Product Description

This 16th-century Spanish mystic is considered one of the most profound spiritual teachers in the history of Christianity. Father Kieran Kavanaugh, the editor of the volume, says in his introduction, "The Interior Castle has come to be regarded as Teresa's best synthesis...If asked to single out one work as her masterpiece, most of those acquainted with the Teresian writings would probably choose The Interior Castle." Teresa received the image of the whole book in a vision on Trinity Sunday, 1577. An early biographer says that she beheld "a most beautiful crystal globe like a castle in which she saw seven dwelling places, and in the seventh, which was in the center, the King of Glory dwelt in the greatest splendor."

The Second Vatican Council pointed out that by penetrating the revealed message the Christian mystics enrich our comprehension of it an thievery contribute to the Church's living tradition. Among the mystics, St. Teresa of Avila holds a unique position as a witness to divine realities. Her common sense, humor, and penchant for everyday images liven her writings; but she is above all remarkable for her analytical abilities in proving the mystery of God's workings in the soul. On September 27, 1970, Pope Paul VI proclaimed Teresa a Doctor of the Church. During the ceremony the pope spoke of her as a teacher of "marvelous profundity."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #382149 in Books
• Published on: 1979-01-01
• Original language: Spanish
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Language Notes
Text: English, Spanish (translation)

From the Publisher
One of the most celebrated works on mystical theology in existence, as timely today as when St. Teresa of Avila wrote it centuries ago, this is a treasury of unforgettable maxims on self-knowledge and fulfillment.

From the Inside Flap
One of the most celebrated works on mystical theology in existence, as timely today as when St. Teresa of Avila wrote it centuries ago, this is a treasury of unforgettable maxims on self-knowledge and fulfillment.

Customer Reviews

Listening to a Saint on Interior Castles
St. Teresa's famous works Interior Castle becomes even better on this CD set read by Susan Denaker. It is almost like listening to Teresa of Avila actually talking to you about the Interior Castle. Denaker does an outstanding job reading this work and I find I learn something new each time I listen to the CDs. It's great to listen to it over and over without having to work at reading it; you can spend you full concentration on what is being said.

What an Excellent Book!
I bought this book at a local bookstore actually as a fluke (sort of). I had some in-store credit and a coupon, and I had heard this was a solid work by St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila), so I bought it.

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I now say to persons, "I'm in a 7-Step spiritual program" (i.e., St. Teresa's seven mansions). St. Teresa is this very winesome writer who is furiously working on this treatise late at night after being neck-deep in this massive and highly controversial reforming movement in 16th century CE Spain.

So she comes to this work all tired and exhausted physically, but her zealous spirit for the things of God just shines right through the pages! It is literally a window to the soul of this great woman who walked her talk. She also is very attractive in that she is, in one sense, this very ordinary woman who has believed a story that God can do great things through those who will live for Him totally. As such, you don't get the sense she's this super-intellectual giant like Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Calvin, and so on who is also struggling with their intellect, but rather she's the "plain Jane" sold out for God.

After reading this book, I've made St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) my honorary mother as I couldn't be more honored than to be her son in some small way. I have gone on to get her collected works in three volumes, but I must say this is one of the most profound, yet elegantly simple, books I have ever read. In one sense, how can I write a review of this book? What can I say about such a treasure? All I can say is this, if I had to lose all my books and can only have my Bible and maybe ten others - this work would be among the ten.

awesome
it is very spiritual and rewarding...you can search your soul for your place in your spiritual beliefs...