The Dark Night Of The Soul

Back to the cabin

After the completion of the third challenge, I was mentally and physically exhausted. I decide to go immediately back to the cabin in order to have a rest. With that in mind, I took the first steps and my preoccupations turn to the next challenge and to the mysterious and incognita figure of the Hindu who I still did not know. Could it be that I was capable of assimilating his knowledge? Could the fourth challenge be more dangerous than the previous ones? Well, I would try to find the answers to those questions when I meet the said person. In meantime, I should assimilate in full the knowledge acquired on the three past challenges. The walking pace is intense and I have already covered a third of the way back. Who was I at that moment? Not only a simple dreamer who climbed the mountain in search of an unknown destiny, but someone in search of the knowledge, the total control and understanding about the aspects of the dark night, the same dark night capable of saving or condemning a person. Those aspects were essential in my formation as seer and man. Only then I could pursue my career in search for mysteries and truths hidden for centuries, with the aim of making many hearts dream. What is life without dreams? A great emptiness without meaning or soul. Therefore, my new attitude in search of such ardent knowledge.

A walk a little longer and I have already covered more than half the distance. At this moment I feel very tired, but try to forget and carry on walking. After all, I have learned at the cave that a man is only dignified when he shows dignity and this includes perseverance, effort and dedication. This was precisely what I was trying to cultivate on the path to meet destiny, which I would have to run after, even if I wanted to reach the so necessary evolution. This was essential in my career so that I could continue to enchant hearts of all ages. It was for them and for the wonderful Universe, which has gifted me, that was once more taking risks on the mountain. The journey has been worthwhile, for I already have found out the origin of the dark night and two more important aspects. Six more stages needed for the final revelation. I get close to my temporary ceiling, the place where I rest from this tiring adventure. I feel straight away the guardian lady’s presence, who has helped me so much in my way. As I get near, she initiates the dialogue:

—So, you have accomplished the third challenge. Congratulations! Now, tell me about your experiences and conclusions. I want to be sure that you are prepared to go further on the complex path of the dark night of the soul.

—Before anything else, I would like to thank you for your helpfulness and dedication to my cause. Without your advice, I certainly would not be able to surmount all the adversities that I have come across. Understand that from now on my victory will be also your victory. About the aspects of the dark night of the soul I learnt that pride is the origin of that dark night. It prevents the individual to see the most adequate path to evolve and reach the Father. Besides, those that are fooled by this sin, become self-sufficient, and, as consequence of their acts, lose all contact with the forces of the light which could help in their mission. Analysing well this sin, I ended up concluding that humility is the only and best antidote, for only the humble can triumph. As in relation to avarice, the second cardinal sin, I was able to conclude that it closes the human being heart to the pain and problems of the others. We need to understand that wealth, power and social ostentation are not eternal. There are only material assets and must serve as means to reach the desired and necessary evolution. How does this happen? Through donations, charity and detachment. Thinking a little more about this sin, I conclude that the avaricious will never evolve and probably will be condemned by the pursuing dark night. As for lust, it affects the morality aspects and the dignity of the human being. Currently there is a trivialization of the sacred which perverts the feelings and the person’s heart, making it impure. With that the contact with the Holy Father, who wants only our wellbeing, is lost. Analysing the situation, I can say that the sins of the flesh, including lust, are the most dangerous ones, for they control the human instincts. We need, indeed, make our spiritual and rational side prevail over our animal side. Lust is capable of condemning, if the person persist in erring.

—Interesting. I feel you have the capacity of evolving even further, but for the time being it is enough. You can progress to the next challenge, the meeting with the Hindu. He is a wise man, coming from abroad, specializing in the last four cardinal sins. If you succeed with him, you can go further, towards the third challenge.

—Well, I am not too sure about being helped by this Hindu. He is trustworthy?

— If you doubt, it means that you are not ready yet. But if you really want the knowledge then you have no choice. My part is done, now is you and your new master.

—Where can I find him?

—He lives right here, on the mountain, on the north-western side, in a little sap house. When you see him, tell him you were sent by the spirit of the mountain. He will promptly attend to you.

—Thank you for everything guardian lady. I will never forget you.

—Don’t worry. We will still see each other times for you are going to need me and my advice. Good luck in your path, son of God, may you achieve your most profound dreams.

Suddenly, the guardian lady disappears without trace. Who was she precisely? Right up to today I don’t know, despite having spent time with her. The only thing I was sure at that moment was that she was part of the mountain and world’s mystery, someone worthy of not being forgotten. After she left, I rested a little and after I would begin to get ready for the meeting with the mysterious Hindu.

Meeting the Hindu

The passing phase leaves me happy, but at the same time worried. What challenges and dangers did I still have to face? What kind of methods would the Hindu adopt? Those were some of the questions occupying my mind. I was thinking about my case. I reaffirm my preparation and the fact that I was not going to judge someone before knowing him. With that finding, I look at myself better and begin to believe that the knowledge acquired in the past, would give some assurance to finally face that new master. I am filled with courage and I count six challenges separating me from my full evolution as a seer and as a man. The dark night gets near.

A few more second gone, I concentrate in my inner, inhale and exhale deeply, and finally make a decision: Time has come to meet the Hindu. I had a mission to accomplish. Hope recovered, I take the first steps towards the place that the guardian lady had pointed out. At this moment, a feeling of anxiety and fear of the unknown fills the all of my being, despite the fact that I am a seer prepared by the most dangerous cave of the world. Who was this man causing that kind of reaction? Surely was not an ordinary man. The fact that he dominates the mysteries of the last four cardinal sins makes him even more qualified. It would be really a privilege to live with such a man, even for a short time, I reason. Later on, I get more relaxed and walk faster, for the curiosity is increasing. I carry on walking and reach halfway stage. My opposing forces signal that they are in turmoil and I make an effort to control them. Any slip up will be fatal. My rapid walk makes my mind wonder through distant times and spaces, searching answers to the human condition. The past adventure, my shadows, the evolution and even the social structure are some of the subjects revived. Analysing the first item, I remember very well the last time that I climbed the mountain searching for my destiny and my dreams. On the respective path, I was able to climb a steep mountain and reach its summit. There I met the guardian lady, the ghost, the youth, the little boy, and their acquaintance, together with the challenges, gave me more assurance than I had wanted. After overcoming several obstacles, finally I entered the cave, gained success and ultimately became a powerful seer, able to unravel the most profound mysteries and make miracles in time and space. With all those attributes, I was able to gather the opposing forces, but this was only the first stage of my evolution. My challenge was much greater than I had ever imagined. Among the challenges, was to control my own force, longings and deeply understand the dark night, which I had intensely lived recently. That dark part of my life still worried me and I didn’t overcome it I wouldn’t be able to understand the various dark nights which people go through. All of this could be referred in a word: Evolution. It was necessary to evolve as a seer and as a man for in the future arrive at the Father’s path without resentments, without pain and without fear. To be among the righteous was my main objective. However, I could not think only about myself and forget about the other comrades who fight every day in an unjust and perfidious society. I must find alternatives so that they evolve as well, despite all the difficulties imposed by the capitalism and by the elites. Well, that is a subject for another book. Now I have to concentrate completely in understand the dark night and overcome it. I carry on walking on the path and a while later I can see the little sap house. At this moment my heart goes off and stopped in full Contemplation. Later on, I am able to recover from the shock and start to walk again in the indicated direction. Near the door, I clap my hands. Immediately I am met by a thin man, looking about sixty years old, tanned skin, well defined body, dressed in typical attire from his country of origin. He initiates the dialogue.

— Who are you? What do you want? Look, I was having a restful sleep.

—I am sorry for disturbing you, but I came here for extreme necessity. I was sent by the spirit of the mountain and my objective is to understand better about the dark night of the soul and thus obtain the necessary knowledge so that I can progress in my starting writing career.

— Then you are the famous one who faced the cave and its fire. The guardian lady had already spoken to me about your case. Come, come in my humble abode so that we may know each other better.

I accept straight away his invitation and I go with him. Entering his abode, I feel the good vibes emanating from the place making me more relaxed. As I go in I take a chance of observe the details and I see a bed, a chest, a table and chairs and some strange pictures. He begins to talk again. Sit down here (pushing a chair) and tell me about your aspirations and searches.

—My name is Aldivan, seer, or son of God. Everything started approximately a year ago, when tired of the routine and sameness, I decided to make a desperate attempt to realise my almost impossible dreams. The attempt was climb a mountain at the end of the world, which promised to be sacred. When I got to the place, I climbed it going through many difficulties and obstacles, but finally I reached its top. There I met a strange lady who called herself the guardian lady of the mountain and she promised to help me in my search. This way, I accomplished challenges, and having been approved, I earned the right to enter a place ultra-sacred, a cave capable of realising the most profound desires of the human being. Without thinking of the consequences, I enter it, I faced pitfalls and I arrived at last to the secret Chamber, place where I became a seer, an evolved being capable of making miracles in time and space. After that, I could then make a real journey through time, which was a success. I could then control and gather the opposing forces. All of this represented only the first stage on the path of continuous evolution. Now I want to accomplish the second stage, which is to understand the mysteries of a complex subject, the dark night of the soul. For that reason, I am back and I sure that you can help me in some way on this path.

—Your story is very interesting. However, I must warn you that the dark night is unpredictable and full of perils. Understand that many mortals have already wanted to understand deeply the dark night. However, all of them failed at some moment and ended up paying the highest price. Are you sure that you want to go on?

—I am aware of the risks, but if I cannot get rid of the dark night demons, I will not have peace and I will not be able to analyse impartially the various dark nights that perhaps can be revealed. It is absolutely necessary to continue. What must I do to overcome the next obstacles?

—Firstly, you must move in to this little house, for I want to be aware of all your weaknesses and fears. If you cannot control them, they can destroy you. For the next three stages we are going to perfect your meditation and astral journey. With that knowledge together with self-control, you will conquer life’s pitfalls.

—Then I have to go back to the cabin to bring my personal effects.

—Go straight away, for we are short of time. You must go through three more stages here on the mountain.

I say goodbye to the Hindu and start to go back.

Perfecting

The beginning of the walk made me reflect and analyse the first meeting with the Hindu. I observed that he is has striking figure, besides being mysterious. Furthermore, he was keen in helping me and that was most important. To walk the path of darkness I would really need help from someone more experienced. What would it be his true objectives? I didn’t know, but they could be similar to mine. And if everything went alright, our paths could be strengthened in search of evolution. Evolution strictly necessary in the beginning of my career. Only after that I would be apt to analyse impartially the facts of the final revelation that I was searching for.

In the previous adventure, I was already able to control and gather the opposing forces. In relation to the present adventure, the basic objective was to fully understand the dark night, phase which we must pass. On this path I had accomplished three stages, helped by the guardian lady and I felt ready to face the stages with the new master, the Hindu. With him I hoped to overcome all the dangers, even if I had to pay a high enough price for such ardent knowledge.

For a moment I forget a little about my worries, fears and doubts, concentrating more on the walk and on my behaviour in front of the Hindu. After reflecting a little, I feel that I should demonstrate assurance and serenity, even if I wasn’t feeling like that. After all, he seemed to be a stern and authoritarian master with his disciples. Well, what is really important is that his methods were efficient, for he was the only one to control the last four cardinal sins. It was only left for me to find out how he would achieve such feat.

Without thinking of anything else, I carry on walking. A few more steps and I have made up half of the distance what makes me feel happier, for I would reach the cabin that I built and would say farewell to the place where I had spent the first few days on the mountain. My new residence was going to be a little sap house beside an unknown person, a Hindu who promised to help me on my path. This has been a decision solely his, which I still did not know if was the most correct one.

In a while I will reach the cabin. At this point a slight anguish passes through my heart and senses, but I still don’t know what the reason was. Was it a hunch? Well it was hard to explain. At that moment I still felt lost and confused with the last events. The only thing I was sure of my chief objective: To continue evolving in search of understanding the meaning and depth of my dark night, and of others and only then have an open mind for the final revelation. In order to attain success, I was prepared to make all the necessary sacrifices and the first one was to live at the home of a stranger, even for a short time. Well, the Hindu must have his reasons for such attitude and my mission, as a disciple, was to listen carefully to him and try my best to overcome the adversities. I carry on walking and finally arrive at the cabin. The first priority is to pack my case. After arranging it, I decide to contemplate the place where I spent the first nights on the mountain. After a brief analysis, I get to the conclusion that it is very special for me since the first time that I was here. In this space of time, I recall the doubts, the uncertainties and the fear that I manage to overcome when entering the cave. Presently I was a seer towards evolution and success. Sometime later, I finally say farewell, grab the case and depart towards my new residence. I make the return trip with serenity and conviction. I was fully prepared to face new challenges and soon arrive at the little sap house. Casually, I go in and came to face with the Hindu, sited in meditation position. Immediately, he comes out of the trance and invites me to also sit down. I obey straight away and he starts the dialogue:

—I was meditating with the objective of fining answers about how you are going to find courage to face the unknown. This is part of your own self and is important to start a good evolution.

—I also meditate when I have spare time. But lately I haven’t done so for the preoccupations don’t let my mind clear and serene.

—Understand that meditation is essential so that you can overcome new challenges. Besides, studying you careful I have realised that you still don’t master all its techniques. As a result, you don’t fully obtain its benefits.

-—I am ready to learn. Show me the correct way.

— I like keen learners. Follow me, then!

I promptly obeyed him, for I was curious to learn his techniques. Will that help me to tread a safe path in relation to my search? I wasn’t sure of that, but I was ready to risk it to be able to reap the benefits later. A little further on, we entered a narrow track towards the north side of the mountain. At this moment it comes to mind the first challenge and the learning I obtained doing it. I had discovered the origin of the dark night and the most famous example of pride. Besides I learnt that humility is the opposite of pride and is the most adequate way to evolve.

Among the examples of humility that history has given us is Jesus, who taught us that to be great we must serve others. Is this precisely what I want treading the path of the dark night of the soul. Along the book, as a result of my actions, I want to enchant hearts and make many people dream, making them forget, even for a few instants, the preoccupations, the disillusions and life’s injustices. With this objective in mind, I carry on following the man who had promised to open my senses and perceptions, in order to discover the secrets of meditation. Our quick pace takes rapidly forwards and in a short while we arrived at the lake where I already had an experience. The master restarts the dialogue:

—We have arrived to the place I wanted to. Those able to meditate correctly over the lake, become able of transcending the past, the present and the future. This phenomenon occurs because the mountain is sacred. Are you ready? I will tell you how to act. Before you go in the water, concentrate mentally with the aim to eliminate any trace of hate, despair or mistrust. After succeeding in this phase, give yourself completely to the power of the unknown. When you are ready, you will be able to walk on water and meditating you will find the respective revelations. Come, I will show you how to do it.

—Wait. I don’t think that I have heard correctly. I must give myself to the power of the unknown? What does that mean?

Without answering, the Hindu enter the lake and immediately walks over it as if was a God. When he gets exactly to the middle, he waves to me, calling. Even without knowing how to act, I pluck some courage and decide to take the risk, entering the lake. I take the first steps and I am disappointed with myself for not being able to achieve the master’s feat. I get some words of encouragement and carry on walking. When I reach exactly the place where the master is, he takes my hand, and as if it were a miracle, I am able to stand on the waters. After, I place myself on a meditation position and follow the Hindu’s instructions. Closing the eyes, I suffer a brutal impact from the following visions. In a few seconds I see the beginning, the middle and the end. The beginning represents the conception, life’s miracle. I see the breath of the Creator coming from distant places inaccessible to the human being. Just before that, I see an assembly of angels defining the spirits’ mission to come to Earth. In this respective reunion I see fire, light and darkness in council. As for the middle it represents the passage of the human being through terrestrial planet. Included in this phase are the childhood, the youth and the adulthood. In my vision I see the sweetness of a little boy who grew up having supernatural experiences that cause great fear and suffering injustices from the family and society. Despite the obstacles and setbacks, he created and kept noble and righteous dreams. One of them was to show the world the best way to evolve and reach the success and happiness dreamed of. In search of that dream, the now youth took some risks, won and at the end became the seer of the books, keen in transforming lives and enchanting hearts. On this path, he follows a series of adventures leading to his consecration. In the end, succeeds in accomplishing his mission and gives his soul to the benign forces of the Universe. At this precise moment, the visions stops and I return to my normal state. Opening the eyes, I see that I am still standing on the waters, alone, and the master on the banks of the lake. With the fright, I begin to sink and swim to the side. Coming out of the water, I feel I am no longer the same person.

—How did I manage to do it? I don’t understand, master.

—Let me explain. You only needed a push to walk on water, for the lack of belief was still inside you. Feeling secure, you relaxed and succeeded. And then? Did you see your future?

—I saw it, but not too clearly. It made me feel that it will be wonderful and full of achievements. I think that my dream is possible.

—All dreams are possible and the Universe is keen to help. Unfortunately, few people persist with their ideas. It is at that point that failure and deception occur. Don’t worry, your case is different. I can see that you have got everything to be among the winners.

—It is good to hear that. All my entire life I have run after my destiny and knowing that I will be rewarded makes me happy and keen in facing new challenges. What will it be the next stage?

—Now you have to learn how to correctly use the astral journey and this will be possible at a sacred place already known. It is the cave of despair, where you started your dream last time.

—Very well. I am ready. Shall we go?

The Hindu nodded in consent we left straight away towards the western side of the mountain top. In the beginning of the walk, there was a worrying silence around, perhaps foreseeing the dangers that both of us were running, for the cave, old friend of mine, was really capable of shuttering dreams and lives. I knew that from the previous adventure, when I overcame difficult pitfalls. I reflect a little about it and end up concluding that if were not for my adventurous spirit, I would not accept such crazy offer.

What will it be awaiting me? A new encounter with the cave could certainly reaffirm me as a seer and transform me again, in the aspect of the astral journey. On the other hand, if I failed I could be lost forever and not accomplish my dreams and projects. I try not to think about that possibility and carry on walking next to Hindu, but more determined and quicker. Thereby, we quickly travelled the distance. And soon after I am in front the place where everything began. I control my emotions; we went further forward and stopped at the entrance. At this point, the Hindu revises the last recommendations, bids farewell and saying that it is better for me to go alone from now on. I understand his point and I am ready to face a new challenge. Now it was me and the cave, once again. Initially the walk is brisk, but with concern. As it was expected, the path is full of pitfalls, but this time, unlike the previous time, I am able of overcoming them easily, using my seer’s tricks. After a little walking time, I feel tired and take the chance to reflect over my steps. Would it be than cave has softened or even had pity on me? Or was I better prepared than last time? One of the option was true, but at that moment I didn’t know which one. After the rest, I carry on walking through the cave’s galleries, searching for the sign or trace that I was looking for. Despite going deeper inside, nothing appears. I carry on walking hopeful, and an immensurable period of time, for the cave’s atmosphere is different from anything I have seen, at the last two doors appear. I stop in front of them and ask myself what exactly do they mean? I have some doubts, for my present master did not orientate me in that direction. With no way out, I decide to call on my seer’s powers and after some effort I am able to visualize their aura, what was a great achievement. With that information, my problems are solved and I find out that one represents the pure light and the other the dark night of the soul. Analysing both options, I deduce that the path of the pure light is my path, representing denounces and difficult choices in any human being’s life. Despite that, I believe that this is not the moment for choosing it. Just the path of the dark night of the soul represents the pure knowledge and the point at which we detached ourselves from God to think only about ourselves, in our egoism and vanities. Disregarding the first one, I believe that this path is going to help me to understand what happened to me a while before I became the seer. Sure of my choice, I open the door on the left (dark night of the soul). Opening it, a suffocating force pushes me inside and straight away I find myself in a large chamber, badly lit and sad, full of images of saints. I walk towards the Centre and I am able to read a phrase on the floor. It reads: Choose your saint and good luck. I have got several options: The saint of the desperate, the saint of impossible causes, and the saint of the oppressed, the saint of the travels, among others. I calmly analyse the situation and my needs. I am not desperate like the last time that I have entered the cave, nor I am wronged. These saints are no good for me. I was there precisely searching for a journey beyond the senses and trying to discover my real powers. Eliminating the unnecessary options, I decide to keep the saint of the travels. The choice made, I touch the respective saint and in so doing several doors open in front of me and on one of them was written: astral or spiritual travel. With no more doubts, I walk towards it and as I open it the unexpected happens. Suddenly, my senses are awaken and with a thrust my spirit wanders through distant times and spaces. On this journey, nothing seems very clear, but I can catch a glimpse of darkness, suffering, confusion and much pain. I see the bravery of a man fighting within himself an interminable war against his dark night of the soul. In this fight I see battles won and lost at the same time. I also see the dark night strengthening any time he slips up, and desperation falling on the miserable. Already in the spiritual plan, I see worlds battling for that man’s soul. There is a short passage of time and at the end of it I see a small light that can be his salvation. That light is intense and the dark night disappears with its presence, but there is lack of attitude on part of the man. Will it be that his repentance is really genuine? Did his dark night still remain in his heart? Before I could get the answers, the experience ends I return to my normal state. The door closes and I return to the same chamber. Without finding anymore, I decide to make my way back. After a few moments, I return to the galleries and walking rapidly and in 2 hours I walk the entire way of the cave. Getting out, I meet the Hindu again and I approach him for the first considerations.

—And then? What happened? Did you find what you were looking for? – he asks.

—The cave helped me in a certain way, but still has not answered the crucial questions. I think that I have to continue to risk, following this dangerous and tortuous path of darkness in order to reach the so desired final revelation. Are you going to carry on helping me?

—Of course. With meditation and astral journey that we have perfected, I believe that you are already capable of passing the next stage, accomplishing another challenge tomorrow. For the time being, it is better to go back home to rest.

I agree with my present master and we start walking at once. The initial steps are normal, reflecting the spiritual state of both of us, of someone who have just finished overcome another stage. What would be awaiting us from now on? I couldn’t even imagine, and it was that what was making our actual adventure as special as the first one. Despite all the doubts that I still had, I was absolutely sure of what I wanted and where I wanted to get to. With that conviction, I accelerate the steps and my master accompanies me on the track. In a short time, we covered the distance separating us from the humble house and upon arrival we cooked lunch and afterwards we rested on our uncomfortable beds. At this moment my thoughts were filled with the next day’s expectations, which would be decisive and definite in my career as a beginner writer.