The intimacy of religious experience: a phenomenological approach of the mysticism from Bernard of Clairvaux

This study aims to realize a phenomenological approach of the mysticism from Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), taking as its starting point some notes from Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) in connection with a lecture not offered on "The philosophical foundations of medieval mysticism (1918/1919)". The route taken here consists of three steps: a) provide the elements that allow us to understand the context in which awakens the self-interest of Heidegger by the medieval mysticism; b) make an approach phenomenological interpretation proposed from Heidegger to the Sermons on the Song of Songs, St. Bernard; c) provide a translation - simultaneously accompanied by the Latin text - the third sermon of the Bernard's series to the book of the Old Testament, since this sermon allows us better to monitor and understand the notes and signs left by Heidegger. And the spirit of the Song of Songs, text that inspired many other Christian mystics through the centuries, we seek to highlight the intimacy of Bernard's religious experience, indicating at the end as the notes of the young Heidegger may have influenced his later thought.