Idea zastosowania zmysłów w medytacjach o Męce Pańskiej na przykładzie rękopisu przechowywanego w Archiwum Norbertanek Zwierzynieckich

Abstract

This article presents the method of the application of senses presented in anonymous meditations entitled Kontemplacja Męki i śmierci Chrystusa Pana. The manuscript dates back to the XVII century and is stored in the archives of the Sisters of St. Norbert’s Order in Cracow, so it is possible to make the thesis that the author of this manuscript belonged to this abbey. Contained in the manuscript are meditations that induce contemplation of The Passion with accommodation of the senses, the method introduced by Ignatius of Loyola, and with co-operation of three spiritual rules: the memory, intellect, and volition in meditation of circumstances of Christ’s life and mysteries of faith. Upon the conception of the five spiritual senses wrote Origen as well as Saint Bonaventure. In the anonymous manuscript the method of application of senses are used mainly in meditations about Christ’s Agony in the Garden, the flagellation, Saint Mary’s feelings during Christ’s lashing, the crowning of thorns and crucifixion. The meditations advice precise “observation” by seeing, hearing, smell, feeling and taste of the suffering of Christ. The article submits that all senses used in meditations in the proper way conduce not only to better knowledge of disclosed laws but also to the regular officiating of spiritual exercises and to interior improvement.