Forgotten Gems: The Christian Mystical Tradition and Carmelite Spirituality (Ghatika Monthly #025)

“The son of God became human so that we might become God.”

— St. Athanasius

Most Christians know what they are saved from (sin and death), but few know what they are saved for: intimate transformative loving union with God.

This process, variously called divinization, theosis, or transformative union, is our destiny. To become “God by participation,” as the Carmelite Saint John of the Cross teaches, is why we were created and redeemed. This union is our joy, and our life—so why not start now? The Christian mystical tradition, in recent centuries largely marginalized and untaught in the West, offers lessons that help lead us to this deepest desire of the human heart.

In this presentation, Fr. Eric Haarer surveys some of the underlying principles of Christian mysticism—the theology that forms its backbone—and then explores the Carmelite Contemplative tradition, focusing mainly on St. John of the Cross. In particular, he examines how John’s teachings on The Dark Night and Nada can help guide us through difficult patches in our spiritual lives into intimate union with the One whose great desire is to be lovingly united with us.

Additional Resources and Recommended Reading

• Guided meditation audio (lectio divina)
• At the beginning of this talk, Fr. Eric reads a passage from Love’s Drum: Sufi Views, Practices, and Stories by Pir Elias Amidon.
• Throughout the talk, Fr. Eric quotes from The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross, translated by Kieran Kavanaugh OCD, and Otilio Rodriquez OCD.
• For those interested in learning more about St. John of the Cross and Carmelite spirituality, Fr. Eric recommends The Impact of God: Soundings from St. John of the Cross as an introduction, which includes a special emphasis on “Dark Nights.”

About Fr. Eric Haarer

For over 30 years, Fr. Eric Haarer lived as a Carmelite hermit in the Spiritual Life Institute’s centers in Nova Scotia (Nova Nada), Ireland (Holy Hill Hermitage), but mostly here in Crestone (Nada Hermitage). He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 2001 in Ireland, and since the sale of “Nada” in 2020, has served as priest to the small Catholic communities in Crestone and Saguache, as well as doing online and in-person retreats.

What is Ghatika Monthly?

Ghatika Monthly is an in-person and virtual gathering held on the 2nd Saturday of every month, in which CCR expert teachers offer accessible guidance in foundational yet transformative contemplative practices. Ghatika is the Sanskrit term for one 24-minute meditation session, which is a recommended length for beginning meditators. While most of the CCR’s expert teachers come from a Buddhist background, these sessions are designed to be secular, informative, and welcoming to beginning and advanced practitioners alike. At Ghatika Monthly, we hope to offer a taste of the contemplative technology that our full-time contemplatives cultivate for 8–12 hours per day at Miyo Samten Ling Hermitage in Crestone. Subscribe to never miss a session!