The Cloud of Unknowing

The Cloud of Unknowing is a book by an anonymous English mystic, first published in the latter half of the 14th century, and translated by Evelyn Underhill. This profound spiritual treatise guides the reader toward union with God through contemplative prayer, advocating for a movement beyond intellectual understanding into a realm of spiritual surrender. The “cloud” represents the unknowable nature of God, and the path laid out involves emptying the mind of all created things—both good and bad—to make way for pure love. Evelyn Underhill’s translation captures the quiet depth and fervent devotion of the original Middle English text, bringing its mystical insights to a modern readership. Firmly rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition, the book influenced centuries of mystics and remains a cornerstone of spiritual literature. It bridges the gap between theology and lived religious experience, offering not a rigid doctrine but a practical and intimate guide to divine union. Its emphasis on love, humility, and inner stillness continues to inspire spiritual seekers who long for a deeper, more experiential relationship with the sacred.