St. John of the Cross: poem on spiritual ecstasy

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Stanzas concerning an ecstasy experienced in high

contemplation.

 

I entered into unknowing,

and there I remained unknowing

transcending all knowledge.

 

1. I entered into unknowing,

yet when I saw myself there,

without knowing where I was,

I understood great things;

I will not say what I felt

for I remained in unknowing

transcending all knowledge.

 

2. That perfect knowledge

was of peace and holiness

held at no remove

in profound solitude;

it was something so secret

that I was left stammering,

transcending all knowledge.

 

3. I was so 'whelmed,

so absorbed and withdrawn,

that my senses were left

deprived of all their sensing,

and my spirit was given

an understanding while not understanding,

transcending all knowledge.

 

4. He who truly arrives there

cuts free from himself;

all that he knew before

now seems worthless,

and his knowledge so soars

that he is left in unknowing

transcending all knowledge.

 

5. The higher he ascends

the less he understands,

because the cloud is dark

which lit up the night;

whoever knows this

remains always in unknowing

transcending all knowledge.

 

6. This knowledge in unknowing

is so overwhelming

that wise men disputing

can never overthrow it,

for their knowledge does not reach

to the understanding of not

understanding,

transcending all knowledge.

 

7. And this supreme knowledge

is so exalted

that no power of man or learning

can grasp it;

he who masters himself

will, with knowledge in

unknowing,

always be transcending.

 

8. And if you should want to hear:

this highest knowledge lies

in the loftiest sense

of the essence of God;

this is a work of his mercy,

to leave one without

understanding,

transcending all knowledge.