The Mystical Theology of Jan van Ruysbroeck
Jan van Ruysbroeck (1293–1381), often regarded as one of the greatest Christian mystics, profoundly shaped mystical theology during the Middle Ages. His works bridge theological rigor and poetic mysticism, articulating a vision of union with God that resonates across centuries. This article explores his mystical theology, its themes, and its legacy.
1. Historical Context and Influences
Jan van Ruysbroeck lived in a time of great intellectual and spiritual ferment. The 14th century saw the rise of mystics such as Meister Eckhart, Johannes Tauler, and Hadewijch, alongside challenges posed by church schisms and heresies. Ruysbroeck’s theological and mystical vision developed within this milieu, shaped by:
- The Augustinian Tradition: As a canon regular of St. Augustine, Ruysbroeck drew heavily on Augustinian concepts of grace, love, and the soul’s ascent to God.
- The Rhineland Mystics: Figures like Eckhart influenced his use of paradoxical language to express the ineffable experience of God.
- Scholasticism: Ruysbroeck integrated intellectual rigor into his writings, employing theological precision alongside mystic symbolism.
2. The Core of Ruysbroeck’s Mysticism
The heart of Ruysbroeck’s mystical theology lies in the soul’s journey toward union with God. His thought revolves around several key principles:
a. The Trinity as the Foundation of Mysticism
Ruysbroeck’s theology is profoundly Trinitarian. He describes the soul’s union with God as participation in the dynamic life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For Ruysbroeck, the Trinity is not an abstract doctrine but the living reality of divine love and unity:
“God is a flowing fountain of life, love, and light, eternally giving and receiving within the Trinity and beyond.”
The mystical life mirrors this divine process: the soul is drawn into the eternal movement of love within the Trinity.
b. The Threefold Path: Action, Devotion, and Contemplation
Ruysbroeck delineates three stages or modes of the spiritual life, often described as active, interior, and superessential(or contemplative). These stages are not linear but overlapping, reflecting a progressive deepening of the soul’s relationship with God:
- The Active Life:
- Focuses on works of love, justice, and humility.
- The individual lives according to God’s will through outward action and service.
- This stage reflects Christ’s humanity and teaches self-discipline.
- The Interior Life:
- The soul turns inward through prayer and meditation.
- Here, one experiences detachment from worldly distractions and begins to commune with God in the “depths of the soul.”
- The Contemplative Life:
- The highest stage, where the soul transcends itself and rests in God.
- This is a state of unity, described by Ruysbroeck as “seeing God with God’s eyes” and being “lost in the divine abyss.”
c. The Concept of Divine Union
Ruysbroeck’s mysticism is centered on the notion of union with God, which he describes as:
- Loving Union: Achieved through the soul’s surrender and participation in God’s love.
- Transformative Union: In this state, the soul is not annihilated but transformed, becoming more fully itself in God.
- Active Union: Even in the highest mystical states, the soul remains engaged in the world, working for the love of others.
Ruysbroeck uses vivid metaphors to describe divine union, including the “Spiritual Espousal” (the marriage of the soul and God) and the “burning flame of divine love.”
3. Mystical Paradoxes in Ruysbroeck’s Theology
Ruysbroeck often employs paradox to express the ineffable nature of God and the mystical journey. Key paradoxes include:
- Rest in Activity: The soul simultaneously rests in God and works for God in the world.
- Loss of Self in Fulfillment: True fulfillment comes not through self-assertion but through the loss of self in God.
- Transcendence and Immanence: God is both infinitely beyond creation and intimately present within it.
These paradoxes highlight the mystery of God and challenge the mystic to transcend ordinary logic in their pursuit of divine truth.
4. Theological Themes in Ruysbroeck’s Writings
Several recurring themes characterize Ruysbroeck’s mystical theology:
a. The Soul as the Image of God
Ruysbroeck often describes the soul as a “mirror” or “spark” of the divine. While the soul is marred by sin, its deepest core remains oriented toward God. Through grace, the soul can reflect God’s light fully.
b. The Role of Love
Love is the driving force of the mystical life. Ruysbroeck writes:
“Love is the bond that unites the soul to God, for God Himself is love.”
This love is both personal and universal, drawing the mystic into communion with God and inspiring acts of compassion.
c. The Necessity of Detachment
For Ruysbroeck, detachment is a prerequisite for union with God. This involves renouncing selfish desires and attachments to worldly things, creating space for divine love.
5. Language and Symbolism
Ruysbroeck’s writings are poetic, rich in metaphor and allegory. He frequently uses imagery such as:
- The Bride and Bridegroom: Symbolizing the intimate union of the soul with God.
- Light and Fire: Representing divine illumination and the purifying love of God.
- The Fountain or Well: A symbol of the soul’s hidden depths where God resides.
His language seeks to evoke the mystical experience rather than define it.
6. Legacy and Influence
Ruysbroeck’s influence extends beyond his lifetime, shaping both his contemporaries and later mystical traditions:
- Direct Followers: His disciples at Groenendaal continued his teachings, preserving his works.
- Modern Mystics: Figures like Evelyn Underhill and Thomas Merton drew inspiration from Ruysbroeck’s writings.
- Interfaith Resonance: Ruysbroeck’s emphasis on love and union with the divine resonates with mystics from other traditions, including Sufism and Vedanta.
7. Relevance for Today
Jan van Ruysbroeck’s mystical theology offers timeless insights for spiritual seekers:
- It emphasizes the transformative power of divine love.
- It bridges action and contemplation, showing how spirituality can inspire social engagement.
- It invites readers to explore the mystery of God, not as a distant concept but as a living reality.
Conclusion
Jan van Ruysbroeck remains a towering figure in Christian mysticism. His works invite readers to embark on a journey of love, detachment, and union with God. Rooted in the tradition yet profoundly innovative, his mystical theology continues to inspire those seeking the infinite depths of the divine.
Online Resources
John Ruusbroec : the spiritual espousals and other works
Jan van Ruusbroec (1293–1381) was a prominent Flemish mystic whose writings have significantly influenced Christian spirituality. For those interested in studying his works and related scholarly analyses, several online resources are available:
Primary Texts
- “The Spiritual Espousals and Other Works”: This compilation includes “The Spiritual Espousals,” “The Sparkling Stone,” “A Mirror of Eternal Blessedness,” and “The Little Book of Clarification.” It is accessible through the Internet Archive.
Internet Archive - “Rusbrock l’Admirable (œuvres choisies)”: A selection of Ruusbroec’s works in French, available on Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg
Scholarly Studies
- “Jan van Ruusbroec: The Sources, Content and Sequels of His Mysticism”: This scholarly work examines the origins and impact of Ruusbroec’s mystical theology. It is available on the Internet Archive.
Internet Archive - “A Companion to John of Ruusbroec”: This comprehensive guide provides insights into Ruusbroec’s life, works, and theological themes. More information can be found on the University of Antwerp’s website.
Universiteit Antwerpen
Academic Institutions
- Ruusbroec Institute at the University of Antwerp: This research center specializes in the study of the history of spirituality in the Low Countries, with a focus on Ruusbroec’s works. Their website offers various resources and publications. Universiteit Antwerpen
Additional Resources
- Course Materials on Dutch Mysticism: This course covers writings of medieval mystics, including Ruusbroec, and provides texts in both Middle Dutch and modern Dutch. Rozemarijn Online
These resources offer a solid foundation for exploring Jan van Ruusbroec’s writings and the scholarly work surrounding his contributions to mysticism.
