Download The Cloud of Unknowing: and The Book of Privy Counseling, by William Johnston

Download The Cloud of Unknowing: and The Book of Privy Counseling, by William Johnston

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The Cloud of Unknowing: and The Book of Privy Counseling, by William Johnston

Download The Cloud of Unknowing: and The Book of Privy Counseling, by William Johnston

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Amazon.com Review

"God can be loved but he cannot be thought. He can be grasped by love but never by concepts. So less thinking and more loving." This is William Johnston's summary of the message of The Cloud of Unknowing. Nobody knows who wrote the book, or exactly where he lived, or whether he was a member of a religious order, or even, really, whether he was part of any church at all. The text first appeared in Middle English in the 14th century, and it has inspired generations of mystical searchers (from St. John of the Cross to Teilhard de Chardin). The mysterious conditions of its composition, however, focus the reader's attention squarely on the book's message--an almost Zen rendering of Christianity, which has a great deal to teach our querulous, doctrine-obsessed churches: "And so I urge you," the author writes, "go after experience rather than knowledge. On account of pride, knowledge may often deceive you, but this gentle, loving affection will not deceive you. Knowledge tends to breed conceit, but love builds. Knowledge is full of labor, but love, full of rest." --Michael Joseph Gross

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From the Publisher

William Johnston--an authority on fourteenth century spirituality and specifically on the writings of this unknown author--provides a substantive and accessible introduction detailing what is known about the history of this text and its relevance throughout the ages. Also included here is the author's other principal work, The Book of Privy Counseling--a short and moving text on the way to enlightenment through a total loss of self and consciousness only of the divine.

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Product details

Paperback: 224 pages

Publisher: Image; Reissue edition (August 1, 1996)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0385030975

ISBN-13: 978-0385030977

Product Dimensions:

5.5 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches

Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Average Customer Review:

4.6 out of 5 stars

106 customer reviews

Amazon Best Sellers Rank:

#36,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

This is the second time I've completed this book and I suspect there will be a third. This is not a book to rush through and given the shorter attention spans of our generations, I think the short but dense chapters are best read one at a time. I've carried the softcover Image paperback edition containing the William Johnston translation and now have the Kindle edition with an introduction by Huston Smith (who singlehandedly changed my former fundamentalist ways).Johnston is an Irish Jesuit priest whose vocation has done much to bridge the wisdom traditions of East and West. If you are not of a sound ecumenical mind, you may want to skip his introduction which shows the parallels of this text with the rejection of concepts that can be found in certain Buddhist schools. Perhaps the first time, I read this book I found this aspect to be of the utmost interest along with the focused counsels of not overthinking or the casting of reason to enter naked contemplation, without focusing on any aspect of one's own being. Or as the anonymous author of the text states, "do not think what you are but that you are."Now that I am older and somewhat fatigued by the onslaught of evangelical trumpeters that surround me and crowd my everyday existence, I found myself returning to those things that inspired me when I was younger and the world seemed to be full of promise. My renewed interest in all things Arthurian led me to pick up this 14th century text written by an Englishman, who does not want us reading his book out of mere curiosity or for the sake of knowledge. And yet, even as I may have fallen somewhat in these categories, I found renewed refreshment in this book just when I thought Christianity to have lost its relevance in this topsy-turvy world.When I was younger, i read to put myself somewhere. With university behind me and quiet evenings of reflection and study at my small desk, I have found the acceptance of the turmoils that surround me to look beyond. Now, I strive to be nowhere because "nowhere, physically, is everywhere spiritually."Like a Grail-seeking Galahad, I draw from this book as from a refreshing and nourishing chalice "with a gentle stirring of love" without expectations, realizing my limitations without having to endlessly define them and pressing forward into that supra-conceptual and "dark cloud of unknowing."Note: there are other editions of this medieval classic, but the Johnston translation includes "The Book of Privy Counsel" which may be read across a lifetime.

This book contains two streams of useful, highly spiritual thought. The first part grounds you in a dedicated and devotional practice that cuts away at all the emotional and (sometimes) spiritual baggage acquired via various spiritual practices in your background. The teaching is potent and direct but not without heart. Recommendations and things to do along the way mix within the descriptive 75 brief lessons, resulting (hopefully) in understanding God better while continuing to live in the Cloud of Unknowing. The second part is geared for counseling yourself and others. Application of concepts in part one are woven into new fabric of spiritual dimension, that is, a more extrovert application than experienced in the first part. Either way this classic is a must for any serious student of religion and/or spirituality, from the most orthodox to New Thought.

Written in a very relaxed conversational style that is quite inviting and appropriate to the subject of contemplative prayer, I would highly recommend this edition. Contemplative prayer is the practice of entering into God's love. The author describes this love as the Cloud of Unknowing in which we loose ourselves in God's presence. Having stood the test of time (written in the 14th century) the Cloud of Unknowing feels quite contemporary, yet cuts through the superficial spirituality that is pervasive today to provide a robust connection with God and tradition.While I come out of the Christian tradition, I would think that the Cloud of Unknowing would be helpful to people of other faith traditions who are seeking a spiritual awareness. It's concepts and language would be quite easily adapted. I think that most people who approach the book with an open mind will find that they are drawn closer to the divine.

I had read The Cloud of Unknowing before, but in archaic English style that made it difficult to follow. It wasn't very accessible. Even though this translation has been in print for quite some time, it seems fresh. For me it made all the difference. With this translation spirituality oozes out of each chapter, so it is uplifting and a delight to read. I'm glad that unlike other books out there, it included The Book of Privy Counseling, which I found to be a concise summary of much of the material in the Cloud of Unknowing - pared down and to the point. I actually like it better than the more famous Cloud of Unknowing.Anyone who practices contemplative prayer, or one of its many-named variants, will appreciate this classic text. Just goes to show that when you get to the heart of the matter, a fourteenth century work is as relevant today as it was back then.

Well what can I say? If you are interested in the contemplative way then this is the book to read -- if you dare -- given the introduction to the book suggesting that you not read it if you are only interested in the unknown of a spiritual tradition for the sake of intellectual curiosity and not practice.

If more Catholics read books like this, including priest and bishops, the Church would be better off. The only thing you can know for sure is that you don't know much about God. This author understood that centuries ago.

This timeless classic is a must read for anyone who is serious in their prayer practice. Written nearly 700 years ago, the author touches the mystic that transcends religion, time, creed or geography. The translation reads easily, and any modern reader will appreciate both the introduction as well as the modern English translation of the original. There are both practical and theoretical elements of contemplative prayer reviewed, and a focus on transcendence of love and perfect prayer.

700 years ago this amazing book was written. Starts slow and takes a Contemplative Soul straight to the Unknown - if that is possible - and you are satisfied with the not knowing. God does exist.

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