Ruysbroeck, Jan van

(1293–1381)

   Mystic and Devotional Writer.

   Ruysbroeck was born in Ruysbroeck, Flanders, and he was educated in Brussels. In c. 1317 he was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood and, after serving a parish, in 1343 he retired to a hermitage.

   This was to become the Augustinian monastery of Groenendael. He is remembered for his mystical writings, the best-known of which is Die Chierheit der Gheest elijke Brulocht (‘The spiritual espousals’). His works were translated into Latin and, with their exalted goal of attaining the beatific vision, were highly influential on such later mystics as John of the cross.

   S. Axters, La Spiritualité des Pays-Bas (1954);

   M. d’Asbeck, La Mystique de Ruysbroeck l’Admirable (1928) [no English translation available];

   E. Underhill, Ruysbroeck (1915).