I have recently returned to a classic writing on Spiritual Direction - The Cloud of Knowing by Anonymous. It is a 14th century classic of Contemplative Spirituality by an unnamed author who was probably a cleric. It is written to a 24-year-old novice whom he is advising. It is an early classic in Spiritual Direction and was formative for such people as Julian of Norwich, Friedrick von Hugel, John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. It was also formative in the development of modern Centering Prayer by Thomas Keating.
In reading it again. What strikes me about it is its modern
feel. This is in part probably due to
the masterful translation. However, it
also seems to be dealing with themes that resonate with today’s culture. Anonymous speaks of the desire by people to
solve problems through intellect and advises that this approach is not going to
work for spiritual issues and our relationship with God. He (we know that anonymous was a man) notes,
“The self-important, hyper analytical intellect must always and in every way be
quashed. Stomp it under foot, if you
want to do the work of contemplation with integrity”. In this I believe it is a wonderful tonic to
the approach today which believes that intellect and the products of intellect
can solve all the world’s problems.
Anonymous has a very dim view of the problems caused by what
can be seen today as people being ego-centric, “You’re human, so watch out for
that enemy, pride. Never think you're holier or better than anyone else. Never confuse the worthiness of your calling
with who you are”. The more I experience
life and observe what is going on in the world the more convinced I am that ego
plays a central role in many of the problems in relationships between
individuals and groups. To overcome our
ego-centric position has been the challenge that people have faced ever since humankind
was exiled from the Garden. Anonymous
certainly seems to have identified it as a significant block to our
relationship to God.
I will close today with the prayer that Anonymous uses to
close the preface to his book:
Dear spiritual friend in God, examine your life. Pay careful attention to the way you live
your calling. With all your heart, thank
God for your blessings, and his grace will help you stand strong in the face or
subtle attacks from within and without, until you win the everlasting crown of
life. Amen
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