The Cloud of Unknowing

How the work of contemplation (meditation) shall be done; of its excellence over all other works.

This is what you are to do: lift your heart up to the Lord, with a gentle stirring of love desiring him for his own sake and not for his gifts. Centre all your attention and desire on him and let this be the sole concern of your mind and heart. Do all in your power to forget everything else, keeping your thoughts and desires free from involvement with God’s creatures or their affairs whether in general or in particular. Perhaps this will seem like an irresponsible attitude, but I tell you, let them all be; pay no attention to them.

What I am describing here is the contemplative work of the spirit. It is this which gives God the greatest delight … and so diligently persevere until you feel joy in it. For in the beginning it is usual to feel nothing but a kind of darkness about your mind; or as it were, a cloud of unknowing. You will seem to know nothing except a naked intent toward God in the depth of your being.
_{The Cloud of Unknowing, edited by William Johnstone}

You can make up for a deficiency in devotion only by devotion…. Look in this direction – the solution is meditation; look the other way – it’s still meditation.

And the root of all devotion is Guru Bhakti, devotion for the Master.
_{Maharaj Jagat Singh, Discourses on Sant Mat, Vol. II}