Sts. John of the Cross and Theresa of Avila - 2 Spanish Mystics have almost the SAME language and Treatise as the famous Spanish Muslim Mystic, Ibn 'Arabi, on the Journey of the Soul towards UNION with God.
Among the spiritual circle, people have noticed that Theology divides; spirituality, particularly MYSTICISM, unites. yes, people find unity and fellowship and unity in UNION WITH THE ONE GOD.
The dark nights in John of the Cross as well as in Theresa of Avila and Ibn 'Arabi that the soul experiences are the necessary purification/cleansing on the path to union with God.
The first dark night is the dark night of the SENSES. It is the purification/cleansing of the senses or detachment from ALL that is the sensory or senses. The senses in the journey towards union with God lead to CRISES or dark night!
The second dark night is the dark night of the soul. When one is freed from the crises of the senses, the soul is ready for a spiritual journey of mystical union. In Theresa of Avila, this journey is called the Ascent of Mount Carmel, which John of the Cross also named.
The dark night comprises of the three stages of the mystical journey,and followed by illumination (akin to AHA expertience) and then union.
St. John does not actually use the term "dark night of the soul", but only "dark night" ("noche oscura").
The only light in this dark night is that which burns in the soul. And that is a guide more certain than the mid-day sun.
"Aquésta me guiaba, más cierto que la luz del mediodía."
(from a Reader of John of the Cross and Theresa of Avila and 'Ibn 'Arabi)
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