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The Cloud upon the Sanctuary

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This is a work within the tradition of post-Boehmean theosophy. Unlike Blavatsky's Theosophical Society of the nineteenth century which primarily involved esoteric Buddhism, the earlier theosophy primarily involved esoteric Christianity. The Christian nature of The Cloud Upon the Sanctuary is clear in the sense that Jesus Christ is given preeminence as the Wisdom of God. But some Christians may consider the work not "Christian" enough, historically and doctrinally speaking, whereas others with esoteric interests may consider the work too Christian. The Christianity it posits is "inclusivistic" in that all is seen and encompassed in Christ by whom, according to Eckartshausen, "all is made, and which existed from the beginning, Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God working in everything". The "cloud" of the title relates to the noetic weakness, derived from The Fall of Adam and inherited by us, that veils the truth of our essential nature, our inner sanctuary, as created in the image of God. Our Divine Center, the Light and Mysteries Within, is the Holy of Holies which is covered by the veil of error, a false nature, which is removed through divine inspiration, illumination, and revelation via meditation. The removing of the veil, or Cloud, is progressively sanctifying as one moves into the Center (the esoteric) from the circumference (the exoteric). Those who live within from the Divine Center represent the Interior Church which is invisible and secure. More could be said, but only the reading of the work itself can give the full effect. It is a unique work of mystical doctrine that is unforgettable.

This edition of _The Cloud Upon the Sanctuary_, first published in Germany and translated into French in the year 1819 and republished here by Ibis Press in 2003, by German Roman Catholic mystic and Theosophist Karl von Eckhartshausen is an excellent English translation of this original mystical text. Karl von Eckhartshausen (1752 - 1813) was a German mystic, a devout and pious Roman Catholic and Theosophist in the tradition of Jacob Boehme who had briefly belonged to the Bavarian Illuminati of Adam Weishaupt only to leave this order to become bitterly opposed to it. Eckhartshausen was a firm believer in the "Interior Church", the mystical body of true believers linked by spiritual experience rather than doctrine, and in this classic text he expounds upon his notions for such an "Invisible and Interior Church". This text as mentioned in the Foreword and Introduction came to have an influence on the Order of the Golden Dawn in England and on such individuals as Aleister Crowley and A. E. Waite. However, the text was also widely used among English mystics such as J. W. Broddie-Innes and Evelyn Underhill. Further, this text came to have an influence in Russia where it was widely read by such individuals including Tsar Alexander I. It should be noted as explained by A. E. Waite, the "Interior Church" spoken of here is not a "corporate body existing merely within the church and controlling or leading it from a specific local centre in concealment." Rather, this "Interior Church" is "a withdrawn brotherhood in whose hands the experimental knowledge of God has remained and increased. It is the doctrine of the esoteric Church of the Illuminated." This work represents a great mystical and esoteric classic which reveals the triumphant love of God for all men.

This edition includes the following sections. It begins with a Foreword by Edward Dunning explaining the role of this text on individuals such as Crowley and Waite as well as mentioning Boehme and Saint-Martin. Following this, is a "Preface to the First English Edition" by the mystic J. W. Brodie-Innes. Following this is the Introduction of the 1909 edition written by A. E. Waite which recounts the life of Eckhartshausen and explains the role of his mysticism and the "Interior Church" as well as the Sacraments. Following this is an "Advertisement Prefixed to the French Translation of 1819" which explains the cordial welcome of a collection of prayers by Eckhartshausen to the public. Following this is "A Short Method of Reflection Before Reading _The Cloud Upon the Sanctuary_: Being an Extract of a Treatise on Chemistry of Councillor von Eckhartshausen" which explains the "interior eye of man" and the external eye lifted up to the Sun. Then, begins the text proper of _The Cloud Upon the Sanctuary_ in the form of six letters, followed by notes on the letters by the translator Isabelle de Steiger. The book ends with an Appendix, "The Marriage of Heaven and Earth Or the Descent of Christ into the Heart Being a Supplement to "The Cloud Upon the Sanctuary"" which includes a series of short aphoristic readings expressing the love of Jesus Christ for man.

In the first letter, Eckhartshausen begins by commenting on his age, a remarkable one for the "quiet observer" in which a battle rages between the forces of light and those of darkness. He notes the role of mankind and the "philosophy of the age", mentioning Jesus Christ and "Absolute Truth". He also discusses somewhat the philosophy of Kant noting its importance. Then he discusses how with this philosophy, "the cloud before the Sanctuary lifts" and a new truth is revealed. He also discusses the role of the building of the Temple and then mentions "an advanced school" among the society of the Elect. Herein, he explains his notion of the "Interior Church". Eckhartshausen writes, "This community of light has been called from all time the invisible and interior Church, or the most ancient of all communities, of which we will speak more fully in the next letter." In the second letter, Eckhartshausen begins by discussing the "community of Light", the society of the Elect, and the "School of the Prophets". He maintains that the "Interior Church" has existed since the time of the fall of man and contrasts this to the external church which possesses symbol and rite which is revealed in the spirit of the "Interior Church". He also discusses the external church and the order of Melchizedek, the ancient prophets, and their role in the Community of Light. In the third letter, Eckhartshausen discusses the Holy Mysteries mentioning the role of the Community of Light and the Inner Sanctuary. He rejects "pride and self-seeking" among the Elect and discusses God as Wisdom and Light, the Divine Alliance, and the rejected corner stone. In the fourth letter, Eckhartshausen discusses "an infinity of numbers", hieroglyphics and emblems, Jesus Christ as the sum of all perfections, the secret school of the Interior and Invisible Church, revelation, Divine illumination and Divine inspiration, Jesus Christ as the Anointed of the Light, and the Holy Mysteries. In the fifth letter, Eckhartshausen discusses the highest of mysteries as the "real possession of God", the role of the body which suffers "pain, poverty, suffering, and illness", the Schools of Wisdom, evil matter, the order of Melchizedek, and divine mercy and redemption through Jesus Christ. Finally, in the sixth letter, Eckhartshausen discusses God's becoming man to deify man, re-birth through Jesus Christ, regeneration, that the Temple is still full of Scribes and Pharisees, human understanding as guided by seven powers which he presents, the love and spirit of God, and the Grand Temple of Nature. He ends with these words, "So in one Grand Temple of Nature, great and little, poor and rich, will all sing the praise of the Father of Love." Thus, ends the letters composing this text.

This book offers a beautiful translation of a classic mystical and theosophical text by a devout Roman Catholic Christian. The text explains a mystical "Interior Church" which lies at the heart of the Christian Church. While this notion was to be misunderstood and abused by occultists, it nevertheless offers a fascinating mystical text for the devout Christian to reflect upon.

The Cloud Upon the Sanctuary is a great Christian mystical work. Essential to all those interested in piercing the veil and seeking Cosmic illumination. There is much food here for meditation and contemplation.

This book is a pretty good read concerning the "hidden church", or the church that is within. I think too many of the occultists tried to read more into than was really there. Instead of the hidden church referring to some secret occult mystery school, I believe Eckartshausen was simply referring to those who have had a mystical experience of God; therefore, they know the church to be something within, and not the external edifice, its rituals, and its laws. It is quite the stretch to believe the author was using secret language that speaks of occultism. You be the judge, though.

The content of this short book is compressed and bears close readings to grasp the nuances of the 'inner' and 'outer' church'. Introductory readings and the commentary on the chapters provide valuable points of entry to the interpretation and contextual setting of this mystic work. However, as with all works of this calibre, the thesis asserts its own authority and clarity.

I've only read one chapter of it, and I can say thus far that it's quite good. It's an introduction to Occultist thought and it's fascinating partly just because of the way it's presented. I'd recommend it to people just starting out in Occultism such as Magick, Alchemy and the like. Good book.