The virtuous soul that is alone and without a master is like a long lone burning coal; it will grow colder rather than hotter.

In the dark night of the soul, bright flows the river of God.

Never relax, for you will not attain to the possession of true spiritual delights if first you do not learn to deny your every desire.

Let my soul live as if separated from my body.

Would that men might come at last to see that it is quite impossible to reach the thicket of the riches and wisdom of God except by first entering the thicket of much suffering, in such a way that the soul finds there its consolation and desire. The soul that longs for divine wisdom chooses first, and in truth, to enter the thicket of the cross.

Live in the world as if only God and your soul were in it; then your heart will never be made captive by any earthly thing.

The eternal spring is hidden in this living bread for our life's sake, although it is night. It is here calling out to creatures; and they satisfy their thirst, although in darkness, because it is night. This living spring that I long for, I see in this bread of life, although it is night.