La Contemplatio naturalis et son rôle dans la mystique chrétienne

Secondary characteristics aside, the stages of spiritual fulfilment are essentially the same in all traditions and can be reduced to three main steps: purification, integration and unity. In Christian mysticism, this second stage of spiritualization, that is, the integration of man, is generally referred to as ‘natural contemplation’ (contemplatio naturalis in Latin). When contemplation naturalis reaches its perfection, the result is what has been called ‘cosmic love’. The spiritual becomes a “heart burning with love for all creation, for men, birds, animals, demons, for all creatures … moved by the infinite mercy which wakes up in the very heart of those that are united with God”. This is the cosmic amplification of the human being who is “constantly absorbed in the advent of the regeneration of all things”.