Learn to be empty of all things, both inwardly and outwardly, and you will realize that I am God.
Browse topics
Source
Ascent of Mount Carmel by St. John of the Cross is a systematic mystical treatise outlining the path of the soul's ascent to God through the active and passive purifications of the senses and the spirit. St. John draws on scripture and deep contemplative experience to map the stages of spiritual growth with extraordinary precision and depth. Together with Dark Night of the Soul, this work forms the cornerstone of Carmelite mysticism and one of the greatest guides to the contemplative life in any tradition.
Same theme, different voices
One attains Perfect Knowledge when one sees God in man.
We have been given this human life to understand the all-pervading, omnipresent God. This knowledge can only be given by someone who has themselves realized God. Life becomes truly happy only after meeting such a God-realized person.
Because you desired wisdom above all else, and did not ask for victory over your enemies, or riches, or long life, I will give you not only the wisdom you asked for to rule my people righteously, but also the things you did not ask for: riches, wealth, and glory, so that there will be no king like you before or after you.
There are two ways: one of knowledge and one of action. Action without knowledge, although it may be good, is ignorant and imperfect, but knowledge, even if it be unaccompanied by action, is glorious and noble.