The Mysticism Of Henry Suso

Henry Suso, also known by his Latin name, Henricus Seuse, was a German Dominican friar and mystic who lived during the 14th century. He is considered to be one of the greatest mystics of the Middle Ages and his writings have influenced many spiritual seekers throughout the centuries. His mystical experiences and teachings have left a lasting impact on the world and continue to inspire people to this day.

Born in Constance, Germany in 1295, Henry Suso was the son of a wealthy family. At the age of 13 he was accepted as a novitiate of the Dominican Order and it was whilst he was with the Dominicans that at the age of 18, he experienced a powerful encounter with Divine Wisdom, which changed the course of his life.

Suso’s life as a friar was marked by intense devotion to God and a deep desire to understand and experience the mysteries of the divine. He spent long hours in prayer and meditation, seeking a closer union with God. His devotion and ascetic practices earned him the reputation of being a saintly and holy man.

One of the most significant events in Suso’s life was his encounter with Meister Eckhart, a renowned German theologian and mystic. Eckhart’s teachings on the mystical union with God deeply influenced Suso and became a major influence on his own writings and spiritual journey.

Suso’s mystical experiences were recorded in his most famous work, The Little Book of Eternal Wisdom. In this book, he describes his visions and encounters with the divine, as well as his understanding of the nature of God and the human soul. The book is a testament to Suso’s deep spirituality and his search for a deeper understanding of the mysteries of God.

One of the key themes in Suso’s writings is the idea of detachment from the material world and the importance of embracing poverty and simplicity. He believed that true spiritual growth could only be achieved by letting go of worldly desires and attachments. This idea was radical in his time, as the Catholic Church was often associated with wealth and power. Suso’s teachings on poverty and detachment were seen as a challenge to the established order and earned him both admiration and criticism.

Suso’s mystical experiences were not limited to visions and encounters with the divine. He also had a deep understanding of the human soul and its journey towards union with God. He believed that the soul goes through four stages in its spiritual journey: the awakening, the purification, the enlightenment, and the union. These stages are reflected in his writings and are seen as a roadmap for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection with God.

Today, Henry Suso is remembered as one of the greatest mystics of the Middle Ages. His writings continue to inspire and guide spiritual seekers, and his teachings on detachment and the journey of the soul towards union with God are still relevant in today’s world. He is a reminder that true spiritual growth requires a deep devotion to God and a willingness to let go of worldly desires.

The mysticism of Henry Suso is a testament to the power of the human spirit and its longing for a deeper connection with the divine. His life and writings continue to inspire people to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and the mysteries of God. He remains a beloved figure in the world of mysticism and his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.