JOURNEY IN DARK NIGHT

Abstract

St. John of the Cross (1542-91), himself a great mystic, wrote on mysticism with clarity and precision, and systematically, too. Mystical phenomena invariably defy human logic, and frequently are beyond empirical verification. They are, therefore, incomprehensible and ineffable, and for that matter scientific treatment of them is not common. John's writings do not disprove this statement. Even so, on the one hand, his works are exceptionally clear, precise, detailed, consistent and systematic and, on the other, he is extremely careful not explain away any of the mysteries and matters of faith that are proper to the world of mysticism. Basically, it is his own mystical experiences that he describes, and that he does on two levels. First, he portrays them in poetry using symbols and figures, which, very expressive and eloquent as they are, are not readily intelligible for the common readers. However, dealing with the author's own experiences, they are authentic and credible.