Mystical Foundations of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar remain as fascinating and they are misrepresented in media, pseudo-history and conspiracy theories. Despite these distortions, the Templars do actually have at their foundations a kind of mystical constitution created by the Cistercian monk Bernard of Clairvaux. The Liber ad Milites Templi de Laude Novae Militiae (Book to the Knights of the Temple, in praise of the new knighthood) outlines the justification for Christian violence, why such a ‘new knighthood’ is needed and how that knighthood could attain mystical union with the divine despite spilling blood. The text also contains a mystical series of geographic meditation on sites within the Holy Land by which the Templar Knight could attain to holiness and the Divine Kiss. Bernard of Clairvaux’s own contemplative mysticism of love is bound up with both the spiritual and physical warfare of these warrior monks.
The article “Mystical Foundations of the Knights Templar” delves into the spiritual underpinnings of the Knights Templar, highlighting the influence of Bernard of Clairvaux, a Cistercian monk. Bernard’s work, “Liber ad Milites Templi de Laude Novae Militiae” (“Book to the Knights of the Temple, in Praise of the New Knighthood”), provides a framework for understanding how these warrior monks could reconcile their martial duties with a path to mystical union with the divine. The text justifies Christian violence, emphasizes the need for a ‘new knighthood,’ and offers meditative practices centered on holy sites in the Holy Land, guiding Templar knights toward holiness and the Divine Kiss. Bernard’s contemplative mysticism of love is thus intricately linked with the Templars’ spiritual and physical warfare.
Historically, the Knights Templar were a Catholic military order founded in 1119 to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. Endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church, they became one of the most skilled fighting units during the Crusades and developed a significant financial infrastructure across Christendom. Their distinctive white mantles with a red cross symbolized martyrdom, and dying in combat was considered a direct path to heaven. The Templars adhered to a specific code of conduct, known as the Latin Rule, which detailed their way of life, including guidelines on attire, meals, and interactions. Despite their eventual dissolution in the early 14th century, the Templars’ blend of martial prowess and spiritual devotion continues to captivate scholars and the public alike.
Mystical Foundations of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar, one of the most enigmatic and legendary military orders of the medieval era, were not only warriors but also deeply spiritual figures. While history often highlights their battlefield exploits and financial acumen, the mystical underpinnings of the order remain a subject of fascination and speculation.
Bernard of Clairvaux: Architect of the Templar Mysticism
The spiritual foundation of the Templars can be traced to Bernard of Clairvaux, a prominent Cistercian monk and theologian of the 12th century. Bernard’s treatise, Liber ad Milites Templi de Laude Novae Militiae (“In Praise of the New Knighthood”), articulated a vision in which martial discipline and spiritual devotion were intertwined. He depicted the Templars as monks in armor, warriors engaged in divine service. Bernard’s influence on the order ensured that their military campaigns were framed as acts of faith rather than mere conquests.
Templars as Warrior-Monks
Unlike traditional knights bound by feudal allegiances, the Templars lived by a strict monastic code known as the Latin Rule. This document dictated every aspect of their lives, from diet and dress to religious observance and combat conduct. The Rule emphasized humility, obedience, and poverty, aligning the knights with the ideals of early Christian asceticism. However, it also promoted a spiritual vision where martyrdom in battle was seen as a direct path to salvation.
Sacred Sites and Esoteric Knowledge
As custodians of the Holy Land, the Templars had direct access to ancient religious sites, including the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Legends persist that during their time in the East, they uncovered esoteric knowledge hidden within sacred relics and secret texts. Some accounts suggest that the Templars engaged in mystical practices, possibly influenced by Islamic Sufi traditions or remnants of Gnostic Christianity.
The Divine Contemplation of the Templar Knight
Beyond their battlefield prowess, the Templars practiced deep meditation and prayer. They believed that through contemplation, they could attain divine wisdom and forge a closer connection to God. Bernard of Clairvaux’s mystical teachings spoke of the Divine Kiss, a metaphor for union with the divine, which some scholars interpret as a precursor to later Christian mysticism.
Secret Chambers and Occult Symbolism
The Templars’ extensive network of preceptories and castles often housed underground chambers rumored to contain hidden treasures, ancient scrolls, and sacred relics. The persistent tales of hidden Templar knowledge have fueled speculation that their order possessed arcane wisdom linked to alchemy, sacred geometry, and early forms of Freemasonry.
The Legacy of Templar Mysticism
Though the order was officially disbanded in the early 14th century, the mystical aura surrounding the Knights Templar persists. Their influence can be seen in the myths surrounding the Holy Grail, the Masonic traditions, and esoteric Christian teachings. Whether their spiritual practices were truly secretive or simply misunderstood by later generations, the Templars remain an enduring symbol of the fusion between martial discipline and divine enlightenment.
The story of the Knights Templar is more than just one of military might—it is a saga of spiritual pursuit, shrouded in the mystery of faith, ritual, and hidden knowledge. Their legacy endures as a fascinating intersection of history, mysticism, and legend.