Ruysbroeck stands out among the mystics for his profound synthesis of contemplation and action.
Context: Evelyn Underhill, as the author, offers this foundational assessment of Ruysbroeck's unique contribution to mystical theology, highlighting his balanced approach to the spiritual life.
The Common Life, simple and faithful in its duties, is the necessary foundation for the more ardent spiritual adventures.
Context: Underhill interprets Ruysbroeck's insistence on the importance of an ethical, sacramental life, demonstrating that he viewed ordinary Christian practice as indispensable for advanced mysticism.
For Ruysbroeck, God is not merely a static Absolute, but a living, burning, outgoing Love.
Context: Underhill explains Ruysbroeck's dynamic conception of the Divine, emphasizing God's active nature and generosity, which compels the soul's responsive journey.
He insists that the soul must eternally go out of itself in working love, and eternally return in a contemplative fruition.
Context: Underhill presents this as a core dynamic of Ruysbroeck's spirituality, illustrating the continuous interplay between active service in the world and profound union with God.
The Divine Dark is not a void, but a super-radiant light, blinding to the finite gaze.
Context: Underhill elucidates Ruysbroeck's understanding of the via negativa, where ultimate union with God transcends all human comprehension and concepts, appearing as 'darkness' due to its intense brilliance.
He vehemently repudiates all quietistic errors which would separate the contemplative from the sacraments or from active charity.
Context: Underhill highlights Ruysbroeck's strong stance against the false mysticism of his time, emphasizing his commitment to orthodox practice and active love for one's neighbor.
The creature is eternally distinct from God in its creaturehood, yet eternally united in its love and spirit.
Context: Underhill explains Ruysbroeck's nuanced doctrine of mystical union, which avoids pantheism by asserting a simultaneous distinction and deep intimacy between the soul and God.
The soul must ever strive to transcend its own limitations, pressing on towards the Abyss of its origin.
Context: Underhill conveys Ruysbroeck's teaching on the continuous, dynamic nature of the spiritual journey, which involves an unceasing movement towards deeper communion with the Infinite.
Love is a spiritual weight which draws the soul towards its origin and its rest.
Context: This phrase, often cited by Underhill from Ruysbroeck's own writings, encapsulates his understanding of love as the primary motive force in the spiritual journey, drawing the soul irresistibly towards God.
True mysticism, for Ruysbroeck, must invariably flow over into a generous and outgoing love for all men.
Context: Underhill reinforces the deeply ethical and social dimension of Ruysbroeck's teaching, where the deepest spiritual experience finds its ultimate expression in selfless compassion and action.