The Interior Castle [Paperback]

The acclaimed modern translation of St. Teresa of Avila's classic book on spiritual awareness and guidance

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 wroteThe 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 book on spirituality — a gem of mystical literature made accessible and relevant to the modern spiritual seeker –Sharon Salzberg—in a contemporary context, reasserting its literary importance even after more than 400 years.“A gem of mystical literature made accessible and relevant to the modern spiritual seeker.” –Sharon Salzberg, bestselling author ofFaith

“Mirabai Starr is revolutionizing our relationship with the great mystics. Her gorgeous translation ofThe Interior Castleis an instant classic. Starr has the poet’s ear and meditative depth to do perfect justice to Teresa’s priceless guide.” –Tim Farrington, author ofThe Monk DownstairsMirabai Starr is a professor of philosophy, religious studies, and Spanish at the University of New Mexico who has studied a wide variety of religious traditions including Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, and Christianity. Mirabai is an accomplished translator and fiction writer who brings the sensibilities of both seeker and scholar to her translations. Her most recent work is the transl3œ