Ruysbroeck
1914
Published in 1914, 'Ruysbroeck' by Evelyn Underhill is a scholarly exploration of Jan van Ruusbroec, a significant 14th-century Flemish mystic. The book examines Ruusbroec's life, teachings, and his contributions to Christian mysticism, emphasizing his unique interpretations of divine love and spirituality. Underhill contextualizes Ruusbroec's experiences and influences, illustrating his evolution from a spiritually curious youth to a contemplative monk who shaped the mystical tradition.
Editions
Ruysbroeck
RuysbroeckCurrent
Project Gutenberg · 104 pages
X-Ray
“For no man understandeth what love is in itself, but such are its workings: which giveth more than one can take, and asketh more than one can pay.””
— Evelyn Underhill
About Ruysbroeck
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Traces Ruysbroeck's life from his birth in 1293 through his childhood escape to Brussels, his upbringing by his uncle John Hinckaert, his priesthood, his battle against the heretic Bloemardinne, and his eventual retreat to Groenendael monastery. Shows how his outer life reflected the three stages of spiritual development he would later describe.
- 2
- Catalogs Ruysbroeck's eleven authentic works, explaining their contents, dating, and significance. Discusses his use of Flemish vernacular and poetic inspiration, showing how his writings emerged from direct mystical experience rather than academic study.
- 3
- Explores Ruysbroeck's vision of the Divine Nature as both Trinity (active, differentiated) and Unity (static, absolute). God is simultaneously transcendent and immanent, eternal rest and eternal work, the source of all being yet beyond being itself.
Key Themes
- Divine Union and Eternal Distinction
- Ruysbroeck's central paradox that the soul can achieve complete union with God while eternally remaining distinct from Him. This resolves the tension between mystical experience and orthodox theology.
- The Three Lives of Spiritual Development
- The progression from Active Life (ethical purification) through Interior Life (contemplative illumination) to Superessential Life (divine union). Each stage builds upon and includes the previous ones.
- Love as Divine Energy
- Love is not mere emotion but the fundamental creative force of the universe, both static (fruition) and dynamic (action). It drives the soul's ascent and God's creative activity.
Characters
- Jan van Ruysbroeck (John Ruysbroeck)(protagonist)
- 14th-century Flemish mystic and contemplative, considered one of the greatest medieval Catholic mystics. Born in 1293, he lived a life progressing through three stages: active life in Brussels, contemplative life, and superessential union with God.
- John Hinckaert(major)
- Ruysbroeck's uncle, a Canon of Brussels Cathedral who converted from worldly life to spiritual dedication. He received and raised the young Ruysbroeck, providing him with a foundation in ascetic living.
- Francis van Coudenberg(major)
- Younger Canon of Brussels Cathedral who lived in spiritual community with Hinckaert and Ruysbroeck. Later became provost of Groenendael monastery.
- Gerard Groot(major)
- Ruysbroeck's most famous disciple who founded the Brothers of the Common Life. He sought out Ruysbroeck after his conversion in 1374 to learn spiritual principles.
- Margaret van Meerbeke(major)
- A Poor Clare nun in Brussels who was Ruysbroeck's spiritual daughter. He wrote several treatises specifically for her guidance, including The Mirror of Eternal Salvation.
- Pomerius(minor)
- Augustinian Canon and chronicler of Groenendael who wrote Ruysbroeck's biography. Born in 1382, he knew disciples who had personally known Ruysbroeck.
