Holy Wisdom

Holy Wisdom, by Augustine Baker, is a guide to contemplative prayer. It draws from earlier mystical traditions, particularly the teachings of John Cassian, emphasizing inner stillness and direct experience of God. Baker stresses self-awareness and detachment as necessary steps to knowing God. The book offers practical advice on prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Holy Wisdom became an important text for later contemplative movements.

Augustine Baker (1575-1641) was a Welsh Benedictine monk. He converted to Catholicism and joined the Benedictine order. Baker focused on prayer and contemplation. His writings, including Holy Wisdom, reflect his understanding of mystical theology. His work, influenced by John Cassian, became a source for later spiritual writers, including John Main, who built upon Baker's emphasis on contemplative prayer.