Embracing the Divine Darkness: The Mystical Journey of Saint Dionysius

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Purpose of Translation
3. The Structure of the Book
4. The Mystical Theology of Saint Dionysius
   • 4.1 The Two Ways of Knowing God
   • 4.2 The First Way: Knowing God through Revelation
   • 4.3 The Second Way: Knowing God beyond the World
5. The Concept of Divine Darkness
   • 5.1 Beyond Being and Knowledge
   • 5.2 The Transcendence of God
6. The Path to Contemplative Prayer
   • 6.1 Seeking God in Forms
   • 6.2 The Limitations of Sensible Images
   • 6.3 The Prayer of Quiet
7. The Divine Darkness as a Transformative Experience
   • 7.1 Embracing the Darkness
   • 7.2 The Union with the Divine
   • 7.3 The Joy of Abandonment
8. The Dangers of Quietism and Pride
   • 8.1 The Pitfalls of Inactivity
   • 8.2 The Temptation of Spiritual Superiority
9. The Work of Contemplation
   • 9.1 The Journey through the Desert
   • 9.2 The Prayer of the Will
   • 9.3 The Fruits of Contemplation
10. Conclusion

🧘‍♂️ The Mystical Theology of Saint Dionysius: Embracing the Divine Darkness

Introduction

In "The Mystical Theology," Saint Dionysius pseudo-Areopagite explores the depths of mystical spirituality and the nature of God's transcendence. This treatise, translated by Alan W. Watts, delves into the realm of divine darkness and the transformative power of contemplative prayer. In this article, we will explore the key themes and teachings of Saint Dionysius, and delve into the mystical journey of embracing the divine darkness.

The Purpose of Translation

The purpose of this translation is to provide a devotional and accessible guide to understanding the mystical theology of Saint Dionysius. While staying true to the original text, this translation aims to make the teachings more relatable and applicable to modern seekers of spiritual wisdom.

The Structure of the Book

"The Mystical Theology" is divided into nine chapters, each exploring a different aspect of the mystical journey. The book begins with an introduction, in which Saint Dionysius explains the purpose and scope of his work. He emphasizes that mystical revelation transcends academic study and requires sincere devotion.

The Mystical Theology of Saint Dionysius

Chapter 4: The Mystical Theology of Saint Dionysius

The mystical theology of Saint Dionysius is rooted in the concept of two ways of knowing God. The first way involves understanding God through His revelation in the world, particularly through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The second way, which is more challenging, involves seeking a deeper understanding beyond the limitations of the world. This journey leads to contemplative prayer, where the soul rises above all creatures to the pure knowledge of God.

Chapter 5: The Concept of Divine Darkness

Saint Dionysius explains that God's essence is beyond all comprehension and cannot be described in terms of created things. He refers to this transcendence as the divine darkness, a term that signifies both the incomprehensibility of God and the enrapturing beauty it encompasses. While the darkness is beyond being and knowledge, it reveals the true nature of God to those who surrender themselves to its mysteries.

The Path to Contemplative Prayer

Chapter 6: The Path to Contemplative Prayer

Saint Dionysius emphasizes the importance of abandoning sensory and intellectual knowledge in the pursuit of contemplative prayer. He cautions against trying to capture God through forms or specific states of mind, as this only limits our understanding of the divine. Instead, he encourages a loving faith in the immediate presence of God, even when He cannot be felt or known.

The Divine Darkness as a Transformative Experience

Chapter 7: The Divine Darkness as a Transformative Experience

Contemplative prayer and the embrace of the divine darkness lead to a transformative experience of union with God. Saint Dionysius describes this experience as a journey beyond sensory and intellectual limitations, where the soul is united with the ineffable and unknowable essence of God. Through this union, the soul encounters indescribable joy and beauty, surpassing all understanding.

The Dangers of Quietism and Pride

Chapter 8: The Dangers of Quietism and Pride

Saint Dionysius warns of the dangers of quietism and pride in the contemplative life. He cautions against the temptation to become inactive or detached from the world, as well as the temptation to feel spiritually superior. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of humility and the recognition that all souls have their own unique path to God.

The Work of Contemplation

Chapter 9: The Work of Contemplation

Contemplation should not be mistaken for idleness or inactivity. Saint Dionysius explains that contemplative prayer is a disciplined and focused work of the will. It requires a deep level of concentration and surrender to God, moving beyond the comfort of verbal prayer and discursive meditation. The contemplative engages in daily life and duties with a constant awareness of God's presence and a loving faith in His guidance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mystical theology of Saint Dionysius offers a profound and transformative path to understanding the divine. By embracing the divine darkness through contemplative prayer, seekers can transcend the limitations of sensory and intellectual knowledge and enter into a direct communion with the ineffable essence of God. This journey requires humility, dedication, and an unwavering faith in the mysterious beauty of the divine presence.