Interior Castle (Thrift Editions)

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Humility is essential to all growth in the spiritual life. Recognize who you are and recognize who God is. A cornerstone book on mystical theology, Interior Castle describes the seven stages of union with God. Using everyday language to explain difficult theological concepts, Teresa of Avila compares the contemplative life to a castle with seven chambers. Tracing the passage of the soul through each successive chamber, she draws a powerful picture of the path toward spiritual perfection. It is the most sublime and mature of Teresa's works, offering profound and inspiring reflections on such subjects as self-knowledge, humility, detachment, and suffering. Mirabai Starr teaches on a few Interior Castle passages that name divine union as a birthright and gateway to service in the world. James Finley poetically meditates on the 7th Mansion (the center of your soul) and the solitude of the 6th Mansion. This magnificent refuge is inside you. Enter. Shatter the darkness that shrouds the doorway. Step around the poisonous vipers that slither at your feet, attempting to throw you off your course. Be bold. Be humble. Put away the incense and forget the incantations they taught you. Ask no permission from the authorities. Slip away. Close your eyes and follow your breath to the still place that leads to the invisible path that leads you home.”

The Interior Castle: Teresa of Avila, Mirabai Starr

She told me this vision on the same day, for in this as well as in other things she was so communicative that on the following morning she said to me: "How I forgot myself yesterday! I cannot think how it could have happened. Those high aspirations of mine, and the affection I have for you must have caused me to go beyond all reasonable Oratio quietis — Oratio quietis est « quieta, alta et tranquilla felicitas in voluntate. Quae quidem beatitudo permanet, licet anima quid agatur non intelligat. Hic ita occupatur voluntas in Deo, et in gaudio, ut ne memoria quidem seu intellectus eam interrumpat. Oratio quietis, sicut supernaturalis recordatio, infunditu (non nostro labore). Virtus nostra crescit et ad terrena desideria redigit. Orationem optamus et in ea perseveremus, dum magis gratuiti erga Deum fiunt. Recognize how good the created world is. Seeing the Creator and His beauty in the world should replace attachments. For though we know quite well that God is present in all that we do, our nature is such that it makes us lose sight of the fact; but when this favour is granted it can no longer do so, for the Lord, who is near at hand, awakens it. And even the favours aforementioned occur much more commonly, as the soul experiences a vivid and almost constant love for Him whom it sees or knows to be at its side.”Impulse– An impulse is a frequent, sometimes habitual desire. It involves remembering that the soul is separated from God and thus a deep sorrow. This results in the soul both desiring to serve God better and to leave the exile of life for heaven.

Interior Castle by Teresa of Ávila | Goodreads

Just as a diamond gives great delight to the one who receives it, Teresa, at the end of her work on the Mansions, speaks of the great delight that one has who has explored the inside of the diamond of the Interior Castle. you must not build upon foundations of prayer and contemplation alone, for, unless you strive after the virtues and practice them, you will never grow to be more than dwarfs.”

I don't know which one is more unfair: leaving this book with 5 stars but with no review, or writing a review which can never ever do it justice, however hard I strive to. The Interior Castle is a spiritual classics; it has been read and enjoyed by millions, and in turn I'm sure it has made many saints! So nothing I write can ever truly describe how awesome this book is! will clearly understand that the spirit of Mother Tireza ( sic) of Jesus is true, since it leads to the same effects as are to be found in the saints; and because this is in truth my judgment and opinion, I have hereunto set my name, this, the 22nd day of February, 1582. P. Rodrigo Alvarez.' 8