Jakob Boehme (1575-1624)
The Disciple said to his Master: Sir, how may I come to the place that I may see God, and may hear God speak—to a life that is beyond the senses and the feelings, to the supernatural life?
The Master answered: Son, when you can throw yourself, even for a moment, into that mysterious place where no creature exists, then you will hear what God is speaking.
The Disciple: Is it near at hand or far away, that place where no creature exists?
The Master: It is in you. And, my son, if for a moment you can cease all your own thinking and willing, then you will hear the unspeakable words of God.
The Disciple: How can I hear God speak if I cease thinking and willing?
The Master: When you abandon all self-centred thinking and willing; when both intellect and will are quiet and passive to the Eternal Word and Spirit; when your soul floats beyond everything temporal and outward… then the eternal hearing, seeing, and speaking will be revealed in you; and so God hears and sees through you, you being now the organ of his Spirit; and so God speaks in you, and whispers to your Spirit, and your spirit hears his voice. Blessed are you therefore if you can stand still from self-thinking and self-willing, and can stop the wheel of your imagination and senses…. Nothing indeed but your own willing and hearing can hinder you from seeing and hearing God.
