The Collected Works of Saint John of the Cross

by John of the Cross, Kieran Kavanaugh (Translator), Otilio Rodríguez (Translator)

Translation 1964

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Theology, Poetry, Christianity, Catholic, Mysticism

740 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1618

About the author

St. John of the Cross (Spanish: Juan de la Cruz), born June 24 1542, Juan de Yepes Álvarez, was a major Counter-Reformation figure, a Spanish mystic, Catholic saint, Carmelite friar and priest. He was a reformer of the Carmelite Order and is considered, along with St Teresa of Ávila, as a founder of the Discalced Carmelites. He's also known for his writings. Both his poetry & his studies on the growth of the soul are considered the summit of mystical Spanish literature & a peak of all Spanish literature. He was canonized as a saint in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII. He is one of the 33 Doctors of the Church. (less)

Reviews

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book (or a similar complete version) of Saint Juan de la Cruz' major annotated works in 1982 after my beloved Mom had cast her feisty load of relentless devils over the precipice - and into the very heart of her own Mount Doom.

I returned as Robert Lowell returned home - at a time when he had himself been made cruelly "frizzled, bald, (chemically) lobotomized" - in a similarly bleak respite at a 'rest home.'

My brief stay had been undiluted by middle class sanity and had, or so I fondly imagined, been as earnestly ingenuous as a requiem, towards a possible plenary indulgence for my mother's remains.

So, in an unaccustomed buoyant mood - believing my prayers to have worked a miracle upstairs - I returned home, newly wed, to our apartment on O'Connor Street.

Once settled in, I reconnoitered the immediate neighbourhood. Mainly the bookstores, of course.

I was flush with cash (our marriage had taken place a few days before my committal), and bought this volume and other anglo-catholic books nearby.

I returned home and ploughed through St Juan.

John of the Cross is not easy to read. Oh, you may be lulled into a gentle bored stupor by his inexorable march of Christian Symbols, leading you into a place that nowadays seems disposable in its infuriating abstraction.

Just pay attention.

St John is trying to show you the wealth of insight that he gleaned from his unremitting, hard-bitten asceticism. And he won't really let you see the profundity of his kensho-like realizations. You have to seek that on your own.

Guess what, kids? This is not a cheap idiot's guide. We have to similarly put off our Old Adam to be truly happy.

The road to Hell is paved with good intentions, and with the pages of our self-help books.

This is NOT a self-help book.

It'll Rip Out your self-possession:

For "the ego is the enemy" as the pop book says.

We must kill it by reigning in our lower passions.

So let's not fritter away our time: Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

We MUST fight our Way Out of the Fire!

With the Brighter Fire of the Spirit.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the master of Christian Spirituality and Spiritual direction. There are too many nuggets of wisdom to list. Some folks might get lost in his poetic depth. Don't let it didscrourage you because it's the kind of lost you can rest in and know that more is happening in that space than you'll ever be able to describe.

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

February 4, 2012: Restarted The Ascent Of Mount Carmel today.

I haven't been reading this as quickly as I would like. A trip, school starting and a very busy time at work is causing me to pick this up, put it down and leave it for long stretches. Fortunately, this is the type of book I can do this with.


Just ran across this in Book 2, Chapter 15.5...

'When the spiritual person cannot meditate, let him learn to be still in God, fixing his loving attention upon Him, in the calm of his understanding, although he may think himself to be doing nothing. For thus, little by little and very quickly, Divine calm and peace will be infused into his soul, together with a wondrous and sublime knowledge of God, enfolded in Divine love. And let him not meddle with forms, meditations and imaginings, or with any kind of reasoning, lest his soul be disturbed, and brought out of its contentment and peace, which can only result in its experiencing distaste and repugnance. And if, as we have said, such a person has scruples that he is doing nothing, let him note that he is doing no small thing by pacifying the soul and bringing it into calm and peace, unaccompanied by any act or desire, for it is this that Our Lord asks of us, through David, saying: Vacate, et videte quoniam ego sum Deus. (Psalm 16:2) As though he had said: Learn to be empty of all things (that is to say, inwardly and outwardly) and you will see that I am God.'

Have also been cross referencing with this translation: The Complete Works Of St. John Of The Cross, Doctor Of The Church: Spiritual Canticle, Poems

I've had this book on my shelves for years and know I started Ascent of Mount Carmel sometime in the past as the first twenty pages or so are heavily highlighted. However, I never progressed past that point. Now I'm listening to the Hovel Audio edition of the book as well as reading the written text. This is allowing for a more in depth experience of the work. Although I do not know when I attempted my earlier read, I note a high degree of consistency with which I would still highlight the same key sentences/texts I marked at much earlier date. Either that indicates a lack of spiritual progress over the ensuing years or a consistent understanding of the text; I pray the latter is the case.

[Zvezdana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of books by famous Christian spiritual teacher John of the Cross. These books are one of the best interpretations of the human spiritual path to holiness. They represent the peak of mystical theology. The books contain a detailed description and explanation of each of the mystical and contemplative stages on the path to God.
For beginners on the spiritual path I would recommend especially Ascent of Mount Carmel.
For all those who find themselves in life's trials and difficult and incomprehensible life situations, I would recommend the book Dark Night of the Soul.
For spiritual people with mystical and contemplative experience I would recommend the books Spiritual Canticle of the Soul and The Bridegroom Christ. These last two books could be very difficult to understand, but it is worth to read them slowly and repeatedly. Anyone who has a special spiritual experiences will understand the text. It is worth to read what God has prepared for His beloved children.

[Oscar Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libro difícil, leído palmo a palmo. No por culpa del autor, claro está.
El libro se basa en los poemas de San Juan de la Cruz, específicamente en tres de ellos, que, según reza la historia, primero fueron concebidos y tiempo después fueron escritos, ya que el autor se hallaba preso. Los creo y memorizó, y luego de fugarse de prisión, los escribió.
Son poemas breves, bellos por sencillos, que son objeto de una detallada explicación en su sentido y simbolismo, uno en Noche oscura, otro en Cántico espiritual y otro más en Llama de amor viva. Subida del Monte Carmelo, según creo entender, con un método "más sistematizado", basado en el mismo poema de Noche oscura, aunque, según la impresión que me dejó, quedó inconcluso.
Este sistema versa sobre la unión del alma con Dios. En Noche oscura trata sobre lo que es necesario lograr antes que esto suceda: poner la fe por encima de la razón, privarse de deseos y ocupaciones mundanos, suspender la memoria de todo lo que desvía nuestra atención del objetivo que nos planteamos y orientar la voluntad a conseguirlo.
En Cántico espiritual, sucede la Unión, y pone advertencia de cómo darse cuenta de que esto ha sucedido. En Llama de amor viva, habla de lo que sucede posterior a ello. Todo el sistema es en segunda persona: solo se trata de lo que ha de hacerse en lo individual, no existe nada que por asomo sea colectivo o que involucre a otros, aunque no deja de recomendar las buenas obras y la práctica eclesial, pero lo hace tan brevemente que no pude evitar pensar que eso sólo lo mencionó para asegurarse el Nihil obstat.
Sin ser un ermitaño-anacoreta-estilita-carmelita descalzo, puede pensarse que esta especie de “nirvana cristiano” tiene escasa utilidad práctica, por decirlo de alguna forma. No dejó de llamarme la atención también la ausencia del “amaos los unos a los otros”, sin embargo, es posible percatarse que la capacitación recibida es, a final de cuentas, sobre cómo amar.
Todo el camino que se recorre, privado de cualquier distracción provocada por cosa, ser, hecho, o fenómeno, prevenido contra el maligno y advertido contra la carne, debe ser sin esperar ninguna reciprocidad, y ha de hacerse así porque estamos hechos para recorrer ese camino, porque es agradable hacerlo y por que el amado, quien quiera que sea, amerita que hagamos todo ese sacrificio, por el simple hecho de ser lo que es:

Buscando mis amores
iré por esos montes y riberas
ni cogeré las flores
ni temeré las fieras
y pasaré los fuertes y fronteras

dice el Cántico espiritual

Porque el verdadero amante entonces está contento, cuando todo lo que él es en sí, y vale y tiene y recibe, lo emplea en el amado; y cuanto más en ello es, tanto más gusto recibe en darlo

dice en la Llama.

¿Quién no querría oír eso de sí? o mejor aún, ¿Quién no querría expresarse así de alguien?

[Michael Du Pré · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound and sublime. Although the Dark Night does not come to all of us in the same way, we who are not ascetics and monastics having to live in the world and in greater attachment to the things of the world, yet it comes, in varying forms and degrees. As St. John himself says, sometimes it comes in stages, God giving only as much as can be borne by weaker souls until He gives it a rest and refreshment before leading it further on through the darkness and purgation.

Every Christian should read this book.

[J. Alfred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cool. Probably enjoyable even for people who don't like poetry. Confusing (the guy was a mystic, after all) but interesting. Some of his stuff, like this stanza:

"This life I live in vital strength
Is loss of life unless I win You,
And thus to die I shall continue
Until I in You I live at length.
Listen (my God!) my life is in You!
This life I do not want for, for I
Am dying that I do not die."

just blows my mind. Once more: very cool.

[Alex Kartelias · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Christian has with so much detail, outlined the spiritual journey as St. John of The Cross. Indirectly commentating on the work of St. Dionysius the Areopagite, each introduces a poem and then for most of the rest of the book, expands on each word and line, universalizing the meaning in such a way that it makes the words translucent and effaced to the Hidden Truth underneath. What's also important is how he asserts that the heart is not merely a symbol for emotion, but a noetic faculty of Perception, a mirror which when purified, displays the Glory of God, where the reflection and Reflected, are fused. His work provides an enlightening bride between Catholicism and the Orthodox Church, and provides relevant instruction and advice for maneuvering up the Mounts of Purification, Illumination and Perfection.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my life

[Les Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

St John of the Cross is no doubt difficult to read and understand. In fact, I believe most people, including me, need some guidance with him, especially in terms of what to read first, second etc. It can be very daunting. However, John de Yepes is absolutely foundational to anyone seriously seeking union with God. There is no surer guide.

I was blessed to attend a month long School of Prayer with the Carmelite Friars in Varroville, Sydney, Australia in November/December 1991...the 400th anniversary of John's death. The most memorable part was the 9 lectures or presentions on St John's writings by Fr Iain Matthew OCD, a visiting UK Carmelite friar. He really unwrapped John's teachings for me.

The core of his talks are outlined in his "The Impact of God"...well worth a visit.

[S]

The only real heroes we have are the Saints.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read only The Dark Night of the Soul (pp. 351-457). I presented on Book 1, Chs. 12-14.

A typical response could easily be to dismiss John as a neo-Gnostic who wants to get rid of the body. A more charitable view could be to view John's perspective as one of a martyr, who is reminding himself that no matter what people do to the body, he's still secure.

- Dr. Donnelly mentioned Hegel's Owl of Athena and wondered if there was a connection to the Dark Night of the Soul.
- p. 401: divine wisdom blinds; we need a dark night
- von Balthasar's book on prayer: it's both biblical and anthropological
- Book 2, Chs. 9-14: Plato's cave analogy: looking at the sun; properties of fire (Ch. 10); Donnelly: blindness in gospel of Luke (e.g., blind Bartimaeus—not in Luke)—character in Plato's Republic; Plato just wants to turn people to the light, and gospel writers say it's a problem of blindness (issue of the will and ability)
- Could the 10-step ladder (Book 2, Chs. 19-20) map onto Dante's Purgatorio, which has 7 steps? Maybe the spiritual ladder of St. John is at the top of Dante's mountain (except 2.2.5 in Dark Night mentions skipping Purgatory)
- p. 446: interesting that the image John of the Cross uses to represent the soul is a body

[Ariadna73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro hay que leerlo muy despacio y con mucho amor. Fue escrito con arduo trabajo por parte de una persona que quería explicar algo supremamente importante: cómo liberar nuestras almas de la infelicidad y conectarnos con Dios. San Juan de la cruz escribió relativamente pocos poemas; pero cuando los quiso explicar, gastó páginas y páginas tratando de dejar clara hasta la última palabra posible. San Juan de La Cruz era una especie de místico (tal vez como Krishnamurti, tal vez sufía de ataques epilépticos, quien sabe), pero lo cierto es que dedicó su vida a transmitir el mensaje del que se creía portador: el mensaje de que Dios lo es todo, y el alma está atrapada en la cárcel del cuerpo siempre soñando con el momento en que pueda "reclinar su rostro sobre el amado esposo" que en este caso es Dios; para así poder dejar el cuidado "entre las azucenas olvidado" es decir, para no tener que preocuparnos por nada, pues Dios se encargará de todo. Muy interesante y muy llamativo, pero -repito- hay que leerlo con tiempo, con paciencia y con la mente y el corazón abiertos.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for merely the curious. "The Living Flame of Love" could be considered erotic by those not knowing what he was writing about, and in deed this Spanish man's love of God, is most intense. His treatise in "Dark Night of the Soul", is quite, well, pertinet. Reading 16th century literature aside, I found his writing passionate and resonating. His experiences and that of St. Teresa of Avila are
parallel with the Eastern Mystics, just expressed according to their culture. I wish the rest of the world could see beyond petty differences and see that truth is not held for only a priviledged few.

[Mauberley]

Not a book that I could read from front to back but a treasury to which I will often return. I have always felt drawn to the Saint's 'Dark Night of the Soul' poem but to read it in light of his two commentaries is to see it for the spiritual masterpiece that it is. 'Leaving my cares forgotten among the lilies' - how wonderful to be drawn joyfully from something as beautiful as lilies. A wonderful study with which to begin this year's season of Lent.

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

John of the Cross had such a precise and systematic way of describing the movements of the soul in different lights ~ consolation & desolation. I love his poetry and his commentary. So many times I felt that the words were crafted just for me ~ the resonance was so strong in my own heart, especially around the soul's deepest desire and longing: complete and utter union with God.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

O woods and thickets
planted by the hand of my Beloved!
O green meadow,
coated, bright, with flowers,
tell me, has he passed by you?

Pouring out a thousand graces,
he passed these groves in haste;
and having looked at them,
with his image alone,
clothed them in beauty.


You can feel the breathless quality of the prose...just beautiful!

[Colyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

this one will take a while. i can't decide if "The Ascent of Mount Carmel" or "The Spiritual Canticle" will be the next Fray John of the Cross that i tackle but it is all here, along with poetry, to be read at will.

[Humphrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read only selections from it. The use of both poetic form and prose explanation of the poetry allows for a heightened understanding on the reader's part, though he often beats the dead horse. Well written. He leans a bit too far away from works for my taste.

[Peter N Roth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Taking this one a bit at a time.

[Msgrv Csicablenet]

Deep material!

[Adam DeVille, Ph.D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turgid and difficult in places, but a classic of Western spirituality.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro me ayudo a entender a San Juan mas a fondo para poder hacer mi trabajo de investigación de Siglo de Oro español.

[Juan Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"¿Adónde te escondiste,
Amado, y me dexaste con gemido?
Como el ciervo huyste
aviéndome herido;
salí tras ti clamando y eras ydo."
SJdlC

[David Mullens]

Wonderful work!

[ryj · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only book I can think of that compares to the beautiful mystical writings of San Juan de la Cruz is “My Soul Longs for You, My God” by Matthew J. Goldammer.

[Little Zap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read just The Dark Night.

The Ascent of Mount Carmel, potentially in the future.

[Harry Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the more famous of the Christian mystics, St. John of the Cross was a contemporary of St. Teresa of Avila, and was awarded the title of Doctor of the Church. According to Wikipedia there are only 33 persons who have received this honor. The work is not an easy one to read; I find "The Ascent of Mount Carmel" extraordinarily detailed and surprisingly beautiful.

I decided to list this as "read", although in truth my reading was largely skimming, and overly superficial. I'll come back to this work in the future; it has a great deal to offer.

[Valentín Serrano García · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistica del barroquismo trasgenero, de la experiencia inefable y del ardor metamorfico. Junto con PseudoDioniso y Hildegarda, frente a Eckhart o Suson, de la mano de Hadewich o Juliana de Norwich, en el límite entre el quietismo de Molinos, la sencillez de Porete o la humildad de Bohme...por ahí anda la proclama del mayor de los poetas hispanos.

Necesario complementar su lectura con Santa Teresa y con la herencia que legará a místicos como Silesius (por no hablar de la Generación del 27).

[Ariadna73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must, definitely a must. This is an eye-opener book. I shall never forget this man's biography and how he lived and died according to what he believed. I loved this book!