The Interior Castle

By: St. Teresa of Avila

Narrated by: Andrea Giordani

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.

The Interior Castle guides the believer on an interior journey through the seven mansions toward mystical union. Prayer and meditation are the preconditions for entering upon the quest. The first three mansions are entered through daily prayer, on the active stage of the journey. Mansions four to five involve mystical prayer, and is considered the passive stage as the divine role in the process increases. Mansions six and seven are the betrothal and the consummation of the mystical marriage.

Public Domain (P)2019 Museum Audiobooks

Enter into and live in the Kingdom of God

Humility is the foundation. I’m not humble enough nor holy enough to understand all the workings described. But just knowing these interior castles exist is something to strive for, hope for, and pray for. I gave 4 out of 5 because mostly due to my own lack of understanding. The accent of Giordani reminds me the author herself is from a country other than my own, but sometimes it lulled me to sleep.

Helped me in my journey through an extended fast in surrendering to God.

Great for knowledge and understanding of self and becoming closer with God. God bless this saint.

"Give light to lutherans," she ends in prayer.

A Christian Classic, and still an enigma, This treatise explains, describes and warns of the mystical journey of the soul.

INSPIRING! STRONG AID IN EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

I like how St Teresa writes about the different levels of prayers one can live out, in order to get closer to God, and also about the things that can prevent a soul to enter a the 'next mansion' within his/her soul.

Her explanation of our soul as a diamond with 7 mansions (rooms of growth of love for God) is brilliant & humbling.

She speaks of aridety (dryness) in prayer; to not worry about this, but to persevere and strongly and truly want & seek God's will for our lives.

Valuable guidance

I plan to get another version because the narrator was, at times, very difficult for me to understand.