Book Description
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:
awesome.......2007-07-26
it is very spiritual and rewarding...you can search your soul for your place in your spiritual beliefs...
ONLY FOR ESSAY READERS.......2007-03-08
This is mystical theology. If are a researcher like I am, this is an awesome book
Knowing Christ.......2007-01-10
An excellent book that deals with the process of knowing and surrendering ones life to Jesus Christ. One is struck by the deep passion to have an intimate relationship with Jesus and what a person is willing to forsake for that relationship. One will not agree with all that is said but will be challenged to describe what you do believe and how does it apply to your own life. It is a book that needs to be read several times to mine the riches of the truth.
The Interior Castle.......2006-11-09
This book is excellent! Very helpful in drawing the reader closer to God.
The House of My Father Has Many Rooms.......2006-08-12
St. Teresa is one of my personal favorite saints. As a Carmelite nun in the 1500s, she was gifted with a vision from God to write this beautiful book. In this book, the soul journeys through seven rooms, each with a lesson of spiritual wisdom that draws us closer to God. In a ringing refutation of Pascal's bargain, she says that, "the most essential thing is that we should love God without any motive of self-interest." Love of God is an end unto itself, and we should not love God because we dread the pains of Hell and the loss of Heaven. The similarity of the Interior Castle, the controlling metaphor, to Jesus's quote that the "Mansion of My Father has many rooms," is beguiling and appealing. The only thing that bothers me is the subtle comparison to alchemy texts, such as the Christian Rosencrantz text, but this can surely be set aside in the light of such a beautiful book.
Fr. Carlos
Book Description
"Theo is obsessed with his work and embarked upon a quest for an elusive ideal theater that can exist only in dreams. Each time that he makes a dream theater into a reality, no matter how stunning the creation, it never quite fulfills the ideal in his mind-and off he goes again in the enthusiastic pursuit of impossible perfection."-Dean Koontz
In the 21st century, more and more people "go out" to the movies at home. This lifestyle change has led to the biggest innovation in residential design today: the home theater, be it a custom-installed system or an elaborate private screening room. At the high end, Theo Kalomirakis reigns supreme as the leading designer of private theaters in the home.
Kalomirakis tailors each of his designs to fit the needs of a specific client, using styles that range from ultra-traditional to cutting-edge. His theaters even have their own marquee names: The Moonlight, The First Run, The Miami Beach. Great Escapes showcases nine of these incredible spaces through superb color photographs and descriptions of the technology that make this revolution in entertainment and design possible. Although Kalomirakis's extravagant creations are for wealthy clients, they will also serve as inspiration for home owners who want to integrate cinema quality with home comfort on a more modest budget.
Customer Reviews:
A unique source of enduring ideas.......2004-03-07
Lavishly illustrated with one hundred gorgeous color photographs by Phillip Ennis, Great Escapes: New Designs For Home Theaters By Theo Kalomirakis by Steven Castle presents extravagant designs for "media rooms" in private homes. These are specialized entertainment oriented rooms set aside to take full advantage of surround sound, acoustics, and visual appeal to bring forth the same quality experience as visiting a theater. Great Escapes showcases the work of interior designer Theo Kalomirakis as it artfully presents his work in creating home theaters of celebrities such as Dean Koontz, Eddie Murphy, Roger Ebert, and others in this unique source of enduring ideas.
Just Amazing.......2003-11-18
This is a book to die for. The photography is amazing, the architecture out of this world and what Theo Kalomirakis does for his lucky clients will blow you away. I am already wearing out my copy and I only have had it for two days.
Great Escapes.......2003-11-17
Whether your interest is home theater, or movie palaces from the 1920's and 30's, Great Escapes is sensational!
Once I opened it, I couldn't put it down and trust me with 204 pages loaded with 140 color photos of breathtaking architectural eye candy, this book will demand your focus.
Kalomirakis brings the elegance of yesteryears movie palaces home with the help of writers Steve Castle, Dean Koontz and photographer Phillip Ennis.
You can truly see Kalomirakis' love for the big screen in the architectural details he adorns his private cinemas with. No details are spared in Kalomirakis' work from neon marquees and ticket booths welcoming visitors to his theaters to opulent lobbies adorned with domed mural ceilings and snack bars and timeless columns.
A few times while reading this book, I had to remind myself that the featured theaters I was viewing were in someone's personal residence.
I have to say my personal favorite theater in this book was created for author Dean Koontz called "The Moonlight." Koontz also has an introduction in the book.
Even though most of the theaters in this book take up more square footage than the average persons home. And even though theaters designed by Kalomirakis are beyond the financial means of most people, this book can serve as inspiration for those that want to bring home the silver screen on a lesser budget and do it in style.
Theo Kalomirakis' newest book Great Escapes definitely brings home the look of the movie palaces of yesterday.
Book Description
A guide to living by the great truths of Christianity--the simplest and most practical work of Teresa of Avila.
Customer Reviews:
Mr. Carrigan, Leave it Alone, Please........2004-01-31
Mr. Carrigan takes it upon himself to omit essential material in the books he edits--this and 'Ascent of Mount Carmel' are two. He ignores that these were written by religious for religious, and is presumptuous and arrogant to assume that the entirety of these saints' writings is not important. I purchased this book here, then after reading the preface, immediately auctioned it off and found an *accurate* copy.
My suggestion: If you want to read the great Carmelite mystics, give Mr. Carrigan's versions wide berth.
Good introduction to this Doctor of the Church.......2002-11-01
OK, let's say you have made a beginning on the way of prayer, and you have been looking for good sources to read. You have heard a lot about St. Teresa of Avila. After all, she was one of the first women ever named a Doctor (in the Latin meaning of "teacher") of the Church. But lo and behold, you have found her Life puzzling and The Interior Castle just about impossible to understand.
Then this is the place to start. Yes, Teresa was writing 400 and more years ago, and her audience was cloistered contemplative nuns. But this was written almost like a letter. The personal tone gives it great charm and readability. Very little of it is hard to understand, and almost all of it can be applied to our lives here and now.
My only difficulty with Peers' translation is the huge number of footnotes. They would be invaluable to a scholar, but I can never keep myself from looking at them, and they are not really necessary or even helpful when your desire is to learn the spiritual wisdom of one of our greatest saints. I love her and love this book, and highly recommend it.
review by Janet Knori, author of Awakening in God
Saintly Holiness & Its Application to Us.......2002-04-17
Teresa of Avila was a carmelite nun who wrote this book as a means to guide the nuns in her convent onto the path of holiness, not for their own sake but for love of God.
Accordingly, much of what is written applies strictly to the setting of the convent. However, the spiritual values expressed are timeless. The Saint extols ascetical poverty. While we in the world cannot, or do not, practice ascetical poverty we can derive the spirit behind the vow - that of detachment from things that do not lead us to Christ.
The hallmark of this work, however, is the several chapters written on the Our Father. St. Teresa explains the perfection in Our Lord's Prayer and its message to, and demands upon, all of us Christians.
There is immeasurable value in this. This book fills up the soul.
Teresa's Personal Revelation on Prayer.......2002-03-19
St. Teresa of Avila lived nearly four hundred years ago. Her work, The Way of Perfection, comes very soon after the completion of her autobiography. The way of which she speaks is a life of prayer. The book is addressed to the nuns of whom she is prioress. It is mainly intended for their use, but it is riddled with introspective knowledge on a prayer-filled relationship with God. This book is undoubtedly a work deeply rooted in Catholicism. However, Teresa's own intimate relationship with the Father is one to be marveled by all Christians. She begins her work by laying out the requirements to begin a prayerful life: aesthetic poverty, perfect love, and self-mortification. She follows with a discussion on the contemplative life and vocal and mental prayer. She meticulously dissects the Lord's Prayer and gives her nuns guidance in praying through the Paternoster. She intends to do the same with the Ave Maria but reconciles to let it alone for lack of space.
There are two versions of The Way of Perfection: the Escorial version and the Valladolid version. The Escorial version was written first and is directed uniquely toward the nuns of Avila. The edition above comes from the Valladolid text. It is a more formal manuscript intended for a larger audience. The translator and editor E. Allison Peers does a wonderful job of footnoting the differences between the two versions and inserting italicized sections from the Escorial text. The reader is given a feel for both versions in one book. It can be tiresome to constantly refer to footnotes, but a straight read-through is very enjoyable. It is nice to know the footnotes are there for any academic study. Teresa often meanders from her main point and talks at length about issues that her writing leads her to discuss. At first it may seem annoying that her focus is not always succinct, but her conversational tone greatly attests to the intimacy she has with her fellow nuns and with God. In all, The Way of Perfection is a pleasant and inspiring read.
A Timeless Masterpiece and Guide for the Spiritual Journey.......2001-11-14
Written over four centuries ago as a guide for the daughters and sisters belonging to the Carmelite Order, this instructional-type book discusses the attributes of a prayerful life and the nature of the path (growth in wholeness, holiness, and maturity) toward communion with God. Beginning with the premise that the foundation of the path toward God is based on three essential principles of a prayer-filled life; detachment from earthly things, true humility, and active love, Teresa of Avila instructs in the methods and discipline required in attaining these virtues through her insightful, astute, and sometimes witty commentaries. Her guidance and directives for attaining spiritual perfection, woven into the tapestry of her writing, are filled with her passion for teaching others how to attain a deep and lasting love of prayer. More than just a guidebook to prayer or rules for the daughters and sisters of the Carmelite Order, The Way of Perfection imparts to the reader advice for building a spiritual relationship with God. Teresa of Avila's counsel, spiritual insights, and directives gain relevancy and become tangible through her profound commentaries on the Paternoster. Most remarkable are her mystical experiences and how she conveys to the reader, through relating these experiences, what can be considered a view into the depth and breath of God's infinite love. Albeit that her communion with God (and mystical experiences) is a level that few ever reach, St Teresa of Avila does not focus on the "effects" - but rather the importance of using prayer and striving for the aforementioned virtues for obtaining a close and ongoing relationship with God that is just as pertinent today as it was to those of the monastic or cloistered life in 16th century Spain. This book is more than just a "classic"; it is a timeless masterpiece that offers a perpetual perspective on prayer and spirituality towards ongoing communion and ultimate union with God.
Book Description
Celebrated for almost five centuries as a master of spiritual literature, 16th-century saint, Teresa of Avila, is one of the most beloved religious figures in history.
Overcome one day by a mystical vision of a crystal castle with seven chambers, each representing a different stage in spiritual development, Teresa immediately wrote The Interior Castle. Probably her most important and widely studied work, it guides the spiritual seeker through each stage of development until the soul's final union with the divine. Free of religious dogma, this modern translation renders St. Teresa's work a beautiful and practical set of teachings for seekers of all faiths in need of spiritual guidance. It also places this classic in a contemporary context, reasserting its spiritual and literary importance even after more than 400 years.
Customer Reviews:
An authentic modern voice.......2007-08-12
This translation feels as if written with the spirit and vision of Teresa de Avila. Starr's flowing language is natural, vernacular, accessible and poetic. I wish I had found this translation first. It feels as if Teresa is sitting across from us in a private space, and we are listening to a wise soul-mate. The use of allegory and metaphor ring true. An extraordinary work.
The Interior Castle, translation by Mirabai Starr.......2007-08-09
This is a brilliant translation. I work as a spiritual director and have recommended this and her other books to all my "directees." But more than that-- it reads like a novel. Such a difference from the stilted formal translations of earlier centuries. It brings St. Theresa alive, and as you read you'll feel you are having a spiritual experience yourself. You put down the book resonating, and her words will stay with you for days.
Sophy Burnham, author of A Book of Angels, The Ecstatic Journey, The Path of Prayer, The Treasure of Montsegur and other fiction and nonfiction books.
Universal guidance from a medieval Catholic.......2007-04-26
About three years ago, I became interested in reading what other women had to tell me about prayer. Teresa of Avila sounded particularly inspiring. A Catholic nun told me that few people can understand what Teresa wrote, but nonetheless I decided to read Interior Castle. My local independent bookstore (Kepler's in Menlo Park!) had several translations. I selected Mirabai Starr's translation precisely because, in her words, she "took the liberty... to soften some of [Teresa's] more loaded religious vocabulary."
All translations are, to some extent, interpretations. In this case, the translator was aware of her motives and, since I am not a medieval Catholic (or even a modern one), I was comfortable with those motives. Mirabai Starr writes that she did strive to "immerse [herself] in the spirit of [Teresa's] work" and prayed to "convey the message truly."
Teresa's main analogy, of the soul as a crystal castle with God dwelling at the center, is very powerful although I have come to reframe it in less architectural and more personal terms. Over time, I have discovered Teresa's most important suggestion: she frequently advises her nuns to know themselves. She insists that without self-knowledge and the resulting humility, it is not possible to make progress in prayer.
This translation has given me access to a perspective on the soul's journey to God that I would probably not have been to appreciate in another translation. I am very grateful to Mirabai Starr for making the words of this mystic available to me.
Although I still stand in the open doorway of the "first dwelling," I have come to love Teresa and to think of her as my teacher.
A Gift From God.......2007-03-12
Starr shares the wisdom, heart and soul of St. Teresa. I specifically recommend this book to non-Catholics and non-Christians who want to enter the mind of a great Christian mystic. I don't think of this translation as "New Age" or "Neo-Pagan." I prefer to think of it as a universal, InterSpiritual, and God-loving tool kit for living in the 21st century.
Pain and Bliss Clearly a Part of the Spiritual Path.......2007-02-03
i write this article as a christian mystic. that is a christian who believes that one can live with a direct and daily experience of God in their lives, this does not make me perfect and if you read this article there will be much that doesnt make sense, there will also be apparent contradictions in what i say, this is since i myself am learning and find my views developing as time moves on. what was once seen as a plain simple stone will become more and more like a precious jewel as time passes.
I didnt find this book that interesting, though there were certain aspects that Teresa of Avila talks about that are interesting, especially the painful though beautiful fire of love. she does not focus as much on this as st john of the cross. the water of life was also a real prescence in her life, manifest through soothing tears and extasies. the beliefs that were around at her time raise certain interesting and puzzling questions.
The first thing i find interesting is that in her spiritual path she had to experience intense spiritual pain, and it seems to me that love is 'sometimes' like a rose, with thorns, that Love may at certain times be associated with pain, one way or another. for example any hatred is a result of offence against ones love and loves, war for example will result from love ultimately of ones own people or a loving desire to protect them, though not directly obvious, this is ultimately the case. love is a fire and fire burns, it is also perfection and any form of perfection, in this life creates pain as well as bliss... seen where it reveals and sometimes is demeaning of imperfection. love may exclude as well as embrace.
in christianity, my religion, our God is a God of perfection, i.e. very love itself, in every aspect. but in this life love can sometimes seem very cruel, and if god is seen as being almighty and in control of everything then God 'could' be accused of cruelty because of the suffering in our universe. having said that in this life love can be cruel i must emphasise that this is only in a universe of cruelties and suffering. love... that is... true love has absolutely no hardness, sharp edges or unkindness in it and is absolutely gentle and kind. perhaps cruelty exists because of the life struggle and not god. i find that easier to chew, but still i dont know and perhaps never will.
to clarify, i believe that true love is beyond even perfection, from it emerges love. true love is the source of all love and life/being. evil would seem to be a reaction against love (not true love). the opposite of love is evol (love spelt backwards). the existence of evil and suffering is a mystery to me. true love must have known that evil would come to be and yet went on with birthing existence. julian of norwich addresses this question in her writings. she seems to think that God knew that man would sin and that his sin would be a springboard to better things. ie our fall was necessary. i personally find the adam and eve story perplexing, but do believe that it points us towards the reality of our tainted self.
it becomes very clear from Teresas writing that pain was a significant part of her walk with God, and yet she considers this pain nothing in respect of knowing God. infact, at times she even desires the wounding pain of the fire of Gods Love. the mystics writing in the church at the time of Teresa seemed to believe that god is the instigator of all pain as well as pleasure.
The partner and harmonic of love is peace or life. love is dynamic, sometimes manifesting as a flame it consumes passionately and rises upwards. life/peace on the other hand is thoroughly female. it is like water, it tends to settle for balance and levelling and occupies the lowest places in humility, peace is merciful and not perfectionist, however accepts all without judgement. in love, all cannot be equalised, but in peace there can be compromise.
in christianity (of the fundamentalist kind) there is talk of the truth aspects of God, and occasionally the warmth (love) aspects, but rarely do we talk of the peace aspects or the female yielding and compromising aspects, except perhaps in churches such as the quakers and menonites, who are pacifists. as christians... in our history we have rarely settled for balance and compromise, which is in the nature of water. we look at the sun which is radiant and perfect. but not at the moon which balances light and dark. it is well known that christianity was often spread by the sword, as was islam. this is sad, since jesus was clearly against use of the sword, "he who kills by the sword will die by the sword" and "love your enemies". i am inclined to believe that jesus was a pacifist, though this as with anything in this life, is debatable.
It must be emphasised that Jesus has been a major inspiration in the lives of many of the greatest saints and heroes, christian and non christian. people like Ghandi, st Francis, Nelson Mandella, Ramakrishna, mohammed and countless others... there are few places on earth that are not influenced by Jesus's radical 'new' teaching of unselfish (true)love. sadly the church does not always live up to the high standards advocated by christ. we sometimes say "oh, that teaching was for then and not for now"... or "oh, its impossible to love your enemies, and even your neighbour,". following the teaching of any spiritual master is at times hard, but following the teachings of jesus i find particularly hard.
The problem with love (not true love) is that in the short term it often leads to pain (that is, in this life). the problem with peace is that it often leads toward stagnation (if it lacks dynamism). the only cure for stagnation is love (soft) or discipline (hard) and the only cure for pain is peace and love. the circle revolves, love becomes peace, peace becomes love, passion becomes balance and balance becomes passion. there is always a tension between the crystal clear (empty) nature of water (balance/peace) and desire for perfection in the fire of love. the struggle between mind (clarity/balance/peace) and heart (emotion/love/hate). there has always been a struggle and a harmonisation between peace and passion. the opposite (or complement) of the fire of love can also be seen as the water of "life". life, the female harmonises if exposed to "love" the male. life and love proceeding from God who is perfect love and life as the two most important factors. but if one is to consider these two elements one must also consider stability (gold/earth/body) and freedom (air/spirit). all elements interact. the two form elements with the two emptiness elements.those of the male penetrating the female.
my own view is that true love. ie the heart of God is perfect in love and completely incapable of causing anyone or anything pain. the problem lies in the nature of this reality/life, where happiness and suffering are tied together. if god is in complete control of everything and is the ''all in all''as the new testament says, then we are faced with a paradox - love versus cruelty, but reality is so complex that it is possible that god being perfectly in control could also be perfect love and yet not be the instigator of suffering (there are those who believe this, and philosophers tend to get upset by them)... im getting away from logic here and thats not always a bad thing. i guess that all of this is just a completely hidden mystery and i could spend my life trying to discover the truth of the matter and yet get no closer to solving it. there are certain things we just dont know. the Tao Te Ching states that "the more you know then the less you know"
if we take the 'unknowing' approach hinted at in st Dionysius (mystical theology) then perhaps it would be best to say that we simply do not know whether God is in control or not, sice God is beyond all knowing and unknowing (actually i dont believe that, since love can be experienced/known) it might be best to follow jesus's words and just say that what you seek is what you find. ie if you seek to believe that god is in control then you will believe this, likewise if you seek to prove that god is not in control, you will. afterall, truth defies logic if you want it to.
there are those who will be shocked when i say that 'at times' in this life Love can be seen as hate. This is perfectly reasonable since the two cannot always be be separated, just as one cause is anothers effect one may lead to/or correspondently be the other. sometimes hatred gives way to love and sometimes, but not always, love becomes anger which then becomes hatred. but it can equally be said that '"in him (love)there is no darkness at all" - this love has nothing to do with hatred, but God's love is perfect. its the way you look at things.
some would say that God, if "Almighty", might have been ultimately responsible for events such as the Tsunami, bubonic plague, and even human cruelty. (certain hindus might believe this) i do not believe that true love is capable of such things. there could be no necessity where god would allow or generate such things.
so ('if' we rule out paradox)... god cannot be in complete control. but ruling out paradox is too simplistic (if you want to believe it is).
another way of looking at this is that the struggle is between different life currents and streams. that as long as there is difference and the urge for life... different life forms will display their own will to be and compete. mineral life forms such as volcanoes will be born to life and search for expression just as will a man kill plants and animals for food or tread on an ant. perhaps it is not god who creates the life struggle, but rather, it is lifes forces themselves in competition and (and just as much in cooperation with each other). again... another mystery for which we just dont seem to have a clear answer.
To me, it seems that suffering is part of the motor that drives all forward and stops stagnation and leads to love, but this is only because at heart even normal love is perfect and makes it so (if it is right to ever call love of any kind 'normal', which it may well not be) . i guess that i am saying that God uses suffering (but does not create it), but life itself creates it and i can accept this with greater ease. in Teresas day they believed that God caused suffering as a tool for love, and she almost certainly believed this.
the traditional christian story of Adam and Eve teaches that they fell from Grace by disobeying God, and this fall caused suffering, or a rift in the fabric of the universal harmony. the disobedience was eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the centre of the Garden of Eden, capable according to Jewish/Christian lore of making one god-like (small g on god). so we are now god-like, but the universal harmony is ruptured, thus suffering.
interestingly we: man and woman are both made in Gods image ("god made man in his image, male and female he made them"), but this image was marred by man and woman's original sin.
Teresa and John of the cross may speak of 'sweet suffering' in knowledge that somehow this suffering liberates them to know God, who is perfect love. the burning wounds of mystical love/God.
prior to the plagues that swept europe in the middle ages, it was generally accepted that god is in complete control of nature, but i think that this is problematic. it is however, equally problematic to say that god is not in control. we as human beings like to understand and formulate neat dogmas and ideas about god and the nature of reality. one person or church says one thing... the other with equally strong arguments (and scriptural quotes) says the opposite. all that i can say about God is that God is perfect pure true 'love' most holy, most immaculate. (and with that truth comes lifestyle and practical implications).
there is no end to the debate as views/arguments become increasingly more subtle and hard to understand. i am convinced that jesus christ did get it right when he said that what you seek is what you find. if i seek to convince myself of something then that is what i will find... that will be my truth and people will believe what they want to believe, or seek to believe. truth may be just as much to do with action and real emotions as one sided ideas and dogmas, both life style and knowledge have their place, even dogmatic views. if they didnt, you could argue that they wouldnt exist.
Though i am a christian, i sometimes ask myself... how in an infinite universe, infinite in time, infinite in space, infinite in dimensions - it is possible that we... mankind participated in the vast universal eating of the knowledge of good and evil... after all our tiny race is not even a speck of dust in even this galaxy (the milky way), let alone the universe, multiverses or eververse. i believe this myth (story?)to exist perhaps from a time when it was necessary to reassure and control people... if you are a sinner you can accept the punishments of life with greater ease, or your lowly station in the world. or it could have been part of a psychology of coping and acceptance. this was written at a time when slaves and bond servants were not unheard of (and we mustnt forget that the bible was commonly used to justify black slavery).
so... what of the adam and eve myth (or story?)... perhaps another of its its purposes is to point out the imperfections and defilements found in the human ego/identity. a partial inclination to greed and selfishness and insecurity that we find in ourselves from time to time is a clear indication of our imperfection. to be aware of our imperfections is better than deluding ourselves that we are perfect. still, the adam and eve story is a bit of a mystery to me. knowing our imperfections we can seek to become perfect "be ye perfect even as my father is perfect" (jesus), most christians would say that this perfection can only be found in Christ, but i would say that if "God is love" as the bible says then as the bible says in 1 Jn Ch 4 "everyone that loves is 'born' of god" to be born again is to love others, regardless of whether or not one is a christian. of course, this is another hot potatoe in the church.
the God who is love, found us to be 'disobedient' in his demand for perfection. the little flame of the human ego/self is not perfect (fallen?), and this is why the buddha sought to blow it out. he thought it best to extinguish the self if it meant that we would lose our defilements (the kleshas: selfishness, greed etc). i can understand this approach, but think it might be risky, could one be ditching ones soul in favour of awareness.
but perhaps christians should be ruled a little more by our minds (the quality of water/air). thoughts like these penetrate the empty mind like clouds. after all the mind of man is above his heart, therefore symbolically the mind should rule the heart (though the heart in its weakness and humility is more important), and also water/air (emptiness) of pure mind is after all the one thing that does have some power over the divine fire of love and the human emotions. we cannot ignore this female element unless we wish destruction upon ourselves. the fire of love, in my opinion is equal to and above the water of 'life', but it is a dangerous thing if the heart is not ordered by the mind and love without life, cannot exist.
i ask about the fith element, which is neither fire nor water but above them both, as is the apex of a perfect triangle above the two opposites below. perhaps this fifth element is 'being'(i am,) or even awareness as some have said. God said to Moses "i am that i am", or as dionysius put it... "simply beyond any human or other conceiving or imagination" (paraph)... and yet as close to one as her husband or boyfriend, or his wife or girlfriend.
but this god does not excercise mastery in an obvious way in order to maintain balance. "I am" fire, or "I am" water (i am is the root). the fith element can be simply called god who contains all and yet transcends all elements. therefore, love contains and sustains all elements, is found in all colours and things as their beauty and/or their meaning. as both or either male or female.
The point i found interesting in Mirabais book was that one cannot force God or divine revelation, it must be God who reveals things to men and women and who puts within them the knowledge and experience of the supernatural. when God wishes so, s/he does so. this is the approach of humility. then again... it can be said that god helps those that help themselves.
you cannot generate a divine impulse within you, God must generate it, or perhaps you can! there will always be more than one point of view and more than one experience of reality. my own experience shows me that in matters relating to love i need God.
some of the spiritual manifestations, hearing voices from God, seeing visions was also quite informative.
All in all i dont think The interior castle that interesting a read, i know she was a 'very' spiritual woman. i know that she is much beloved, and this book has encouraged many.
Thank you Mirabai for making her words clear to a modern reader.
but... personally, i loved your "dark night of the soul". though i know that teresa really helped you.
love, snow-flake.
Book Description
Interior Castle, as the author states, "discusses the beauty and dignity of our souls; makes a comparison by the help of which this may be understood; describes the benefit which comes from understanding it and being aware of the favours which we receive from God; and shows how the door of this castle is prayer."
Customer Reviews:
interior castle.......2007-07-21
wonderful account of a 14th century nun's exploration of the soul and of man's connection to God. well written and still relevant.
Book Description
A historical tour of the most prestigious chateaux in the world's most popular wine-making region, Bordeaux Style brings the reader into the intimate interiors and tasting rooms of the chateaux. From gleaming black-and-white floor tiles to the graceful shadows cast by stone arches, from luxurious residences to musky wine cellars, these stunning photographs offer a taste of the rich culture behind these grand wines. In collaboration with Bordeaux's elite Conseil des Grands Crus Classés, this book is published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the prestigious Grands Crus Classés wine classification system, created by Napoleon III for the 1855 Universal Exhibition in Paris. The original chateaux, selected for their excellence in wine making, included 61 from the Médoc region. The quality of their wines has stood the test of time remarkably well; and while many vineyards have changed hands-some several times over-the classification is still by and large a guarantee of excellent quality.
Book Description
This book explains the seven stages of the spiritual journey described in the classic Interior Castle. Here, Teresa of Avila, the great Spanish mystic and theological Doctor of the Church, meticulously (and metaphorically, using striking marriage and nature imagery) details the theological doctrine of transformative union with the incarnate, Triune God that systematically evolved over the course of her lifetime of spiritual experiences and scriptural knowledge. In seven sections of this companion, paralleling those of Interior Castle, Gillian Ahlgren clearly and methodically explicates each passage of the soul, which is envisioned as a crystal castle made of many rooms-from stillness and contemplative prayer, to humbling self-knowledge, to understanding of the potentiality of the human-divine union, and to the center of the seventh, the place of transformative union, and the deeper, theological insights into God.
Completing the work is an introductory overview of the saint's life and spiritual output, as well as timelines and bibliography.
An especially valuable chapter considers the potential of Teresa's spiritual journey to shape our own.
Highlights:
" Discusses the concepts of self, psyche, agape and eros
" Includes the insights of Julian of Norwich's Showings, Origen's Commentary on the Song of Songs, Teresa of Avila's Life; and those of Karl Rahner, Bernard McGinn, Edward Howells, and Rowan Williams
" Perfect supplement for college courses
" Accessible as well to general readers
Customer Reviews:
Well written and very helpful.......2006-07-06
After reading Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle several times and examining my prayer life and experiences, I bought this book so as to supplement my understanding of spiritual growth. This book has really helped me to further understand the Interior Castle. It says a lot in a few words and so I encourage others to read and reflect upon it a little at a time.
If you like Teresa, you'll LOVE this book!.......2005-09-28
This book is truly a wonderful guide to the world of Teresa of Avila. Gillian Ahlgren writes in a very readable style and becomes a delightful companion to your exploration of the Interior Castle. Her keen insights and thorough knowledge of Teresa and of her theology are very illuminating. I find that Ahlgren clarifies connections toward which I was only groping. This is one book that I would highly recommend!
Product Description
St. Teresa of Jesus, also known as St. Teresa of Avila, is one of the most popular Doctors of the Church. Her teaching on prayer has continued to inspire and guide Christians in their spiritual journeys for over four hundred years. In The Interior Castle, St. Teresa desribes the road by which she was led, well aware that the others may be led in a different way. In the heavenly Father's house, there are many mansions; not only seven, and many paths lead to them. What gives the work such high value is that it is the result of a most searching inquiry into the various phases whereby a soul is gradually transformed into the likeness of God Himself. Here St. Teresa is at her best. She takes nothing for granted, her own personal experiences are admitted only after having been fully investigated and found to be consistent one with the other, and conformable to the teaching of the Church and the words of Holy Scripture.
Average customer rating:
- These Irish houses are what lies at the end of the rainbow
|
Great Houses of Ireland
Hugh Montgomery-Massingberd
Manufacturer: Rizzoli
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Residential
| Building Types & Styles
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Interior Design
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
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European
| International
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
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General
| Home Design
| Home & Garden
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Similar Items:
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The Great Houses of Scotland: A History and a Guide (Universe Architecture Series)
ASIN: 0847822060
Release Date: 1999-12-03 |
Book Description
Although known for its lush green vistas and glorious countryside, Ireland also boasts an architectural trove of 18th- and 19th-century country houses.Great Houses of Ireland reveals 26 of these wonderful castles and county seats, many never published before in full color.
Customer Reviews:
These Irish houses are what lies at the end of the rainbow.......2000-05-03
Great Houses of Ireland is a wonderful book for the Irish, architecture, or home design enthusiast. It is filled with lots of great pictures of some of Ireland's most extravagant castles and houses, both inside and out. The book also includes history and interesting facts about these monumental abodes. If you enjoy European architecture, lavishly decorated homes, and lots of beautiful photography, this would be an excellent book to own. It would also make a great coffee table book with it's hard covers and large size.
Average customer rating:
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Castles of the Loire: Places and History (Places and History Series)
Milena Ercole Pozzoli
Manufacturer: Stewart, Tabori, & Chang
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Europe
| Travel
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Guidebooks
| Reference & Tips
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| France
| Europe
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Loire
| France
| Europe
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| France
| Europe
| History
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1556705409 |
Amazon.com
This splendidly photographed volume is one of a series of Places and History books that examine the history, culture, and natural beauty of inspiring destinations, from California to Ireland to Tuscany. This book celebrates the majestic castles along the banks of the magnificent Loire River in France, which was for centuries intrinsically linked to the history of that country. It is perfect for armchair travelers as well as those interested in the medieval architecture of castles, with their extravagant towers, elaborate grounds, richly decorated interiors, and especially the immortal legends and stories that surround them. Included are Chambord Castle, the mansion of George Sand, and Chinon Castle, where in 1429 Joan of Arc set out on her momentous crusade to liberate her country from the English.
Customer Reviews:
Inside and out.......2002-01-01
I probably looked at 8 books on the Loire chateuaxs, and this was the best. Great photographs, laid out well, great information on each of the castles/chateauxs, lots of photos of the inside decoration and furniture. This book gave me a better understanding of the landscaping around the castles as well. If you are planning to visit the Loire valley, and you are trying to decide which castles to visit, this book is a must. It is also and excellent armchair-traveller/coffee-table book.
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