The Dark Night Of The Soul

Reflections about the challenge

I try to get up, but the super-human effort I made previously prevents me from doing so. Full of curiosity, I look around for the strange woman that helped me with the challenges, but cannot find a trace of her. Who could she exactly be? What powers did she possess? The only thing I was sure about is that she demonstrated being a wonderful instrument of destiny, with the objective of helping me in the search for such arduous knowledge. A while later, I forget momentarily about the woman and try to get up for the second time. The body tries to resist, but with a little extra effort I finally manage it. Standing up, I could think better and assimilate completely the knowledge revealed at the abysm. When I feel ready, I start my way back towards my temporary abode. Half way, the shadows of the sad story start to perturb me and then I decide to coldly analyse the case. Ryan was the most adequate example that rich people run serious risks as far as salvation is concerned. This because wealth and power bring with them comfort and status, but also require responsibility and detachment from the social causes. Another example, from the bible, shows the greed of the rich and the inhumane conditions of poor Lazarus. Its ending is the same as the story of Ryan and Angel. I analyse the two cases together and end up concluding the greed is a powerful itch of the soul. The characters change, the situations are different, but for those that nurture greed the same tragic end happens: The dark night condemns another victim to perish in the external darkness. How to change that great reality? The answer may be easier than we imagine. It is all to do with following the evolution path, a path towards the Father. Which requires refusals and difficult choices that few are willing to make.

I think the world would much better if you followed the good examples that history has given us: Jesus Christ, Francis Assis, Martin Luther King, Therese of Calcutta, Sister Dulce, and Francisco Xavier, among other. Certainly, the dark night would not have no more influence over us. Well, that is only a dream. The reality is completely different. Mostly, people show to be materialistic, selfish and full of vanities. It might seem pessimistic, but in my opinion the world will continue under the empire of the dark night and to completely understand it I will have to carry out new challenges and accomplish adventures that I am suspicious of. Of the stages, I have already accomplished two. Let’s carry on together, reader, in search of knowledge. I approach of the cabin that I built with such care. Waiting for me is the guardian lady. I get to her side and she start the dialogue:

—Congratulations, I see you are in one piece. Could you talk about your experience this afternoon? What have you learned?

—Initially I decide start from the south, for I have already gone through west and north. I walked for a long time, in that direction, until I was able to find some sign that could direct me. Once directed, I continued walking intensely and sometime later I came face to face with the same woman from the previous challenge that promptly helped me to find my destination, the abysm of repentance. I went forward and arriving exactly at the point I needed, I got in touch with the revelation of the second cardinal sin: Avarice. The story to which I was subjected helped me understand the extension of this sin, the real fate of all those that follow it and finally took some conclusions: Avarice is the key with which the dark night of the soul snatches faithful. It lodges itself in the human heart and senses, obstructing the respective evolution of the individual. Besides, causes secondary evils such as indifference, egoism and intolerance. This exposed, we can conclude that the results are catastrophic and many times lead to condemnation. An alternative to combat this kind of sin would be altruism, which reinvigorates the soul and opens the paths of evolution.

—Very well. After what I see and heard, I reach the conclusion that you are closer to understand the meaning and extension of the dark night, since two stages have already been overcome.

—And now? What is the next step?

—The next phase will be realised tomorrow and deals with one of the biggest weakness of the human being: Lust. This one will be the last one under my supervision, for I am not able to help anymore. On the next stages you will be helped by a Hindu, who already has lived here in the mountain for six months. Relax: He is a specialist on the last four cardinal sins.

—Does that mean my lady is going to abandon me? Please don’t do that. Don’t you remember? We have been together in the search of knowledge, since the last adventure.

—Don’t take my decision personally. That is not the case. You ought to know that I don’t possess all the knowledge that you think I have. Even for me, the dark night became a complex and indecipherable subject. For you to advance it is necessary new values and teachings, which I haven’t got nor the large majority either. For this and much more we must part at this moment, and when you evolve more, who knows if we will not see each other again.

—Anyway, thank you for everything. If it were not for your advice I would have not progressed. From now on, I promise to make even a greater effort to lift the veil of the dark night of the soul. All within the possible, of course.

—Don’t thank me yet, for we still will meet other times in this adventure. In the next opportunity, I will give you my last recommendations.

—I understand. One last question. Does your ladyship believe that I am worthy of the knowledge to be revealed?

—The little I know you, you are. When you achieve the greatest goal, the so ardent knowledge, you will have the power to open your mind to truths hidden for centuries. There you will have the respective answers.

—And there I will be happy working on what I like and lavishing happiness. How wonderful. I hope that this moment does not take too long. Any more recommendations?

—No. Nothing more for the time being. Now, I must go, for it is getting late. Good luck in the next challenge!

Saying that, the guardian lady disappeared. Being left alone, filled me with anxieties and preoccupations. Will it be that I would continue to progress in such dangerous path? Who exactly was this new master, the Hindu? These questions without immediate answer gnawed my heart and I was about to accomplish one more challenge.

Lust

The time passes rapidly and a new day dawns. Its arrival brings new and disquieting preoccupations to an unprepared dreamer. I ask myself: Could the sins of the flesh be so dangerous to the point of affecting my purity? Thinking a little more, I decide to carry on risking, even if that could have grave consequences to me. With the strength of that new decision, I get up and go to the improvised bathroom of the cabin to take a bath. On the way, I try to put my mind at peace to enjoy those moments of leisure. I go in, close the door, get undressed and grab the bucket of cold water that I myself had prepared the night before. I start bathing and having thrown the first amount of cold water I begin reflecting about the sacred place where I am. I think a little about the mountain and about its importance in my life. I end up concluding that it was really sacred for its climate, its history of which I was part of, challenges, hidden mysteries and even the very cave itself. I continue the conclusions and arrive at a common denominator: Nobody ever will know it completely, unless he evolves till perfection. In it, I could find my opposing forces and, by becoming the seer, was able to control those forces. Now, I was searching for the knowledge and understanding about the dark night through which we all pass. On that path I had accomplished two stages. But still there were seven more, unforeseen, which I have had no time to think about.

I try to concentrate on the bath and forget, for a moment, the preoccupations. The strategy is good, I carry on with the ritual, put on soap, throw more water over the body and make an effort to take away all the impurities. When I feel totally clean, I grab a towel, dry myself and put on clean clothes. I leave the bathroom and go to the kitchen to make my breakfast. When I get there, I begin to fry the appetizing chicken eggs that I got in the woods. I spend some time making my food and when it is ready, I eat it straight away. I take the opportunity to sit down for a while, and when I do that, I yearn for home, for my mother and my good life. All this was happening for I was used to have a good breakfast and family warmth. Another moment goes by and I shook my head: All of this would be much easier if they support me in my career and my dreams. I would certainly have another reason to carry on fighting and affirm myself ever more as the seer transformed by the cave. But I turn away those thoughts, for they only hurt me now. Then I plan my strategy for the next challenge.

With all set, I go out of the cabin and take the eastern direction, for I haven’t gone that way yet. The beginning of that path is done in a customary manner, without hurry, for I still had to mentally prepare myself for the impacts that may come. At this moment one needs to be careful, for the previous challenges have proved that the cardinal sins are stronger than I had imagined. Probably this third stage will not be different too. Strengthened by those sins, I reach the conclusion that the dark night, in this instance, would have the power to condemn. How to be safe then? That is the answer that I am looking for. After passing through all the stages of my personal evolution, I certainly will have a position of respect. In the meantime, I would have to take care of the present challenge. Without any more preoccupations, I continue.

Further on, in my field of vision, appear three youths dressed as prostitutes. Although still far away I realized that they were very beautiful and ingratiating. When they become aware of my presence, they wave to me and I decide to get closer to investigate further. As I got near, the dark night intensifies and the impact freezes me. The next moment, they introduced themselves and invite me to accompany them. Without giving it much thought, I decide to accept and we carry on walking. At half way they surround me forming a circle of darkness. At this precise moment, the dark night snatches my heart and I am forced to remember the experiences that have made me suffer. Distressed, I try to get out of the circle, but it is too strong even for me who is a prepared and evolved seer.

Sometime later, a sequence of doors open in front of me, and I am pushed against one of them by the prostitutes. In a few seconds, my mind and body go through tunnels where the pleasures of the flesh are enjoyed. As I have such experience, I tremble with the images, for what is sacred becomes an act of pure savagery. In order to not suffer so much, I close my eyes, but even so I am still restless. Over the time, the circle tightens and travelling through the tunnel I end up arriving at a large room, where someone is already waiting for me. I concentrate mentally, trying to cleanse the heart and the soul, even after everything that I saw and heard, and the circle snaps up. Thereby, the dark night goes away for a while and I feel more reassured. I decide then to approach the person in the room and touching him, the revelations and visions reappear.

“Philip is a public official of high rank and as a consequence of his job he leads a stable life together with the other members of his family: His wife, Katherine, and his two sons, Luke and Joseph. In family life, Phillip is very affectionate and responsible. However, about his character, he is not so perfect, for he acts in a disproportionate manner in some instances. For instance, he likes parties, most of the times in the company of ex-university colleagues and in these occasions, takes advantage to drink a lot in order to pervert the senses and get friendly with some women always present. It was this path that lead to the first betrayals. In the beginning he was cautious and did cause any suspicions. However, as time went by, he convinced himself that his attitude was normal for a man and did not care about discretion anymore. One day, the inevitable occurred: His wife found out about his infidelities and was totally disillusioned with her husband. She believed that she was married to the right person and that the conjugal love was for ever. Angry, she fights with her husband, but did not separate, for the love of the sons is greater. He no longer cares to be caught up and carries on in his path of betrayal. Time goes by, the situation doesn’t change and it brings a serious illnesses that kills him. He is judged and the dark night use the wife’s pain to condemn him. He is one more that the darkness claims for its shed and this is certainly the end for all the perverts.

The vision ends, the man says goodbye, recommending that I spread his story throughout the world. I agree, and a strong wind carries me towards the tunnel. In a few seconds I am back at the top of the mountain, changed by the knowledge of the third cardinal sin. Now, there were only six stages left for the complete understanding of the dark night that terrifies all the hearts.

Back to the cabin

After the completion of the third challenge, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I decide to go immediately back to the cabin in order to have a rest. With that in mind, I took the first steps and my preoccupations turn to the next challenge and to the mysterious and incognita figure of the Hindu who I still did not know. Could it be that I was capable of assimilating his knowledge? Could the fourth challenge be more dangerous than the previous ones? Well, I would try to find the answers to those questions when I meet the said person. In meantime, I should assimilate in full the knowledge acquired on the three past challenges. The walking pace is intense and I have already covered a third of the way back. Who was I at that moment? Not only a simple dreamer who climbed the mountain in search of an unknown destiny, but someone in search of the knowledge, the total control and understanding about the aspects of the dark night, the same dark night capable of saving or condemning a person. Those aspects were essential in my formation as seer and man. Only then I could pursue my career in search for mysteries and truths hidden for centuries, with the aim of making many hearts dream. What is life without dreams? A great emptiness without meaning or soul. Therefore, my new attitude in search of such ardent knowledge.

A walk a little longer and I have already covered more than half the distance. At this moment I feel very tired, but try to forget and carry on walking. After all, I have learned at the cave that a man is only dignified when he shows dignity and this includes perseverance, effort and dedication. This was precisely what I was trying to cultivate on the path to meet destiny, which I would have to run after, even if I wanted to reach the so necessary evolution. This was essential in my career so that I could continue to enchant hearts of all ages. It was for them and for the wonderful Universe, which has gifted me, that was once more taking risks on the mountain. The journey has been worthwhile, for I already have found out the origin of the dark night and two more important aspects. Six more stages needed for the final revelation. I get close to my temporary ceiling, the place where I rest from this tiring adventure. I feel straight away the guardian lady’s presence, who has helped me so much in my way. As I get near, she initiates the dialogue:

—So, you have accomplished the third challenge. Congratulations! Now, tell me about your experiences and conclusions. I want to be sure that you are prepared to go further on the complex path of the dark night of the soul.

—Before anything else, I would like to thank you for your helpfulness and dedication to my cause. Without your advice, I certainly would not be able to surmount all the adversities that I have come across. Understand that from now on my victory will be also your victory. About the aspects of the dark night of the soul I learnt that pride is the origin of that dark night. It prevents the individual to see the most adequate path to evolve and reach the Father. Besides, those that are fooled by this sin, become self-sufficient, and, as consequence of their acts, lose all contact with the forces of the light which could help in their mission. Analysing well this sin, I ended up concluding that humility is the only and best antidote, for only the humble can triumph. As in relation to avarice, the second cardinal sin, I was able to conclude that it closes the human being heart to the pain and problems of the others. We need to understand that wealth, power and social ostentation are not eternal. There are only material assets and must serve as means to reach the desired and necessary evolution. How does this happen? Through donations, charity and detachment. Thinking a little more about this sin, I conclude that the avaricious will never evolve and probably will be condemned by the pursuing dark night. As for lust, it affects the morality aspects and the dignity of the human being. Currently there is a trivialization of the sacred which perverts the feelings and the person’s heart, making it impure. With that the contact with the Holy Father, who wants only our wellbeing, is lost. Analysing the situation, I can say that the sins of the flesh, including lust, are the most dangerous ones, for they control the human instincts. We need, indeed, make our spiritual and rational side prevail over our animal side. Lust is capable of condemning, if the person persist in erring.

—Interesting. I feel you have the capacity of evolving even further, but for the time being it is enough. You can progress to the next challenge, the meeting with the Hindu. He is a wise man, coming from abroad, specializing in the last four cardinal sins. If you succeed with him, you can go further, towards the third challenge.

—Well, I am not too sure about being helped by this Hindu. He is trustworthy?

— If you doubt, it means that you are not ready yet. But if you really want the knowledge then you have no choice. My part is done, now is you and your new master.

—Where can I find him?

—He lives right here, on the mountain, on the north-western side, in a little sap house. When you see him, tell him you were sent by the spirit of the mountain. He will promptly attend to you.

—Thank you for everything guardian lady. I will never forget you.

—Don’t worry. We will still see each other times for you are going to need me and my advice. Good luck in your path, son of God, may you achieve your most profound dreams.

Suddenly, the guardian lady disappears without trace. Who was she precisely? Right up to today I don’t know, despite having spent time with her. The only thing I was sure at that moment was that she was part of the mountain and world’s mystery, someone worthy of not being forgotten. After she left, I rested a little and after I would begin to get ready for the meeting with the mysterious Hindu.

Meeting the Hindu

The passing phase leaves me happy, but at the same time worried. What challenges and dangers did I still have to face? What kind of methods would the Hindu adopt? Those were some of the questions occupying my mind. I was thinking about my case. I reaffirm my preparation and the fact that I was not going to judge someone before knowing him. With that finding, I look at myself better and begin to believe that the knowledge acquired in the past, would give some assurance to finally face that new master. I am filled with courage and I count six challenges separating me from my full evolution as a seer and as a man. The dark night gets near.

A few more second gone, I concentrate in my inner, inhale and exhale deeply, and finally make a decision: Time has come to meet the Hindu. I had a mission to accomplish. Hope recovered, I take the first steps towards the place that the guardian lady had pointed out. At this moment, a feeling of anxiety and fear of the unknown fills the all of my being, despite the fact that I am a seer prepared by the most dangerous cave of the world. Who was this man causing that kind of reaction? Surely was not an ordinary man. The fact that he dominates the mysteries of the last four cardinal sins makes him even more qualified. It would be really a privilege to live with such a man, even for a short time, I reason. Later on, I get more relaxed and walk faster, for the curiosity is increasing. I carry on walking and reach halfway stage. My opposing forces signal that they are in turmoil and I make an effort to control them. Any slip up will be fatal. My rapid walk makes my mind wonder through distant times and spaces, searching answers to the human condition. The past adventure, my shadows, the evolution and even the social structure are some of the subjects revived. Analysing the first item, I remember very well the last time that I climbed the mountain searching for my destiny and my dreams. On the respective path, I was able to climb a steep mountain and reach its summit. There I met the guardian lady, the ghost, the youth, the little boy, and their acquaintance, together with the challenges, gave me more assurance than I had wanted. After overcoming several obstacles, finally I entered the cave, gained success and ultimately became a powerful seer, able to unravel the most profound mysteries and make miracles in time and space. With all those attributes, I was able to gather the opposing forces, but this was only the first stage of my evolution. My challenge was much greater than I had ever imagined. Among the challenges, was to control my own force, longings and deeply understand the dark night, which I had intensely lived recently. That dark part of my life still worried me and I didn’t overcome it I wouldn’t be able to understand the various dark nights which people go through. All of this could be referred in a word: Evolution. It was necessary to evolve as a seer and as a man for in the future arrive at the Father’s path without resentments, without pain and without fear. To be among the righteous was my main objective. However, I could not think only about myself and forget about the other comrades who fight every day in an unjust and perfidious society. I must find alternatives so that they evolve as well, despite all the difficulties imposed by the capitalism and by the elites. Well, that is a subject for another book. Now I have to concentrate completely in understand the dark night and overcome it. I carry on walking on the path and a while later I can see the little sap house. At this moment my heart goes off and stopped in full Contemplation. Later on, I am able to recover from the shock and start to walk again in the indicated direction. Near the door, I clap my hands. Immediately I am met by a thin man, looking about sixty years old, tanned skin, well defined body, dressed in typical attire from his country of origin. He initiates the dialogue.