Seven Interior Castle by St Theresa of Avila

CASTEL INTERIORE: SANTA TERESA D' AVILA 

(INTERIOR CASTLE BY ST. THERESA OF AVILA)

The *Interior Castle* (Spanish: *Castillo Interior*) is a book on Christian mysticism written by the 16th-century Spanish Carmelite nun and mystic Saint Teresa of Ávila. It is her most famous work and is considered to be a classic of Christian spiritual literature.

The book is a guide to the spiritual journey of the soul towards God. It is described as a castle with seven mansions, each representing a different stage in the development of the soul. As the soul progresses further toward the center of the castle, it comes closer to achieving ineffable and perfect peace, and, finally, a divine communion with God.

The seven mansions of the *Interior Castle* are:

1. The First Mansion: The Soul Becomes Aware of Its Sinfulness
2. The Second Mansion: The Soul Begins to Pray and Meditate
3. The Third Mansion: The Soul Develops Humility and detachment
4. The Fourth Mansion: The Soul Experiences Spiritual Dryness and Aridity
5. The Fifth Mansion: The Soul Experiences Spiritual Consolations and Graces
6. The Sixth Mansion: The Soul Experiences the Dark Night of the Soul
7. The Seventh Mansion: The Soul Achieves Union with God

The *Interior Castle* is a challenging but rewarding work. It has helped many people to understand and navigate their own spiritual journeys. It is a classic of spiritual literature that continues to be relevant today.

Here is a brief summary of each of the seven mansions:

1. **First Mansion:** The soul becomes aware of its sinfulness and begins to seek God's forgiveness.
2. **Second Mansion:** The soul begins to pray and meditate regularly, and to develop a relationship with God.
3. **Third Mansion:** The soul develops humility and detachment from worldly things.
4. **Fourth Mansion:** The soul experiences spiritual dryness and aridity, as it begins to purify itself of its sins and imperfections.
5. **Fifth Mansion:** The soul experiences spiritual consolations and graces, as God rewards its efforts.
6. **Sixth Mansion:** The soul experiences the Dark Night of the Soul, a period of spiritual darkness and doubt.
7. **Seventh Mansion:** The soul achieves union with God, a state of perfect peace and joy.

The *Interior Castle* is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Christian mysticism and the spiritual journey. It is a challenging but rewarding work that can offer guidance and inspiration to all who seek it.