn+ ! s\l's relation ) ,god into a 'duet'--makes little attempt to describe ! ultimate ,object ( ! self's love & desire1 ! great movem5ts ( ! spiritual _w2 = su* description1 ! =mul ( exi/+ !ology are felt to be en\gh4 ,visions ( ,*ri/1 exp]i5ces ( ! ,bless$ ,tr9ity--^! are suffici5t names = ! p]sonal & imp]sonal aspects ( t ,reality ) :i* ! contemplative seeks to unite4 ,b ! o!r k9d ( my/ic--?\gh possibly & inde$ usually z or?odox 9 8 beliefs1 z ard5t 9 8 love--_c1 on ! "o h&1 rema9 )9 ! circle ( ^! subjective & p]sonal conceptions1 &1 on ! o!r1 cont5t himself ) ! label :i* tradition has affix$ to ! ,?+ t he has kn[n4 ,he may n reject ! label1 b nei!r does he confuse x ) ! ,?+4 ,he has ! wide vision1 ! metaphysical passion ( ! philosoph] & ! poet2 & 9 8 "w he is ev] press+ t[>ds m exact description1 m sugge/ive & evocative spee*4 ,! symbols :i* come mo/ naturally to him are usually d]iv$ f ! ideas ( space & ( wond]2 n f ^? ( human intimacy & love4 ,9 him ! intellect is active z well z ! he>t2 sometimes1 m active4 ,plot9us is an extreme example ( my/icism ( ?is type4 ,! greate/ my/ics1 h[ev]1 :e!r 9 ! ,ea/ or 9 ! ,we/1 are possess$ ( a vision & exp]i5ce ( ,god s deep & ri* t x embraces at once ! inf9ite & ! intimate aspects ( ,reality2 illum9at+ ^? religi\s concepts :i* are1 z x 71 an arti/ic recon/ruction ( ! ,transc5d5t1 & at ! same "t hav+ contact ) t va/ region above & beyond reason :5ce come ! fragm5t>y intimations ( ,reality cry/allis$ 9 ! =mul ( fai?4 ,= !m1 z = ,/4 ,augu/9e1 ,god is bo? ne> & f>2 & ! p>adox ( transc5d5t-imman5t ,reality is a self-evid5t if an inexpressible tru?4 ,!y sw+ betwe5 hu%$ adoration & close/ communion1 betwe5 ! div9e ignorance ( ! intellect lift$ up into ,god & ! div9e c]titude ( ! he>t 9 :i* ,he dwells2 & give u by turns a subjective & psy*ological1 an objective & metaphysical1 read+ ( spiritual exp]i5ce4 ,ruysbroeck is a my/ic ( ?is type4 ,! span ( 8 univ]se c include--inde$ dem&--bo? ! concept ( t ,abyss ( ,pure ,be+ :]e all di/9ctions are transc5d$1 & ! s\l is imm]s$ 9 ! 'd>k light' ( ! ,"o1 & ! di/9ctively ,*ri/ian & inc>national exp]i5ce ( lov+ communion ) & ?r\gh ! ,p]son ( ,*ri/4 ,= him ! ladd] ( contemplation is firmly plant$ 9 ! b$-rock ( human "*--goes ! :ole way f ! he>t ( man to ! ,ess5ce ( ,god--& e /age ( x has importance = ! eag] & asc5d+ s\l4 ,h5ce1 :5 he seems to ru% out to ! f>!/ limits ( ! cosmos1 he /ill rema9s )9 ! circle ( ,ca?olic ideas2 & is at once e?ical & metaphysical1 int5sely sacram5tal & int5sely transc5d5tal too4 ,nor is ?is result obta9$--z x sometimes seems to be1 = in/ance1 9 su* a vision>y z ,angela ( ,foligno--by a m]e heap+ up ( ! v>i\s & inconsi/5t emotional reactions ( ! self4 ,!re is a fundam5tal ord]l9ess 9 ! ,ruysbroeckian univ]se :i*1 ?\gh x may be difficult to und]/&1 & (t5 impossible = him to express )\t resort to p>adox1 yet reveals itself to c>eful analysis4 ,he tries h>d to describe1 or at lea/ sugge/1 x to u1 because he is a my/ic ( an apo/olic type4 ,ev5 :]e he is deal+ ) ! s\l's mo/ ineffable exp]i5ces & seems to hov] ov] t ,abyss :i* is 'beyond ,reason1' /amm]+ & break+ into wild poetry 9 ! desp]ate attempt to seize ! unseizable tru? he is ev] int5t on tell+ u h[ ^! ?+s may be actualis$1 ?is attitude atta9$ by o!r m54 ,! note is nev]1 z ) _m subjective vision>ies1 ,i h se51 b always ,we %all or may see4 ,n[ su* an objective my/ic z ?is1 :o is n cont5t ) retail+ 8 private exp]i5ces & ec/asies1 b accepts ! great vocation ( reveal] ( ,reality1 is call$ ^u to d c]ta9 ?+s4 ,he mu/ give u1 n m]ely a /atic picture ( ,et]nity1 b also a dynamic 'read+ ( life'2 & ( a life m ext5d$ ?an t :i* ! morali/1 or ev5 ! philosoph]1 (f]s to int]pret4 ,he mu/ n only tell u :at he ?9ks ab\t ! univ]se1 & 9 p>ticul> t ultimate ,spiritual ,reality :i* all my/icism disc]ns )9 or beyond ! flux4 ,he mu/ also tell u :at he ?9ks ( man1 t liv+1 mov+1 fluid _s-?+3 8 reactions to ?is univ]se & ?is ,reality1 ! satisfaction :i* x (f]s to 8 ?\ght1 w & love1 ! obligations laid ^u him 9 respect ( x4 ,we1 on our "p1 mu/ try to und]/& :at he tells u ( ^! ?+s2 = he is1 z x 71 an organ develop$ by ! race = ?is purpose--a t5tacle pu%$ out t[>ds ! ,inf9ite1 to make1 9 our "n & 9 our int]e/1 fre% contacts ) ,reality4 ,he p]=ms = u "s ( ! functions ( ! arti/ ext5d+ our univ]se1 ! pione] cutt+ our pa?1 ! hunt] w9n+ food = our s\ls4 ,! clue to ! univ]se ( su* a my/ic w always be ! vision or idea :i* he has ( ! ,nature ( ,god2 & !re we mu/ beg91 if we w\ld f9d our way ?r\gh ! tangle ( 8 ?\ght4 ,f ?is ,c5tre all else bran*es out1 & to ?is all else mu/ con=m1 if x is to h = him realness & life2 = tru?1 z ,aqu9as tea*es1 is simply ! reality ( ?+s z !y are 9 ,god4 ,we beg91 !n1 our exploration ( ,ruysbroeck's doctr9e by try+ to discov] ! "* ( 8 vision ( ! ,div9e ,nature1 & man's relation ) x4 ,t vision is s wide1 deep & se>*+1 t only by resort to ! language ( opposites1 by p]petual alt]nations ( spatial & p]sonal1 metaphysical & passionate spee*1 is he able to communicate x to u4 ,8 =tunate & pr(\nd acqua9tance ) ! sci5ce ( !ology--8 contact ?r\gh x ) ! =mul ( ,*ri/ian ,platonism--has giv5 him ! framework on :i* he /ret*es out 8 wond]ful & liv+ picture ( ! ,inf9ite4 ,?is picture is p]sonal to himself1 ! fruit ( a direct & vivid inspiration2 n s ! t]ms by :i* x is communicat$4 ,^! = ! mo/ "p are ! common prop]ty ( ,*ri/ian !ology2 ?\gh "h us$ ) a consummate skill1 (t5 ) an app>5t orig9ality4 ,especially f ,/4 ,augu/9e1 ,dionysius ! ,areopagite1 ,ri*>d ( ,/4 ,victor1 ,/4 ,b]n>d & ! m or?odox utt]ances ( 8 own imm$iate pr$ecessor1 ,mei/] ,eckh>t--sometimes too f 8 contempor>ies1 ,suso & ,taul]--has he tak5 ! intellectual concepts1 ! highly-*>g$ poetic metaphors1 9 :i* 8 p]ceptions are en%r9$4 ,s close does he keep to ^! ma/]s1 s frequ5t are 8 borr[+s1 t almo/ e page ( 8 writ+s might be gloss$ f _! works4 ,x is "o ( ! mo/ a/oni%+ features ( ! celebrat$ & a/oni%+ essay ( ,m4 ,maet]l9ck t1 b5t on v9dicat+ ! inspiration ( 8 'simple & ignorant monk1' he entirely fails to obs]ve ! traditional "* ( ! =mul :i* express x4 ,no /ud5t ( ! my/ics w d5y ! abundant inspiration by :i* ,ruysbroeck 0 possess$2 b ?is inspiration is spiritual1 n intellectual4 ,! tru? 0 told to him 9 ! tongue ( angels1 & he did 8 be/ to translate x into ! tongue ( ! ,*ur*2 p]petually rem9d+ u1 z he did s1 h[ great 0 ! diff]5ce betwe5 vision & description1 h[ clumsy & inadequate ^? concepts & images :]e) ! arti/-se] tri$ to tell 8 love4 ,?is di/9ction1 :i* ! read] ( ,ruysbroeck %\ld nev] =get1 is ( prim>y importance 9 connection ) 8 treatm5t ( ! ,nature ( ,god2 :]e ! disp>ity betwe5 ! ?+ kn[n & ! ?+ said is inevitably at a maximum4 ,! high nature ( ! ,godhead1 he says1 9 a /r+ ( sugge/ive & p>adoxical images1 to :i* ,/4 ,paul1 ,dionysius & ,eckh>t h all contribut$1 is1 9 itself1 ,simplicity & ,"o-foldness2 inaccessible height & fa?omless deep2 incompreh5sible bread? & et]nal l5g?2 a dim sil5ce1 & a wild des]t--oblique1 sugge/ive1 musical language :i* en*ants r ?an in=ms ! s\l2 op5s ! door to exp]i5ce1 b does n convey any accurate k ( ! ,imageless ,tru?1 ,n[ we may exp]i5ce _m wond]s 9 t fa?omless ,godhead2 b al?\gh1 because ( ! co>s5ess ( ! human intellect1 :5 we w\ld describe su* ?+s outw>dly1 we mu/ use images1 9 tru? t :i* is inw>dly p]ceiv$ & beheld is n\ght else b a ,fa?omless & ,uncondition$ ,good4#f ,yet ?is primal ,reality1 ?is ultimately indivisible ,"o1 has = human consci\sness a two-fold "*2 & ?\gh = ! intuition ( ! my/ic its fruition is a syn!tic exp]i5ce1 x mu/ 9 ?\ght be analys$ if x is ev] to be grasp$4 ,god1 z kn[n by man1 exhibits 9 its p]fection ! dual prop]ty ( ,love2 on ! "o h& active1 g5]ative1 creative2 on ! o!r h& a /ill & ineffable possession or ,fruition--"o ( ! ma/]-words ( ,ruysbroeck's ?\ght4 ,he is1 !n1 ! ,absolute ,"o1 9 :om ! anti!sis ( ,et]nity & ,"t1 ( ,be+ & ,becom+1 is resolv$2 bo? /atic & dynamic1 transc5d5t & imman5t1 imp]sonal & p]sonal1 undiff]5tiat$ & diff]5tiat$2 ,et]nal ,re/ & ,et]nal ,"w1 ! ,unmov$ ,mov]1 yet ,movem5t itself4 ,al?\gh 9 our way ( see+ we give ,god _m names1 ,8 nature is ,"o4 ,he transc5ds ! /orm ( succession1 yet is ! inspir+ _s ( ! flux4 ,accord+ to ,8 fruitful nature1 ,he works )\t ceas+1 = ,he is ,pure ,act--a rem9isc5ce ( ,ari/otle :i* seems /range ^u ! lips ( ! 'ignorant monk4' ,he is ! omnipot5t & ev]-active ,creator ( all ?+s2 'an immeasurable ,flame ( ,love' p]petually brea?+ =? ,8 en]getic ,life 9 new bir?s ( be+ & new floods ( grace1 & draw+ 9 aga9 all creatures to ,himself4 ,yet ?is /atem5t def9es1 n ,8 be+1 b "o manife/ation ( ,8 be+4 ,:5 ! s\l pi]ces beyond ?is 'fruitful' nature to ,8 simple ess5ce--& 'simple' is "h & ?r\gh\t to be und]/ood 9 its primal mean+ ( 'syn!tic'--,he is t absolute & abid+ ,reality :i* seems to man ,et]nal ,re/1 ! ',deep ,quiet ( ! ,godhead1' ! ',abyss1' ! ',dim ,sil5ce'2 & :i* we c ta/e inde$ b nev] "k4 ,!re1 'all lov]s lose !mselves' 9 ! consummation ( t exp]i5ce at :i* our fragm5t>y intuitions h9t4 ,! active & f]tile aspect ( ! ,div9e ,nature is manife/$ 9 diff]5tiation3 = ,ruysbroeck ! ,ca?olic1 9 ! ,tr9ity ( ,p]sons1 z def9$ by ,*ri/ian !ology4 ,! /atic & absolute aspect is ! 'calm & glori\s ,unity ( ! ,godhead' :i* he f9ds beyond & )9 ! ,tr9ity1 ! fa?omless ,abyss t is ! ,be+ ( ,god1--an idea1 famili> to ,indian my/icism & implicit 9 ,*ri/ian ,neoplatonism1 :i* gov]n$ all ,mei/] ,eckh>t's speculations ^u ! ,div9e ,nature4 ,!re is1 says ,ruysbroeck 9 "o ( 8 mo/ ,eckh>tian passages1 a di/9ction & diff]5tiation1 accord+ to our reason1 betwe5 ,god & ! ,godhead1 betwe5 action & re/4 ,! fruitful nature ( ! ,p]sons1 ( :om is ! ,tr9ity 9 ,unity & ,unity 9 ,tr9ity1 ev] worke? 9 a liv+ diff]5tiation4 ,b ! ,simple ,be+ ( ,god1 accord+ to ! nature !re(1 is an ,et]nal ,re/ ( ,god & ( all creat$ ?+s4#g ,9 diff]5tiat+ ! ?ree great aspects ( ! ,div9e ,life1 z kn[n by ! love & ?\ght ( man1 ,ruysbroeck keeps close to =mal !ology2 ?\gh inve/+ its academic language ) new & deep significance1 & con/antly rem9d+ u t su* language1 ev5 at its be/1 c nev] get beyond ! region ( image & similitude or provide m ?an an imp]fect reflection ( ! ,"o :o is 'nei!r ,?is nor ,t4' ,on 8 lips1 cr$al def9itions are p]petually pass+ ov] f ! arid region ( !ological argum5t to ! fruitful "o ( spiritual exp]i5ce4 ,!re !y become songs1 z 'new' z ! song he>d by ! ,apocalypti/2 real *annels ( light1 :i* %[ ! m9d ?+s t x nev] guess$ be=e4 ,= ! 're-born' man !y h a fre% & immortal mean+2 because t 'riv] ( grace1' ( :i* he p]petually speaks z p\r+ into ! he>t op5$ t[>ds ! ,inf9ite1 transfigures & irradiates !m4 ,?us ! illum9at$ m9d kn[s 9 ! ,fa!r1 n a confus+ly an?ropomorphic metaphor1 b ! uniquely vital ,s\rce & uncondition$ ,orig9 ( all ?+s 9 :om our life & be+ is begun4 ,he is ! ,/r5g? & ,p[]1 ,creator1 ,mov]1 ,keep]1 ,beg9n+ & ,end1 ,cause & ,exi/5ce ( all creatures4#h ,fur!r1 ! intuition ( ! my/ic disc]ns 9 ! ,son ! ,et]nal ,^w & fa?omless ,wisdom & ,tru? p]petually g5]at$ ( ! ,fa!r1 %9+ =? 9 ! _w ( conditions3 ! ,patt]n or ,ar*etype ( creation & ( life1 ! image ( ,god :i* ! univ]se reflects back be=e ! face ( ! ,absolute1 ! ,et]nal ,rule inc>nate 9 ,*ri/4 ,& ?is same 'light :]e9 we see ,god' also %[s to ! enlight5$ m9d ! v]itable "* ( ! ,holy ,_s2 ! ,incompreh5sible ,love & ,g5]osity ( ! ,div9e ,nature1 :i* emanates 9 an et]nal procession f ! mutual contemplation ( ,fa!r & ,son1 = ^! two ,p]sons are always hungry = love4 ,! ,holy ,_s is ! s\rce ( ! ,div9e vitality imman5t 9 ! univ]se4 ,x is an outfl[+ torr5t ( ,good :i* /reams ?r\gh all heav5ly spirits2 x is a ,flame ( ,fire t consumes all 9 ! ,"o2 x is also ! ,sp>k ( transc5d5ce lat5t 9 man's s\l4 ,! ,_s is ! p]sonal1 ,grace ! imp]sonal1 side ( t en]getic ,love :i* enfolds & p5etrates all life2 & all ?is may be p]ceiv$ & beheld1 insep>able & )\t division1 9 ! ,simple ,nature ( ! ,godhead4#i ,! relations :i* =m ! "* ( ^! ,?ree ,p]sons exi/ 9 an et]nal di/9ction = t _w ( conditions :]e9 ! human s\l is imm]s$1 & :]e ?+s happ5 '9 "s wise4' ,!re1 f ! embrace ( ! ,fa!r & ,son & ! outfl[+ ( ! ,_s 9 'waves ( endless love1' all creat$ ?+s are born2 & ,god1 by ,8 grace & ,8 dea?1 recreates !m1 & adorns !m ) love & goodness1 & draws !m back to _! s\rce4 ,?is is ! circl+ c\rse ( ! ,div9e life-process 'f goodness1 ?r\gh goodness1 to goodness1' describ$ by ,dionysius ! ,areopagite4 ,b beyond & above ?is plane ( ,div9e diff]5tiation is ! sup]ess5tial _w1 transc5d+ all conditions1 inaccessible to ?\ght--! measureless solitude ( ! ,godhead1 :]e ,god possesses ,himself 9 joy4 ,?is is ! ultimate _w ( ! my/ic1 disc]n$ by intuition & love 9 a simple see+1 beyond reason & )\t consid]ation4 ,!re1 )9 ! ',et]nal ,n[1' )\t ei!r be=e or aft]1 releas$ f ! /orm ( succession1 ?+s happ5 inde$1 'yet 9 no wise1' ,!re1 we c speak no m ( ,fa!r1 ,son & ,holy ,_s1 nor ( any creature2 b only ( "o ,be+1 :i* is ! v sub/ance ( ! ,div9e ,p]sons4 ,!re 7 we all "o be=e our creation2 = ?is is our sup]ess5ce4444 ,!re ! ,godhead is1 9 simple ess5ce1 )\t activity2 ,et]nal ,re/1 ,uncondition$ ,d>k1 ! ,nameless ,be+1 ! ,sup]ess5ce ( all creat$ ?+s1 & ! simple & inf9ite ,bliss ( ,god & ( all ,sa9ts4#aj ,ruysbroeck "h br+s u to ! position ( ,dante 9 ! la/ canto ( ! ,p>adiso1 :51 transc5d+ ^? p>tial appreh5sions ( ,reality :i* are figur$ by ! ,riv] ( ,becom+ & ! ,rose ( ,beatitude1 he p5etrat$ to ! swift vision ( t ,et]nal ,light :i* only 9 ,itself abide?--disc]n$ be/ by man "u ! image ( ! ?ree circles1 yet 9 its 'pr(\nd & cle> sub/ance' indivisibly ,"o4 ,! simple light ( ?is ,be+ is limitless 9 its imm5sity1 & transc5d+ =m1 includes & embraces ! unity ( ! ,div9e ,p]sons & ! s\l ) all its faculties2 & ?is to su* a po9t t x envelopes & irradiates bo? ! natural t5d5cy ( our gr\nd i4e4 its dynamic movem5t to ,god--! ,riv] & ! fruitive adh]5ce ( ,god & all ^? :o are unit$ ) ,him 9 ?is ,light i4e4 ,et]nal ,be+--! ,rose4 ,& ?is is ! union ( ,god & ! s\ls t love ,him4#aa ,,*apt] ,,iv ,,8 ,,doctr9e ,,( ,,man ,t :i* 0 begun by ,grace1 is accompli%$ by ,grace & ,free-w2 s t !y "w mix$ly n sep>ately1 simultane\sly n successively1 9 ea* & all ( _! processes4 ,/4 ,b]n>d4 ,! concept ( ! ,nature ( ,god :i* we h trac$ ?r\gh its ?ree phases--out f ! un*ang+ ,"o to ! active ,p]sons & back to ! ,"o aga9--gives u a clue to ,ruysbroeck's idea ( ! nature & de/9y ( man4 ,9 man1 bo? aspects ( ,div9e ,reality1 active & fruitive1 are or %\ld be reflect$2 = ,god is ! ',liv+ ,patt]n ( ,creation' :o has impress$ ,8 image on ea* s\l1 & 9 e adult _s ! "* ( t image mu/ be br\ght f ! hidd5ness & realis$4 ,de/9$ to be :olly real1 ?\gh yet 9 ! mak+1 !re is 9 man a lat5t ,div9e lik5ess1 a 'sp>k' ( ! primal fire4 ,creat$ = union ) ,god1 already 9 ,et]nity t union is a fact4 ,! creature is 9 ,brahma & ,brahma is 9 ! creature2 !y are ev] di/9ct yet ev] unit$1 says ! ,indian my/ic4 ,7 x translat$ into ,*ri/ian language1 x is probable t ?is ?\ght--:i* does n involve pan!ism--w\ld h be5 f\nd acceptable by ,ruysbroeck2 = ! int]p5etration yet et]nal di/9ction ( ! human & ,div9e spirits is ! c5tral fact ( 8 univ]se4 ,man1 he ?9ks1 is already relat$ 9 a ?reefold mann] to 8 ,inf9ite ,s\rce2 = we h our be+ 9 ,him z ! ,fa!r1 we contemplate ,him z does ! ,son1 we ceaselessly t5d to return to ,him z does ! ,_s4 ,! fir/ prop]ty ( ! s\l is a nak$ be+1 devoid ( all image4 ,!reby d we resemble1 & are unit$ to1 ! ,fa!r & ,8 nature ,div9e4 ,?is is ! 'gr\nd ( ! s\l' p]petually ref]r$ to by my/ics ( ! ,eckh>tian ,s*ool2 ! b>e1 /ill place to :i* consci\sness retreats 9 introv]sion1 image ( ! /atic & absolute aspect ( ,reality4 ,! second prop]ty might be call$ ! high] und]/&+ ( ! s\l4 ,x is a mirror ( light1 :]e9 we receive ! ,son ( ,god1 ! ,et]nal ,tru?4 ,by ?is light we are l unto ,him2 b 9 ! act ( receiv+1 we are "o ) ,him4 ,?is is ! p[] ( kn[+ ,div9e ?+s by intuitive compreh5sion3 man's fragm5t>y %>e 9 ! "* ( ! ,logos1 or ,wisdom ( ,god4 ,! ?ird prop]ty we call ! sp>k ( ! s\l4 ,x is ! inw>d & natural t5d5cy ( ! s\l t[>ds its ,s\rce2 & "h d we receive ! ,holy ,_s1 ! ,*>ity ( ,god4 ,by ?is inw>d t5d5cy we are l ! ,holy ,_s2 b 9 ! act ( receiv+1 we become "o _s & "o love ) ,god4#ab ,"h ! ,div9e image %[s itself 9 its imman5t & dynamic aspect1 z ! 'int]nal pu%' :i* drives ,creation back to ! ,fa!r's he>t4 ,! s\l !n is1 z ,julian ( ,norwi* said1 made ,tr9ity1 l to ! unmade ,bless$ ,tr9ity4 ,reciprocally1 !re is 9 ! ,et]nal ,_w ! uncreat$ ,patt]n or ,ar*etype ( man--8 ',platonic idea4' ,n[ man mu/ br+ f its hidd5ness ! lat5t lik5ess1 ! g]m ( ,div9e humanity t is 9 him1 & develop x until x realises ! ',platonic idea'2 a*iev+ ?us ! implicit tru? ( 8 own nature z x exi/s 9 ! m9d ( ,god4 ,?is1 accord+ to ,ruysbroeck1 is ! :ole art & object ( ! spiritual life2 ?is actualisation ( ! et]nal side ( human nature1 atrophi$ 9 ! majority ( m5--! innate ,*ri/l9ess 9 virtue ( :i* we h p[] to become ',sons' ( ,god4 ,lo6 ?us are we all "o ) ,god 9 our ,et]nal ,ar*etype1 :i* is ,8 ,wisdom :o ha? put on ! nature ( u all4 ,& al?\gh we are already "o ) ,him !re9 by t putt+ on ( our nature1 we mu/ also be l ,god 9 grace & virtue1 if we w\ld f9d ourselves "o ) ,him 9 our ,et]nal ,ar*etype1 :i* is ,himself4#ac ,"u ! /imulus ( ,div9e ,love p]petually beat+ 9 on him1 fe$+ p]petually on ! sub/ance ( ,god1 p]petually r5ew$ & 'reborn' on to ev] high] levels ?r\gh ! vivify+ contact ( reality1 man mu/ gr[ up into ! 'sup]ess5tial life' ( complete unity ) ! ,transc5d5t4 ,!re1 n only ! triune aspect b ! dual "* ( ,god is reproduc$ 9 him1 reconcil$ 9 a syn!sis beyond ! span ( ?\ght2 & he becomes 'dei=m'--bo? active & fruitive1 'ev] at "w & ev] at re/'--at once a d5iz5 ( ,et]nity & ( ,"t4 ,e aspect ( 8 be+--love1 intellect & w--is to be invad$ & enhanc$ by ! new life-giv+ life2 x %all condition & enri* 8 correspond5ces ) ! s5se-_w z well z ) ! _w ( s\l4 ,man is n "h invit$ to leave ! active life = ! contemplative1 b to make ! active life p]fect )9 ! contemplative2 c>ry+ up ^! app>5t opposites to a po9t at :i* !y become "o4 ,x is "o ( ,ruysbroeck's *>act]i/ics t he1 z few o!rs1 foll[$ my/icism out to ?is1 its la/ /age2 :]e x issues 9 a balanc$1 div9e-human life4 ,! en]getic ,love ( ,god1 :i* fl[s p]petually =? f ! ,abyss ( ,be+ to ! f>!/ limits ( ! univ]se1 enlight5+ & quick5+ :]e x goes1 & 'turns aga9 home' z a /rong tide draw+ all ?+s to _! ,orig91 "h atta9s equilibrium2 ! ef=t ( creation a*ieves its aim4 ,n[ ?is aim1 ?is goal1 is already realis$ )9 ,god's nature1 = !re all p]fection et]nally ,is4 ,b to man x is sup]-nature2 to a*ieve x he mu/ transc5d ! _w ( conditions 9 :i* he lives accord+ to ! fle%1 & gr[ up to fre% levels ( life4 ,"u ! v>i\s images ( son%ip1 m>riage1 & transmutation1 ?is is ! view ( human de/9y :i* ,ruysbroeck /ates aga9 & aga93 ! creative evolution ( ! s\l4 ,8 insi/5ce on ! complet5ess ( ! ,div9e ,union to :i* ! s\l atta9s 9 ?is f9al phase1 8 p]petual resort to ! dang]\s language ( deification 9 ! ef=t t[>ds describ+ x1 seems at fir/ sight to expose him to ! *>ge ( pan!ism2 &1 z a matt] ( fact1 has done s 9 ! pa/4 ,yet he is mo/ c>eful to gu>d himself at e po9t aga9/ ?is mis9t]pretation ( 8 vision ( life4 ,9 8 view1 by its gr[? t[>ds ,god1 p]sonality is n lo/1 b rais$ to an ev] high] plane4 ,ev5 9 t ec/atic fruition ( ,et]nal ,life 9 :i* ! _s passes above ! /ate ( ,union to ! /ate ( ,unity1 & beyond ! ,p]sons to ! ,"o1 ! 'et]nal o!rness' ( ,creator & creat$ is n ov]pass$2 b1 z 9 ! p]fect fulfilm5t ( love1 utt] fusion & cle> diff]5tiation my/]i\sly co-exi/4 ,x is1 he says1 n a m]g5ce b a 'mutual inhabitation4' ,9 8 attempts t[>ds ! description ( ?is /ate1 he borr[s ! language ( ,/4 ,b]n>d1 mo/ or?odox ( ! my/ics2 language :i* goes back to primitive ,*ri/ian times4 ,! ,div9e light1 love & be+1 he tells u1 p5etrates & dr5*es ! surr5d]$1 nak$1 receptive s\l1 'z fire does ! iron1 z sunlight does ! air'2 & ev5 z ! sun%9e & ! air1 ! iron & ! fire1 s are ^! two t]ms di/9ct yet unit$4 ,! iron do? n become fire nor ! fire iron2 b ea* reta9e? its sub/ance & its nature4 ,s likewise ! _s ( man do? n become ,god1 b is ,god-=m$1 & kn[e? itself bread? & l5g? & height & dep?4#ad ,aga91 ?is union is 9 ,god1 ?r\gh grace & our homew>d-t5d+ love4 ,yet ev5 "h does ! creature feel a di/9ction & o!rness betwe5 itself & ,god 9 its inw>d gr\nd4#ae ,! duali/ic relation ( lov] & belov$1 ?\gh rais$ to ano!r p[] & glory1 is an et]nal "o4 ,i h spok5 ( ,ruysbroeck's concept ( ,god1 8 closely relat$ concept ( man's s\l2 ! ?reefold diagram ( ,reality )9 :i* ^! t]ms are plac$1 ! doctr9e ( transc5d5ce he d$uc$ !refrom4 ,b su* a diagram _c express to u ! ri* cont5t1 ! deeply p]sonal "* ( 8 exp]i5ce & 8 k4 ,x is no m ?an a map ( ! liv+ l& he has explor$1 a =mal picture ( ! ,liv+ ,"o :om he has se5 )\t sight4 ,= him ! l&scape liv$ & fl[]$ 9 endless v>iety ( maje/y & sweetness2 ! ,p]son drew ne> 9 my/]i\s communion1 & gave to him z food ,8 v life4 ,all t ?is meant1 & mu/ mean1 = our deep] k ( ,reality & ( man's intuitive contacts ) ! ,div9e ,life1 we mu/ f9d if we c 9 8 doctr9e ( ,love4 ,love is ! 'v self-hood' ( ,god1 says ,ruysbroeck 9 /rict ,johann9e language4 ,8 !ology is above all ! !ology ( ! ,holy ,_s1 ! imman5t ,div9e ,en]gy & ,love4 ,x is ,love :i* breaks d[n ! b>ri] betwe5 f9ite & inf9ite life4 ,b ,love1 z he und]/&s x1 has little 9 common ) ! feel+-/ate to :i* _m ( ! female my/ics h giv5 t augu/ "n4 ,= him1 x is h>dly an emotional ^w at all1 & nev] a s5tim5tal "o2 r ! title ( a mighty =ce1 a holy en]gy t fills ! univ]se--! ess5tial activity ( ,god4 ,sometimes he describes x "u ! antique imag]y ( ,light2 imag]y :i* is m ?an a metaphor1 & is connect$ ) t v]itable consci\sness ( enhanc$ radiance1 z well 9 ! out] z 9 ! inn] _w1 exp]i5c$ by ! 'illum9at$' my/ic4 ,aga9 x is ! 'life-giv+ ,life1' hidd5 9 ,god & ! sub/ance ( our s\ls1 :i* ! self f9ds & appropriates2 ! :ole ,johann9e trilogy br\ght into play1 to express its mean+ = he>t1 intellect & w4 ,?is ,love1 9 fact1 is ! dynamic p[] :i* ,/4 ,augu/9e comp>$ ) gravitation1 'draw+ all ?+s to _! own place1' & :i* ,dante saw b9d+ ! multiplicity ( ! univ]se into "o4 ,all ,ruysbroeck's images = x turn on ! idea ( =ce4 ,x is a rag+ fire1 a /orm1 a flood4 ,he speaks ( x 9 "o great passage z 'play+ l lightn+' betwe5 ,god & ! s\l4 ,:oev] w look at ,william ,blake's great picture ( ! ,creation ( ,adam1 may ga9 "s idea ( ! t]rific yet inf9itely compassionate "* inh]5t 9 ?is concept ( ,div9e ,love3 ! agony1 passion1 beauty1 /]nness1 & pity ( ! primal g5]at+ =ce4 ,?is love is et]nally giv+ & tak+--x is its v prop]ty1 says ,ruysbroeck1 'ev] to give & ev] to receive'--p\r+ its d[] ( en]gy into ! s\l1 & draw+ out f t s\l new vitality1 new love1 new surr5d]4 ',hungry love1' 'g5]\s love1' '/ormy love1' he calls x aga9 & aga94 ,/ream+ out f ! he>t ( ,reality1 ! imp]sonal aspect ( ! v ,_s ( ,god1 its creative t\* evokes 9 man1 once he becomes consci\s ( x1 an answ]+ /orm ( love4 ,! :ole ( our human gr[? )9 ! spiritual ord] is condition$ by ! quality ( ?is response2 by ! w1 ! indu/ry1 ! c\rage1 ) :i* man accepts 8 "p 9 ! ,div9e give-&-take4 ,t measureless ,love :i* is ,god ,himself1 dwells 9 ! pure deeps ( our _s1 l a burn+ brazi] ( coal4 ,& x ?r[s =? brilliant & fi]y sp>ks :i* /ir & enk9dle he>t & s5ses1 w & desire1 & all ! p[]s ( ! s\l1 ) a fire ( love2 9 a /orm1 a rage1 a measureless fury ( love4 ,^! be ! weapons ) :i* we fight aga9/ ! t]rible & imm5se ,love ( ,god1 :o w\ld consume all lov+ spirits & swall[ !m 9 ,himself4 ,love arms u ) its own gifts1 & cl>ifies our reason1 & comm&s1 c\nsels & advises u to oppose ,him1 to fight aga9/ ,him1 & to ma9ta9 aga9/ ,him our "r to love1 s long z we may4#af ,9 ! spiritual realm1 giv+ & receiv+ are "o act1 = ,god is an 'ocean t ebbs & fl[s'2 & x is only by oppos+ love to love1 by self-donation to ,8 my/]i\s movem5ts1 t ! s\l appropriates new =ce1 invigorat+ & f]tilis+ x afre%4 ,?us1 & ?us alone1 x lays hold on et]nal life2 sometimes sacram5tally1 "u ext]nal images & accid5ts2 sometimes my/ically1 9 ! communion ( deep pray]4 ,e "t we ?9k ) love ( ! ,well-belov$1 ,he is anew our meat & dr9k--m1 we too are ,81 = ! love betwe5 ,god & man is a mutual love & desire4 ,z we lay hold ^u ! ,div9e ,life1 dev\r & assimilate x1 s 9 t v act ! ,div9e ,life dev\rs u1 & knits u up into ! my/ical ,body ( ,reality4 ,?\ %alt n *ange ,me into ?9e own sub/ance1 z ?\ do/ *ange ! food ( ?y fle%1 b ?\ %alt be *ang$ into ,m9e1 said ! ,_s ( ,god to ,/4 ,augu/9e2 & 8 ,flemi% desc5dant ann\nces ?is same my/]i\s pr9ciple ( life ) great] ri*ness & beauty4 ,x is ! nature ( love ev] to give & to take1 to love & to be lov$1 & ^! two ?+s meet 9 :omsoev] loves4 ,?us ! love ( ,*ri/ is bo? avid & g5]\s 444 z ,he dev\rs u1 s ,he w\ld fe$ u4 ,if ,he absorbs u utt]ly into ,himself1 9 return ,he gives u ,8 v self aga94#ag ,?is is b ano!r aspect ( t great 'inbrea?+ & outbrea?+' ( ! ,div9e nature :i* gov]ns ! relation betwe5 ! ,creator & ! flux ( life2 = ,ruysbroeck's ,*ri/ological language always c>ries ) x ! idea ( ! ,logos1 ! ,tru? & ,wisdom ( ,deity1 z reveal$ 9 ! _w ( conditions1--n only 9 ! hi/orical ,jesus1 b also 9 ! et]nal g5]ation ( ! ,son4 ,/4 ,francis ( ,assisi _h said t ,div9e ,love p]petually sw+s betwe5 & reconciles two mighty opposites3 ,:at is ,god8 &1 ,:at am ,i8 ,= ,ruysbroeck1 too1 t ,love is a unify+ p[]1 manife/$ 9 motion itself1 an outgo+ attraction1 :i* drags u out ( ourselves & calls u to be melt$ & naught$ 9 ! ,unity2#ah & all 8 deepe/ ?\ghts ( x are express$ 9 t]ms ( movem5t4 ,! relation betwe5 ! s\l & ! ,absolute1 !n1 is a love relation--z 9 fact all ! my/ics h decl>$ x to be4 ,man1 t imp]fectly real ?+1 has an inh]5t t5d5cy t[>ds ,god1 ! ,only ,reality4 ,already possess$ ( a life )9 ! _w ( conditions1 8 unquiet he>t rea*es out t[>ds a _w t transc5ds conditions4 ,h[ %all he a*ieve t _w8 ,9 ! same way1 says ,ruysbroeck1 z ! *ild a*ieves ! _w ( manhood3 by ! d\ble me?od ( gr[? & education1 ! balanc$ action ( ! organism & its environm5t4 ,9 its developm5t & its ne$s1 _s con=ms to ! great laws ( natural life4 ,taught by ! voices ( ! =e/ & t inw>d ,pres5ce :o 'spoke )\t utt]ance' 9 8 s\l1 he is quick to recognise ! close p>allels betwe5 nature & grace4 ,8 /ory ( ! my/ical life is ! /ory ( bir?1 gr[?1 adolesc5ce1 maturity3 a /eady progress1 dep5d5t on food & nurture1 on ! 'brooks ( grace' :i* fl[ f ! ,liv+ ,f\nta9 & br+ p]petual r5ovation to help ! wise discipl9es & volunt>y *oices t brace & purge our exp&+ w & love4 ,ruysbroeck's univ]se1 l t ( ,kabir & c]ta9 o!r great my/ics1 has ?ree ord]s3 ,becom+1 ,be+1 ,god4 ,p>allel ) ?is1 he di/+ui%es ?ree great /ages 9 ! s\l's a*ievem5t ( complete reality3 ! ,active1 ! ,int]ior1 & ! ,sup]ess5tial ,life1 sometimes symbolis$ by ! conditions ( ,s]vant1 ,fri5d1 & ,son ( ,god4 ,^!1 h[ev]1 mu/ be reg>d$ r z divisions made = conv5i5ce ( description1 answ]+ to ^? divisions :i* ?\ght has made 9 ! indivisible fact ( ! univ]se1 ?an z di/9ctions inh]5t 9 ! reality ( ?+s4 ,! spiritual life has ! true "* ( duration2 x is "o indivisible t5d5cy & movem5t t[>ds our s\rce & home1 9 :i* ! pa/ is nev] left beh9d1 b incorporat$ 9 ! l>g] pres5t4 ,9 ! ,active ,life1 ! prim>y int]e/ is e?ical4 ,man "h purifies 8 normal human correspond5ces ) ! _w ( s5se1 approximates 8 w to ! ,w ( ,god4 ,"h1 8 contacts ) ! ,div9e take place )9 t _w ( s5se1 & 'by means4' ,9 ! ,int]ior ,life1 ! int]e/ embraces ! intellect1 ^u :i* is n[ conf]r$ ! vision ( ,reality4 ,z ! ,active ,life correspond$ to ! _w ( ,becom+1 ?is ,life corresponds ) ! sup]s5sual _w ( ,be+1 :]e ! self's contacts ) ! ,div9e take place ')\t means4' ,9 ! ,sup]ess5tial ,life1 ! self has transc5d$ ! intellectual plane & ent]$ into ! v he>t ( ,reality2 :]e %e does n behold1 b has fruition (1 ,god 9 "o life & "o love4 ,! obvi\s p>allel betwe5 ^! ?ree /ages & ! traditional '?reefold way' ( ,purgation1 ,illum9ation & ,union is1 h[ev]1 n s exact z x appe>s4 ,_m ( ! *>act]s ( ! ,unitive ,way are pres5t 9 ,ruysbroeck's 'second life'2 & 8 '?ird life' takes ! s\l to heights ( fruition :i* few among/ ev5 ! greate/ unitive my/ics h atta9$ or describ$4 7,a7 ,:5 man fir/ feels ^u 8 s\l ! t\* ( ! ,div9e ,light1 at once1 & 9 a mom5t ( "t1 8 w is *ang$2 turn$ 9 ! direction ( ,reality & away f unreal objects ( desire4 ,he is1 9 fact1 'conv]t$' 9 ! highe/ & mo/ accurate s5se ( t ill-us$ ^w4 ,see+ ! ,div9e1 he wants ! ,div9e1 ?\gh he may n yet und]/& 8 own crav+2 = ! scrap ( ,div9e ,life )9 him has em]g$ into ! field ( consci\sness1 & recognises its home4 ,!n1 z x 71 ,god & ! s\l ru% toge!r1 & ( _! enc\nt] spr+s love4 ,?is is ! ,new ,bir?2 ! 'br++ =? ( ! ,son 9 ! gr\nd ( ! s\l1' its baptism 9 ! f\nta9 ( ! ,life-giv+ ,life4 ,! new =ce & t5d5cy receiv$ into ! self beg9s to act on ! p]iph]y1 & !nce works t[>ds ! c5tre ( exi/5ce4 ,fir/1 !n1 x attacks ! ord9>y temporal life 9 all its dep>tm5ts4 ,x p\rs 9 fre% waves ( en]gy :i* conf] new k & hatr$ ( s91 purify "*1 br+ fre% virtues into be+4 ,x re>ranges ! consci\sness ab\t new & high] c5tres1 ga!r+ up all ! faculties into "o simple /ate ( 'att5tion to ,god4' ,!nce results ! highe/ life :i* is atta9able by 'nature4' ,9 x1 man is unit$ ) ,god '?r\gh means1' acts 9 ob$i5ce to ! dictates ( ,div9e ,love & 9 accordance ) ! t5d5cy ( ! ,div9e ,w1 & becomes ! ',fai?ful ,s]vant' ( ! ,transc5d5t ,ord]4 ,pla9ly1 ! ,active ,life1 ?us consid]$1 has mu* 9 common ) ! ',purgative ,way' ( ascetic sci5ce4 7,b7 ,:5 ?is gr[? has rea*$ its t]m1 :5 ,free-w we>s ! cr[n ( ,*>ity1 & rules z a ,k+ ov] ! s\l1 ! awak5$ & enhanc$ consci\sness beg9s to crave a clos] contact ) ! spiritual3 t unm$iat$ & direct contact :i* is ! ess5ce ( ! ,contemplative or ,int]ior ,life1 & is a*iev$ 9 ! deep /ate ( recollection call$ 'unitive pray]4' ,"h volunt>y & purposive education takes its place by ! side ( organic developm5t4 ,! way call$ by mo/ ascetic writ]s ',illum9ation'--! /ate ( 'pr(ici5t' 9 mona/ic p>lance--includes ! tra9+ ( ! self 9 ! contemplative art z well z its gr[? 9 w & love4 ,?is tra9+ braces & purifies intellect1 z ! discipl9es ( ! active life purifi$ w & s5se4 ,x tea*es introv]sion1 or ! turn+ inw>d ( ! att5tion f ! di/ractions ( ! s5se-_w2 ! cleans+ ( ! mirror ( ?\ght1 ?rong$ ) confus+ images2 ! production ( t sil5ce 9 :i* ! music ( ! ,inf9ite c be he>d4 ,nor is ! ,active ,life "h left beh9d2 x is c>ri$ up to1 & includ$ 91 ! new1 deep5$ activities ( ! self1 :i* are no long] rul$ by ! laws1 b by ! 'quick5+ c\nsels' ( ,god4 ,( ?is new life1 int]ior c\rage is a fir/ necessity4 ,x is no easy appropriation ( sup]s5sual graces1 b a deep] ent]+ into ! my/]y ( life1 a ri*]1 m pr(\nd1 p>ticipation 9 pa91 ef=t1 z well z joy4 ,!re mu/ be no settl+ d[n into a com=table s5se ( ! ,div9e ,pres5ce1 no reliance on ! ',"o ,act'2 b an incessant process ( *ange1 r5ewal1 re-em]g5ce4 ,sometimes ,ruysbroeck appe>s to see ?is c5tral /age 9 ! spiritual life-process 9 t]ms ( upw>d gr[? t[>d transc5d5t levels2 sometimes 9 t]ms ( recollection1 ! /eadfa/ press+ inw>ds ( consci\sness t[>ds t b>e gr\nd ( ! s\l :]e x unites ) imman5t ,reality1 & f9ds ! ,div9e ,life surg+ up l a 'liv+ f\nta9' f ! deeps4 ,?is d\ble way ( conceiv+ "o process is puzzl+ = u2 b a pro( t = ,ruysbroeck no "o concept c\ld sugge/ ! :ole tru?1 & a useful rem9d] ( ! symbolic "* ( all ^! maps & it9]>ies ( ! spiritual life4 ,z ! sun gr[s 9 p[] ) ! pass+ seasons1 s ! s\l n[ exp]i5ces a /eady increase 9 ! p[] & spl5d\r ( ! ,div9e ,light1 z x asc5ds 9 ! heav5s ( consci\sness & p\rs its heat & radiance into all ! faculties ( man4 ,! 9-beat+ ( ?is en]gy & light br+s ! self into ! tempe/u\s heats ( high summ]1 or full illum9ation--! 'fury ( love1' mo/ f]tile & dang]\s epo* ( ! spiritual ye>4 ,!nce1 ob$i5t to ^? laws ( movem5t1 t 'd\ble rhy?m ( r5unciation & love' :i* ,kabir detect$ at ! he>t ( ! univ]sal melody1 x ent]s on a negative p]iod ( psy*ic fatigue & spiritual de/itution2 ! 'd>k night ( ! s\l4' ,! sun desc5ds 9 ! heav5s1 ! ard\rs ( love gr[ cold4 ,:5 ?is /age is fully e/abli%$1 says ,ruysbroeck1 ! ',septemb] ( ! s\l' is come2 ! h>ve/ & v9tage--raw mat]ial ( ! life-giv+ ,eu*>i/--is ripe4 ,! fl[]+-"t ( spiritual joy & beauty is z no?+ 9 its value = life comp>$ ) ?is /ill autumnal p]iod ( true fecundity1 9 :i* man is at la/ 'affirm$' 9 ! spiritual life4 ,?is1 !n1 is ! curve ( ! self's gr[?4 ,side by side ) x runs ! o!r curve ( delib]ate tra9+3 ! education by :i* our w&]+ att5tion1 our diffus$ undiscipl9$ consci\sness1 is %>p5$ & focuss$ ^u ,reality4 ,?is tra9+ is ne$$ by intellect & feel+2 b mo/ ( all by ! w1 :i* ,ruysbroeck1 l ! great ,engli% my/ics1 reg>ds z ! ga!r+-po9t ( p]sonality1 ! 'spiritual he>t4' ,on e page ( 8 writ+s ! ref]5ce to t :i* ! spiritual ,light & ,love d = man1 is balanc$ by an insi/5ce on t :i* man himself mu/ d3 ! *oices to be made1 ! 'ex]cises' to be p]=m$1 ! t5sion & ef=t :i* mu/ *>act]ise ! my/ic way until its la/ phase is rea*$4 ,morally1 ^! ex]cises consi/ 9 progressive r5unciations on ! "o h& & acceptances on ! o!r '= ,love's sake'2 intellectually1 9 introv]sion1 t turn+ inw>ds & conc5tration ( consci\sness1 ! /ripp+ (f ( all images & empty+ ( ! m9d1 :i* is ! psy*ological me?od :]eby human consci\sness transc5ds ! condition$ univ]se to :i* x has become adapt$1 & ent]s ! contemplative _w4 ,man's att5tion to life is to *ange its "* z he asc5ds ! ladd] ( be+4 ,!re=e ! old atta*m5ts mu/ be cut be=e ! new atta*m5ts c be =m$4 ,?is is1 ( c\rse1 a commonplace ( asceticism2 & mu* ( ,ruysbroeck's tea*+ on deta*m5t1 self-naught+ & contemplation1 is inde$ simply ! /&>d doctr9e ( ,*ri/ian asceticism se5 ?r\gh a temp]am5t4 ,:5 ! self has gr[n up f ! 'active' to ! 'contemplative' /ate ( consci\sness1 x is pla9 t 8 :ole relation to 8 environm5t has *ang$4 ,8 _w is gr\p$ ab\t a new c5tre4 ,x n[ becomes ! supreme bus9ess ( intellect to 'gaze ^u ,god1' ! supreme bus9ess ( love to /ret* out t[>ds ,him4 ,:5 ^! tw9 p[]s1 "u ! regnancy ( ! enhanc$ & tra9$ w1 are set t[>ds ,reality1 !n ! human creature has done 8 "p 9 ! sett+ up ( ! relation ( ! s\l to its ,s\rce1 & made x possible = ! music ( ! ,inf9ite to s\nd 9 him4 ,= ?is intellectual gaz+ & ?is /ret*+ =? ( love are two heav5ly pipes1 s\nd+ )\t ! ne$ ( tune or ( notes2 !y ev] g =w>d 9 t ,et]nal ,life1 nei!r /ray+ aside nor return+ backw>d aga92 & ev] keep+ h>mony & concord ) ! ,holy ,*ur*1 = ! ,holy ,_s gives ! w9d t s+s 9 !m4#ai ,obs]ve1 t t5sion is "h a condition ( ! "r employm5t ( bo? faculties1 & ensures t ! ,div9e music %all s\nd true2 "o ( ! _m implicit contradictions ( ! quieti/ doctr9e ( spiritual limpness1 :i* we f9d ?r\gh\t ,ruysbroeck's works4 7,c7 ,:5 ! tw(old process ( gr[? & education has br\ght ! self to ?is p]fection ( attitude z reg>ds ! ,spiritual ,ord]--an attitude ( true union1 says ,ruysbroeck1 b n yet ( ! un?9kable unity :i* is our goal--man has done all t he c d ( himself4 ,8 ',int]ior ,life' is complete1 & 8 be+ is unit$ ?r\gh grace ) ! ,be+ ( ,god1 9 a relation :i* is ! fa9t image ( ! mutual relations ( ! ,div9e ,p]sons2 a consci\s son%ip1 f9d+ expression 9 ! mutual int]*ange ( ! _s ( w & love4 ,?is exi/5ce is root$ 9 'grace1' ! uncondition$ life-=ce1 int]m$i>y betwe5 ourselves & ,god1' z ! active /age 0 root$ 9 'nature4' ,yet !re is some?+ beyond ?is4 ,z beyond ! ,div9e ,p]sons !re is ! ,sup]ess5tial ,unity ( ! ,godhead1 s beyond ! plane ( ,be+ 7,wes57 ,ruysbroeck appreh5ds a reality :i* is 'm ?an ,be+' 7,ov]wes574 ,man's _s1 hav+ relations ) e grade ( reality1 has also 9 its 'fa?omless gr\nd' a pot5tial relation ) ?is sup]ess5tial sph]e2 & until ?is be actualis$ he is n :olly real1 nor :olly dei=m4 ,ruysbroeck's mo/ orig9al contribution to ! hi/ory ( my/icism is 8 description ( ?is supreme /ate2 9 :i* ! human s\l becomes truly free1 & is made ! 'hidd5 *ild' ( ,god4 ,!n only d we disc]n ! glory ( our full-gr[n human nature2 :51 p>ticipat+ fully 9 ! my/]i\s d\ble life ( ,god1 ! tw(old action ( true love1 we h p]fect fruition ( ,him z ,et]nal ,re/1 & p]fect %>+ 9 t outgo+ love :i* is ,8 et]nal ,"w3 ,god ) ,god1 "o love & "o life1 9 ,8 et]nal manife/ation4#bj ,! consummation ( ! my/ic way1 !n1 repres5ts n m]ely a /ate ( ec/atic contemplation1 escape f ! /ream ( succession1 ! dea? ( self-hood1 joy\s self-imm]sion 9 ! ,abyss2 n m]ely ! enorm\sly enhanc$ /ate ( creative activity & en]getic love :i* ! my/ics call 'div9e fecundity'2 b bo?--! flux & reflux ( supreme ,reality4 ,x is ! syn!sis ( contemplation & action1 ( ,be+ & ,becom+3 ! discov]y at la/ ( a clue--inexpressible inde$1 b really held & exp]i5c$--to ! my/]y :i* mo/ deeply torm5ts u1 ! l9k betwe5 our life ( duration & ! ,et]nal ,life ( ,god4 ,?is is ! ,sev5? ,degree ( ,love1 noble/ & highe/ t c be realis$ 9 ! life ( "t or ( et]nity4 ,t process ( enhancem5t :]eby ! self1 9 its upw>d progress1 c>ries ) x all t has be5 atta9$ be=e1 "h f9ds its completion4 ,! active life ( ,becom+1 & ! ess5tial life ( ,be+1 are n all4 ,f beyond ! ,inf9ite ! ,inf9ite comes1 said ! ,indian2 & 8 ,*ri/ian bro!r1 9 p>allel t]ms1 decl>es t beyond ! ,ess5ce is ! ,sup]ess5ce ( ,god1 ,8 'simple' or syn!tic unity4 ,x is = fruition ( ?is t man is de/9$2 yet he does n leave ?is _w = t _w1 b kn[s !m z "o4 ,totally surr5d]$ to ! d\ble curr5t ( ! univ]se1 ! inbrea?+ & outbrea?+ ( ! ,_s ( ,god1 8 love & fruition live betwe5 lab\r & re/4 ,he goes up & d[n ! m\nta9 ( vision1 a liv+ will+ tool :]e) ,god works4 ,h5ce1 to ent] into re/ful fruition & come =? aga9 9 good works1 & to rema9 ev] "o ) ,god--?is is ! ?+ t ,i w\ld say4 ,ev5 z we op5 our fle%ly eyes to see1 & %ut !m aga9 s quickly t we d n ev5 feel x1 ?us we die into ,god1 we live ( ,god1 & rema9 ev] "o ) ,god4 ,!re=e we mu/ come =? 9 ! activities ( ! s5se-life1 & aga9 re-ent] 9 love & cl+ to ,god2 9 ord] t we may ev] rema9 "o ) ,him )\t *ange4#ba ,all p]fect lives1 says ,ruysbroeck1 con=m to ?is patt]n1 foll[ ?is curve2 ?\gh su* p]fect lives are r>e among/ m54 ,!y are ! fruit1 n ( volition1 b ( vocation2 ( ! my/]i\s op]ations ( ! ,div9e ,light :i*--p]petually cry+ ?r\gh ! univ]se ! unique & fa?omless ^w ',behold6 behold6' & !re) giv+ utt]ance to itself & all o!r ?+s--yet evokes only 9 "s m5 an answ]+ movem5t ( consci\sness1 ! delib]ate surr5d] :i* conditions ! new p[] ( response & ( gr[?4 ,to ?is div9e vision b few m5 c atta91 because ( _! own unfitness & because ( ! d>kness ( t ,light :]eby we see3 & !re=e no "o %all ?or\ghly und]/& ?is p]ception by means ( any s*ol>%ip1 or by _! own acut5ess ( compreh5sion4 ,= all words1 & all t m5 may le>n & und]/& 9 a creaturely fa%ion1 is =eign to ?is & f> bel[ ! tru? t ,i mean4 ,to und]/& & lay hold ( ,god z ,he is 9 ,himself above all images--?is is to be ,god ) ,god1 )\t int]m$i>y or any diff]5ce t might become an int]m$i>y or an ob/acle4 ,& !re=e ,i beg ea* "o1 :o c nei!r und]/& ?is1 nor feel x by ! way ( spiritual union1 t he be n griev$ !reby1 & let x be z x is4#bb ,i end ?is *apt] by a ref]5ce to c]ta9 key-words frequ5t 9 ,ruysbroeck's works1 :i* are sometimes a s\rce ( difficulty to 8 read]s4 ,^! words are ne>ly always 8 names = inw>d exp]i5ces4 ,he uses !m 9 a poetic & arti/ic mann]1 evocative r ?an exact2 & we1 9 try+ to discov] _! mean+1 mu/ nev] =get ! col\r$ fr+e ( sugge/ion :i* !y c>ry = ! my/ic & ! poet1 & :i* is a true "p ( ! message he int5ds !m to convey4 ,! fir/ ( ^! words is ,fruition4 ,fruition1 a concept :i* ,euck5's philosophy has br\ght back into curr5t ?\ght1 repres5ts a total atta9m5t1 complete & p]man5t p>ticipation & possession4 ,x is an absolute /ate1 transc5d+ all succession1 & x is appli$ by ,ruysbroeck to ! absolute "* ( ! _s's life 9 ,god2 :i*1 ?\gh x seem to ! surface consci\sness a p]petually r5ew$ enc\nt] ( love1 is 9 its gr\nd 'fruitive & uncondition$1' a timeless self-imm]sion 9 ! ,d>k1 ! 'glori\s & ess5tial ,on5ess4' ,?us he speaks ( 'fruitive love1' 'fruitive possession'2 z oppos$ to /riv+1 dynamic love1 p>tial1 progressive & condition$ possession4 ,p]fect contemplation & lov+ dep5d5ce are ! et]nal fruition ( ,god'3 ! ,beatific ,vision ( !ology4 ,:]e we are "o ) ,god1 )\t int]m$i>y1 beyond all sep>ation2 !re is ,god our fruition & ,8 own 9 an et]nal & fa?omless bliss4#bc ,next p]haps 9 ! p[] ( provok+ misund]/&+ is ! weight atta*$ by ,ruysbroeck to ! adjective ,simple4 ,?is ^w1 :i* con/antly recurs 9 8 descriptions ( spiritual /ates1 always conveys ! s5se ( :ol5ess1 complet5ess1 syn!sis2 n ( pov]ty1 ?9ness1 subtraction4 ,x is ! :ite light 9 :i* all ! col\rs ( ! spectrum are includ$ & fus$4 ',simple ,union1' ',simple ,contemplation1' ',simple ,light'--all ^! mean ! total undiff]5tiat$ act or p]ception f :i* our analytic m9ds subtract aspects4 ,9 simplicity w ,i unite ) ! ,simple ,"o1 said ,kabir4 ,s ,ruysbroeck3 ,we behold ,8 face 9 a simple see+1 beyond reason & )\t consid]ation4 ,ano!r cause ( difficulty to ^? unfamili> ) ! my/ics is ! con/ant ref]5ce to ,b>5ess or ,nudity1 especially 9 descriptions ( ! contemplative act4 ,?is is1 ( c\rse1 b "o example ( t negative me?od ( sugge/ion--d>kness1 b>5ess1 desolation1 div9e ignorance1 ! 'ri* no?+1' ! 'nak$ ?\ght'--:i* is a /ock device ( my/icism1 & 0 probably tak5 by ,ruysbroeck f ,dionysius ! ,areopagite4 ,x repres5ts1 fir/1 ! bewild]+ empt9ess & nak$ness ( consci\sness :5 introduc$ into a univ]se t transc5ds our ord9>y conceptual _w2 secondly1 ! necessity ( su* transc5d5ce1 ( empty+ ! field ( consci\sness ( 'e va9 imag9+1' if ! self is to h contact ) ! ,reality :i* ^! veil4 ,) ! di/9ction betwe5 ,ess5ce 7,wes57 & ,sup]ess5ce 7,ov]wes57 ,i h already dealt2 & ?is w appe> m cle>ly :5 we consid] ,ruysbroeck's 'second' & '?ird' /ages ( ! my/ic life4 ,!re rema9s ! great pair ( opposites1 fundam5tal = 8 ?\ght1 call$ 9 ! ,flemi% v]nacul> ,wise & ,onwise1 & g5]ally r5d]$ by translators z ',mode' & ',modeless4' ,:]ev] possible ,i h replac$ ^! ta/eless ,lat9isms by ! ,old ,engli% equival5ts '9 "s wise' & '9 no wise1' occasionally by 'condition$' & 'uncondition$'2 ?\gh p]haps ! colloquial 'someh[' & 'noh[' w\ld be yet m exactly expressive4 ,n[ ?is pair ( opposites is psy*ological r ?an metaphysical1 & has to d ) ! *>act]i/ic ph5om5a ( contemplation4 ,x indicates ! diff]5ce betwe5 ! univ]se ( ! normal man1 liv+ z ! s]vant or fri5d ( ,god )9 ! temporal ord]1 & ! univ]se ( ! true contemplative1 ! 'hidd5 *ild4' ,! k & love ( ! fir/ is a condition$ k & love4 ,ev]y?+ :i* happ5s to him happ5s '9 "s wise'2 x has atta*m5ts )9 8 conceptual _w1 is m$iat$ to him by symbols & images :i* intellect c grasp4 ,! simple asc5t into ! ,nude & ! ,uncondition$ is unkn[n & unlov$ ( him2 x is ?r\gh & among/ 8 ord9>y m5tal furniture t he obta9s 8 contacts ) ,reality4 ,b ! k & love ( ! second1 8 contacts1 transc5d ! categories ( ?\ght4 ,he has escap$ alike f ! tyrannies & com=ts ( ! _w ( images1 has made ! 'asc5t into ! ,n\ght1' :]e all is1 yet '9 no wise4' ,! p[] ( ! und]/&+ is lift$ up to t :i* is beyond all conditions1 & its see+ is 9 no wise1 be+ )\t mann]1 & x is nei!r ?us nor ?us1 nei!r "h nor !re4#bd ,?is is ! direct1 unm$iat$ _w ( spiritual intuition2 :]e ! self t\*es a ,reality t has n be5 pass$ ?r\gh ! filt]s ( s5se & ?\ght4 ,!re man a*ieves a love1 a vision1 an activity :i* are 'wayless1' yet f> m valid ?an any?+ t c be fitt$ into ! framework ( our condition$ _w4 ,9 a place beyond utt]mo/ place1 9 a track )\t %ad[ ( trace1 ,s\l & body transc5d+1 ,i live 9 ! s\l ( my ,lov$ ,"o anew4 ,?us cries ! great ,sufi poet1 ,jalalu'dd92 & ! sugge/ion :i* 8 words convey is p]haps z close z spee* c come to :at ,ruysbroeck meant by ,onwise4 ,! *ange ( consci\sness :i* initiates man into ?is inn] yet unb\nd$ _w--! _w t is 'unwall$1' to use 8 own fav\rite metaphor--is ! ess5ce ( contemplation2 :i* consi/s1 n 9 look+ at /range my/]ies1 b 9 a movem5t to fre% levels1 %ut to ! analytic intellect1 op5 to adv5tur\s love4 ,!re1 )\t any amazem5t1 ! self c '"k 9 no wise' t :i* x c nev] und]/&4 ,contemplation is a kn[+ t is 9 no wise1 ,= ev] dwell+ above ! ,reason4 ,nev] c x s9k d[n into ! ,reason1 ,& above x c ! ,reason nev] climb4 ,! %9+ =? ( ,t :i* is 9 no wise is z a fair mirror4 ,:]e9 %9es ! ,et]nal ,light ( ,god4 ,x has no attributes1 ,& "h all ! works ( ,reason fail4 ,x is n ,god1 ,b x is ! ,light :]eby we see ,him4 ,^? :o walk 9 ! ,div9e ,light ( x ,discov] 9 !mselves ! ,unwall$4 ,t :i* is 9 no wise1 is above ! ,reason1 n )\t x3 ,x beholds all ?+s )\t amazem5t4 ,amazem5t is f> b5ea? x3 ,! contemplative life is )\t amazem5t4 ,t :i* is 9 no wise sees1 x kn[s n :at2 ,= x is above all1 & is nei!r ,?is nor ,t4#be ,,*apt] ,v ,,! ,,active ,,life ,if we w\ld discov] & "k t ,k+dom ( ,god :i* is hidd5 9 u1 we mu/ lead a life t is virtu\s )91 well-ord]$ )\t1 & fulfill$ ) true *>ity4 ,?us imitat+ ,*ri/ 9 e way1 we c1 ?r\gh grace1 love & virtue1 raise ourselves up to t apex ( ! s\l :]e ,god lives & reigns4 ,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,salvation4 ,! beg9n+ ( man's ,active ,life1 says ,ruysbroeck--t uplift+ ( ! diurnal exi/5ce into ! ,div9e ,atmosph]e1 :i* conf]s on x mean+ & reality--is a movem5t ( response4 ,grace1 ! syn!sis ( ,god's love1 en]gy & w1 p\rs l a great riv] ?r\gh ! univ]se1 & p]petually beats 9 ^u ! s\l4 ,:5 man cons5ts to receive x1 op5s ! sluices ( ! he>t to t liv+ wat]1 surr5d]s to x2 !n he op5s 8 he>t & w to ! impact ( ,reality1 8 eyes to ! ,div9e ,light1 & 9 ?is en]getic movem5t ( acceptance beg9s = ! fir/ "t to live inde$4 ,h5ce x is t1 9 ! v>i$ e?ical sy/ems :i* we f9d 9 8 books1 & :i* describe ! active cresc5t life ( ,*ri/ian virtue1 ! labori\s adju/m5t ( "* to ! ,vision ( ,god1 ,ruysbroeck always puts fir/ ! virtue1 or r ! attitude1 :i* he calls good-w3 ! volunt>y ori5tation ( ! self 9 ! "r direction1 ! eag] acceptance ( grace4 ,z all gr[? dep5ds ^u food1 s all spiritual developm5t dep5ds ^u ! self's appropriation ( its own %>e ( ! transc5d5t life-=ce1 its own 'rill ( grace'2 & good-w breaks d[n ! b>ri] :i* prev5ts t /ream f p\r+ into ! s\l4 ,desire1 said ,william ,law1 is ev]y?+ & does ev]y?+2 x is ! primal motive-p[]4 ,ruysbroeck1 too1 f9ds 9 desire turn$ t[>ds ! be/ ! beg9n+ ( human transc5d5ce1 & reg>ds will+ & lov+ z ! ess5ce ( life4 ,bas+ 8 psy*ology on ! common m$ival s*eme ( ,memory1 ,intellig5ce & ,w1 he speaks ( ?is la/ z ! k+ ( ! s\l2 dom9at+ bo? ! o!r p[]s1 & able to ga!r !m 9 its clut*1 =ce !m to att5d to ! invitations & messages ( ! et]nal _w4 ,?us 9 8 sy/em ! dem& ^u man's indu/ry & c\rage is made f ! v fir/4 ,! great my/ical necessity ( self-surr5d] is %[n to involve1 n a limp acquiesc5ce1 b a delib]ate & h]oic *oice2 ! difficult approximation ( our own ?\ghts & desires to ! ?\ghts & desires ( ,div9e ,reality4 ,:5 we h b "o ?\ght & "o w ) ,god1 we are on ! fir/ /ep ( ! ladd] ( love & ( sanctity2 = good-w is ! f\ndation ( all virtue4#bf ,9 ,! ,adornm5t ( ! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 ,ruysbroeck has us$ ! words said to ! wise & fooli% virg9s ( ! p>able--,behold1 ! bridegroom come?2 g ye out to meet him--z an epitome ( ! self's relations ) & reactions to ,reality4 ,fir/1 all creat$ spirits are call$ to behold ,god1 :o is p]petually 'com+' to ! _w ( conditions1 9 a ceaseless procession ( love2 & 9 ?is see+ our happ9ess consi/s4 ,b 9 ord] really to see a ?+1 we ne$ n only light & cle> sight1 b ! w to look at x2 e act ( p]ception dem&s a self-giv+ on ! se]'s "p4 ,s "h we ne$ n only ! light ( grace & ! op5 eyes ( ! s\l1 b also ! w turn$ t[>ds ! ,inf9ite3 our att5tion to life1 ! regnant fact ( our consci\sness1 mu/ be focuss$ ^u et]nal ?+s4 ,n[1 :5 we see ,god1 we _c b love ,him2 & love is motion1 activity4 ,h5ce1 ?is fir/ dem& on ! awak5$ _s1 ',behold6' is swiftly foll[$ by ! second dem&1 ',g ye out6' = ! ess5ce ( love is g5]\s1 outfl[+1 expansive1 an upw>d & outw>d t5d5cy t[>ds ! ,k+dom ( ,god1 :i* is ,god ,himself4 ,?is outgo+1 ?is concrete act ( response1 w at once *ange & condition our correspond5ces ) & attitude t[>ds ,god1 ourselves & our neighb\rs2 express+ itself )9 ! _w ( action 9 a new ard\r = p]fection--! natural result ( ! 'lov+ vision ( ! ,bridegroom1' ! self's fir/ glimpse ( ,p]fect ,goodness & ,tru?4 ,we obs]ve ! cont9u$ insi/5ce on ef=t1 act1 z ! v he>t ( all true self-giv+ to transc5d5t int]e/s4 ,:il/ 9 ! volitional life dra/ic readju/m5ts1 /]n "*-build+1 & eag] "w are ! expression ( goodwill1 9 ! emotional life x is felt z a pr(\nd impulse to self-surr5d]3 a lov+ yield+ up ( ! :ole p]sonality to ! infl[ & purg+ activities ( ! ,absolute ,life4 ,?is good-w is n\ght else b ! infus$ ,love ( ,god1 :i* causes him to apply himself to ,div9e ?+s & all virtues2 444 :5 x turns t[>ds ,god1 x cr[ns ! _s ) ,et]nal ,love1 & :5 x returns to outw>d ?+s x rules z a mi/ress ov] 8 ext]nal good de$s4#bg ,we h "h1 !n1 a disposition ( he>t & m9d :i* bo? receives & responds to ! messages ( ,reality2 mak+ x possible = ! self to beg9 to gr[ 9 ! "r direction1 to ent] into possession ( its tw(old h]itage4 ,t completely human life ( activity & contemplation :i* moves freely up & d[n ! ladd] ( love betwe5 ! temporal & et]nal worlds1 & reproduces 9 little ! ideal ( ,div9e ,humanity decl>$ 9 ,*ri/1 is ! ideal t[>ds :i* x is set2 & already1 ev5 9 ?is l[e/ phase1 ! d\ble movem5t ( ! awak5$ consci\sness beg9s to %[ itself4 ,our love & w1 firmly fa/5$ 9 ! ,et]nal ,_w1 are to sw+ l a p5dulum betwe5 ! se5 & ! unse5 sph]es2 9 great asc5d+ arcs ( balanc$ adoration & s]vice1 :i* %all br+ all ! noble/ elem5ts ( human "* into play4 ,!re=e ! pivot+ ( life ^u ,div9e ,reality1 :i* is ! result ( good-w--! sett+ up ( a "r relation ) ! univ]se--is inevitably ! fir/ condition ( virtue1 ! 'root ( sanctity1' ! beg9n+ ( spiritual gr[?1 ! act :i* makes man free2 translat+ him1 9 ,ruysbroeck's image1 f ! /ate ( ! slave to t ( ! consci\s & will+ s]vant ( ,et]nal ,tru?4 ,f ! h\r 9 :i*1 ) ,god's help1 he transc5ds 8 self-hood 444 he feels true love1 :i* ov]comes d\bt & fe> & makes man tru/ & hope2 & s he becomes a true s]vant1 & means & loves ,god 9 all t he does4#bh ,s man1 em]g+ f ! %ell ( selfhood1 makes--( 8 own free *oice1 by 8 own ef=t--8 fir/ timid upw>d beat to ,god2 &1 foll[+ swiftly ^u x1 ! comp5sat+ outw>d beat ( *>ity t[>ds 8 fell[-m54 ,we obs]ve h[ tight a hold has ?is mo/ transc5d5tal ( ! my/ics on ! :ol5ess ( all heal?y human life3 ! mutual support & int]p5etration ( ! active & contemplative p[]s4 ',o!r-worldl9ess' is decisively contradict$ f ! fir/4 ,x is ! appe>ance ( ?is eag] active *>ity--?is imitation 9 little ( ! en]getic ,love ( ,god--:i* assures u t ! fir/ /age ( ! self's gr[? is rightly accompli%$2 complet+ its fir/ outw>d pu% 9 t new direction to :i* its good-w is turn$4 ,= *>ity ev] presses t[>ds ! heights1 t[>ds ! ,k+dom ( ,god1 ! :i* is ,god ,himself4 ,9 ! practical c\nsels giv5 to ! "y novice to :om ,! ,mirror ( ,salvation is address$1 we may see ,ruysbroeck's ideal ( t active life ( self-discipl9e & s]vice :i* ! s\l has n[ set 9 h&2 & :i* he describes 9 great] detail 9 ,! ,adornm5t ( ! ,spiritual ,m>riage & ,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s4 ,total self-donation1 he tells h]1 is h] fir/ ne$--'*oos+ ,god1 = love's sake' )\t hesitations or res]ves2 & ?is d$ication to ! int]e/s ( ,reality mu/ be unta9t$ by any spiritual selfi%ness1 any h9t ( t insidi\s desire = p]sonal beatitude :i* 'fades ! fl[] ( true love4' ,?is done1 self-conque/ & self-control become ! novice's prim>y duties3 ! gradual subdu+ & re>rangem5t ( "* ab\t its new c5tre1 ! elim9ation ( all t5d5cies inimical to ! dem&s ( ,et]nal ,life2 ! firm e/abli%m5t ^u its ?rone ( t true free-w :i* desires only ,god's w4 ,?is self-conque/1 ! ess5ce ( ! ',way ( ,purgation1' z describ$ & exp]i5c$ by s _m ascetics & my/ics1 includes n only ! eradication ( s9s1 b ! tra9+ ( ! att5tion1 ! adaptation ( consci\sness to its new environm5t2 ! kill+-out ( incl9ations :i*1 h>mless 9 !mselves1 compete ) ! "o transc5d5t int]e/ ( life4 ,l all great my/ics1 ,ruysbroeck _h a /rong 's5se ( s94' ,?is is m]ely a !ological way ( /at+ ! fact t 8 int5se realisation ( ,p]fection involv$ a vivid consci\sness ( ! imp]fections1 di%>monies1 p]v]sities1 implicit 9 ! human creature2 ! ne$ ( resolv+ !m if ! s\l 0 to gr[ up to ! /ature ( ,div9e ,humanity4 ,yet !re is 9 8 writ+s a s+ul> abs5ce ( t pr(\nd preoccupation ) s9 f\nd 9 s _m m$ival ascetics4 ,8 attitude t[>ds "* 0 affirmative & robu/2 emphasis+ ! possibilities r ?an ! disabilities ( man4 ,s91 = him1 0 egotism2 %[+ itself 9 ! manifold =ms ( pride1 laz9ess1 self-indulg5ce1 coldness ( he>t1 or spiritual self-seek+1 b always imply+ a c5tral wrongness ( attitude1 result+ 9 a wrong employm5t ( p[]4 ,self-d5ials & bodily mortifications he reg>d$ p>tly z ex]cises 9 self-control--spiritual a?letics--useful because educative ( ! w2 p>tly z expressions ( love4 ,at be/ !y are b ! means ( sanctity1 & nev] to be confus$ ) its end2 = ! man :o delib]ately pass$ ! great] "p ( 8 life 9 ! bu/le ( ! t[n 0 no advocate ( a cloi/]$ virtue or a n>r[ p]fectionism4 ,morbid piety is (t5 ! product ( physical z well z spiritual /uff9ess2 & ,ruysbroeck wrote 8 great books out ( doors1 ) light & air all r\nd him1 & ! rhy?mic life ( trees to rem9d him h[ mu* /rong] 0 ! quiet law ( gr[? ?an any atavism1 accid5t1 or p]v]sion by :i* x c\ld be *eck$4 ,?us1 ?r\gh\t 8 works1 ! acc5t always falls ^u p[] r ?an weakness3 ^u ! spiritual en]gy p\r+ 9 l sun%9e2 ! incessant gr[? :i* love sets go+2 ! p]petual rebir?s to ev] high] levels1 z ! "y sapl+ /ret*es upw>d e spr+4 ,:at he asks ( ! novice is contrition )\t anxiety1 self-discipl9e )\t fuss2 ! /eady1 all-r\nd developm5t ( h] p]sonality1 /ret*+ & gr[+ t[>ds ,god4 ,%e is to be ! mi/ress ( h] s\l1 nev] p]mitt+ x to be drawn hi!r & ?i!r by ! di/ractions & duties ( ext]nal life4 ,keep+ always 9 ! atmosph]e ( ,reality1 %e %all br+ !refrom tru? & frankness to all h] words & de$s2 & p]=m h] duties ) t "r & heal?y deta*m5t :i* spr+s1 n f a contempt ( ! ,_m1 b f ! secure & lov+ possession ( ! ,"o4 ,! discipl9es to :i* %e mu/ subject h]self 9 ! ef=t t[>ds atta9m5t ( ?is poise1 w1 l a wise gymna/ic1 produce 9 h] a suppl5ess ( s\l2 mak+ ! con/ant & inevitable transition f int]ior communion to outw>d "w1 :i* *>ity & good s5se dem&1 easy & natural1 & caus+ ! _s to be pla/ic 9 ! h& ( ,god4 ,su* suppl5ess--! lightness & lissom5ess :i* comes f spiritual muscles ex]cis$ & controll$--0 "o ( ! fav\rite qualities ( t wise tra9] ( "*1 ,/4 ,franois de ,sales2 & ! _m small & irritat+ mortifications ) :i* he 0 accu/om$ to torm5t 8 disciples _h no o!r aim ?an to produce x4 ,9 ! /age ( developm5t to :i* ! ,active ,life belongs1 ! s\l enjoys communion ) ,reality1 n ) t directness prop] to ! true contemplative1 b obliquely1 by 'means1' symbols & images2 especially by ! sacram5tal disp5sation ( ! ,*ur*1 a subject to :i* ,ruysbroeck devotes great att5tion4 ,z always 9 8 sy/em1 gr[? f )9 is intimately connect$ ) ! reception ( food & p[] f )\t4 ,! movem5t ( ! self into ,god1 ! movem5t ( ,god into ! self1 ?\gh sep>able 9 ?\ght1 are "o 9 fact3 w & grace are two aspects ( "o tru?4 ,only ?is p>adox c express ! relation betwe5 t ,div9e ,love :i* is 'bo? avid & g5]\s1' & ! self t is de/9$ bo? to dev\r & be dev\r$ by ,reality4 ,9 ! beautiful *apt]s on ! ,eu*>i/ :i* =m ! special feature ( ,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,salvation1 ,ruysbroeck develops ?is idea4 ,if ,he gives u all t ,he has & all t ,he is1 9 return ,he takes f u all t we h & all t we are1 & dem&s ( u m ?an we are capable ( giv+4444 ,ev5 9 dev\r+ u1 ,he desires to fe$ u4 ,if ,he absorbs u utt]ly into ,himself1 ,he gives ,himself 9 return4 ,he causes to be born 9 u ! hung] & ?ir/ ( ! _s1 :i* %all make u sav\r ,him 9 an et]nal fruition2 & to ?is spiritual hung]1 z well z to ! love ( our he>t1 ,he gives ,8 own ,body z food4444 ,?us does ,he give u ,8 life full ( wisdom1 tru? & k1 9 ord] t we may imitate ,him 9 all virtues2 & !n ,he lives 9 u & we 9 ,him4 ,!n d we gr[1 & raise ourselves up above ! reason into a ,div9e ,love :i* causes u to take & consume t ,food 9 a spiritual mann]1 & /ret* out 9 pure love t[>ds ! ,div9ity4 ,!re takes place t enc\nt] ( ! _s1 t is to say ( measureless love1 :i* consumes & trans=ms our _s ) all its works2 draw+ u ) itself t[>ds ! ,unity1 :]e we ta/e beatitude & re/4 ,h]e9 !re=e is our et]nal life3 ev] to dev\r & be dev\r$1 to asc5d & desc5d ) love4#bi ,! s\l1 !n1 turn$ 9 ! direction ( ! ,inf9ite1 'hav+ ,god = aim1' & ) h] door op5$ to ! infl[+ ,div9e ,life1 beg9s to gr[4 ,h] gr[? is up & out2 f t temporal _w to :i* h] nature is adapt$1 & :]e %e seems full ( p[] & effici5cy1 to t et]nal _w to :i* ! 'sp>k' )9 h] belongs1 b :]e %e is z yet no m ?an a weak & helpless *ild4 ,h5ce ! fir/ /ate ( m9d & he>t produc$ 9 h]1 if ! 'new bir?' has inde$ tak5 place1 w be t humility :i* results f all real self-k2 s9ce :oso might v]ily see & feel himself z he is1 he %\ld v]ily be meek4 ,?is cle> ackn[l$gm5t ( facts1 ?is f9d+ ( "o's own place1 ,ruysbroeck calls '! solid f\ndation ( ! ,k+dom ( ! ,s\l4' ,9 ?us disc]n+ love & humility z ! gov]n+ *>act]i/ics ( ! s\l's reaction to ,reality1 he is ( c\rse keep+ close to ! great tradition ( ,*ri/ian my/icism2 especially to ! tea*+ ( ,ri*>d ( ,/4 ,victor1 :i* we f9d con/antly repeat$ 9 ! ascetic lit]ature ( ! ,middle ,ages4 ,f ^! two virtues1 !n1 ( humble self-k & ,god-c5tr$ love1 are gradually develop$ all ^? graces ( "* :i* 'adorn ! s\l = ! spiritual m>riage1' m>k h] asc5t ( ! fir/ degrees ( ! 'ladd] ( love1' & make possible ! p]fect+ ( h] correspond5ces ) ! ',k+dom4' ,?is developm5t foll[s an ord]ly c\rse1 z subject to law z ! unfold+ ( ! leaves & fl[]s ^u ! gr[+ plant2 & ?\gh ,ruysbroeck 9 8 v>i\s works uses diff]5t diagrams :]e) to expla9 x1 ! psy*ological *anges :i* ^! diagrams demon/rate are sub/antially ! same4 ,9 ea* case we wat* ! op5+ ( man's _m-petall$ he>t "u ! rays ( ! ,div9e ,light1 till x blossoms at la/ into ! rose ( ,p]fect ,*>ity4 ,?us 9 ,! ,sev5 ,degrees ( ,love1 s9ce he is !re address+ a cloi/]$ nun1 he accommodates 8 sy/em to t ?reefold mona/ic v[ ( volunt>y pov]ty or p]fect r5unciation1 *a/ity or s+l5ess ( he>t1 & ob$i5ce or true humility 9 action1 by :i* %e is b\nd4 ,:5 ! reality :i* ^! v[s express is actualis$ 9 ! s\l1 & dom9ates all h] reactions to ! _w1 %e we>s ! 'cr[n ( virtue'2 & lives t 'noble life' rul$ by ! purifi$ & enhanc$ w1 purg$ ( all selfi% desires & di/ractions1 :i*--seek+ 9 all ?+s ! int]e/s ( ! spiritual _w--is 'full ( love & *>ity1 & indu/ri\s 9 good works4' ,9 ,! ,spiritual ,m>riage a m elaborate analysis is possible2 bas$ ^u t division ( man's moral p]v]sities into ! 'sev5 mortal s9s' or sev5 fundam5tal =ms ( selfi%ness1 :i* gov]n$1 & gov]ns yet1 ! ,ca?olic view ( human "*4 ,aft] a prelim9>y passage 9 :i* ! triple attitude ( love z t[>ds ,god1 humility z t[>ds self1 ju/ice z t[>ds o!r m51 is extoll$ z ! only secure basis ( ! spiritual life1 ,ruysbroeck proce$s to exhibit ! sev5 real & positive qualities :i* oppose ! sev5 great abuses ( human fre$om4 ,z ,pride is fir/ & wor/ ( mortal s9s & follies1 s its anti!sis ,humility is aga9 put =w>d z ! fir/ condition ( communion ) ,god4 ,?is produces 9 ! emotional life an attitude ( lov+ adoration2 9 ! volitional life1 ob$i5ce4 ,by ob$i5ce1 ,ruysbroeck means t self-submission1 t wise suppl5ess ( _s1 :i* is sway$ & guid$ n by its own ta/es & int]e/s b by ! ,w ( ,god2 z express$ 9 ! comm&s & prohibitions ( moral & spiritual law1 ! int]ior pu% ( consci5ce4 ,?is attitude1 at fir/ delib]ately assum$1 gradually controls all ! self's reactions1 & ends by subdu+ x entirely to ! ,div9e purpose4 ,( ?is ob$i5ce !re gr[s ! abdication ( "o's own w & "o's own op9ion2 444 by ?is abdication ( ! w 9 all t "o does1 or does n d1 or endures1 ! sub/ance & occasion ( pride are :olly driv5 out1 & ! highe/ humility is p]fect$4#cj ,?is movem5t ( r5unciation br+s--next phase 9 ! unself+ ( ! self--a comp5sat+ outw>d sw+ ( love2 express$ "u ! beautiful =ms ( pati5ce1 '! tranquil tol]ance ( all t c happ51' & h5ce ! anti!sis ( ,ang]2 g5tl5ess1 :i* ) peace & calm be>s vexati\s words & de$s2 k9dness1 :i* deals ) ! qu>relsome & irritable by means ( a fri5dly c\nt5ance1 affectionate p]suasion & compassionate acts2 & sympa?y1 t inw>d movem5t ( ! he>t :i* compassionates ! bodily & spiritual griefs ( all m51 & kills ! evil _s ( ,envy & hate4 ,?is f\rfold increase 9 dis9t]e/$ love is summ$ up 9 ! condition :i* ,ruysbroeck calls sup]natural g5]osity2 t l>g5ess ( he>t :i* fl[s out t[>ds ! g5]osity ( ,god1 :i* is sway$ by pity & love1 :i* embraces all m5 9 its sweep4 ,by ?is en]getic love :i* seeks n its own1 all virtues are increas$1 & all ! p[]s ( ! _s are adorn$2 & ,av>ice1 ! f\r? great mortal s91 is oppos$4 ,g5]osity is no m]e mood2 x is a motive-=ce1 dem&+ expression 9 action4 ,f ! emotions1 x invades ! w1 & produces dilig5ce & zeal3 an 'inw>d & impati5t eag]ness' = e k9d ( "w1 & = ! h>d practice ( e k9d ( virtue1 :i* makes impossible t slackness & dulness ( s\l :i* is *>act]i/ic ( ! s9 ( ,slo?4 ,x is dynamic love2 & ! _s :i* is fir$ by its ard\rs1 has rea*$ a degree ( self-conque/ 9 :i* ! two rema9+ evil t5d5cies--t to e k9d ( immod]ate enjoym5t1 spiritual1 intellectual or physical1 :i* is ! ess5ce ( ,gluttony1 & t to ! impure desire ( creat$ ?+s :i* is ,lu/--c be met & vanqui%$4 ,! purg$ & /r5g!n$ w1 cr[n$ by unselfi% love1 is n[ e/abli%$ on its ?rone2 man has become capta9 ( 8 s\l1 & rules all ! elem5ts ( 8 "* & t "*'s expression 9 life--n z an absolute mon>*1 b 9 ! "n ( ,div9e ,love4#ca ,he has done all he c d ( himself t[>ds ! con=m+ ( 8 life to ,supreme ,p]fection2 has oppos$1 "o aft] ano!r1 ea* ( ^? exhibitions ( ! self's t5d5cy to curl inw>ds1 to f5ce itself 9 & dem&1 absorb1 enjoy z a sep>ate entity1 :i* lie at ! root ( s94 ,! con/ructive side ( ! ,purgative ,way has consi/$ 9 ! replacem5t ( ?is egoi/ic1 indraw+ en]gy by ^! outfl[+ en]gies ( self-surr5d]1 k9dness1 dilig5ce & ! re/2 summ$ up 9 t p]fection ( humility & love1 :i* 9 all its works1 & always1 /ret*es out t[>ds ,god4 ,! fir/ ?ree gifts ( ! ,holy ,_s are possess$ by ! s\l :i* has rea*$ ?is po9t1 says ,ruysbroeck 9 ,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s3 t lov+ ,fe>1 :i* includes true humility ) all its ancill>y *>act]i/ics2 t g5]al attitude ( *>ity :i* makes man g5tle1 pati5t & docile1 ready to s]ve & pity e "o1 & is call$ ,godl9ess1 because !re fir/ em]ges 9 x 8 pot5tial lik5ess to ,god2 & f9ally t ,k or disc]nm5t ( "r & prud5t conduct :i* *ecks ! disa/r\s t5d5cy to moral fuss9ess1 helps man to con=m 8 life to supreme ,p]fection1 & gives ! calmness & balance :i* are ess5tial to a sane & manly spirituality4 ,?us ! new life-=ce has invad$ & affect$ w1 feel+ & intellect2 rais$ ! :ole man to fre% levels ( exi/5ce1 & made possible fre% correspond5ces ) ,reality4 ,h]eby are ! ?ree l[] p[]s ( ! s\l adorn$ ) ,div9e virtues4 ,! ,irascible i4e4 volitional & dynamic is adorn$ ) lov+ & filial fe>1 humility1 ob$i5ce & r5unciation4 ,! ,desir\s is adorn$ ) k9dness1 pity1 compassion & g5]osity4 ,f9ally1 ! ,reasonable ) k & disc]nm5t1 & t prud5ce :i* regulates all ?+s4#cb ,! ideal ( "* held out & describ$ "u v>y+ metaphors 9 ,ruysbroeck's diff]5t works1 is ?us se5 to be a p]fectly consi/5t "o4 ,n[ :5 ! gr[+ self has actualis$ ?is ideal1 & lives ! ,active ,life ( ! fai?ful s]vant ( ,reality1 x beg9s to feel an ard5t desire = "s m direct enc\nt] ) ,t :i* x loves4 ,s9ce x has n[ acquir$ ! 'ornam5ts ( ! virtues'--cleans$ its mirror1 ord]$ its disord]$ loves--?is enc\nt] may & does 9 a c]ta9 s5se take place2 = e ,godw>d movem5t ( ! human is met by a comp5sat+ movem5t ( ! ,div9e4 ,man n[ beg9s to f9d ,god 9 all ?+s3 9 nature1 9 ! s\l1 9 works ( *>ity4 ,b 9 ! turmoil & bu/le ( ! ,active ,life su* an enc\nt] is at be/ indirect2 a sidelong glimpse ( ! 'fir/ & only ,fair4' ,t vision c only be appreh5d$ 9 its :ol5ess by a conc5tration ( all ! p[]s ( ! self4 ,if we w\ld look ! ,absolute 9 ! eyes1 we mu/ look at no?+ else2 ! complete op5+ ( ! eye ( ,et]nity entails ! clos+ ( ! eye ( ,"t4 ,man1 !n1 mu/ ab/ract himself f multiplicity1 if only = a mom5t1 if he w\ld cat* sight ( ! unspeakable ,simplicity ( ! ,real4 ,long+ to '"k ! nature ( ! ,belov$1' he mu/ act z ,zac*u did :5 he wi%$ to see ,*ri/3 ,he mu/ run be=e ! cr[d1 t is to say ! multiplicity ( creat$ ?+s2 = ^! make u s little & l[ t we _c p]ceive ,god4 ,& he mu/ climb up on ! ,tree ( ,fai?1 :i* gr[s f above d[nw>ds1 = its root is 9 ! ,godhead4 ,?is tree has twelve bran*es1 :i* are ! twelve articles ( ! ,cre$4 ,! l[] bran*es speak ( ! ,humanity ( ,god2 444 ! upp] bran*es1 h[ev]1 speak ( ! ,godhead3 ( ! ,tr9ity ( ,p]sons & ! ,unity ( ! ,div9e ,nature4 ,man mu/ cl+ to ! ,unity :i* is at ! top ( ! tree1 = x is "h t ,jesus w pass by ) all ,8 gifts4 ,& n[ ,jesus comes1 & ,he sees man1 & %[s him 9 ! light ( fai? t ,he is1 accord+ to ,8 ,div9ity1 unmeasur$ & incompreh5sible1 inaccessible & fa?omless1 & t ,he ov]passes all creat$ light & all f9ite compreh5sion4 ,?is is ! highe/ k ( ,god :i* man c acquire 9 ! ,active ,life3 ?us to recognise by ! light ( fai? t ,god is inconceivable & unkn[able4 ,9 ?is light ,god says to ! desire ( man3 ,come d[n quickly1 = ,i w\ld dwell 9 y\r h\se to-day4 ,& ?is quick desc5t1 to :i* ,god invites him1 is n\ght else b a desc5t1 by love & desire1 into ! ,abyss ( ! ,godhead1 to :i* no intellect c atta9 by its creat$ light4 ,b "h1 :]e intellect mu/ re/ )\t1 love & desire may ent] 94 ,:5 ! s\l ?us leans ^u ,god by int5tion & love1 above all t %e und]/&s1 !n %e re/s & dwells 9 ,god1 & ,god 9 h]4 ,:5 ! s\l m\nts up by desire1 above ! multiplicity ( ?+s1 above ! activities ( ! s5ses & above ! light ( ext]nal nature1 !n %e enc\nt]s ,*ri/ by ! light ( fai?1 & is illum9at$2 & %e recognises t ,god is unkn[able & inconceivable4 ,f9ally1 /ret*+ by desire t[>ds ?is incompreh5sible ,god1 %e meets ,*ri/ & is fulfill$ ) ,8 gifts4 ,& lov+ & re/+ above all gifts1 above h]self & above all ?+s1 %e dwells 9 ,god & ,god 9 h]4 ,accord+ to ?is mann] ,*ri/ may be enc\nt]$ ^u ! summit ( ! ,active ,life4#cc ,?is1 !n1 is ! completion ( ! fir/ /age 9 ! my/ic way2 ?is %[+ to ! purifi$ consci\sness ( ! helplessness ( ! analytic intellect1 ! dynamic p[] ( self-surr5d]$ love4 ,:]e intellect mu/ re/ )\t1 love & desire may ent] 94 ,! human creature1 turn+ t[>ds ,reality1 has press$ up to ! v edge ( ! ',cl\d ( ,unkn[+' 9 :i* ! goal ( transc5d5ce is hid4 ,if x is to g fur!r x mu/ br+ to ! adv5ture n k b div9e ignorance1 n ri*es b pov]ty2 above all1 an eag] & indu/ri\s love4 ,a fi]y flame ( devotion leap+ & asc5d+ into ! v goodness ( ,god ,himself1 ,a lov+ long+ ( ! s\l to be ) ,god 9 ,8 ,et]nity1 ,a turn+ f all ?+s ( self into ! fre$om ( ! ,w ( ,god2 ,) all ! =ces ( ! s\l ga!r$ into ! unity ( ! _s4#cd ,,*apt] ,,vi ,,! ,,int]ior ,,life3 ,,illum9ation ,,& ,,de/itution ,let :oso ?ir/s to see 8 ,god cleanse 8 mirror1 purge 8 _s2 & :5 ?us he has cleans$ 8 mirror1 & long & dilig5tly gaz$ 9 x1 a c]ta9 brightness ( div9e light beg9s to %9e ?r\gh ^u him1 & a c]ta9 imm5se ray ( unwont$ vision to appe> be=e 8 eyes4444 ,f ! behold+ ( ?is light1 :i* x sees )9 itself ) amazem5t1 ! m9d is mightily set on fire1 & lift$ up to behold t ,light :i* is above itself4 ,ri*>d ( ,/4 ,victor4 ,x is pla9 t ! ,active ,life 9 ,ruysbroeck's sy/em answ]s m or less to ! ,purgative ,way1 consid]$ ^u its affirmative & con/ructive side1 z a build+ up ( ! h]oic ,*ri/ian "*4 ,s1 too1 ! life :i* he calls ,int]ior or ,contemplative1 & :i* initiates man into ! fri5d%ip ( ,god1 corresponds 9 ! ma9 ) ! ,illum9ative ,way ( or?odox my/icism2 ?\gh x includes 9 its lat] /ages mu* t is usually held to belong to ! ?ird1 or ,unitive1 /ate ( ! s\l4 ,! fir/ life has1 z x 71 unfold$ to ! sunlight ! out] petals ( ! my/ic rose2 exhibit+ 9 _! full beauty1 adju/+ to _! true use1 ! normally-app>5t con/itu5ts ( man's p]sonality4 ,all 8 relations ) ! giv5 _w ( s5se1 ! sph]e ( ,becom+1 h be5 purifi$ & adju/$4 ,n[ ! expansive & educative influ5ce ( ! ,div9e ,light is able to p5etrate ne>] to ! he>t ( 8 p]sonality2 is br\ght to be> ^u ^? int]ior qualities :i* he h>dly kn[s himself to possess1 & :i* gov]n 8 relation ) ! spiritual _w ( ,be+4 ,! fl[] is to op5 m widely2 ! inn] r+ ( petals mu/ uncurl4 ,z ! prim>y int]e/ ( ! ,active ,life 0 e?ical purification1 s ! prim>y int]e/ ( ?is ,second ,life is intellectual purification4 ,intellect1 h[ev]1 is "h to be und]/ood 9 its highe/ s5se2 z includ+ n only ! analytic reason :i* deals ) ! problems ( our normal univ]se1 b t high] intellig5ce1 t contemplative m9d1 :i*--once x is awak5$ to consci\sness--c ga!r news ( ! transc5d5tal _w4 ,! developm5t & cl>ification ( ?is p[] is only possible to ^? :o h a*iev$1 & cont9ue to live at full /ret*1 ! high1 ardu\s & unselfi% life ( ,*ri/ian virtue4 ,aga9 we mu/ rem9d ourselves t ,ruysbroeck's !ory ( transc5d5ce involves1 n ! passage f "o life to ano!r1 b ! add+ ( "o life to ano!r3 ! p]petual deep5+1 wid5+1 height5+ & enri*+ ( human exp]i5ce4 ,z ! au?or ( ,! ,cl\d ( ,unkn[+ insi/s t none c be truly contemplative :o is n also active1 s ,ruysbroeck says t no man ev] rises above ! ord9>y obligations ( ,*ri/ian k9dness & active good works4 ,we f9d n[adays _m silly m5 :o w\ld be s int]ior & s deta*$1 t !y w n be active or helpful 9 any way ( :i* _! neighb\rs are 9 ne$4 ,"k1 su* m5 are nei!r hidd5 fri5ds nor yet true s]vants ( ,god1 b are :olly false & disloyal2 = none c foll[ ,8 c\nsels b ^? :o obey ,8 laws4#ce ,nev]!less x w\ld be g5]ally true to say t1 :il/ ! aim ( ! ,active ,life is "r conduct1 ! aim ( ! ,int]ior ,life is "r vision & ?\ght4 ,z1 9 t fir/ life1 all ! p]v]sions ( man's ord9>y p[]s & passions 7 rectifi$1 all t 0 sup]flu\s & unreal done away1 & 8 nature set "r ) ,god2 n[--/ill hold+ & liv+ 9 its fulness ?is purifi$ active life--he is to press deep] & deep] into ! res\rces ( 8 be+1 f9d+ !re o!r p[]s & crav+s :i* mu/ be br\ght )9 ! field ( consci\sness1 & set up ^? relations ) ! ,transc5d5t ( :i* !y are capable4 ,?is deep5+ & enl>g+ ( man's univ]se1 toge!r ) ! fur!r & m dra/ic disc>d+ ( illusions & unrealities1 is ! bus9ess ( ! ,second ,life1 consid]$ on its imp]sonal side4 ,if ?\ do/ desire to unfold 9 ?yself ! ,contemplative ,life1 ?\ mu/ ent] )91 beyond ! s5se-life2 &1 on t apex ( ?y be+1 adorn$ ) all ! virtues ( :i* ,i h spok51 look+ unto ,god ) gratitude & love & cont9ual rev]5ce1 ?\ mu/ keep ?y ?\ghts b>e1 & /ripp$ ( e s5sible image1 ?9e und]/&+ op5 & lift$ up to ! ,et]nal ,tru?1 & ?y _s spread out 9 ! sight ( ,god z a liv+ mirror to receive ,8 ev]la/+ lik5ess4 ,behold1 !re9 appe>s a light ( ! und]/&+1 :i* nei!r s5se1 reason1 nature1 nor ! cle>e/ logic c appreh5d1 b :i* gives u fre$om & confid5ce t[>ds ,god4 ,x is nobl] & high] ?an all t ,god has creat$ 9 nature2 = x is ! p]fection ( nature1 & transc5ds nature1 & is ! cle>-%9+ int]m$i>y betwe5 ourselves & ,god4 ,our ?\ghts1 b>e & /ripp$ ( images1 are !mselves ! liv+ mirror 9 :i* ?is light %9es3 & ! light requires ( u t we %\ld be l to & "o ) ,god1 9 ?is liv+ mirror ( our b>e ?\ghts4#cf ,9 ?is /rongly ,victor9e passage1 ! :ole process ( ! ,second ,life is epitomis$2 b 9 ,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 :]e its description occupies ! sev5ty-?ree *apt]s ( ! second book1 we see h[ long is ! way :i* /ret*es f t fir/ 'ent]+ 9 beyond ! s5se life' to ! po9t at :i* ! s\l's mirror is able to receive 9 its fullness t ,light :]e9 alone x c appreh5d ,reality4 ,consid]$ ^u its organic side1 z a gr[? & movem5t ( ! s\l1 ?is ,way1 z conceiv$1 & probably exp]i5c$1 by ,ruysbroeck1 c be divid$ into ?ree great phases4 ,we might call ^! ,action1 ,reaction & ,equilibrium4 ,broadly speak+1 !y answ] to ! ,illum9ation1 ,d>k ,night & ,simple ,union ( or?odox my/ical sci5ce4 ,yet s9ce 9 8 vivid description ( ^! l9k$ /ates he con/antly dep>ts f ! =mul ( 8 pr$ecessors1 & z con/antly illu/rates _! /atem5ts by intimate & homely t\*es only possible to "o :o has endur$ ! adv5tures ( :i* he tells1 we are ju/ifi$ 9 claim+ ! description z ! fruit ( exp]i5ce r ?an ( tradition2 & z evid5ce ( ! c\rse tak5 by 8 own developm5t4 ,x is surely ^u 8 own memory t he is rely+1 :5 he tells u t ! beg9n+ ( ?is new life possesses some?+ ( ! abrupt "* ( a second conv]sion4 ,x happ5s1 he says1 :5 we lea/ expect x2 :5 ! self1 aft] ! long t5sion & /ruggle ( moral purgation1 has become dr[sy & tir$4 ,!n1 sudd5ly1 a spiritual cry e*oes ?r\gh ! s\l1 ann\nc+ a new enc\nt] ) ,reality1 & dem&+ a new response2 or1 to put x 9 ano!r way1 consci\sness on its asc5d+ spiral has pu%$ ?r\gh to ano!r level ( exi/5ce1 :]e x c he> voices & disc]n visions to :i* x 0 deaf & bl9d be=e4 ,?is sudd5 cl>ity ( m9d1 ?is new vivid appreh5sion ( ,div9e ,love1 is ! fir/ indication ( man's entrance on ! ,illum9ative ,way4 ,x is introv]sive r ?an out-go+ 9 type4 ,*ang+ ! "* ( our att5tion to life1 we disc]n )9 u some?+ :i* we h always possess$ & always ignor$3 a secret ,div9e en]gy1 :i* is n[ to em]ge f ! subconsci\s deeps into ! area ( consci\sness4 ,!re x /imulates ! w1 evicts all less] images & int]e/s f ! he>t1 & conc5trates all ! faculties into a s+le & int5se /ate1 press+ t[>ds ! ,unity ( ,god1 ! syn!tic exp]i5ce ( love2 = p]petual movem5t t[>ds t unity--n a*ievem5t ( x--is ! m>k ( ?is ,second ,life1 9 :i* ! sep>ation ( ,god & ! s\l rema9s intact4 ,9 ,victor9e language1 x is ! p]iod ( spiritual betro?al1 n ( spiritual m>riage2 ( a vision :i*1 ?\gh wide1 ri* & wond]ful1 is mirror$ r ?an direct4 ,! new ,god-inspir$ movem5t1 !n1 beg9s )91 l a spr+ bubbl+ f ! deeps2 & ?ru/s up & out to ! consci\sness :i* x is de/9$ to cl>ify & enhance4 ,! /ream ( ,div9e grace swiftly /irs & moves a man inw>dly1 & f )9 outw>ds2 & ?is swift /irr+ is ! fir/ ?+ t makes u see4 ,( ?is swift /irr+ is born f ! side ( man ! second po9t3 t is1 a ga!r+ toge!r ( all ! inw>d & outw>d p[]s 9 spiritual unity & 9 ! bonds ( love4 ,! ?ird is t lib]ty :i* enables man to retreat into himself1 )\t images or ob/acles1 :5soev] he wills & ?9ks ( 8 ,god4#cg ,s we may say t an enhancem5t ( ! conative p[]s1 a great] control ov] ! att5tion1 are ! *ief m>ks ( ! ,illum9ative ,way z p]ceiv$ by ! gr[+ self4 ,b ! lib]ty "h spok5 ( has a moral z well z a m5tal aspect4 ,x is a free+ ( ! :ole man f ! fett]s ( illusion1 & involves t p]fect deta*m5t ( he>t1 t self-naught+1 :i* makes him equally will+ to h joy or pa91 ga9 or loss1 e/eem or contempt1 peace or fe>1 z ! ,div9e ,w may orda94 ,?us is p]fect$ t suppl5ess ( s\l :i* he began to acquire 9 ! ,active ,life3 a gradual process1 :i* ne$s = its accompli%m5t ! negative rhy?m ( r5unciation1 te/+ ! manl9ess & c\rage ( ! self1 z well z ! positive movem5t ( love4 ,h5ce ! ,contemplative ,life1 z ,ruysbroeck kn[s & describes x1 has1 & mu/ h1 its /ate ( pa9 z well z its /ate ( joy4 ,) him1 h[ev]1 z ) ne>ly all ! my/ics1 ! /ate ( joy comes fir/3 ! glad & eag] reaction to ^? new levels ( spiritual reality disclos$ to consci\sness :5 ! /ruggles & readju/m5ts ( ! ,active ,life h done _! "w4 ,?is is ! phase 9 ! self's progress :i* my/ical writ]s prop]ly mean by ,illum9ation3 a condition ( great happ9ess1 & ( an intuition ( ,reality s vivid & joy\s1 t ! s\l (t5 supposes t %e has "h rea*$ ! goal ( h] que/4 ,x is 9 ! spiritual ye>1 says ,ruysbroeck1 t :i* ! mon? ( ,may is 9 ! seasons ( ! e>?3 a :olesome & necess>y "t ( sun%9e1 swift gr[? & abundant fl[]s1 :5 ! s\l1 "u ! influ5ce ( '! s(t ra9 ( inw>d consolations & ! heav5ly dew ( ! ,div9e sweetness' blossoms 9 new & lovely graces4 ,illum9ation is an un/able p]iod4 ,! sun is ris+ swiftly 9 ! heav5 ( man's consci\sness2 & z x increases 9 p[]1 s x calls =? on ! s\l's "p great] ard\rs1 m int5se emotional reactions4 ,once m ! flux ( ,god is dem&+ its reflux4 ,! s\l1 l ! gr[+ boy sudd5ly made aw>e ( ! beauty1 romance & wond]--! int5se & irresi/ible appeal--( a _w t _h seem$ ord9>y be=e1 fl[s out t[>ds ?is new univ]se ) all ! en?usiasm & eag]ness ( its "y fre% p[]s4 ,^? p[]s are s new to x1 t x _c yet control or und]/& !m4 ,vigor\s & ungov]nable1 !y invade by turns ! he>t1 ! w1 ! m9d1 z d ! fev]s & joys ( physical adolesc5ce2 incit+ to acts & satisfactions = :i* ! :ole self is h>dly ready yet4 ,!n is ?r[n wide1 says ,ruysbroeck1 ! heav5 :i* 0 %ut1 & f ! face ( ,div9e ,love !re blazes d[n a sudd5 light1 z x 7 a lightn+ fla%4 ,9 ! meet+ ( ?is inw>d & outw>d spiritual =ce--! ,div9e ,light )\t1 ! gr[+ ,div9e ,sp>k )9--!re is great joy4 ,ec/asy1 & t /ate ( musical rapture1 exce$+ ! possibilities ( spee*1 :i* ,ruysbroeck l ,ri*>d ,rolle calls 'gho/ly song1' are ! natural self-expressions ( ! s\l 9 ?is mom5t ( its c>e]4#ch ,9 m ?an "o book we f9d ref]5ces to ?is ec/atic p]iod3 a p]iod s /rongly m>k$ 9 8 own case1 t x became = him--?\gh he 0 "u no illusions z to its p]man5t value--"o ( ! l&m>ks 9 man's j\rney to 8 home4 ,look+ back on x 9 lat] life1 he sees 9 x two great phases1 ( :i* ! e>li] & l[] at any rate is dang]\s & easily misund]/ood2 & is conc]n$ to w>n ^? :o come aft] him ( its transitory & imp]fect "*4 ,! fir/ phase is t ( 'spiritual inebriation1' 9 :i* ! fev]1 excitem5t & unre/ ( ?is p]iod ( gr[? & *ange--affect+ z !y d e aspect ( p]sonality--%[ !mselves 9 ! psy*o-physical ph5om5a :i* are well-kn[n accompanim5ts ( religi\s emotion 9 selves ( a c]ta9 temp]am5t4 ,?is spiritual delirium1 :i* appe>s to h be5 a common phase 9 ! my/ical revivals ( ! f\rte5? c5tury1 is view$ by ,ruysbroeck ) consid]able di/ru/2 & rightly attribut$ by him to an excitem5t ( ! s5ses r ?an ( ! s\l4 ,at be/ x is b '*ildr5's food1' giv5 to ^? :o _c yet dige/ '! /rong food ( temptation & ! loss ( ,god4' ,its manife/ations1 z he describes !m1 ov]pass ! limits n m]ely ( common s5se b also ( sanity2 & are cle>ly relat$ to ! fr5zies ( revivali/s & ! wild outbreaks ( songs1 dance & ec/atic spee* obs]v$ 9 ne>ly all non-,*ri/ian religions ( an en?usia/ic type4 ,9 ?is /ate ( rapture1 a man seems l a drunk>d1 no long] ma/] ( himself4 ,he s+s1 %\ts1 laughs & cries bo? at once1 runs & leaps 9 ! air1 claps 8 h&s1 & indulges 9 absurdly exagg]at$ ge/ures ') _m o!r disagreeable exhibitions4'#ci ,^! he may n be able to help2 b is advis$ to control !m z soon z he c1 pass+ f ! m]ely s5su\s emotion :i* results :5 ! light ( ,et]nal ,love invades ! 'inf]ior p[]s' ( ! s\l1 to ! spiritual emotion1 am5able to reason1 :i* is ! reaction ( ! 'high] p[]s' ( ! self to t same ov]:elm+ influx ( grace4 ,t inp\r+ grace gr[s swiftly 9 p[]1 z ! /r5g? ( ! sun gr[s ) ! pass+ ( ! ye>4 ,! ,pres5ce ( ,god n[ /&s ov] ! s\l's supreme summits1 9 ! z5i?3 ! transc5d5t fact ( ! illum9at$ consci\sness4 ,8 p[] & love %9e p]petually ^u ! he>t1 'giv+ m ?an we c take1 dem&+ m ?an we c pay'2 & induc+ 9 ! s\l ^u :i* ?is mighty en]gy is play+1 a /range unre/1 "p angui% & "p joy4 ,?is is ! second phase ( ! ec/atic p]iod1 & gives rise to t :i* ,ruysbroeck1 & aft] him ,taul]1 h call$ ! '/orm ( love'3 a wild long+ = union :i* /ret*es to ! utmo/ ! self's p[]s ( response1 & expresses itself 9 viol5t ef=ts1 impassion$ asc5ts t[>ds ! ,_s t cries )\t ceas+ to our _s3 ,pay y\r debt6 ,love ! ,love t has lov$ y f ,et]nity4#dj ,n[ ! vigor\s s\l beg9s to f9d )9 itself ! gift ( ,spiritual ,/r5g?2 t en?usia/ic en]gy :i* is "o ( ! *>act]s ( all true love4 ,?is is ! ?ird ( ! ',sev5 ,gifts ( ! ,_s1' & ! fir/ to be actualis$ 9 ! ,illum9at$ ,life4#da ,f ?is /rong & ard5t passion = ! ,transc5d5t1 adoration & pray] /ream =?2 & ^! aga9 react ^u ! self1 =m+ ! fuel ( ! fire ( love4 ,! int]ior invitation ( ,god1 ,8 attractive p[]1 ,8 delicate yet inexorable c>ess1 is to ! lov+ he>t ! mo/ pure delight t x has ev] kn[n4 ,x responds by passionate movem5ts ( adoration & gratitude1 op5+ its petals wide to ! beams ( ! ,et]nal ,sun4 ,?is is ! joy2 & close beh9d x comes ! angui%1 'sweete/ & heavie/ ( all pa9s4' ,x is ! s5se ( unsatisfi$ desire--! pa9 ( love--:i* comes f ! endur+ consci\sness ( a gulf fix$ betwe5 ! self & ,t ) :i* x desires to unite4 ,( ?is inw>d dem& & compulsion1 :i* makes ! creature to rise up & prep>e itself to ! utmo/ ( its p[]1 )\t yet be+ able to rea* or atta9 ! ,unity--( ?is1 !re spr+s a spiritual pa94 ,:5 ! he>t's core1 ! v s\rce ( life1 is w\nd$ by love1 & man _c atta9 t ?+ :i* he desires above else2 :5 he mu/ /ay ev] :]e he desires no m to be1 ( ^! feel+s comes ?is pa94444 ,:5 man _c a*ieve ,god1 & yet nei!r c nor w d )\t ,him2 9 su* m5 !re arises a furi\s agitation & impati5ce1 bo? )9 & )\t4 ,& :il/ man is 9 ?is tumult1 no creature 9 heav5 or e>? c help him or give him re/4#db ,! s5sible heat ( love is felt ) a great] viol5ce n[ ?an at any o!r p]iod ( life2 ! rays ( ! ,spiritual ,sun /rike ! s\l ) t]rific =ce1 rip5+ ! fruits ( ! virtues1 yet br++ dang] to ! heal?1 bo? m5tal & physical1 ( ^? :o are n prop]ly prep>$1 & :o fa9t "u ! exhau/ion ( ?is 'int5se fury ( ,div9e ,love1' ?is onslaught :i* 'eats up ! he>t4' ,^! are '! dog-days ( ! spiritual ye>4' ,z all nature langui%es "u _! /ifl+ heat1 s too long an exposure to _! viol5ce may mean ru9 to ! physical heal? ( ! gr[+ self4 ,yet ^? :o behave ) prud5ce ne$ n take p]man5t h>m2 a k9d ( wise /eadfa/ness w support !m ?r\gh\t ?is turbul5t p]iod4 ,foll[+ ?r\gh all /orms ! pa? ( love1 !y w advance t[>ds t place :i!r love leade? !m4#dc ,to ?is p]iod ( vivid illum9ation & emotional unre/ belongs ! developm5t ( ^? 'second>y automatisms' famili> to all /ud5ts ( my/icism3 ! desp]ate ef=ts ( ! m9d to "w up into "s intelligible %ape--"s pictur$ vision or "s spok5 ^w--! ov]:elm+ intuitions ( ! ,transc5d5t by :i* x is possess$2 ! abrupt susp5sion ( ! surface-consci\sness 9 rapture & ec/asy1 :5 t ov]:elm+ intuition develops into ! complete mono-ideism ( ! ec/atic1 & cuts (f all contacts ) ! _w ( s5se4 ,( ^! ph5om5a ,ruysbroeck speaks ) intimacy1 & also ) mu* common s5se4 ,he di/+ui%es visions into ^? pictures or mat]ial images :i* are 'se5 9 ! imag9ation1' & ^? s-call$ 'intellectual visions1'--( :i* ! works ( ,angela ( ,foligno & ,/4 ,t]esa provide s ri* a s]ies ( examples1--:i* are really direct & imageless messages f ! ,transc5d5t2 receiv$ 9 ^? sup]s5su\s regions :]e man has contact ) ! ,incompreh5sible ,good & see+ & he>+ are "o ?+4 ,to ?is conv5tional classification he adds a passage :i* mu/ surely be descriptive ( 8 own exp]i5ces 9 ?is k9d3 ,sometimes ,god gives to su* m5 swift spiritual glimpses1 l to ! fla% ( lightn+ 9 ! sky4 ,x comes l a sudd5 fla% ( /range light1 /ream+ =? f ! ,simple ,nudity4 ,by ?is is ! _s uplift$ = an in/ant above itself2 & at once ! light passes1 & ! man aga9 comes to himself4 ,?is is ,god's own "w1 & x is some?+ mo/ augu/2 = (t5 ^? :o exp]i5ce x aft]w>ds become illum9at$ m54 ,& ^? :o live 9 ! viol5ce & f]v\r ( love h n[ & !n ano!r mann]1 :]eby a c]ta9 light %9es 9 !m2 & ?is ,god works by means4 ,9 ?is light1 ! he>t & ! desir\s p[]s are uplift$ t[>d ! ,light2 & 9 ?is enc\nt] ! joy & satisfaction are su* t ! he>t _c conta9 itself1 b breaks out 9 l\d cries ( joy4 ,& ?is is call$ jubilus or jubilation2 & x is a joy t _c be express$ 9 words4#dd ,"h ! p>allel ) ,ri*>d ,rolle's 'gho/ly song1 ) great voice outbreak+' w /rike e read] ( t mo/ musical ( ! my/ics2 & x is probable t 9 bo? cases ! prom95ce giv5 to ?is r uncommon =m ( spiritual rapture po9ts back to p]sonal exp]i5ce4 ,me?9ke?1 says ,rolle1 t contemplation is ?is heav5ly song ( ! ,love ( ,god1 :i* is call$ jubilus1 tak5 ( ! sweetness ( a s\l by prais+ ( ,god4 ,?is song is ! end ( p]fect pray]1 & ( ! highe/ devotion t may be "h4 ,?is gladness ( s\l is _h ( ,god1 & x breake? out 9 a gho/ly voice well-s\nd+4#de ,?is exultant & lyrical mood !n1 ?is ador+ rapture1 :i* only ! rhy?m ( music c express1 is ! emotional reaction :i* indicates ! high summ] ( ! s\l4 ,x w be se5 t ea* phase ( its seasonal progress has be5 m>k$ by a fre% infl[ ( grace & gifts1 a fre% dem& ^u its p[] ( response4 ,! t5sion nev] slack5s2 ! ne$ = indu/ry is nev] done away4 ,! gift ( ,/r5g?1 by :i* ! self presses =w>d1 has n[ be5 re9=c$ by ! gift ( ,c\nsel1 i4e4 by ! gr[? & deep5+ ( t intuition :i* is its m$ium ( contact ) ! spiritual _w4 ,! ,c\nsel ( ! ,_s1 says ,ruysbroeck1 is l a /irr+ or inspiration1 deep )9 ! s\l4 ,?is /irr+1 ?is fre% upru% ( en]gy1 is really a 'new bir?' ( ! ,son1 ! ,div9e ,wisdom2 light+ up ! intellig5ce s t x p]ceives its de/9y1 & p]ceives too t ! communion x n[ enjoys is b an image ( ! ,div9e ,union :i* awaits x4#df ,god is c\nsell+ ! s\l ) an inw>d secret insi/5ce to ru% out t[>ds ,him1 /imulat+ h] hung] = ,reality2 or1 to put x o!rwise1 ! ,div9e ,sp>k is gr[+ swiftly1 & press+ h>d aga9/ ! walls ( its home4 ,!re=e ! culm9ation ( ?is gift1 & ! culm9ation too ( ! illum9at$ consci\sness1 br+s to ! s\l a c]titude t %e mu/ /ill press on & out2 t no?+ less ?an ,god ,himself c suffice h]1 or mat* ! my/]i\s ,?+ :i* dwells 9 h] deeps4 ,n[ ?is way ( love & ec/asy & summ] heats has be5 att5d$ ?r\gh\t by grave dang]s = ! adolesc5t _s2 above all by ! prim>y dang] :i* besets ! my/ical life1 ( mi/ak+ spiritual joy = spiritual reality1 desir+ 'consolations' & 'illum9ations' = _! own sake1 & re/+ 9 ! gift in/ead ( ! ,giv]4 ,?\gh he :o d$icates himself to love ev] exp]i5ces great joy1 he mu/ nev] seek ?is joy4 ,all ^? t5d5cies gr\p$ by ,/4 ,john ( ! ,cross "u ! disagreeable "n ( 'spiritual gluttony1' ^? fur!r temptations to self-indulg5t quietism :i* are b an insidi\s =m ( slo?1 are wait+ to entrap ! self on ! ,illum9ative ,way4 ,b !re is a way beyond ?is1 ano!r ',com+ ( ! ,bridegroom1' :i* ,ruysbroeck describes z 'et]nally safe & sure4' ,?is is ! way ( pa9 & deprivation2 :5 ! ,pres5ce ( ,god seems to be )drawn1 & ! fatigue & reaction consequ5t on ! viol5t passions & en]gies ( ! illum9at$ /ate make !mselves felt z a condition ( mis]y1 aridity & impot5ce1--all1 9 fact1 t ! ,*ri/ian my/ics mean by ! ',spiritual ,dea?' or ',d>k ,night ( ! ,s\l1' & :i* ,ruysbroeck's contempor>ies1 ! ,fri5ds ( ,god1 call$ '! upp] s*ool ( p]fect self-ab&onm5t4' ,! mirror is n[ to be cleans$ ( all false reflections1 all beautiful prismatic light2 ! ?\ghts /ripp$ b>e ( ! consolations !y h enjoy$4 ,summ] is ov]1 & autumn beg9s2 :5 ! fl[]s inde$ die d[n1 b ! fruits :i* !y h]ald$ are ripe4 ,n[ is ! "t :5 man c prove ! /uff ( :i* he is made2 & ! religi\s amori/1 ! false my/ic1 is di/+ui%$ f ! h]oic & long-suff]+ s]vant ( ,god4 ,9 ?is season is p]fect$ & complet$ all ! "w t ! sun has accompli%$ dur+ ! ye>4 ,9 ! same mann]1 :5 ,*ri/ ! glori\s ,sun has ris5 to ,8 z5i? 9 ! he>t ( man & !n beg9s to desc5d1 & to hide ! radiance ( ,8 ,div9e light1 & to ab&on ! man2 !n ! impati5ce & ard\r ( love gr[ less4 ,& ?is concealm5t ( ,*ri/1 & ?is )drawal ( ,8 light & heat1 are ! fir/ work+ & ! new com+ ( ?is degree4 ,& n[ ,*ri/ says spiritually )9 ! man3 ',g =?1 9 ! way :i* ,i n[ tea* y4' ,& ! man goes =?1 & f9ds himself poor1 wret*$ & ab&on$4 ,& "h ! tempe/1 ! ard\r1 ! impati5ce ( love gr[s cold2 & ! hot summ] becomes autumn1 & its ri*es turn to great pov]ty4 ,!n man beg9s to lam5t 9 8 di/ress--:]e n[ has gone t ard5t love1 t intimacy1 t gratitude1 t all-suffic+ adoration8 ,& t int]ior consolation1 t intimate joy1 t s5sible sav\r1 h[ has he lo/ all ?is8#dg ,! veil t _h seem$ s transp>5t n[ ?ick5s aga92 ! c]titudes t made life lovely all dep>t4 ,small wond] if ! tortur$ _s ( ! my/ic fails to recognise ?is awful de/itution z a r5ew$ c>ess f ! all-dem&+ ,lov] ( ! ,s\l2 an education 9 c\rage1 humility & selflessness2 a la/ purification ( ! w4 ,! /ate to :i* t self is be+ l$ is a r5ew$ self-donation on new & high] levels3 "o m ( ^? my/ical dea?s :i* are really my/ical bir?s2 a giv+-up1 n m]ely ( ^? natural ta/es & desires :i* 7 discipl9$ 9 ! ,active ,life1 b ( ! high] passions & satisfactions ( ! _s too4 ,he is to be l$ to a /ate ( su* complete surr5d] to ! ,div9e purposes t he is able to say3 ,"l1 n my w accord+ to nature1 b ,?y w & my w accord+ to _s be done4 ,! d>kness1 sorr[ & ab&onm5t ?r\gh :i* ?is is accompli%$ are f> m ess5tial to 8 developm5t ?an ! sun%9e & happ9ess t w5t be=e4 ,x is n necess>y1 says ,ruysbroeck1 t all %\ld "k ! ec/asies ( illum9ation2 b by ?is d>k /airway e man :o w\ld atta9 to ,god mu/ g4 ,:5 man has a*iev$ ?is p]fect resignation & all t5d5cy to spiritual self-seek+ is dead1 ! ,septemb] ( ! s\l is come4 ,! sun has ent]$ ! sign ( ! ,balance1 :5 days & nights are equal2 = n[ ! surr5d]$ self has a*iev$ equilibrium1 & endures 9 peace & /eadfa/ness ! alt]nations ( ! ,div9e ,d>k & ,div9e ,light4 ,n[ ! h>ve/ & ! v9tage are ripe3 ,t is to say1 all ^? inw>d & outw>d virtues1 :i* man has practis$ ) delight 9 ! fire ( love1 ^!1 n[ t he kn[s !m & is able to accompli% !m1 he %all practise dilig5tly & dutifully & (f] !m to ,god4 ,& nev] 7 !y s preci\s 9 ,8 sight3 nev] s noble & s fair4 ,& all ^? consolations :i* ,god gave him be=e1 he w gladly give up1 & w empty himself = ! glory ( ,god4 ,?is is ! h>ve/ ( ! :eat & ! _m ripe fruits :i* make u ri* 9 ,god1 & give to u ,et]nal ,life4 ,?us are ! virtues p]fect$2 & ! abs5ce ( consolation is turn$ to an et]nal w9e4#dh ,,*apt] ,,vii ,,! ,,int]ior ,,life3 ,,union ,,& ,,contemplation ,lume lassu1 *e visibile face lo ,creatore a quella creatura *e solo 9 lui v$]e ha la sua pace4 ,p>1 xxx4 #ajj4 ,& ! ,light fl[e? =? 9 similitude1 & indrawe? ,itself 9 unity2 :i* we p]ceive1 beyond ! reason1 9 t high po9t ( our und]/&+ :i* is b>e & turn$ )94 ,! ,twelve ,bgu9es4 ,! s\l :i* has endur$ ) c\rage & humility ! angui% ( ! ,d>k ,night1 actualis+ )9 its own exp]i5ce ! d\ble rhy?m ( love & r5unciation1 n[ ent]s ^u a condition ( equilibrium2 9 :i* x p]ceives t all its previ\s adv5tures & appreh5sions 7 b episodes ( gr[?1 phases 9 ! long prep>ation ( "* = ^? new levels ( life on :i* x is n[ to dwell4 ,?ree po9ts1 says ,ruysbroeck1 mu/ *>act]ise ! truly int]ior man4 ,fir/1 8 m9d mu/ be deta*$ f its natural incl9ation to re/ 9 images & appe>ances1 h[ev] lovely2 & mu/ dep5d altoge!r ^u t nak$ ,abs5ce ( ,images1 :i* is ,god4 ,?is is ! 'asc5t to ! ,n\ght' prea*$ by ! ,areopagite4 ,secondly1 by means ( 8 spiritual ex]cises1 8 progressive ef=ts to correspond ) t ,div9e ,life ev] exp]i5c$ by him ) great] int5sity1 he mu/ h fre$ himself f all ta9t ( selfhood1 all p]sonal desire2 s t 9 true inw>d lib]ty he c lift himself up unh9d]$ t[>ds ,god1 9 a _s ( selfless devotion4 ,pla9ly1 ! desolations ( ! ,d>k ,night are exactly adapt$ to ! production )9 ! self ( ^! two *>act]s2 :i* we might call purity ( intellig5ce & purity ( w4 ,directly result+ f _! actualisation1 spr+s ! ?ird po9t3 ! consci\sness ( inw>d union ) ,god4#di ,?is consci\sness ( union1 :i* we mu/ c>efully di/+ui% f ! ,unity t is ,ruysbroeck's "n = ! la/ /ate ( ! transfigur$ s\l1 is ! rul+ "* ( t /ate ( equilibrium to :i* we h n[ come2 & repres5ts ! full a*ievem5t ( ! ,int]ior ,life4 ,9 _m ( 8 works1 "u v>i\s images1 ,ruysbroeck tries to tell u :at he means by ?is inw>d union ) ,god1 ?is 'mutual inhabitation1' z he calls x 9 "o passage ( great beauty1 :i* is ! goal ( ! ',second ,life4' ,he rem9ds u aga9 ( t remote po9t ( ! _s1 t 'apex' ( our be+1 :]e our life t\*es ! ,div9e ,life2 :]e ,god's image 'lives & reigns4' ,) ! cleans+ ( ! he>t & m9d1 ! height5+ & conc5tration ( ! w1 :i* ! discipl9es ( ! ,active ,life & ,d>k ,night h effect$1 ?is supreme po9t ( ! _s is br\ght at la/ )9 ! consci\s field4 ,!n man feels & kn[s ! pres5ce !re ( an int5se & creative vitality1 an ,et]nal ,ess5ce1 f :i* all t is wor? hav+ 9 8 selfhood fl[s4 ,?is is ! ,life-giv+ ,life 7,lev5de ,lev571 :]e ! creat$ & ,uncreat$ meet & are "o3 a phrase1 app>5tly tak5 by ,ruysbroeck f ,/4 ,b]n>d1 :i* aptly expresses an idea famili> to all ! great contemplatives4 ,x is ! po9t at :i* man's sep>ate _s1 z x 71 em]ges f ! ,div9e ,_s3 ! po9t ?r\gh :i* he mu/ at la/ return to 8 ,s\rce4 ,"h ! ,fa!r has impress$ ,8 image1 ! ,son is p]petually born1 ! ,_s wells up2#ej & "h ! ,div9e ,unity dwells & calls him to ! ,"o4 ,"h ,et]nity & ,"t are int]tw9$4 ,"h spr+s ! f\nta9 ( ',liv+ ,wat]'--grace1 transc5d5t vitality--^u :i* ! my/ic life ( man dep5ds4 ,n[ ! self1 because x is at la/ con=m$ to ! dem&s ( ! spiritual _w1 feels new p[]s f ?is life-giv+ s\rce /ream+ into all dep>tm5ts ( its be+4 ,! la/ b>ri]s ( self-w are brok52 & ! result is an inru% ( fre% en]gy & light4 ,:]eas 9 ! ',fir/ ,life' ,god f$ & commun$ ) him by 'means1' & 0 reveal$ "u images appropriate to a consci\sness /ill imm]s$ 9 ! _w ( appe>ance2 n[ man receives ^! gifts & messages1 makes 8 contacts ) ,reality1 ')\t means1' or 'by grace'--i4e4 9 a spiritual & int]ior mann]4 ,^? 'lightn+ fla%es f ! face ( ,div9e ,love1' ^? abrupt & vivid intuitions :i* he enjoy$ dur+ illum9ation1 h giv5 way be=e ! /eady %9+ ( ! ,uncreat$ ,light4 ,?\gh light-imag]y is nev] long abs5t f ,ruysbroeck's pages1 x is1 h[ev]1 ! spr+ ( ,liv+ ,wat] ev] well+ up1 ! rills or brooks :i* fl[ f x1 & take its sub/ance to ! f>!/ recesses ( ! ?ir/y l&1 :i* seems to him ! be/ image ( ?is new inp\r+ ( life4 ,he uses x 9 all 8 *ief works1 p]haps mo/ successfully 9 ,! ,spiritual ,m>riage4 ,fai?ful to ! m$ival division ( p]sonality into ,memory or ,m9d1 ,intellig5ce or ,und]/&+1 & ,w1--influ5c$ too by 8 deep conviction t all ,div9e activity is ?reefold 9 type1--he describes ! ,well-spr+ z break+ into ?ree ,brooks ( ,grace1 :i* p\r _! wat]s into ea* dep>tm5t ( ! self4 ,! duct ?r\gh :i* ^! wat]s come1 'liv+ & foam+' f ! deeps ( ! ,div9e ,ri*es1 is ! ,et]nal ,*ri/2 :o 'comes anew' to ! purifi$ s\l1 & is ! imm$iate s\rce ( its p[] & happ9ess4 ,! fir/ ( ! brooks :i* fl[ f ,him is call$ ',pure ,simplicity4' ,x is a 'simple light1' says ,ruysbroeck 9 ano!r place2 ! :ite radiance ( ,et]nity :i*1 /ream+ into ! m9d1 p5etrates consci\sness f top to bottom1 & unifies ! p[]s ( ! self ab\t ! new & high] c5tre n[ e/abli%$4 ,?is simple light1 9 :i* we see ?+s z !y are--& !re=e see t only "o ?+ truly is--deliv]s u f t slav]y to ! multiplicity ( ?+s1 :i* splits ! att5tion & makes conc5tration ^u ,reality impossible to ! s\l4 ,! a*ievem5t ( su* m5tal simplicity1 escap+ ! prismatic illusion ( ! _w1 is ! fir/ condition ( contemplation4 ,?anks to ?is simple light :i* fills him1 ! man f9ds himself to be unifi$1 e/abli%$1 p5etrat$ & affirm$ 9 ! unity ( 8 m9d or ?\ght4 ,& !reby he is uplift$ & e/abli%$ 9 a new condition2 & he turns inw>d ^u himself1 & /ays 8 m9d ^u ! ,nudity1 above all ! pressure ( s5sual images1 above all multiplicity4#ea ,! second /ream :i* p\rs out f t ,transc5d5t ,life is a ',spiritual ,cl>ity1' :i* illum9ates ! intellig5ce & %[s x all good4 ,?is cl>ity is a new & height5$ =m ( intuition3 a lucid und]/&+1 :]eby ! self a*ieves cle> vision ( its own life1 & is able to contemplate ! sublime ri*ness ( ! ,div9e ,nature2 gaz+ ^u ! my/]y ( ! ,tr9ity1 & f9d+ ev]y:]e ! ,pres5ce ( ,god4 ,^? :o possess ?is light d n ne$ ec/asies & revelations--sudd5 upru%es t[>ds ! sup]nal _w--= _! life & be+ is e/abli%$ 9 t _w1 above ! life ( s5se4 ,!y h come to t /ate :i* ,eckh>t calls 'f9d+ all creatures 9 ,god & ,god 9 all creatures4' ,!y see ?+s at la/ 9 _! native purity4 ,! he>t ( t vision1 says ,ruysbroeck1 is _! p]ception ( ! unmeasur$ loyalty ( ,god to ,8 creation--"o ( 8 deepe/ & mo/ beautiful utt]ances--& !refrom spr+s a deep inw>d joy ( ! _s1 & a high tru/ 9 ,god2 & ?is inw>d joy embraces & p5etrates all ! p[]s ( ! s\l1 & ! mo/ secret "p ( ! _s4#eb ,! ?ird ,brook ( ,grace irrigates ! conative p[]s ( ! self2 /r5g!ns ! w 9 all p]fection1 & en]gises u anew4 ,l fire1 ?is brook enk9dles ! w1 & swall[s up & absorbs all ?+s 9 ! unity ( ! _s 444 & n[ ,*ri/ speaks inw>dly 9 ! _s by means ( ?is burn+ brook1 say+1 ',g =?1 9 ex]cises prop] to ?is gift & ?is com+4' ,by ! fir/ brook1 :i* is a ,simple ,light1 ! ,m9d is fre$ f ! invasions ( ! s5ses1 & gr\nd$ & affirm$ 9 spiritual unity4 ,& by ! second brook1 :i* is a ,spread+ ,light1 ! ,reason & ,und]/&+ are illum9at$1 t !y may "k & di/+ui% all mann] ( virtues & ex]cises1 & ! my/]ies ( ,scripture4 ,& by ! ?ird brook1 :i* is an ,infus$ ,heat1 ! heights ( ! ,w are enk9dl$ ) quiet love & adorn$ ) great ri*es4 ,& ?us does man become spiritually illum9ate2 = ! grace ( ,god dwells l a f\nta9-head 9 ! unity ( 8 _s1 & ! brooks cause a fl[+ =? ( all virtues f ! p[]s ( ! s\l4 ,& ! f\nta9-head ( grace dem&s a back-fl[+ into t same gr\nd f :5ce ! flood has come4#ec ,s ! ,int]ior ,life1 n[ firmly e/abli%$1 is f\nd to con=m to ^? great laws :i* h guid$ ! gr[+ _s f ! fir/4 ,aga91 ! dual prop]ty ( love1 possession & action1 satisfaction & fecundity1 is to be manife/$ ^u new levels4 ,! p5dulum motion ( life1 sw++ betwe5 ! exp]i5ce ( union ) ,god to :i* '! ,div9e ,unity ev] calls u1' & its expression 9 active *>ity to :i* ! multiplicity ( ,8 creatures & _! ne$s ev] entreat u1 /ill goes on4 ,! m ri*ly & /rongly ! life-giv+ ,life wells up )9 ! self1 ! great] are ! dem&s made ^u t self's indu/ry & love4 ,9 ! e/abli%m5t ( ?is balance1 9 ?is cont9ual heal?y act ( alt]nation1 ?is d\ble movem5t into ,god & out to m51 is ! pro( t ! s\l has really c5tr$ itself ^u ! spiritual _w--is1 z ,ruysbroeck puts x1 confirm$ 9 love4 ,?us d "w & union p]petually r5ew !mselves2 & ?is r5ewal 9 "w & 9 union1 ?is is a spiritual life4#ed ,n[ ! self :i* has a*iev$ ?is degree ( transc5d5ce has a*iev$1 too1 consid]able exp]i5ce 9 t art ( contemplation or introv]sion :i* is ! mode ( its communion ) ,god4 ,?r\gh\t1 tra9+ & developm5t h gone h& 9 h&2 & ! fact t ,ruysbroeck seldom tr\bles to di/+ui% betwe5 !m1 b accepts !m z two aspects ( "o ?+--! gradual deification ( ! s\l--con/itutes "o ( ! great ob/acles to an und]/&+ ( 8 works4 ,(t5 he describes ! :ole spiritual life z consi/+ 9 introv]sion1 an ent]+ ( consci\sness into ! sup]s5su\s regions beyond ?\ght2 9 defiance ( 8 own pr9ciple ( active *>ity1 movem5t1 "w1 z ! ess5tial reaction to ! univ]se :i* di/+ui%es a 'deifi$' man4 ,! tru? is t ! two processes run side by side2 & n[ "o1 n[ ! o!r1 is 9 ! =egr\nd ( 8 ?\ght4 ,!re=e all t ,i %all n[ say ( ! contemplative art mu/ be und]/ood z describ+ acts & appreh5sions tak+ place ?r\gh\t ! :ole c\rse ( ! ,int]ior ,life4 ,:at1 !n1 is introv]sion8 ,x is "o ( ! two great modes "u :i* ! spiritual consci\sness works4 ,pla9ly1 any liv+ s5se ( ,god's pres5ce mu/ disc]n t ,circle ^: c5tre is ev]y:]e1 z bo? ext]ior & int]ior to ! self4 ,9 ,ruysbroeck's own works we f9d a viol5t ef=t to express ?is ineffable fact ( omnipres5ce1 ( a truly ,transc5d5t yet truly ,imman5t ,reality2 an ef=t (t5 involv+ a collision ( imag]y4 ,god1 he says1 may be discov]$ at ! s\l's apex1 :]e ,he 'et]nally lives & reigns'2 & ! s\l itself dwells 9 ,god1 ebb+ & fl[+1 w&]+ & return+1 )9 t ,fa?omless ,gr\nd4 ,yet none ! less ,he comes to t s\l f )\t2 p\r+ 9 ^u x l sun%9e1 inundat+ x ) torr5ts ( grace1 seiz+ ! sep>ate entity & dev\r+ :il/ ,he fe$s x2 fla%+ out ^u x 9 a tempe/ ( love f ! ,empyrean ,heav51 ! ,abyss ( ,be+1 :]e ,he dwells4 ,pres5t1 yet abs5t2 ne>1 yet f>6 exclaims ,/4 ,augu/9e4 ,?\ art ! sky1 & ,?\ art ! ne/ z well6 says ! great my/ic poet ( our own day4 ,:il/ ne>ly all ! my/ics h possess$ cle> consci\sness ( ?is tw(old revelation ( ! ,div9e ,nature1 & "s h exp]i5c$ by turns ! 'outw>d & upw>d' ru% & ! inw>d retreat1 temp]am5tally !y usually lean t[>ds "o or o!r =m ( communion ) ,god1--ec/asy or introv]sion4 ,= "o class1 contact ) ,him seems prim>ily to involve an outgo+ flight t[>ds ,transc5d5t ,reality2 an attitude ( m9d /rongly m>k$ 9 all contemplatives :o are ne> to ! ,neoplatonic tradition--,plot9us1 ,/4 ,basil1 ,/4 ,mac>ius--& also 9 ,ri*>d ,rolle & a few o!r m$ival types4 ,^! w\ld agree ) ,dionysius ! ,areopagite t we mu/ contemplate ?+s div9e by our :ole selves /&+ out ( our :ole selves4 ,= ! o!r class1 ! fir/ necessity is a retreat ( consci\sness f ! p]iph]y1 :]e x t\*es ! _w ( appe>ance1 to ! c5tre1 ! ,unity ( ,_s or ',gr\nd ( ! ,s\l1' :]e human p]sonality buds =? f ! ,ess5tial ,_w4 ,true1 ?is inturn+ ( att5tion is b a prelim9>y to ! self's entrance ^u t same ,transc5d5t ,region :i* ! ec/atic claims t he t\*es 9 8 upw>d flights4 ,! introv]sive my/ic1 too1 is de/9$ to 'sail ! wild bill[s ( ! ,sea ,div9e'2 b "h1 9 ! deeps ( 8 nature1 he f9ds ! door ?r\gh :i* he mu/ pass4 ,only by ?us discov]+ ! unity ( 8 own nature c he give himself to t 'tide ( light' :i* draws all ?+s back to ! ,"o4 ,su* is ,ruysbroeck's view ( contemplation4 ,?is be+ s1 introv]sion is = him an ess5tial "p ( man's spiritual developm5t4 ,z ! ,son kn[s ! ,fa!r1 s x is ! de/9y ( all spirits creat$ 9 t ,patt]n to "k ,him2 & ! mirror :i* is able to reflect t ,div9e ,light1 ! ,simple ,eye :i* alone c be> to gaze on x1 lies 9 ! deeps ( human p]sonality4 ,! w1 usually h>ness$ to ! surface-consci\sness1 devot$ to ! int]e/s ( temporal life2 ! love1 s freely sp5t on unreal & imp]fect objects ( desire2 ! ?\ght :i* busies itself on ! ceaseless analysis & arrangem5t ( pass+ ?+s--all ^! are to be swept inw>ds to t ga!r+-po9t ( p]sonality1 t ,unity ( ! ,_s1 ( :i* he s (t5 speaks2 & !re fus$ into a s+le /ate ( enorm\sly enhanc$ consci\sness1 :i*1 )drawn f all att5tion to ! *angeful _w ( 'similitudes1' is expos$ to ! direct action ( ! ,et]nal ,_w ( spiritual realities4 ,! pull ( ,div9e ,love--! light t ev] fl[s back into ! ,"o--is to )draw ! contemplative's consci\sness f multiplicity to unity4 ,8 progress 9 contemplation w be a progress t[>ds t complete mono-ideism 9 :i* ! ,vision ( ,god--& "h vision is to be und]/ood 9 its deepe/ s5se z a totality ( appreh5sion1 a 'gho/ly sight'--dom9ates ! field ( consci\sness to ! exclusion1 = ! "t ( contemplation1 ( all else4 ,psy*ologically1 ,ruysbroeck's me?od diff]s little f t describ$ by ,/4 ,t]esa4 ,x beg9s 9 recollection1 ! fir/ draw+ inw>ds ( att5tion f ! _w ( s5se2 passes to m$itation1 ! c5tr+ ( att5tion on "s intellectual =mula or my/]y ( fai?2 & !nce1 by way ( graduat$ /ates1 v>i\sly divid$ & describ$ 9 8 diff]5t works1 to contemplation prop]1 ! appreh5sion ( ,god 'beyond & above reason4' ,all attempts1 h[ev]1 to map out ?is process1 or r$uce x to a sy/em1 mu/ necess>ily h an arbitr>y & symbolic "*4 ,true1 we are b\nd to adopt "s sy/em1 if we describe x at all2 b ! dang]s & limitations ( all =mulas1 all concrete imag]y1 :]e we are deal+ ) ! fluid1 liv+1 *angeful _w ( _s1 %\ld nev] be abs5t f our m9ds4 ,! bewild]+ & (t5 inconsi/5t s]ies ( images & numb]s1 arrangem5ts & re>rangem5ts ( 'degrees1' '/ates1' '/irr+s1' & 'gifts1' 9 :i* ,ruysbroeck's sublime tea*+s on contemplation are buri$1 makes ! *oice ( "s "o =mula imp]ative = u2 ?\gh none w r$uce 8 doctr9es to a logical s]ies1 = he is p]petually pass+ ov] f ! dialectic to ! lyrical mood1 & =gets to be ord]ly z soon z he beg9s to be subjective4 ,i *oose1 !n1 to base my classification on t great *apt] 7xix47 9 ,! ,sev5 ,cloi/]s1 :]e he di/+ui%es ?ree /ages ( contemplation2 f9d+ 9 !m ! responses ( consci\sness to ! special action ( ! ,?ree ,p]sons ( ! ,bless$ ,tr9ity4 ,^! ?ree /ages 9 ! s\l's appreh5sion ( ,god1 are3 ! ,emotional1 ! ,intellectual1 ! ,intuitive4 ,i ?9k t mo/ ( ! subtly di/+ui%$ int]ior exp]i5ces ( ! my/ic1 ! 'com+s' ( ! ,div9e ,pres5ce1 ! '/irr+s' & contacts :i* he describes 9 8 v>i\s books1 c be rang$ "u "o or o!r ( !m4 #a4 ,fir/ comes t lov+ contemplation ( ! 'uplift$ he>t' :i* is ! "w ( ! ,holy ,_s1 ! consum+ fire ( ,div9e ,love4 ,?is ard5t love1 invad+ ! self1 & satisfy+ x 9 t intimate exp]i5ce ( p]sonal communion s (t5 describ$ 9 ! writ+s ( ! my/ics1 repres5ts ! self's fir/ call to contemplation & fir/ natural response2 made ) s great a joy & delight ( s\l & body1 9 8 uplift$ he>t1 t ! man kn[e? n :at ha? befall5 him1 nor h[ he may endure x4 ,= ,ruysbroeck ?is purely emotional reaction to ,reality1 ?is burn+ flame ( devotion--:i* seem$ to ,ri*>d ,rolle ! ess5ce ( ! contemplative life--is b its initial phase4 ,x corresponds )--& inde$ g5]ally accompanies--^? fev]-heats1 ^? 'tempe/s' ( impati5t love endur$ by ! s\l at ! height ( ! ,illum9ative ,way4 ,love1 x is true1 %all be f fir/ to la/ ! inspir+ =ce ( ! contemplative's asc5ts3 8 education is f "o po9t ( view simply an education 9 love4 ,b ?is love is a passion ( _m degrees2 & ! 'urg5cy felt 9 ! he>t1' ! re/lessness & hung] ( ?is spiritual feel+-/ate1 is only its l[e/ =m4 ,! love :i* burns l :ite fire on ! apex ( ! s\l1 longs = sacrifice1 inspires h]oic action1 & goes =w>d )\t fe>1 'holy1 /rong & free1' to brave ! t]rors ( ! ,div9e ,d>k1 is ( ano!r temp] ?an ?is joyful s5tim5t4 #b4 ,a lov+ /ret*+ out into ,god1 & an intellectual gaz+ ^u ,him1 says ,ruysbroeck1 9 a passage :i* ,i h already quot$1 are ! 'two heav5ly pipes' 9 :i* ! w9d ( ! ,_s s+s4 ,s ! next phase 9 ! contemplative's developm5t is t enhancem5t ( ! intellect1 ! p[] ( p]ceiv+1 z aga9/ desir+ & lov+ ,reality1 :i* is ! "w ( ! ,logos1 ! ,div9e ,wisdom4 ,z ! cleans$ & deta*$ he>t _h be5 lift$ up to feel ! ,transc5d5t2 n[ ! und]/&+1 /ripp$ ( s5se-images1 purg$ ( intellectual arrogance1 cl>ifi$ by grace1 is lift$ up to appreh5d x4 ,?is degree has two phases4 ,fir/1 t enl>gem5t ( ! und]/&+ to an increas$ compreh5sion ( tru?1 ! f9d+ ( deep] & div9] mean+s 9 ?+s already kn[n1 :i* ,ri*>d ( ,/4 ,victor call$ m5tis dilatatio4 ,next1 t fur!r uplift ( ! m9d to a /ate 9 :i* x is able to contemplate ?+s above itself :il/ reta9+ cle> self-consci\sness1 :i* he call$ m5tis sublevatio4 ,ruysbroeck1 h[ev]1 inv]ts ! ord] giv5 by ,ri*>d2 = him ! uplift comes fir/1 ! dilation ( consci\sness foll[s f x4 ,?is is a *>act]i/ic in/ance ( ! way 9 :i* he uses ! ,victor9e psy*ology2 con/antly appropriat+ its t]ms b nev] hesitat+ to modify1 enri* or misuse !m z 8 exp]i5ce or op9ions may dictate4 ,! fir/ phase ( ,intellectual ,contemplation1 !n1 is a lift+ ( ! m9d to a swift & conv9c+ vision ( ,reality3 "o ( ^? sudd51 incommunicable glimpses ( ,tru? s (t5 exp]i5c$ e>ly 9 ! contemplative's c>e]4 ,! veil p>ts1 & he sees a light & vision1 :i* give to ! contemplat+ _s a consci\s c]titude t %e sees ,god1 s f> z man may see ,him 9 mortal life4#ee ,t /range my/ical light ( :i* all contemplatives speak1 & :i* ,ruysbroeck describes 9 a passage ( great subtlety z '! int]m$i>y betwe5 ! see+ ?\ght & ,god1' n[ floods 8 consci\sness4 ,9 x ! ,_s ( ! ,fa!r speaks 9 ! uplift$ ?\ght :i* is b>e & /ripp$ ( images1 say+1 ',behold ,me z ,i behold !e4' ,!n ! pure & s+le eyes are /r5g!n$ by ! inp\r+ ( t cle> ,light ( ! ,fa!r1 & !y behold ,8 face1 9 a simple vision1 beyond reason1 & )\t reason4#ef ,x might be ?\ght t 9 ?is 'simple vision' ( ,supreme ,reality1 ! _s ( ! contemplative rea*$ its goal4 ,x has1 inde$1 rea*$ a po9t at :i* _m a my/ic /ops %ort4 ,i ?9k1 h[ev]1 t a ref]5ce to ,/4 ,augu/9e1 ^: influ5ce is s /rongly m>k$ 9 ,ruysbroeck's works1 w %[ :at he means by ?is phase ( contemplation2 & ! *>act]s :i* di/+ui% x f t infus$ or unitive communion ) ,god :i* alone he calls ,contemplatio4 ,9 ! sev5? book ( 8 ,confessions1 ,augu/9e describes j su* an exp]i5ce z ?is4 ,by a /udy ( ! books ( ! ,platoni/s he _h le>n$ ! art ( introv]sion1 & a*iev$ by its aid a fleet+ ',intellectual ,contemplation' ( ,god2 9 8 own words1 a hurri$ vision ( ,t :i* ,is4 ,be+ by ^! books1 he says1 admoni%$ to return into myself1 ,i ent]$ into ! secret closet ( my s\l1 guid$ by ,!e 444 & beheld ! ,light t nev] *anges1 above ! eye ( my s\l1 above ! intellig5ce4#eg ,x 0 by ! )drawal ( ?\ght f exp]i5ce1 its ab/raction f ! contradictory ?rong ( s5su\s images1 t he atta9$ to ?is transitory appreh5sion2 :i* he describes else:]e z ! vision ( ! ,l& ( ,peace1 b n ! road !reto4 ,b intellect alone c\ld n be> ! direct impact ( ! t]rible light ( ,reality2 8 weak sight 0 dazzl$ by its spl5d\r1 he c\ld n su/a9 8 gaze1 & turn$ back to t humble discov]y ( ! ,div9e ,sub/ance by means ( ,its images & attributes1 :i* is prop] to ! intellectual p[]4#eh ,n[ surely ?is is ! psy*ological situation describ$ by ,ruysbroeck4 ,! v images us$ by ,augu/9e are f\nd aga9 9 him4 ,! m9d ( ! contemplative1 purifi$1 discipl9$1 delib]ately ab/ract$ f images1 is inundat$ by ! div9e sun%9e1 ! ,light :i* is n ,god1 b t :]eby we see ,him2 & 9 ?is radiance a*ieves a hurri$ b conv9c+ vision ( ,supreme ,reality4 ,b ev5 ?\gh ! eagle1 k+ ( birds1 c ) 8 p[]ful sight gaze /eadfa/ly ^u ! brightness ( ! sun2 yet d ! weak] eyes ( ! bat fail & falt] 9 ! same4#ei ,! intellectual vision is dazzl$ & di/ress$1 l a man :o c be> ! diffus$ radiance ( sun%9e b is bl9d$ if he d>es to foll[ back its beams to ! t]rible beauty ( _! s\rce4 ,n = ?is are my w+s fitt$1 says ,dante1 droop+ to e>? aft] 8 supreme ec/atic flight4 ,because x _c su/a9 its gaze1 !n1 ! intellig5ce falls back ^u ! second phase ( intellectual contemplation3 ,speculatio1 ! deep /ill brood+ 9 :i* ! s\l1 'made wise by ! ,_s ( ,tru?1' contemplates ,god & ,creation z ,he & x are reflect$ 9 ! cle> mirror ( h] intellectual p[]s1 "u 'images & similitudes'--! ,my/]ies ( ,fai?1 ! ,attributes ( ! ,div9e ,nature1 ! =ms & mann]s ( creat$ ?+s4 ,z ! ,fa!r contemplates all ?+s 9 ! ,son1 ',mirror ( ,deity1' s n[ does ! introv]t$ s\l contemplate ,him 9 ?is 'liv+ mirror ( h] intellig5ce' on :i* ,8 sun%9e falls4 ,because h] swift vision ( ,t :i* ,is has taught h] to di/+ui% betwe5 ! ineffable ,reality & ! ,appe>ance :i* %ad[s x =?1 %e c aga9 discov] ,him "u ^? images :i* once veil$1 b n[ reveal ,8 pres5ce4 ,! intellect :i* has appreh5d$ ,god ,transc5d5t1 if only = a mom5t1 has receiv$ !refrom ! p[] ( disc]n+ ,god ,imman5t4 ,he %[s ,himself to ! s\l 9 ! liv+ mirror ( h] intellig5ce2 n z ,he is 9 ,8 nature1 b 9 images & similitudes1 & 9 ! degree 9 :i* ! illum9at$ reason c grasp & und]/& ,him4 ,& ! wise reason1 enlight5$ ( ,god1 sees cle>ly & )\t error 9 images ( ! und]/&+ all t %e has he>d ( ,god1 ( fai?1 ( tru?1 accord+ to h] long+4 ,b t image :i* is ,god ,himself1 al?\gh x is held be=e h]1 %e _c compreh5d2 = ! eyes ( h] und]/&+ mu/ fail be=e t ,incomp>able ,light4#fj ,9 ,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s ,ruysbroeck p\rs =? a m>vell\s li/ ( ! attributes "u :i* ! illum9at$ intellig5ce n[ contemplates & wor%ips ,t ,:i* %e c nev] compreh5d2 t ,simple ,"o 9 :om all multitude & all t multiplies1 f9ds its beg9n+ & its end4 ,f ?is simple ,be+ ( ! ,godhead ! illum9at$ reason ab/racts ^? images & attributes ) :i* x c deal1 z ! l[] reason ab/racts f ! temporal flux ! mat]ials ( our normal univ]se4 ,su* a lov+ consid]ation ( ,god "u ,8 attributes is ! ess5ce ( m$itation3 & m$itation is 9 fact ! way 9 :i* ! intellectual faculties c be/ contemplate ,reality4 ,b because all ?+s1 :5 !y are consid]$ 9 _! inw>dness1 h _! beg9n+ & _! end+ 9 ! ,inf9ite ,be+ z 9 an ,abyss1 "h aga9 ! contemplative is soon l$ above himself & beyond himself1 to a po9t at :i* intellect & 'consid]ation'--i4e4 =mal ?\ght--fail him2 because "h we t\* ! ,simple ,nature ( ,god4 ,:5 intellectual contemplation has br\ght ! self to ?is po9t1 x has done its "w2 = x has excit$ 9 ! s\l an eag] desire to lift itself up by contemplation into ! simplicity ( ! ,light1 t !reby its avid desire ( inf9ite fruition may be satisfi$ & fulfill$2#fa i4e4 x has p]=m$ ! true (fice ( m$itation1 induc$ a %ift+ ( consci\sness to high] levels4 ,we obs]ve t ! emphasis1 :i* 9 ! ,fir/ ,degree ( ,contemplation fell :olly on feel+1 9 ! ,second ,degree falls :olly ^u k4 ,we are n1 h[ev]1 to suppose f ?is t emotion has be5 left beh9d4 ,z ! virtues & en]gies ( ! ,active ,life cont9ue 9 ! ,contemplative ,life1 s ! 'burn+ love' :i* di/+ui%$ ! fir/ /age ( communion ) ! ,transc5d5t1 is ?r\gh\t ! s\rce ( t en]gy :i* presses ! self on to deep] & clos] correspond5ces ) ,reality4 ,its pres5ce is presuppos$ 9 all t is said conc]n+ ! developm5t ( ! spiritual consci\sness4 ,nev]!less ,ruysbroeck1 ?\gh he _c be accus$ ( intellectualism1 is l$ by 8 admiration = ,victor9e ideas to lay great /ress ^u ! m5tal side ( contemplation1 z aga9/ ^? emotional reactions to ! ,transc5d5t :i* are emphasis$--almo/ to excess--by s _m ( ! sa9ts4 ,8 aim 0 ! lift+ ( ! :ole man to ,et]nal levels3 & ! cl>ify+ ( ! intellig5ce1 ! enhancem5t ( ! und]/&+1 seem$ to him a prop] "p ( ! deification ( human nature1 ! br++ =? 9 ! s\l's gr\nd ( t ,son :o is ! ,wisdom ( ,god z well z ! ,patt]n ( ,man4 ,?\gh he moves among/ deep my/]ies1 & 9 regions beyond ! span ( ord9>y m9ds1 !re is always app>5t 9 him an ef=t t[>ds lucidity ( expression1 %>p def9ition1 pla9 spee*4 ,sometimes he is wild & ec/atic1 p\r+ =? 8 vision 9 a /range poetry :i* is at once unc\? & sublime2 b he is nev] woolly or confus$4 ,8 prose passages owe mu* ( _! seem+ difficulty to ! passion = exactitude :i* di/+ui%es & classifies ! subtle/ movem5ts ( ! spiritual atmosph]e1 ! delicately grad$ responses ( ! s\l4 #c4 ,n[ ! ,?ird ,degree ( ,contemplation lifts ! :ole consci\sness to a plane ( p]ception :i* transc5ds ! categories ( ! intellect3 :]e x deals no long] ) ! label b ) ! ,?+4 ,x has pass$ beyond image & also beyond ?\ght2 to t k by contact :i* is ! ess5ce ( intuition1 & is br\ght ab\t by ! high] p[]s ( love4 ,su* contemplation is reg>d$ by ,ruysbroeck z ! "w ( ! ,fa!r1 ,:o /rips f ! m9d all =ms & images & lifts up ! ,nak$ ,appreh5sion i4e4 intuition into its ,orig91 t is ,himself4#fb ,x is effect$ by conc5tration ( all ! p[]s ( ! self into a s+le /ate 'uplift$ above all action1 9 a b>e und]/&+ & love1' ^u t apex ( ! s\l :]e no reason c ev] atta91 & :]e ! 'simple eye' is ev] op5 t[>ds ,god4 ,!re ! lov+ s\l appreh5ds ,him1 n "u conditions1 '9 "s wise1' b z a :ole1 )\t ! discrete analysis ( ,8 prop]ties :i* 0 ! special "* ( intellectual contemplation2 a syn!tic exp]i5ce :i* is '9 no wise4' ,?is is = ,ruysbroeck ! contemplative act p> excell5ce4 ,x is 'an intimacy :i* is ignorance1' a 'simple see+1' he says aga9 & aga92 & ! "n !re( is ,contemplatio2 t is1 ! see+ ( ,god 9 simplicity4#fc ,"h ! reason no less ?an all sep>ate acts mu/ give way1 = our p[]s become simple 9 ,love2 !y are sil5t & b[$ d[n 9 ! ,pres5ce ( ! ,fa!r4 ,& ?is revelation ( ! ,fa!r lifts ! s\l above ! reason into ! ,imageless ,nudity4 ,!re ! s\l is simple1 pure1 spotless1 empty ( all ?+s2 & x is 9 ?is /ate ( p]fect empt9ess t ! ,fa!r manife/s ,8 ,div9e radiance4 ,to ?is radiance nei!r reason nor s5se1 obs]vation nor di/9ction1 c atta94 ,all ?is mu/ /ay bel[2 = ! measureless radiance bl9ds ! eyes ( ! reason1 !y _c be> ! ,incompreh5sible ,light4 ,b above ! reason1 9 ! mo/ secret "p ( ! und]/&+1 ! simple eye is ev] op54 ,x contemplates & gazes at ! ,light ) a pure sight t is lit by ! ,light itself3 eye to eye1 mirror to mirror1 image to image4 ,?is ?reefold act makes u l ,god1 & unites u to ,him2 = ! sight ( ! simple eye is a liv+ mirror1 :i* ,god has made = ,8 image1 & :]eon ,he has impress$ x4#fd ,intuitive or infus$ contemplation is ! =m ( communion ) ! ,transc5d5t prop] to ^? :o h gr[n up to ! /ate ( ,union2 & feel & "k ! pres5ce ( ,god )9 ! s\l1 z a love1 a life1 an 'indraw+ attraction1' call+ & entic+ all ?+s to ! /ill una*iev$ consummation ( ! ,div9e ,unity4 ,he :o has rea*$ ?is pit* ( introv]sion1 & is able1 9 8 spiritual ex]cises1 to )draw himself ?us to ! mo/ secret "p ( 8 _s1 feels--)9 ! ,et]nal ,light :i* fills 8 mirror & is 'unit$ ) x1'--?is p]petual dem& ( ! ,div9e ,unity1 entreat+ & urg+ him t[>ds a total self-loss4 ,9 ! fact t he kn[s ?is dem& & impulsion z o!r ?an himself1 we f9d ! m>k :i* sep>ates ?is1 ! highe/ contemplation prop] to ! ,life ( ,union1 f t 'fruitive contemplation' ( ! _s :i* has di$ into ,god :i* belongs to ! ,life ( ,unity4#fe ,:5 ! "w ( transmutation is f9i%$ & he has receiv$ ! ',sp>kl+ ,/one ( ,div9e ,humanity1' ?is subject-object di/9ction--?\gh really an et]nal "o1 z ,ruysbroeck cont9ually rem9ds u--w no long] be possible to 8 consci\sness4 ,!n he w live at ^? levels to :i* he n[ makes impassion$ asc5ts 9 8 h\rs ( unitive pray]3 w be imm]s$ 9 ! ,beatific ,vision on :i* he n[ looks1 & 'lose himself 9 ! ,imageless ,nudity4' ,?is is ! clue to ! puzzl+ di/9ction made by ,ruysbroeck betwe5 ! contemplation :i* is ')\t conditions1' & t :i* is 'beyond & above conditions' & belongs to ! ,sup]ess5tial ,life alone4 ,9 ,intuitive ,contemplation ! see+ self appreh5ds ! ,uncondition$ ,_w1 ,onwise1 & makes 'lov+ asc5ts !reto4' ,x 'f9ds )9 itself ! unwall$'2 yet is /ill an*or$ to ! condition$ sph]e4 ,9 ,sup]ess5tial ,contemplation1 x dies into t '_w :i* is 9 no wise4' ,9 ! great *apt] ( ,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one#ff :]e he /ruggles to make ?is di/9ction cle>1 ,ruysbroeck says t ! ,fri5ds ( ,god 7i4e4 ! ,int]ior ,m57 _c ) !mselves & all _! works p5etrate to t ,imageless ,nudity4 ,al?\gh !y feel unit$ ) ,god1 yet !y feel 9 t union an o!rness & diff]5ce betwe5 !mselves & ,god2 & !re=e ! asc5t into ! ,n\ght is unkn[n to !m4 ,!y feel !mselves c>ri$ up t[>ds ,god 9 ! tide ( ,8 all-subdu+ ,fire ( ,love2 b !y reta9 _! selfhood1 & may n be consum$ & burn$ to no?+ 9 ! ,unity ( ,love4 ,!y d n yet desire to die into ,god1 t !y may receive a dei=m life f ,him2 b !y are 9 ! way :i* leads to ?is fulfilm5t ( _! de/9y1 & are foll[+ back ! light to its ,orig94 ,?is foll[+-back is "o cont9u\s process1 9 :i* we1 = conv5i5ce ( description1 h made artificial breaks4 ,x is ! ?ru/ ( consci\sness deep] & deep] into ! he>t ( ,reality4 ,z 9 ! /ream ( physical duration1 s 9 ?is ceaseless movem5t ( ! _s1 !re is a p]si/5ce ( ! pa/ 9 ! pres5t1 a c>ry+ ?r\gh & m]g+ ( "o /ate 9 ! next4 ,?us ! contemplation :i* is 'wayless1' ! self's intuitive communion ) ! ,inf9ite ,life & ,light1 gr[+ 9 dep? & ri*ness1 bridges ! gap :i* sep>ates ! ,int]ior & ! ,sup]ess5tial ,life4 ,we f9d 9 ,ruysbroeck's works indications ( a transitional /ate1 9 :i* ! s\l is guid$ & lo/1 w&]s & returns1 ebbs & fl[s1 )9 ! 'limitless ,nudity1' to :i* x has n yet :olly surr5d]$ itself4 ,& its see+ is 9 no wise1 be+ )\t mann]1 & x is nei!r ?us nor ?us1 nei!r "h nor !re2 = t :i* is 9 no wise ha? envelop$ all1 & ! vision is made high & wide4 ,x kn[s n itself :]e ,t is :i* x sees2 & x _c come !reto1 = its see+ is 9 no wise1 & passes on1 beyond1 = ev]1 & )\t return4 ,t :i* x appreh5ds x _c realise 9 full1 nor :olly atta91 = its appreh5sion is wayless1 & )\t mann]1 & !re=e x is appreh5d$ ( ,god 9 a high] way ?an x c appreh5d ,him4 ,behold6 su* a foll[+ ( ! ,way t is ,wayless1 is int]m$i>y betwe5 contemplation 9 images & similitudes ( ! intellect1 & unveil$ contemplation beyond all images 9 ! ,light ( ,god4#fg ,,*apt] ,,viii ,,! ,,sup]ess5tial ,,life ,if1 !re=e1 ?\ art become ! ?rone ( ,god & ! ,heav5ly ,*>iote] ha? seat$ ,himself )9 !e1 & ?y s\l is :olly become a spiritual eye & is :olly made into light2 if1 too1 ?\ art n\ri%$ ) ! heav5ly food ( t ,_s & ha/ drunk ( ! ,liv+ ,wat] & put on ! secret ve/ure ( light--if ?9e inw>d man has exp]i5c$ all ^! ?+s & is e/abli%$ 9 abundant fai?1 lo6 ?\ live/ inde$ ! ,et]nal ,life & ?y s\l re/s ev5 9 ?is pres5t "t ) ! ,"l4 ,/4 ,mac>ius ( ,egypt4 ,we h se5 t ,ruysbroeck1 9 common ) a few o!r supreme my/ics1 decl>es to u z v]itably kn[n & exp]i5c$ by him1 a univ]se ( ?ree ord]s--,becom+1 ,be+1 ,god--& fur!r1 ?ree ways ( life :]eby ! self c correspond to ^! ?ree ord]s1 & :i* he calls ! life ( nature1 ! life ( grace1 ! life ( glory4 ',glory1' :i* has be5 degrad$ by ! usage ( popul> piety into a vague sup]lative1 & f9ally left 9 ! h&s ( hymn-writ]s & religi\s revivali/s1 is "o ( ! mo/ anci5t te*nical t]ms ( ,*ri/ian my/icism4 ,( ,scriptural orig91 f ! f\r? c5tury to ! fifte5? x 0 us$ to d5ote a def9ite k9d ( enhanc$ life1 a f9al a*ievem5t ( ,reality--! unm$iat$ radiance ( ,god--:i* ! gift ( 'div9e son%ip' made possible to ! s\l4 ,9 ! life ( grace1 t s\l transc5ds conditions 9 virtue ( a ,div9e vitality p\r$ 9 f ! ,absolute ,sph]e1 & actualises its true be+1 7,wes572 9 ! life ( glory1 x becomes a d5iz5 ( t sph]e1 & a*ieves an exi/5ce t is 'm ?an be+' 7,ov]wes574 ,! note ( ! fir/ /ate is contemplation1 aw>5ess2 ! note ( ! second is fruition1 possession4 ,t p[] ( mak+ 'swift & lov+ asc5ts' to ! plane ( ,onwise to :i* man atta9$ at ! end ( ! ,int]ior ,life1 t consci\s h>mony ) ! ,div9e ,w :i* !n became ! controll+ factor ( 8 active c>e]1 _c be ! end ( ! process ( transc5d5ce4 ,! s\l n[ hung]s & ?ir/s = a m int5se ,reality1 a clos] contact ) ',him :o is measureless'2 a deep] & deep] p5etration into ! burn+ he>t ( ! univ]se4 ,?\gh contemplation seems to h rea*$ its t]m1 love goes on1 to 'lose itself ^u ! heights4' ,beyond bo? ! condition$ & uncondition$ _w1 beyond ! ,tr9ity ,itself1 t love disc]ns its ultimate objective--! v ,godhead1 ! ,div9e ,unity1 :]e all l9es f9d _! end2 :]e we are satisfi$ & ov]fl[+1 & ) ,him beyond ourselves et]nally fulfill$4#fh ,! abid+ life :i* is !re discov]able1 is n only ')\t mann]' b 'above mann]'--! 'deifi$ life1' indescribable save by ! oblique me?ods ( music or poetry1 :]e91 9 ,maet]l9ck's great phrase1 ! psy*ology ( man m+les ) ! psy*ology ( ,god4 ,all ,ruysbroeck's mo/ wond]ful passages are conc]n$ ) ! desp]ate attempt to tell u ( ?is 'life1' ?is utt] fruition ( ,reality3 :i* seems at "o "t to involve = ! contemplative consci\sness a self-m]g5ce 9 ,deity1 s complete z to give col\r to t *>ge ( pan!ism :i* is inevitably flung at all my/ics :o try to tell :at !y h kn[n2 at o!rs1 to repres5t r ! p]fect consummation ( t 'union 9 sep>at5ess' :i* is *>act]i/ic ( all true love4 ,?is is b "o in/ance ( t p]petual & inevitable resort to p>adox :i* torm5ts all :o try to foll[ him along ?is 'track )\t %ad[ ( trace'2 = ! goal t[>ds :i* he is n[ entic+ u is "o 9 :i* all ! complet+ opposites ( our fragm5t>y exp]i5ce f9d _! b\rne4 ,h5ce ! rapid alt]nation ( spatial & p]sonal symbols :i* confuses our indu/ri\s intellects1 is ! "o means :]eby he c sugge/ its actuality to our hungry he>ts4 ,z we obs]v$ 9 ,ruysbroeck's e>li] tea*+ on contemplation ?ree di/9ct =ms1 9 :i* ! special "w t !ology attributes to ! ?ree ,div9e ,p]sons seem$ to him to be reflect$2 n[1 9 ?is ,sup]ess5tial ,contemplation1 or ,fruition1 we f9d ! "w ( ! ,absolute ,godhead ,itself1 en]gis+ ^u a plane ( int5sity :i* s utt]ly transc5ds our p[] ( appreh5sion1 t x seems to ! surface consci\sness--z ,dionysius ! ,areopagite _h nam$ x--a negation ( all ?+s1 a ,div9e ,d>k4 ,?is ,fruition1 says ,ruysbroeck1 is wild & desolate z a des]t1 & !re9 is to be f\nd no way1 no road1 no track1 no retreat1 no measure1 no beg9n+1 no end1 nor any o!r ?+ t c be told 9 words4 ,& ?is is = all ( u ,simple ,bless$ness1 ! ,ess5ce ( ,god & our sup]ess5ce1 above reason & beyond reason4 ,to "k x we mu/ be 9 x1 beyond ! m9d & above our creat$ be+2 9 t ,et]nal ,po9t :]e all our l9es beg9 & end1 t ,po9t :]e !y lose _! "n & all di/9ction1 & become "o ) ! ,po9t itself1 & t v ,"o :i* ! ,po9t is1 yet nev]!less ev] rema9 9 !mselves n\ght else b l9es t come to an end4#fi ,:at1 !n1 is ! way by :i* ! s\l moves f t life ( int5se contemplation 9 :i* ! 'spread+ light' ( ! ,_s %[s h] ! univ]se fulfill$ ) ,god1 to ?is new transfigur$ /ate ( joy & t]ror8 ,x is a way = :i* h] previ\s adv5tures might h prep>$ u4 ,z ea* new asc5t1 new infl[ ( grace1 0 prep>$ by a "t ( de/itution & /ress--z ! comp5sat+ beats ( love & r5unciation h gov]n$ ! evolv+ melody ( ! inn] life--s "h a la/ dea? ( selfhood1 a surr5d] m absolute ?an all t has gone be=e1 mu/ be ! means ( h] a*ievem5t ( absolute life4 ,dy+1 & behold ,i live6 says ,paul ( 8 own atta9m5t ( sup]nal life 9 ,*ri/4 ,ruysbroeck1 :o nev] /rays f> f ! vital & h]oic my/icism ( ! ,new ,te/am5t sa9ts1 c f9d no o!r language = ?is la/ crisis ( ! _s--its movem5t f ! /ate ( ,wes5 to t ( ,ov]wes5--?an ! language ( dea?4 ,! ev]-mov+ l9e1 ?\gh its vital "* ( duration cont9ues1 n[ seems to itself to swoon into ! ,po9t2 ! sep>ate entity :i* has felt ! flood ( grace p\r into x to en]gise its active c>e]1 & ! ebb ( homew>d-t5d+ love draw x back t[>ds ! ,"o1 n[ feels itself p\r+ into ! ,inf9ite ,sea4 ,our p]sonal activity1 he says1 has done all t x c3 z ! sep>ate c>e] ( ,*ri/ our ,patt]n clos$ ) ,8 volunt>y dea?1 s ! dea? ( our selfhood on t apex ( p]sonality :]e we h /ret*$ up s ard5tly t[>d ! ,fa!r1 %all close ! sep>ate c>e] ( ! human s\l & op5 ! way to its new1 ,god-driv5 c>e]1 its resurrection-life4 ,none is sure ( ,et]nal ,life unless he has di$ ) all 8 own attributes :olly into ,god#gj--;all else falls %ort ( ! dem&s ( supreme g5]osity4 ,x is ,! ,book ( ! ,sp>kl+ ,/one :i* conta9s ,ruysbroeck's mo/ wond]ful descriptions ( ! consci\sness peculi> to ^! s\ls :o h gr[n up to '! fulness ( ! /ature ( ,*ri/'2 & s9ce ?is is surely ! f9e/ & p]haps ! lea/ kn[n ( 8 writ+s1 ,i (f] no apology = transcrib+ a long passage f its n9? *apt]3 ',h[ we may become ! ,hidd5 ,sons ( ,god4' ,:5 we so> up above ourselves1 & become1 9 our upw>d /riv+ t[>ds ,god1 s simple1 t ! nak$ ,love 9 ! ,heights c lay hold on u1 !re :]e ,love *]i%es ,love1 above all activity & all virtue 7t is to say1 9 our ,orig91 :]efrom we are spiritually born7--!n we cease1 & we & all t is our own die into ,god4 ,& 9 ?is dea? we become hidd5 ,sons ( ,god1 & f9d 9 ourselves a new life1 & t is ,et]nal ,life4 ,& ( ^! ,sons1 ,/4 ,paul says3 ',ye are dead1 & y\r life is hid ) ,*ri/ 9 ,god4' ,9 our approa* to ,god we mu/ be> ) u ourselves & all t we d1 z a p]petual sacrifice to ,god2 & 9 ! ,pres5ce ( ,god we mu/ leave ourselves & all our works1 &1 dy+ 9 love1 so> up above all creat$ ?+s into ! ,sup]ess5tial ,k+dom ( ,god4 ,& ( ?is ! ,_s ( ,god speaks 9 ! ,book ( ,hidd5 ,?+s1 say+3 ',bless$ are ! dead t die 9 ! ,"l4'444 ,if we w\ld ta/e ,god1 & feel 9 ourselves ,et]nal ,life above all ?+s1 we mu/ g =? into ,god ) a fai? t is f> above our reason1 & !re dwell1 simple1 idle1 )\t image1 lift$ up by love into ! ,unwall$ ,b>5ess ( our intellig5ce4 ,= :5 we g out f ourselves 9 love1 & die to all obs]vances 9 ignorance & d>kness1 !n we are made complete1 & transfigur$ by ! ,et]nal ,^w1 ,image ( ! ,fa!r4 ,& 9 ?is empt9ess ( _s we receive ! ,incompreh5sible ,light1 :i* enfolds & p5etrates u z air is p5etrat$ by ! light ( ! sun2 & ?is ,light is n\ght else b a fa?omless gaz+ & see+4 ,:at we are1 t we gaze at2 & :at we gaze at1 t we are4 ,= our ?\ght1 our life1 our be+1 are lift$ up 9 simplicity1 & unit$ ) ! ,tru?1 t is ,god4 ,!re=e 9 ?is simple gaz+ we are "o life & "o _s ) ,god--& ?is ,i call ! see+ life4#ga ,su* a passage z ?is lies beyond our poor attempts at analysis4 ,^? only w und]/& x :o yield !mselves to x2 ent]+ into its curr5t1 z we ent] into ! music t we love4 ,x tells u all x c ( ?is life :i* is 'm ?an be+1' z felt 9 ! supreme exp]i5ce ( love4 ,life & ,dea?1 ,d>k & ,light1 ,idl5ess1 ,b>5ess--^! are b images ( ! feel+-/ates t accompany x4 ,b "h1 m ?an else:]e 9 ,ruysbroeck's writ+s1 we mu/ rememb] ! p]il :i* goes ) all subjective treatm5t ( my/ical tru?4 ,ea* /ate :i* ! unitive my/ic exp]i5ces is s int5se1 t x monopolises = ! "t be+ 8 field ( consci\sness4 ,writ+ "u ! 'pressure ( ! ,_s' he writes ( x--z inde$ x seems to him at ! mom5t--z ultimate & complete4 ,only by a comp>ison ( diff]5t & sup]ficially inconsi/5t descriptions ( ?is enhanc$ life--:i* mu/ h>monise & fulfil all ! ne$s ( our complex p]sonality1 provid+ inexhau/ible objectives = love1 intellig5ce & w--c we =m any true idea conc]n+ x4 ,:5 we d ?is1 we discov] t ! side ( x :i* seems a /atic beatitude1 /ill ,fruition1 p]fect ,re/1 is always balanc$ by ! o!r side2 :i* seems a p]petual & progressive atta9m5t1 a seek+ & f9d+1 a hung]+ & fe$+1 a giv+ & tak+4 ,^! coexi/2 z ! ev]-r5ew$ 'com+ ( ! ,bridegroom1' ! well+-up ( ! ,_s1 ! /ormy1 eag]1 unsatisfi$ love ( ! s\l d z a matt] ( exp]i5ce coexi/ )9 t p]fect & p]sonal union :]e9 ,love & ,fruition1 z ,ruysbroeck puts x1 'live betwe5 action & re/4' ,! alt]nate consci\sness ( ! l9e & ! ,po9t1 ! mov+ riv] & ! ,sea1 ! relative & ! ,absolute1 p]si/s s long z consci\sness p]si/s at all2 x is no ,*ri/ianis$ ,nirvana into :i* he seeks to induct u1 b t my/]i\s syn!sis ( ,be+ & ,becom+1 'et]nal /illness & et]nal "w'--a movem5t into ,god :i* is already a complete a*ievem5t ( ,him--:i* c]ta9 o!r great my/ics h disc]n$ beyond ! 'flam+ ramp>ts' ( ! common life4 ,! unbreakable unity ) ,god1 :i* con/itutes ! m>k ( ! ,?ird ,life1 exi/s 9 ! 'ess5tial gr\nd ( ! s\l'2 :]e ! riv] fl[s into ! ,sea1 ! l9e into ! ,po9t2 :]e ! p5dulum ( self has its atta*m5t to ,reality4 ,!re1 ! hidd5 *ild ( ! ,absolute is '"o ) ,god 9 re/ful fruition'2 !re1 8 deep intuition ( ,div9e ?+s--t ',sav\r+ ,wisdom' :i* is ! la/ supreme gift ( ! ,_s#gb--;is able to ta/e & appreh5d ! sweetness ( ,inf9ite ,reality4 ,b at ! o!r end1 :]e he /ill p>ticipates 9 ! "t-process1 :]e 8 love & w are a mov+ riv]1 consci\sness hung]s = t total ,atta9m5t /ill2 & att5tion w sw+ betwe5 ^! two extremes1 n[ actualis$ )9 ! liv+ s\l1 :i* has put on ! dual "* ( ',div9e ,humanity' & is liv+ ,et]nal ,life1 n 9 "s f>-(f cele/ial region1 b "h1 :]e ,*ri/ liv$ x1 9 ! entangl$ _w ( ,"t4 ,?us active self-m]g5ce1 incessant re-bir? into ,god1 p]petual eag] fe$+ on ,him1 is implicit 9 all spiritual life4 ,ev5 = ! s\ls ( ! 'deifi$1' quietism is nev] "r4 ,= love _c be lazy1 b w\ld se>* ?r\gh & ?r\gh1 & ta/e ?r\gh & ?r\gh1 ! fa?omless k+dom t lives 9 h] gr\nd2 & ?is hung] %all nev] be /ill$4#gc ,! s\l1 :5ev] x att5ds to itself--)draws itself1 s to speak1 f ! ,div9e ,syn!sis1 dwells 9 itself1 & beholds in/ead ( be+--feels aga9 ! 'et]nal unre/ ( love'2 ! :ip ( ! ,heav5ly ,*>iote]1 driv+ all spirits 9 t[>ds ! he>t ( ,god1 :]e !y are '"o fire ) ,him4' ,?is /irr+1 t m$iates betwe5 ourselves & ,god1 we c nev] pass beyond2 & :at t /irr+ is 9 its ess5ce1 & :at love is 9 itself1 we c nev] "k4#gd ,b :5 x dwells beyond itself1 & 9 ! supreme mom5ts ( ec/asy m]ges its consci\sness 9 ! ,univ]sal ,consci\sness1 x transc5ds succession & c5tres itself 9 ! ,div9e ,selfhood--! '/ill1 glori\s1 & absolute ,"o-ness4' ,!n x feels1 n hung] b satisfaction1 n desire b fruition2 & kn[s itself beyond reason '"o ) ! abysmal dep? & bread?1' 9 a simple fa?omless sav\r+ ( all good & ( ,et]nal ,life4 ,& 9 ?is sav\r+ we are swall[$ up1 above reason & beyond reason1 9 ! deep ,quiet ( ! ,godhead :i* is nev] mov$4#ge ,su* exp]i5ces h[ev]1 su* p]fect fruition1 9 :i* ! self dies into ! ov]:elm+ revelation ( ! ,transc5d5t1 & its rhy?m is m]g$ 9 ! ,div9e ,rhy?m1 _c be cont9u\s = ^? /ill liv+ 9 ! fle%4 ,!re is 9 ,ruysbroeck no fooli% insi/5ce on any impossible c>e] ( ceaseless ec/asy2 b a robu/ acceptance ( ! facts & limitations ( life4 ,man _c1 he says1 p]petually contemplate ) att5tion ! sup]ess5tial ,be+ ( ,god 9 ! ,light ( ,god4 ,b :osoev] has atta9$ to ! gift ( ,intellig5ce i4e4 ! six? ( ! ,sev5 ,gifts ( ! ,_s atta9s ?is p[]1 :i* becomes habitual to him2 & :5soev] he w1 he c :olly absorb himself 9 ?is mann] ( contemplation1 9 s f> z x is possible 9 ?is life4#gf ,! sup]ess5tial man1 9 fact1 is1 z ,francis ,?ompson said ( ! s\l1 a 444 sw++-wicket set ,betwe5 ,! ,unse5 & ,se54 ,he is to move easily & at w betwe5 ^! two ord]s1 bo? actual1 bo? ,god-inhabit$1 ! complem5t>y expressions ( ,"o ,love2 p>ticipat+ bo? 9 ! active1 indu/ri\s1 creative outfl[ 9 diff]5tiation1 & ! /ill indraw+ attraction :i* issues 9 ! supreme exp]i5ce ( ,unity4 ,= ^! two movem5ts ! ,active & ,int]ior ,lives h educat$ him4 ,! truly *>act]i/ic exp]i5ce ( ! ,?ird ,life is ! fruition ( t ,unity or ,simplicity 9 :i* !y are h>monis$1 beyond ! balanc$ consci\sness ( ! indraw+ & outdraw+ tides4#gg ,ruysbroeck disc]ns ?ree mom5ts 9 ?is a*ievem5t4 ,fir/1 a negative movem5t1 ! introv]sive s9k+-d[n ( our creat$ life into ,god's absolute life1 :i* is ! consummation ( self-naught+ & surr5d] & ! ess5ce ( d>k contemplation4 ,next1 ! positive ec/atic /ret*+ =? above reason into our 'highe/ life1' :]e we und]go complete transmutation 9 ,god & feel ourselves :olly enfold$ 9 ,him4 ,?irdly1 f ^! 'complet+ opposites' ( surr5d] & love spr+s ! p]fect fruition ( ,unity1 s f> z we may "k x "h2 :5 we feel ourselves to be "o ) ,god1 & f9d ourselves trans=m$ ( ,god1 & imm]s$ 9 ! fa?omless ,abyss ( our ,et]nal ,bless$ness1 :]e we c f9d no fur!r sep>ation betwe5 ourselves & ,god4 ,s long z we are lift$ up & /ret*$ =? into ?is height ( feel+1 all our p[]s rema9 idle1 9 an ess5tial fruition2 = :]e our p[]s are utt]ly naught$1 !re we lose our activity4 ,& s long z we rema9 idle1 )\t obs]vation1 ) out/ret*$ _s & op5 eyes1 s long c we see & h fruition4 ,b 9 t same mom5t 9 :i* we w\ld te/ & compreh5d ,:at t may be :i* we feel1 we fall back ^u reason2 & !re we f9d di/9ction & o!rness betwe5 ,god & ourselves1 & f9d ,god z an ,incompreh5sible ,"o ext]ior to u4#gh ,x is cle> f ?is passage t su* 'utt]ness' ( fruition is a fleet+ exp]i5ce2 ?\gh x is "o to :i* ! unitive my/ic c return aga9 & aga91 s9ce x exi/s z a p]man5t /ate 9 8 ess5tial gr\nd1 ev] discov]able by him :5 att5tion is focuss$ ^u x4 ,fur!r1 x appe>s t ! 'abs5ce ( diff]5ce' betwe5 ,god & ! s\l1 :i* ! my/ic 9 ^! mom5ts ( ec/asy feels & enjoys1 is a psy*ological exp]i5ce1 n an absolute tru?4 ,x is ! only way 9 :i* 8 surface-m9d is able to realise on ! "o side ! ov]:elm+ appreh5sion ( ,god's ,love1 t ',yes' 9 :i* all o!r syllables are m]g$2 on ! o!r ! complet5ess ( 8 be+'s self-ab&onm5t to ! ,div9e embrace--t ,sup]ess5tial ,love ) :i* we are "o1 & :i* we possess m deeply & widely ?an any o!r ?+4#gi ,x 0 = ?is exp]i5ce t ,?omas ,kempis pray$ 9 "o ( 8 mo/ ,ruysbroeckian passages3 ,:5 %all ,i at full ga!r myself 9 ,!e1 t = ,?y love ,i feel n myself1 b ,!e only1 above all feel+ & all mann]1 9 a mann] n kn[n to all8#hj ,x is to ?is same p>adoxical victory-9-surr5d]--?is app>5t los+ :i* is ! only real f9d+--t ,francis ,?ompson invites ! s\l3 ,to feel ?yself & be ,8 de> non5tity-- ,caught ,beyond human ?\ght ,9 ! ?und]-sp\t ( ,him1 ,until ?y be+ dim1 ,& be ,dead dea?lessly4 ,n[ "h x is1 9 ^! /amm]$ tid+s ( an adv5ture 'f> outside & beyond our _s1' 9 '! d>kness at :i* reason gazes ) wide eyes1'#ha t we mu/ look = ! solution ( t problem :i* all high my/ic /ates involve = analytic ?\ght3 h[ c ! human s\l become "o ) ,god ')\t int]m$i>y1 beyond all sep>ation1'#hb yet rema9 et]nally di/9ct f ,him8 ,h[ c ! 'deification1' ! 'union ) ,god )\t diff]5tiation' on :i* ! great my/ics insi/1 be accept$1 & pan!ism be d5i$8 ,fir/1 we notice t 9 all descriptions ( ,unity giv5 u by ! my/ics1 !re is a /rong subjective elem5t4 ,_! fir/ conc]n is always ) ! exp]i5ce ( ! he>t & w1 n ) ! d$uctions made by ! intellig5ce4 ,x is at our own p]il t we atta* ontological mean+ to _! conv9c$ & vivid psy*ological /atem5ts4 ,ruysbroeck 9 p>ticul> makes ?is q cle> to u2 says aga9 & aga9 t he has 'felt unity )\t diff]5ce & di/9ction1' yet t he kn[s t 'o!rness' has always rema9$1 & t ?is is true we c only "k by feel+ x1 & 9 no o!r way4#hc ,9 c]ta9 great mom5ts1 he says1 ! purifi$ & illum9at$ s\l :i* has di$ into ,god does a*ieve an ,ess5tial ,/illness2 :i* seems to human ?\ght a /atic condition1 = x is t ,et]nal ,n[ ( ! ,godhead :i* embraces 9 its span ! :ole process ( ,"t4 ,"h we f9d no?+ b ,god3 ! nak$ & ultimate ,fact or ,sup]ess5tial ,be+ ':5ce all ,be+ has come =?1' /ripp$ ( academic trimm+s & exp]i5c$ 9 its :ite-hot int5sity4 ,"h1 f> beyond ! range ( ?\ght1 unity & o!rness1 l hung] & fulfilm5t1 activity & re/1 c co-exi/ 9 love4 ,! ultimate union is a love-union1 says ,ruysbroeck4 ,! ,love ( ,god is a consum+ ,fire1 :i* draws u out ( ourselves & swall[s u up 9 unity ) ,god1 :]e we are satisfi$ & ov]fl[+1 & ) ,him1 beyond ourselves1 et]nally fulfill$4#hd ,?is hungry & desir\s love1 at once a p]sonal passion & a cosmic =ce1 dr5*es1 transfigures & unites ) ! s\l1 z sunlight does ! air1 z fire does ! iron flung into ! furnace2 s t ! molt5 metal '*ang$ into ano!r glory' is bo? iron & fire 'ev] di/9ct yet ev] unit$'--an antique image ( ! ,div9e ,union :i* he takes direct f a celebrat$ passage 9 ,/4 ,b]n>d's works4 ,z mu* z is iron1 s mu* is fire2 & z mu* z is fire1 s mu* is iron2 yet ! iron do? n become fire1 nor ! fire iron1 b ea* reta9s its sub/ance & nature4 ,s likewise ! _s ( man do? n become ,god1 b is deifi$1 & kn[s itself bread?1 l5g?1 height & dep?3 & z f> z ,god is ,god1 s f> ! lov+ _s is made "o ) ,him 9 love4#he ,! iron1 ! air1 repres5t our creat$ ess5ce2 ! fire1 ! sunlight1 ,god's ,ess5ce1 :i* is add$ to our own--our sup]ess5ce4 ,! two are held 9 a union :i*1 :5 we try to see x "u ! symbolism ( space1 appe>s a m+l+1 a self-m]g5ce2 b1 :5 we feel x "u ! symbolism ( p]sonality1 is a m>riage 9 :i* ! lov] & belov$ are 'di/9ct yet unit$4' ,!n are we "o be+1 "o love1 & "o beatitude ) ,god 444 a joy s great & special t we _c ev5 ?9k ( any o!r joy4 ,= !n "o is "o's self a ,fruition ( ,love1 & c & %\ld want no?+ beyond "o's own4#hf ,x foll[s f all ?is t :5 ! s\l1 com+ to ! ,f\r? ,/ate ( ,fruitive ,love1 ent]s into ! ,equilibrium :i* supports & p5etrates ! flux1 x does & mu/ reconcile ! opposites :i* h gov]n$ ! e>li] /ages ( its c>e]4 ,! communion rea*$ is ) a ,:ol5ess2 ! life :i* fl[s f x mu/ be a :ol5ess too4 ,full surr5d]1 h>monis$ ) full actualisation ( all our desires & faculties2 n "s ?91 ab/ract1 v]tical relation alone1 b an all-r\nd expansion1 a full1 deep1 ri* giv+ & tak+1 a complete correspond5ce ) ! inf9itely ri*1 all-dem&+ & all-g5]\s ,god ^: love is measureless = x is ,himself4 ,?us ,ruysbroeck tea*es t love /atic & love dynamic mu/ coexi/ = u z = ,him2 t ! 'et]nal hung] & ?ir/' ( ! ,god-dem&+ s\l cont9ues )9 its ec/atic satisfaction2 because1 h[ev] deeply x may love & und]/&1 ! ,div9e ,excess w always baffle x4 ,x is de/9$ 'ev] to g =w>d )9 ! ,ess5ce ( ,god1' to gr[ )\t ceas+ deep] & deep] into ?is life1 9 ! et]nal long+ to foll[ aft] & atta9 ,him ,:o is measureless4 ,& we le>n ?is tru? f ,8 sight3 t all we ta/e1 9 comp>ison ) t :i* rema9s out ( our rea*1 is no m ?an a s+le drop ( wat] comp>$ ) ! :ole sea4444 ,we hung] = ,god's ,inf9ity1 :i* we _c dev\r1 & we aspire to ,8 ,et]nity1 :i* we _c atta94444 ,9 ?is /orm ( love1 our activity is above reason & is 9 no wise4 ,love desires t :i* is impossible to h]2 & reason tea*es t love is )9 h] rights1 b c nei!r c\nsel nor p]suade h]4#hg ,h5ce an et]nal desire & an et]nal satisfaction are pres]v$ )9 ! circle ( ! deifi$ life4 ,! full-gr[n self feels1 9 its mo/ int5se degree1 ! d\ble movem5t ( ! ,div9e ,love & ,light1 ! flux & reflux2 & 9 its p]fect & ev]-r5ew$ responses to ! 'indraw+ & outfl[+ attraction' ( t ,tide1 ! complete possession ( ! ,sup]ess5tial ,life consi/s4 ,! indraw+ attraction drags u out ( ourselves1 & calls u to be melt$ away & naught$ 9 ! ,unity4 ,& 9 ?is indraw+ attraction we feel t ,god wills t we %\ld be ,81 & = ?is we mu/ abnegate ourselves & let our beatitude be accompli%$ 9 ,him4 ,b :5 ,he attracts u by fl[+ out t[>ds u1 ,he gives u ov] to ourselves & makes u free1 & sets u 9 ,"t4#hh ,?us is accompli%$ t p>adoxical syn!sis ( ',et]nal ,re/ & ,et]nal ,"w' :i* ,ruysbroeck reg>ds z ! ess5tial "* ( ,god1 & t[>ds :i* ! :ole ( 8 sy/em has be5 educat+ ! human s\l4 ,! deifi$ or ',god-=m$' s\l is = him ! _s 9 :i* ?is tw(old ideal is actualis$3 ?is is ! ,patt]n1 ! ,lik5ess ( ,god1 decl>$ 9 ,*ri/ our ,ar*etype1 t[>ds :i* ! ,indwell+ ,_s presses ! race4 ,?\gh !re are mom5ts 9 :i*1 c>ri$ away z x seems by 8 almo/ intol]able ec/asy1 he pu%es out t[>ds 't unwall$ ,fruition ( ,god1' :]e all fruition beg9s & ends1 :]e '"o is all & all is "o1' & ,man is himself a 'fruition ( love'2#hi yet he nev] =gets to rem9d u t1 z love is n love unless x looks =w>d t[>ds ! creation ( new life1 s "h1 :5 love falls 9 love ) love1 & ea* is all to ! o!r 9 possession & 9 re/1 ! object ( ?is ec/asy is n a p]man5t self-loss 9 ! ,div9e ,d>kness1 a 'slumb]+ 9 ,god1' b a new life ( virtue1 su* z love & its impulses dem&4#ij ,to be a liv+1 will+ ,tool ( ,god1 :]e) ,god works :at ,he w & h[ ,he w1 is ! goal ( transc5d5ce describ$ 9 ! la/ *apt] ( ,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one4 ,!n is our life a :ole1 :5 contemplation & "w dwell 9 u side by side1 & we are p]fectly 9 bo? ( !m at once2#ia = !n ! sep>ate _s is imm]s$ 91 & "p (1 ! p]petual creative act ( ! ,godhead--! fl[+ =? & ! draw+ back1 :i* h at _! base ! ,et]nal ,equilibrium1 ! unbrok5 peace1 :]e9 ,god contemplates ,himself & all ?+s 9 an ,et]nal ,n[ t has nei!r beg9n+ nor end4#ib ,on t ,unbrok5 ,peace ! _s hangs2 & sw+s l a p5dulum1 9 wide arcs ( love & s]vice1 betwe5 ! ,uncondition$ & ! ,condition$ ,worlds4 ,s ! ,sup]ess5tial ,life is ! simple1 ! syn!tic life1 9 :i* man actualises at la/ all ! res\rces ( 8 complex be+4 ,! active life ( response to ! ,temporal ,ord]1 ! contemplative life ( response to ! ,transc5d5t ,ord] are unit$1 firmly held toge!r1 by t 'et]nal fixation ( ! _s'2 ! p]petual will$ dwell+ ( ! be+ ( man )9 ! ,incompreh5sible ,abyss ( ! ,be+ ( ,god1 qui e/ p] omnia saecula b5$ictus4 ,,bibliographical ,,note ,i4 ,flemi% ,text ,w]k5 van ,jan van ,ruusbroec4 ,ed4 ,j4 ,david4 #f vols4 7,maets*appy d] ,vlaems*e ,bibliophil574 7,g5t1 #aheh-fh47 ,?is edition1 bas$ on ! ,,mss4 pres]v$ at ,brussels & ,gh5t1 & ! f\ndation ( all ! be/ translations1 is n[ r>e4 ,x may be consult$ at ! ,briti% ,museum4 ,a re-issue ( ! ,flemi% text is n[ 9 progress2 ! fir/ volume be+ ,jan van ,ruysbroeck1 ,van d5 ,,vii4 ,trapp5 7i4e4 ,! ,sev5 ,degrees ( ,love7 met ,ge]t ,groote's latijns*e ,v]tal+4 ,ed4 ,dom4 ,ph4 ,mll] 7,brussels1 #aiaa74 ,,ii4 ,translations ,a4 ,lat9 ,! *ief works ( ,ruysbroeck 7 e>ly translat$ into ,lat91 "s dur+ _! au?or's lifetime1 & widely circulat$ 9 ?is =m4 ,?ree ( ^! e>ly translations 7 pr9t$ 9 ! sixte5? c5tury3 ! ,de ,ornatu ,spiritualium ,nupti>um ( ,jorda5s1 at ,p>is1 9 #aeab2 & ! ,de ,septem ,scal ,div9i ,amoris ,gradibus ( ,g]>d ,groot1 toge!r ) ! ,de ,p]fectione ,filiorum ,dei 7i4e4 ,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one71 at ,bologna1 9 #aech4 ,! /&>d ,lat9 translation1 h[ev]--indisp5sable to all /ud5ts ( ,ruysbroeck--is ! great "w ( ! ,c>?usian monk1 ,laur5tius ,surius3 ,d4 ,joannis ,rusbro*ii ,op]a ,omnia 7,cologne1 #aeeb74 ,?is 0 repr9t$ 9 #afji 7! be/ edition71 & aga9 9 #afib4 ,x conta9s all ,ruysbroeck's au!ntic works1 & "s t are d\btful2 9 a translation s+ul>ly fai?ful to ! s5se ( ! orig9al1 ?\gh x fails to reproduce ! rugg$ sublimity1 ! sudd5 lapses into crude & homely metaphor1 s *>act]i/ic ( 8 /yle4 ,b4 ,engli% ,! ,book ( ! ,twelve ,bgu9es 7! fir/ sixte5 *apt]s only74 ,translat$ f ! ,flemi%1 by ,john ,francis 7,london1 #aiac74 ,a useful translation ( "o ( ,ruysbroeck's mo/ difficult treatises4 ,c4 ,fr5* ,o,euvres de ,ruysbroeck l',admirable4 ,traduction du ,flam& p> les ,bndict9s de ,sa9t ,paul de ,wisques4 ,vol4 ,i43 ,le ,miroir du ,salut t]nel2 ,les ,sept ,cltures2 ,les ,sept ,degrs de l'*elle d',am\r ,spirituel 7,brussels1 #aiab1 9 progress74 ,?is edition1 :5 complet$1 w =m ! /&>d text ( ,ruysbroeck = ^? unable to read ,flemi%4 ,! translation is admirably lucid1 & a %ort b adequate introduction is prefix$ to ea* "w4 ,l',ornem5t des ,noces ,spirituelles4 ,traduit du ,flam& p> ,maurice ,maet]l9ck 7,brussels1 #aijj74 ,?is celebrat$ book1 /ill m its beautiful ?\gh unreliable introduction1 is *iefly responsible = ! mod]n int]e/ 9 ,ruysbroeck4 ,! translation1 exquisite z ,fr5* prose1 ov]-emphasises ! esot]ic elem5t 9 8 tea*+4 ,^? unable to read ,flemi% %\ld *eck x by ,lamb]t's ,g]man text 7see bel[74 ,vie de ,rusbro* suivie de son ,trait des ,sept ,degrs de l',am\r4 ,traduction littrale du ,texte ,flam&-,lat91 p> ,r4 ,*amonal 7,p>is1 #aiji74 ,trait du ,royaume des ,amants de ,dieu4 ,traduit p> ,r4 ,*amonal 7,p>is1 #aiaa74 ,de la ,vraie ,contemplation 7i4e4 ,! ,twelve ,bgu9es74 ,traduit p> ,r4 ,*amonal4 #c vols4 7,p>is1 #aiab74 ,^! are ! fir/ volumes ( a propos$ complete translation2 :i* is1 h[ev]1 f> f lit]al1 & replaces ! r\gh vig\r ( ! orig9al by ! insipid language ( conv5tional ,fr5* piety4 ,livre des ,,xii4 ,bgu9es ou de la ,vraie ,contemplation 7fir/ sixte5 *apt]s only74 ,traduit du ,flam&1 avec ,introduction1 p> ,l',abb ,p4 ,cuylits 7,brussels1 #aiji74 ,?is also conta9s a ,fr5* v]sion ( ! ,vita ( ,pom]ius4 ,! translator is specially successful 9 r5d]+ ! peculi> quality ( ,ruysbroeck's v]se2 b ! /atem5ts 9 8 introduction mu/ be accept$ ) res]ve4 ,d4 ,g]man ,drei ,s*rift5 des ,my/ik]s ,johann van ,ruysbroeck1 aus dem ,vlmis*5 b]setzt von ,franz ,a4 ,lamb]t 7,leipzig1 #aijb74 ,a vigor\s & accurate translation ( ,! ,adornm5t ( ! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 ,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one & ,! ,book ( ,supreme ,tru?4 ,ruysbroeck translates bett] into ,g]man ?an into any o!r language2 & ?is volume is /rongly recomm5d$ to all :o c read t tongue4 ,,iii4 ,selections ,rusbrock l',admirable3 ,o,euvres ,*oisies4 ,traduit p> ,e4 ,hello 7,p>is1 #aijb74 ,a s]ies ( %ort passages1 p>aphras$ 7n translat$7 f ! ,lat9 ( ,surius4 ,!re are two ,engli% v]sions ( ?is unsatisfactory book1 ! second be+ ! be/3 ,reflections f ! ,mirror ( a ,my/ic4 ,translat$ by ,e>le ,baillie 7,london1 #aije74 ,fl[]s ( a ,my/ic ,g>d54 ,translat$ by ,c4 ,e4 ,s4 7,london1 #aiab74 ,life1 ,light1 & ,love3 ,selections f ! ,g]man ,my/ics4 ,by ! ,v ,rev4 ,w4 ,r4 ,+e1 ,d4,d41 ,dean ( ,/4 ,paul's 7,london1 #aije74 ,conta9s an abridg$ v]sion ( ,! ,adornm5t ( ! ,spiritual ,m>riage4 ,biography & ,criticism 7,a ,selection7 ,aug]1 ,a4--,de ,doctr9a et ,m]itis ,joannis van ,ruysbroeck 7,l\va91 #ahib74 ,engelh>dt1 ,j4 ,g4 von4--,ri*>d von ,/4 ,victor und ,j4 ,ruysbroeck 7,erlang51 #ahch74 ,useful = trac+ ! correspond5ces betwe5 ! ,victor9es & ,ruysbroeck4 ,maet]l9ck1 ,maurice4--,ruysbroeck & ! ,my/ics4 ,translat$ by ,jane ,/odd>t 7,london1 #aijh74 ,an ,engli% v]sion ( ! ,introduction to ,l',ornem5t des ,noces ,spirituelles1 above-m5tion$2 ) _m f9e passages translat$ f ,ruysbroeck's o!r works4 ,pom]ius1 ,h4--,de ,orig9e ,mona/]ii ,viridisvallis una cum ,vitis ,joannis ,rusbro*ii4 ,pr9t$ 9 ,analecta ,boll&iana1 vol4 iv4 7,brussels1 #ahhe74 ,! *ief au?ority = all biographical facts4 ,scully1 ,dom ,v9c5t4--,a ,m$ival ,my/ic 7,london1 #aiaj74 ,a biographical acc\nt1 f\nd$ on ,pom]ius1 ) a %ort analysis ( ,ruysbroeck's works4 ,popul> & uncritical4 ,vreese1 ,dr4 ,w4 ,l4 de4--,jean de ,ruysbroeck 7,biographie ,nationale de ,belgique1 vol4 xx47 7,brussels1 #aijg74 ,an important & au?oritative article ) analysis ( all ,ruysbroeck's works & full bibliography4 ----,bijdrag5 tot de ,k5nis van het ,lev5 en de ,w]k5 van ,jan van ,ruusbroec 7,g5t1 #ahif74 ,conta9s ,g]>d ,naghel's sket* ( ,ruysbroeck's life1 ) o!r useful mat]ial4 ----,de ,h&s*rift5 van ,jan van ,ruusbroec's ,w]k54 #b vols4 7,g5t1 #aijj74 ,an important & s*ol>ly /udy ( ! manuscript s\rces by ! greate/ liv+ au?ority4 ,notices ( ,ruysbroeck w be f\nd 9 ! foll[+ works3-- ,aug]1 ,a4--tude sur les ,my/iques des ,pays ,bas au ,moy5 ,age 7,acadmie ,royale de ,belgique1 vol4 xlvi41 #ahib74 ,flem+1 ,w4 ,k4--,my/icism 9 ,*ri/ianity 7,london1 #aiac74 ,+e1 ,v ,rev4 ,w4 ,r41 ,d4,d41 ,dean ( ,/4 ,paul's4--,*ri/ian ,my/icism 7,london1 #ahii74 ,jones1 ,dr4 ,rufus ,m4--,/udies 9 ,my/ical ,religion 7,london1 #aiji74 ,applications ( 8 doctr9e to ! spiritual life 93-- ,bak]1 ,v5]able ,augu/94--,holy ,wisdom2 or ,directions = ! ,pray] ( ,contemplation 7,london1 #aijh74 ,blosius1 ,f4 ,v4--,book ( ,spiritual ,in/ruction 7,london1 #aijj72 ,a ,mirror = ,monks 7,london1 #aija72 ,com=t = ! ,fa9t-he>t$ 7,london1 #aijc72 ,sanctu>y ( ! ,fai?ful ,s\l 7,london1 #aije74 ,d5is ! ,c>?usian4--,op]a ,omnia 7,mon/rolii1 #ahif71 9 progress4 ,pet]s51 ,g]lac4--,! ,fi]y ,soliloquy ) ,god 7,london1 #ahgb74 ,p\la91 ,aug41 ,s4,j4--,! ,graces ( ,int]ior ,pray] 7,london1 #aiaj74 ,und]hill1 ,e4--,my/icism1 #e? ed4 7,london1 #aiad74 ,influ5ces ,mu* light is ?r[n on ,ruysbroeck's doctr9e by a /udy ( ! au?ors :o influ5c$ him2 especially3 ,/4 ,augu/9e2 ,migne1 ,p4,l41 xxvii4-xlvii42 ,eng4 ,trans41 edit$ by ,m4 ,dods 7,ed9burgh1 #ahgf74 ,dionysius ! ,areopagite2 ,migne1 ,p4,g41 iii41 iv42 ,eng4 ,trans41 by ,p>k] 7,ox=d1 #ahig74 ,hugh & ,ri*>d ( ,/4 ,victor2 ,migne1 ,p4,l41 clxxv4-clxxvii4 & cxcvi4 ,/4 ,b]n>d2 ,migne1 ,p4,l41 clxxxii4-clxxxv42 ,eng4 ,trans41 by ,eales 7,london1 #ahhi-if74 ,/4 ,?omas ,aqu9as2 ,op]a 7,rom1 #ahhb-aijf72 ,eng4 ,trans41 by ! ,dom9ican ,fa!rs 79 progress74 ,/4 ,bonav5tura2 ,op]a 7,p>is1 #ahfd-ga74 ,mei/] ,eckh>t2 ,s*rift5 und ,pr$igt5 7,leipzig1 #aijc74 ,suso2 ,s*rift51 ed4 ,d5ifle 7,muni*1 #ahgf74 ,eng4 ,trans41 ,life1 ed4 by ,w4 ,r4 ,+e 7,london1 #aiac72 ,book ( ,et]nal ,wisdom 7,london1 #aiaj74 ,taul]1 ,pr$igt5 7,prague1 #ahgb72 ,eng4 ,trans41 ,tw5ty-five ,s]mons1 trans4 by ,w9kwor? 7,london1 #aijf72 ,! ,inn] ,way1 edit$ by ,a4 ,w4 ,hutton 7,london1 #aiji74 ,footnotes #a,! ,vita ( ,pom]ius is pr9t$ 9 ! ,analecta ,boll&iana1 vol4 iv4 pp4 #beg ff4 #b,! ,book ( ,supreme ,tru?1 cap4 iv4 #c,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 vii4 #d,vita1 cap4 xv4 #e;,de ,vreese has id5tifi$ #afj ,flemi% & #df ,lat9 ,,mss4 ( ,ruysbroeck4 #f,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 xxxvii4 #g,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xiv4 #h,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 xxxvii4 #i,op4 cit41 ibid4 #aj,! ,sev5 ,degrees ( ,love1 cap4 xiv4 #aa,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s1 cap4 xxix4 #ab,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,salvation1 cap4 viii4 #ac,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 ix4 #ad,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xiv4 #ae,! ,book ( ,tru?1 cap4 xi4 #af,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,salvation1 cap4 xvii4 #ag,op4 cit41 cap4 vii4 #ah,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 x4 #ai,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xiv4 #bj,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xiii4 #ba,! ,sev5 ,degrees ( ,love1 cap4 xiv4 #bb,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 iii4 cap4 i4 #bc,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xvi4 #bd,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xii4 #be,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 viii4 #bf,! ,sev5 ,degrees ( ,love1 cap4 i4 #bg,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,salvation1 cap4 xvi4 #bh,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 vi4 #bi,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,salvation1 cap4 vii4 #cj,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 i4 cap4 xiv4 #ca,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 i4 capp4 xii4-xxiv4 #cb,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s1 cap4 xviii4 #cc,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 i4 cap4 xxvi4 #cd,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 vii4 #ce,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 vii4 #cf,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 ix4 #cg,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 iv4 #ch;,cf4 ,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 x4 #ci,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 xix42 ,! ,book ( ,tru?1 cap4 ix4 #dj,! ,sev5 ,degrees ( ,love1 cap4 xiv4 #da,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s1 cap4 xx4 #db,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 xxiii4 #dc,op4 cit41 lib4 ii4 cap4 xxvii4 #dd,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 xxiv4 #de,ri*>d ,rolle2 ,! ,m5d+ ( ,life1 cap4 xii4 7,h>=d's edition1 p4 #hb74 #df,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s1 cap4 xxv4 #dg,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 xxviii4 #dh,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 xxix4 #di,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 ii4 #ej;,cp4 ,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 lvii4 #ea,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 xxxvi4 #eb,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 xxxviii4 #ec,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 ii4 cap4 xxxix4 #ed,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 ii4 #ee,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xi4 #ef,loc4 cit4 #eg,/4 ,augu/9e1 ,confessions1 lib4 vii4 cap4 x4 #eh,/4 ,augu/9e1 ,confessions1 lib4 vii4 capp4 xvii4 & xx4 #ei,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xii4 #fj,loc4 cit4 #fa,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s1 cap4 xxxiv4 #fb,! ,sev5 ,cloi/]s1 cap4 xix4 #fc,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xii4 #fd,! ,mirror ( ,et]nal ,salvation1 cap4 xvii4 #fe,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 iii4 #ff;,cap4 viii43 ',( ! ,diff]5ce betwe5 ! ,secret ,fri5ds & ! ,hidd5 ,sons ( ,god4' #fg,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xii4 #fh,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xvi4 #fi,! ,sev5 ,cloi/]s1 cap4 xix4 #gj,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 viii4 #ga,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 ix4 #gb,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s2 cap4 xxxiii4 #gc,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 ix42 cp4 also ,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xvi4 #gd,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xvi4 #ge,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 ix42 cp4 also ,! ,book ( ,tru?1 cap4 xii4 #gf,! ,k+dom ( ,god's ,lov]s1 cap4 xxxi4 #gg,! ,book ( ,tru?1 cap4 xii4 #gh,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 x4 #gi,op4 cit4 cap4 ix4 #hj,! ,imitation ( ,*ri/1 lib4 iii4 cap4 xxiii4 #ha,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xiv41 & ,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 ix4 #hb,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xvi4 #hc,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 ix42 cp4 ,! ,book ( ,tru?1 cap4 xi4 #hd,! ,twelve ,bgu9es1 cap4 xvi4 #he;,ibid4 cap4 xiv42 cp4 ,/4 ,b]n>d1 ,de ,dilig5do ,deo1 cap4 x4 ,! same image is f\nd 9 ,/4 ,mac>ius & _m o!r writ]s4 #hf,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 xii4 #hg,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 x4 #hh,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 x4 #hi,op4 cit4 cap4 xii4 #ij,op4 cit4 cap4 xiii42 cp4 also ,! ,sev5 ,degrees1 cap4 xiv4 #ia,! ,sp>kl+ ,/one1 cap4 xiv4 #ib,! ,spiritual ,m>riage1 lib4 iii4 cap4 v4 ,pr9t$ by ,morrison ,gibb ,limit$ ,ed9burgh