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Dhammapada · narration sample

A one-minute narration sample. Every book in the library is narrated end to end — hear the rest in the app.

The Cloud of Unknowing · 2 of 80

Glossary

Glossary Beholding

Regard, consideration.

Boisterous

Rough, violent, unskilful, crude.

Clergy

Learning.

Con

To know, or be able.

Counsel

Spiritual adviser or director.

Doomsman

Judge.

Even-christian

Neighbour.

Fairhead

Beauty.

Forsobbed

Soaked or penetrated.

Forsunken

Immersed.

Let

To hinder.

Lewd

Unlettered, or ignorant.

Namely

Specially.

Onehead

Union.

Out!

Alas.

Pincher

A covetous or niggardly person.

Ravishing

Ecstasy.

Reckless

Indifferent.

Ronker

A whisperer.

Ronner

A gossip or tale-bearer.

Swink

To labour.

Witting

Knowledge.

Wode

Mad, furious.

Asked of Guide

Why does the glossary list strange words like “Onehead” and “Forsunken” instead of modern terms?

The chapter gives definitions the author expects the reader to meet in the text: “Onehead” is defined plainly as union and “Forsunken” as immersed, so the book keeps its medieval vocabulary while pointing you to the spiritual meaning. The glossary signals that words carry theological weight here; each entry orients you toward contemplative states or moral types rather than neutral dictionary senses.

This mirrors other medieval guides like Julian of Norwich, which also supplies specialized language to map inner experience, and it prepares you to read phrases such as “beholding” and “ravishing” as technical markers of contemplative progress. The list primes attention to interior acts and temperaments the author treats throughout the Cloud.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.