St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) is one of the most important figures in Catholic spirituality, a true teacher of prayer. She described in her book The Interior Castle what prayer is like. She compared the soul to a castle with many rooms, and prayer is but the inward walking until we meet God in the inner chamber. The first three mansions are active prayer, but there is a moment when we sit still and God does the work for us, these are the next mansions.
St. Teresa explains: “Once you have learned how to enjoy this castle, you will always find rest, however painful your trials may be, in the hope of returning to your Lord, which no one can prevent. Although I have only mentioned seven mansions –she continues—, yet each one contains many more rooms, above, below, and around it, with fair gardens, fountains, and labyrinths, besides other things so delightful that you will wish to consume yourself in prayer…”
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