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Saint Teresa of Avila: Passionate Mystic
"The important thing is not to think much, but to love much, and so to do whatever best awakens us to love." ―St. Teresa of Avila
Journey to the 16th century to discover the fiery passion of Saint Teresa of Avila, one of Christianity's most inspiring saints. A tireless reformer and the mentor of Saint John of the Cross, Teresa's greatest legacy is her revelation of ecstatic love for God―a love so powerful that it pierces the heart like a burning sword.
Through illness, hardship, and persecution by the Inquisition, this courageous mystic lit the way with her unquenchable spirit to an "interior castle," a place of unimaginable beauty and light where no darkness can touch us. Saint Teresa of Avila gives you a direct link to the living presence of this brave and gentle woman, to draw upon her strength in your own times of need.
Journey to the 16th century to discover the fiery passion of Saint Teresa of Avila, one of Christianity's most inspiring saints. A tireless reformer and the mentor of Saint John of the Cross, Teresa's greatest legacy is her revelation of ecstatic love for God―a love so powerful that it pierces the heart like a burning sword.
Through illness, hardship, and persecution by the Inquisition, this courageous mystic lit the way with her unquenchable spirit to an "interior castle," a place of unimaginable beauty and light where no darkness can touch us. Saint Teresa of Avila gives you a direct link to the living presence of this brave and gentle woman, to draw upon her strength in your own times of need.
136 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
87 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Mirabai Starr
45 books354 followersMirabai Starr is an award-winning author, internationally acclaimed speaker, and interspiritual teacher. In 2020, she was honored on Watkins’ list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. Drawing from 20 years of teaching Philosophy and World Religions and a lifetime of practice, Mirabai shares her wisdom worldwide on contemplative living, writing as a spiritual practice, and the transformational power of grief and loss. She has authored over a dozen books including Wild Mercy, Caravan of No Despair, and renowned translations of sacred literature. Her most recent book, Ordinary Mysticism, has been praised by Anne Lamott as “a gorgeous, transformative, welcoming book is for anyone who longs to feel more present, more alive, more joyful and aware of the holiness of daily life”. She lives with her extended family in the mountains of northern New Mexico. For more, visit www.mirabaistarr.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 13, 2017
Mirabai Starr brings Teresa of Avila to life, like a feminine Rumi. Sumptuous, enchanting, bewitching, soothing.
December 30, 2018
I picked this book up at a shop in Saratoga Springs last year. Or two years ago. Anyway, it's been a while and it's been sitting in my little basket on my coffee table, just waiting for me to pick it up.
I know nothing about St. Teresa of Avila but this year one of the podcasts I listen to ("Abiding Together" where three Catholic women talk about, well, being Catholic) discussed three women doctors in the Church, including (ta-da!) St. Teresa of Avila. So I'm curious now. Also I was looking for a book I could read quickly near the end of the year, as I was no way going to make my book reading goal for 2018.
Immediately, I was struck by St. Teresa's disdain for the rules of the Church. Mortification for penance? Nope. That the only way to experience God was through proper rituals and through an ordained priest? Sorry. Not true. She needed to evade the Inquisition, but she also did not believe there was only way to God.
It got me thinking about the current state of the Church with the sexual abuse and systematic coverups. How do I keep MY faith but not support the corruption that clearly has been, and is, going on? Would withholding my financial contribution make a difference? Or would it hurt people who truly are helped by certain church ministries?
St. Teresa of Avila gave me no answers. But she gave me lots of questions. And the tool of silence -- of using meditation to sit with the questions and let the answers come in their own time.
She had a strong relationship with St. John of the Cross. (I am not familiar with St. John of the Cross except that Thomas Merton talks about him in some of his writings. Now I'm even more intrigued.) In the book, Mirabai Starr writes that, "The priorities of the contemporary Church disappointed him. No one seemed to care about the spiritual path anymore."
Amen, brother.
The thing I also love about St. Teresa is her ability to combine the sacred and the ordinary. It is not about going off and always being in contemplative prayer, or always being "sacred" so to speak. You also have to be of the world, and through the world is where you show your love.
"When you have grown still on purpose while everything around you is asking for your chaos, you will find the doors between every room of this interior castle thrown open, the path home to your true love unobstructed after all."
"Remember:
if you want to make progress
on the path
and ascend to the places
you have longed for,
the important thing
is not to think much
but to love much,
and so to do whatever
best awakens you to love."
"One day, when St. Teresa was taking her turn in the kitchen, she was carried off into ecstasy while still holding a frying pan in her hand. The nuns were alarmed -- not to see her in ecstasy, for they had grown used to that -- but because they feared she might spill the cooking oil, which was the last they had in the convent."
I know nothing about St. Teresa of Avila but this year one of the podcasts I listen to ("Abiding Together" where three Catholic women talk about, well, being Catholic) discussed three women doctors in the Church, including (ta-da!) St. Teresa of Avila. So I'm curious now. Also I was looking for a book I could read quickly near the end of the year, as I was no way going to make my book reading goal for 2018.
Immediately, I was struck by St. Teresa's disdain for the rules of the Church. Mortification for penance? Nope. That the only way to experience God was through proper rituals and through an ordained priest? Sorry. Not true. She needed to evade the Inquisition, but she also did not believe there was only way to God.
It got me thinking about the current state of the Church with the sexual abuse and systematic coverups. How do I keep MY faith but not support the corruption that clearly has been, and is, going on? Would withholding my financial contribution make a difference? Or would it hurt people who truly are helped by certain church ministries?
St. Teresa of Avila gave me no answers. But she gave me lots of questions. And the tool of silence -- of using meditation to sit with the questions and let the answers come in their own time.
She had a strong relationship with St. John of the Cross. (I am not familiar with St. John of the Cross except that Thomas Merton talks about him in some of his writings. Now I'm even more intrigued.) In the book, Mirabai Starr writes that, "The priorities of the contemporary Church disappointed him. No one seemed to care about the spiritual path anymore."
Amen, brother.
The thing I also love about St. Teresa is her ability to combine the sacred and the ordinary. It is not about going off and always being in contemplative prayer, or always being "sacred" so to speak. You also have to be of the world, and through the world is where you show your love.
"When you have grown still on purpose while everything around you is asking for your chaos, you will find the doors between every room of this interior castle thrown open, the path home to your true love unobstructed after all."
"Remember:
if you want to make progress
on the path
and ascend to the places
you have longed for,
the important thing
is not to think much
but to love much,
and so to do whatever
best awakens you to love."
"One day, when St. Teresa was taking her turn in the kitchen, she was carried off into ecstasy while still holding a frying pan in her hand. The nuns were alarmed -- not to see her in ecstasy, for they had grown used to that -- but because they feared she might spill the cooking oil, which was the last they had in the convent."
July 31, 2022
A brief introduction to the Spanish mystic.
July 20, 2023
I give this book a 4.2 stars for sure.
Okay so let me explain why it took me almost 3 years to finish this book... i started reading this book in early 2021 but couldn't finish it cause i was only able to read the sample version (pandemic life made me not afford to buy the full book). Then early 2023 i was able to purchase then read it just as slow as i did with Anne of green gables....and here we are lol.
The word passionate in the title of the book does not mean sexual ecstasy, but an intensely euphoric experience only achieved through an spiritual encounter with God and sometimes even during prayer/meditation.
This book was a wonderful read, hearing the thoughts and feelings of late Saint Teresa was an eye opening and heart felt experience. The poetry at the end of the book was outstanding as well.
Saint Teresa has such an epic connection with God that for me seems nearly impossible to believe. But then again, anything is possible through love and faith for God.
Lovely read!
Okay so let me explain why it took me almost 3 years to finish this book... i started reading this book in early 2021 but couldn't finish it cause i was only able to read the sample version (pandemic life made me not afford to buy the full book). Then early 2023 i was able to purchase then read it just as slow as i did with Anne of green gables....and here we are lol.
The word passionate in the title of the book does not mean sexual ecstasy, but an intensely euphoric experience only achieved through an spiritual encounter with God and sometimes even during prayer/meditation.
This book was a wonderful read, hearing the thoughts and feelings of late Saint Teresa was an eye opening and heart felt experience. The poetry at the end of the book was outstanding as well.
Saint Teresa has such an epic connection with God that for me seems nearly impossible to believe. But then again, anything is possible through love and faith for God.
Lovely read!
December 21, 2019
Las moradas de Santa Teresa transportadas al lenguaje del siglo XXI. Y aunque existen muchos caminos a Dios, las 7 moradas del Castillo de Santa Teresa son uno de estos tantos caminos. Lee a Teresa porque ayuda a situarnos en que parte del camino estamos.
Una invitación a encontrar el Camino Interior hasta encontrar esa parte divina que nos habita a todos.
Una invitación a encontrar el Camino Interior hasta encontrar esa parte divina que nos habita a todos.
December 26, 2022
I have asked a priest friend who recommended this book! It is my intro to this very unique spiritual! I love her uniqueness and want to taste more. Will it be The Interior Castle or should I stretch to the male spirituality if her confessor St. John of the Cross? Hmmm
March 19, 2019
Love this little book. It is the perfect pocket inspiration.
March 25, 2020
An essential and powerful little book. Mirabai Starr's moving commentary offers dynamic and relevant doorways into Teresa's wisdom.
abandoned
June 19, 2020Read 2 chapters - not the biography I was looking for
November 17, 2021
Read while visiting the city of Avila, Spain where Teresa de Jesus lived and walked her own journey. This book honors her struggles and her indominable faith.
January 13, 2025
Forever a favorite! Mirabai's translation is excellent for todays readers. You will forever continue to pick it up and find something you need for wherever you are in life!
June 2, 2025
Easy summer read! I pull this out of my purse at the park with my children. Chapters are short but packed with wisdom and insights. Excellent introduction to life of Teresa of Avila.
January 1, 2026
A must pocket book for any wanna be mystics
August 21, 2015
A quite poignant look into the incredibly mystical thoughts, prayers, and experiences of this obvious "child of God".
August 21, 2015
An inspiring book to have on your bed table.... loved it sweetness of soul
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2019
A beautifully collected and written collections of Teresa's most invaluable teachings and legacies. Makes we want more!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews