John of the Cross: transcending all knowledge

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John of the Cross:

Stanzas concerning an ecstasy experienced in high contemplation.

I entered into unknowing,and there I remained unknowingtranscending 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 unknowingtranscending all knowledge. 2. That perfect knowledgewas

of peace and holinessheld at no removein profound solitude;it was something so

secretthat I was left stammering,transcending all knowledge. 3. I was so

'whelmed,so absorbed and withdrawn,that my senses were leftdeprived of all

their sensing,and my spirit was givenan understanding while not

understanding,transcending all knowledge. 4. He who truly arrives therecuts

free from himself;all that he knew beforenow seems worthless,and his knowledge

so soarsthat he is left in unknowingtranscending all knowledge. 5. The higher

he ascendsthe less he understands,because the cloud is darkwhich lit up the

night;whoever knows thisremains always in unknowingtranscending all knowledge.

6. This knowledge in unknowingis so overwhelmingthat wise men disputingcan

never overthrow it,for their knowledge does not reachto the understanding of

notunderstanding,transcending all knowledge. 7. And this supreme knowledgeis so

exaltedthat no power of man or learningcan grasp it;he who masters himself will,

with knowledge inunknowing,always be transcending. 8. And if you should want to

hear:this highest knowledge liesin the loftiest senseof the essence of God;this

is a work of his mercy,to leave one without understanding,transcending all

knowledge.

 

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