Chapter 1 – The Dark Day: On the Dark Night of the Soul. A Contemporary Interpretation of John of the Cross
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) May 25, 2026 Rebekka Waldesruh
The chapter reinterprets John of the Cross's 'Dark Night of the Soul' for a contemporary audience by combining historical, phenomenological, psychological, and contemplative perspectives. It argues that the Dark Night is a profound inner process that may outwardly resemble depression or existential despair but fundamentally differs from clinical pathology in mystical tradition. The text emphasizes distinguishing spiritual transformation from psychological illness to avoid both premature pathologization and romanticization of suffering. It explores overlaps and divergences between depressive states and the Dark Night, reflecting on themes such as inner emptiness, loss of meaning, purification, ego dissolution, contemplation, and spiritual maturation.