"The Cloud of Unknowing" is a profound and psychologically sophisticated fourteenth century manual of contemplation written in english on the Island of Britain. It presents a way of “dark contemplation” in which we find our spiritual fulfilment through unknowing. Written by an anonymous spiritual master, probably a solitary of the Carthusian order, the teachings are relevant to Christians looking to deepen their way of prayer and for western Zen practitioners as it presents a practice that could be claimed to be a western Zen, illuminating the joys and pitfalls of the path in language that is recognisably from our land and culture. This retreat will introduce the Cloud and its sources, the methods of practice and signs of success on the path.