Reuniting with God: Saint Teresa of Ávila (vegetarian) and the Interior Castle, Part 1 of 2

“The Interior Castle,” also titled “The Mansions,” is a classic work of Christian mysticism by St. Teresa of Ávila. Published in 1588, the text serves as a practical guide for those who wish to achieve mystical union with the Divine. Teresa viewed the soul as a “castle made of a single diamond,” which contains seven mansions or dwelling places. The concept of the immanence of God - who dwells in the seventh mansion – was central to her spirituality.

Today, we are pleased to introduce excerpts from ‘The Interior Castle Or The Mansions’ translated from the Autograph of Saint Teresa of Jesus by the Benedictines of Stanbrook.

THE FIRST MANSIONS. CHAPTER I. THE SAINT SPEAKS OF THE BEAUTY AND DIGNITY OF OUR SOULS, AND MENTIONS THAT THE GATE OF THIS CASTLE IS PRAYER

“[…] [2. The Interior Castle.] I thought of the soul as resembling a castle, formed of a single diamond or a very transparent crystal, and containing many rooms, just as in Heaven there are many mansions. If we reflect, sisters, we shall see that the soul of the just man is but a paradise, in which God tells us He takes His delight. What, do you imagine, must that dwelling be in which a King so mighty, so wise, and so pure, containing in Himself all good, can delight to rest? Nothing can be compared to the great beauty and capabilities of a soul; however keen our intellects may be, they are as unable to comprehend them as to comprehend God, for, as He has told us, He created us in His own image and likeness.

[3. Our curable self-ignorance.] […] Rarely do we reflect upon what gifts our souls may possess, Who dwells within them, or how extremely precious they are. Therefore, we do little to preserve their beauty; all our care is concentrated on our bodies, which are but the coarse setting of the diamond, or the outer walls of the castle.

[4. God dwells in the center of the soul.] Let us imagine, as I said, that there are many rooms in this castle, of which some are above, some below, others at the side; in the center, in the very midst of them all, is the principal chamber in which God and the soul hold their most secret communion. Think over this comparison very carefully; God grant it may enlighten you about the different kinds of graces. He is pleased to bestow upon the soul. […]

[9. Prayer.] As far as I can understand, the gate by which to enter this castle is prayer and meditation. I do not allude more to mental than to vocal prayer, for if it is prayer at all, the mind must take part in it. […]”