Dark night of the soul / by John of the Cross ; translated and edited, with an introduction, by E. Allison Peers ; from the critical edition of Silverio de Santa Teresa. [print]

Translation of: Noche oscura del alma.

Includes bibliographical references.

Sets down the first line and begins to treat of the imperfections of beginners Of certain spiritual imperfections which beginners have with respect to the habit of pride Of some imperfections which some of these souls are apt to have, with respect to the second capital sin, which is avarice, in the spiritual sense Of other imperfections which these beginners are apt to have with respect to the third sin, which is luxury Of the imperfections into which beginners fall with respect to the sin of wrath Of imperfections with respect to spiritual gluttony Of imperfections with respect to spiritual envy and sloth Wherein is expounded the first line of the first stanza, and a beginning is made of the explanation of this dark night Of the signs by which it will be known that the spiritual person is walking along the way of this night and purgation of sense Of the way in which these souls are to conduct themselves in this dark night Wherein are expounded the three lines of the stanza Of the benefits which this night causes in the soul Of other benefits which this night of sense causes in the soul Expounds this last verse of the first stanza Which begins to treat of the dark night of the spirit and says at what time it begins Describes other imperfections which belong to these proficients Annotation for that which follows Sets down the first stanza and the exposition thereof Sets down the first line and begins to explain how this dark contemplation is not only night for the soul but is also grief and purgation.

The great Spanish mystic's guide for the aspiring soul details how those seeking God must enter a "dark night" of soul effacement before they can experience union with God.

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