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Dhammapada · narration sample

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The Cloud of Unknowing · 32 of 80

Chapter 27. Who should work in the gracious work of this book

FIRST and foremost, I will tell thee who should work in this work, and when, and by what means: and what discretion thou shalt have in it. If thou asketh me who shall work thus, I answer thee—all that have forsaken the world in a true will, and thereto that give them not to active life, but to that life that is called contemplative life. All those should work in this grace and in this work, whatsoever that they be; whether they have been accustomed sinners or none. p. 167

Asked of Guide

Who is meant to “work in this work” — who should practice this contemplative prayer?

The chapter says plainly: everyone who has forsaken the world in a true will and who gives themselves to the contemplative life. It includes anybody, “whatsoever that they be,” whether they have been accustomed sinners or not, so the door is open to all committed to contemplative intention.

The author frames this as a gracious work for those who turn from active life toward contemplation, and instructs on discretion and timing for such practice. This aligns with John Cassian’s Conferences, which also addresses who is fit for contemplative prayer and stresses the need for a prepared, willing heart.

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.