The article focuses on the problem how the mystical teaching of the Spanish Carmelite can be related to life of all people. It is shown that this teaching, and particularly the idea of the dark night of the senses, can only be valid within a framework of monastic life of the Discalsed Carmelite order. Although John rejects severe asceticism, the night of the senses cannot be conceived of without severe asceticism. In his opinion it is necessary to restrain not only deliberate but also indeliberate desires. Being in accordance with St. Paul's statements on married life, the mystic looks down on basic principles of lay people's lives (e. g. on an attachment to one's wife or children). He never accepts any way of justified experience of sensual pleasure. The conclusion of the article is that in spite of his declarations John's mystical doctrine cannot be regarded as objectively universal.
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