The Unio Mystica of Teresa of Avila: two classical presentations in the light of psychology
Scripta Instituti Donneriani Aboensis January 16, 2019 DOI: 10.30674/scripta.67147 (opens in new tab) via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractTeresa of Avila is considered unmatched in the Roman Catholic mystic tradition for her vivid, experiential descriptions of mystical stages, unlike John of the Cross's more systematic approach. The author compares two of Teresa's presentations of unio mystica: one in the Libro de la vida and another in Castillo interior o Las moradas.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness Mysticism |
| Keywords | Psychology and religion |
| Key finding | Argues that Teresa of Ávila's descriptions of mystical union are exceptionally vivid and experiential, surpassing those of John of the Cross in intensity. |
Abstract
It is generally maintained within the Carmelite tradition that Teresa (1515-1582) showed an extraordinary facility in describing the stages of mysticism with experimential vigour and deep intensity, compared for example to John of the Cross, whose mystical presentation is of a more dogmatic and systematic nature. In this sense she would appear to be unsurpassed within the entire Roman Catholic mystic tradition. The author compares two classical presentations by Teresa of the significance of unio mystica, firstly her description of this in the Libro de la vida, and secondly her presentation of the same mystic element in the book Castillo interior o Las moradas.