Jeanne Marie Bouvier de la Motte Guyon

French mystic and spiritual writer

Jeanne Marie Bouvier de la Motte Guyon - Thinkers & Philosophers born April 13th, 1648
Born
Died

1717
309 years ago — 69 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

France

Links & References

Born in France, a significant figure in mysticism, which focused on divine union and inner spirituality. Writings emphasized surrender to God's will and contemplation. Gained followers and faced opposition from both the Catholic Church and other religious authorities. Her works contributed to the Quietist movement, which advocated for a more personal form of spirituality. Arrested and imprisoned for her beliefs, writings continued to influence later generations of spiritual seekers.

Authored 'A Short and Easy Method of Prayer'

Contributed to the Quietist movement

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