Okay, let's be clear: this isn't a book with a plot in the traditional sense. There's no hero's journey or murder mystery. Think of it more as a map for an inner adventure. Jan van Ruusbroec was a Flemish mystic who spent most of his life in a hermitage, and this collection gathers his key writings. The 'story' is the progression of the soul. He starts by describing our basic, often messy, spiritual state. Then, he outlines a path toward what he famously called the 'common life.' This isn't about being ordinary. For Ruusbroec, it's the ultimate goal: a life where your contemplation of the divine and your action in the world aren't separate things. They flow together seamlessly. You're not just praying and then going to work; your work becomes a form of prayer, and your prayer fuels your work. He walks you through the stages—active life, inward life, and finally, contemplative life—showing how each builds on the last.

Why You Should Read It

I picked this up thinking it would be a historical curiosity, but it felt shockingly current. Ruusbroec cuts through the noise. In a world (then and now) obsessed with external appearances and empty routines, he points relentlessly inward. His writing isn't cold or academic; it's passionate. You can feel his urgency. He's not interested in creating monks who are good at hiding in cells. He wants to create people who bring love and awareness into everything they do. What got me was his insistence on balance. He warns against getting so lost in spiritual ecstasy that you neglect your neighbor, and just as strongly, he warns against being so busy with good works that you forget the source of that goodness. It's a call to integrated, whole living.

Final Verdict

This book is not for someone looking for a light, easy read. It demands your attention and reflection. But if you're feeling a disconnect between your beliefs and your daily life, or if you're interested in Christian mysticism beyond the usual names, Ruusbroec is a revelation. Perfect for readers of Thomas Merton or Meister Eckhart who want to discover one of the sources. It's also great for anyone, of any background, fascinated by practical guides to mindfulness and presence written long before those terms were trendy. You'll need to sip it slowly, a few pages at a time, but the flavor is deep and lasting.