Entering the Castle: An Inner Path to God and Your Soul

Book Description

Internationally renowned motivational teacher, spiritual instructor, and popular theologian Caroline Myss has created a transcendent work of unique insight and revelation in Entering the Castle. This exciting new teaching of contemporary mysticism is also a brilliant synthesis of the psychology of consciousness and of Eastern and Western mystical traditions. Myss provides a highly original inner path to self-knowledge -- which is also the road into a spiritual knowledge of God and your own soul -- as she reveals a necessary external path, one that takes you out into the world to serve God and others as a mystic without a monastery -- without having to retreat into total silence, self-denial, or isolation.

As her main template for this extraordinary, modern spiritual journey, Myss uses the beloved, revered writings of The Interior Castle by Teresa of Ávila. Adapting Teresa's vision of the soul as a beautiful crystal castle with many floors, or mansions, and many rooms within those mansions, Myss guides us from room to room, helping us meet different aspects of our self, our soul, and our spirit -- preparing us for the ultimate encounter with God and our own divinity. Through intense practices and methods of spiritual inquiry adapted for contemporary life, she helps us to develop our personal powers of prayer, contemplation, and intuition and to ascend the seven levels of soul knowledge that build an ever stronger interior castle of our own -- a soul of strength and stamina.

As in all her books, Myss also recounts stories of profoundly moving real-life experiences -- of her own, as well as of her students and of renowned spiritual figures -- that bring home the universal truth of her insights. Presiding over the entire book and journey are the great mystics, ancient and contemporary, of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism with their inspiring lives and discerning spirits. And over all, the benevolence, truth, and gentle and tough love of Teresa of Ávila shine through.

Doubtless Myss's most deeply personal, revealing, compassionate, and transforming book yet, Entering the Castle is a comprehensive guidebook for the journey of your life -- a journey into the center of your soul. There, peace, God, and a fearless bliss wait for you to discover them...and claim them for your own.

Customer Reviews:

Carry this book with you on your spiritual journey..........2007-09-12

Carolyn Myss coined the phrase, "We are becoming mystics without monasteries", which is the essence of this wonderful book, based on St. Teresa of Avila's seven interior mansions. However, the book is not meant to be a quick read - it is a roadmap that each one of us may take into the interior place of our soul, our castle, where we can purify, blend, and distill the gold from within, so that we may shine our light out into the world. Take this along on your journey of spiritual growth and service.

Caroline Myss at her best.......2007-08-25

If you've enjoyed and benefitted from any of Caroline Myss' previous work, then definitely get a hold of this. I've always found her voice particularly reassuring and inspiring, so the CD is probably your best bet if you're like me. Entering the Castle is a fascinating modern interpretation of Teresa of Avila's most creative work. Myss's psychological and spiritual adaptation and her explanations and instructions cannot be underrated. I hesitated on this, but am glad now that I've taken the next step on the Myss journey.

Good for some.......2007-08-14

I did not care for this book, but I am giving it 3 stars because I think that it might be a valuable book for some people, especially if you are Catholic or Christian, as this really forms the basis for this book. Carolyn makes an attempt to draw in other faiths by mentioning Buddhism now and then, but she makes it clear that practices such as meditation and repeating mantras just doesn't cut it as a mystical practice. I'm sure the Buddhists & Hindus worldwide are supprised to know that they aren't *really* doing a spiritual practice. Also, if you are New Age or New Thought then you know darn well that you don't want to keep focusing on "the dark night of the soul" and all the other fearsome stuff that Myss dwells on or you're going to attract it and who wants that?

Anyway, I think there are many other ways to get closer to your God than this, but if you've already got that focus on sin, humility, surrender, redemption and such and love to journal and do lots of exercises then this might be your cup of tea.

Lost in Translation.......2007-07-29

It takes 100 pages before you enter the first mansion. Some of the material in the beginning is important, but I'm sorry, I just could not connect with the author's own personal experiences. Some of them just sounded to "new age" to me. Superficial is the word that comes to mind although I do not want to to discredit the author's experiences.

The author brings up a good point about the need for deeply spiritual people in the world. The author uses the term "monks without monasteries". It is a catchy phrase, but it confuses the purposes of different vocations. Both vocations call for personal sacrifices (a word not much used in this book), but they are directed toward different goals. The author belittles, or does not recognize the secondary function of monasteries as a conveyor belt to drive and supplement, to support and re-energize the spirituality of those working in the world. (The primary function of monasteries is beyond the book and this book review.)

It seems like the author is specifically looking for some kind of extraordinary experience of God. We all are. But St. John of the Cross and even St. Teresa of Avila herself, along with many other genuine mystics, urge not to seek, or even hope for, these kinds of *extraordinary* experiences. Although they can and do reinforce faith, they become distractions and obstacles for "the one thing necessary"--to love God for God, not for God's consolations and gifts.

There was also an alarming tone of lack of poverty of spirit throughout the book. The author waits too late to address humility in the book, and then it was a bit shallow. The author treats it almost as a drawback or turnoff to reading any further in the book. In too many places I wrote in the margin, "What about grace?" (One definition of grace, avoiding much Christian connotation, is the gift to see old things in a new way. It is a gift and not something that can be self-manufactured.) The author makes it sound like *you* yourself are responsible for working your way through all the mansions of the castle. Yes, the first couple mansions require *work* on your part, but even through these, God is still doing the *real work*. You have to show up and choose to cooperate. Yes, you have to do your homework, but only grace (energy, power, or whatever term one uses) from God will empower you to do so, not your own volition. Without sincere, deep, and total humility, St. Teresa said that it is impossible to progress through the mansions regardless of how much one wants. (Read Johannes Baptist Metz's small book, Poverty of Spirit if you really want to understand humility and realize/live true poverty of spirit.)

In a spirit of ecumenical/all-faiths dialog, the author has sacrificed the beauty and depth of St. Teresa's original, albeit Christian, metaphors and symbols. The author decides to use the word "reptiles" instead of St. Teresa's word "snakes" for evils and worldly temptations. The word "love", although loaded with connotations, seems to be used very sparingly by the author. St. Teresa's word for God, the object of her total desire and commitment, was her "Beloved". This one missing word makes entering the Interior Castle more of an abstraction or exercise of improving ones self-esteem instead of the infinitely more personal and real seeking union with God.

The questions the author asks within each mansions do assist one along the proper path as outlined by St. Teresa. One should be aware that there are many other questions (and rooms) within each mansion that have not *yet* been explored by the book. It is also important to remember that it is not a sequential, linear progression as the author notes.

The detailed imagery the author uses to describe each room and mansion may help many people, but remember the whole idea of the Interior Castle was to be a metaphor/symbol for the *real* journey. Each room and mansion is just a signpost to where you are suppose to go, to some place to visit within. Do not get attached to the signposts, to the imagery of symbols and metaphors. Since St. Teresa was an apophatic mystic, all of the words and imagery themselves will eventually have to be left behind any way in order to seek union with the God above all concepts.

If this book gives you some insight, great. But I recommend reading the original from St. Teresa. Although this author adds much helpful psychology (which is different in many ways than spirituality), too much is lost and sacrificed in the translation.

get to know yourself.......2007-07-28

this has wonderful exercises to delve into your soul. an enchanting read full of great information. a must for someone on the spiritual path!

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

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Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

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awesome
ONLY FOR ESSAY READERS
Knowing Christ
The Interior Castle
The House of My Father Has Many Rooms

Interior Castle
St. Teresa of Avila
Manufacturer: Image
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385036434
Release Date: 1972-01-04

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

The Trance of Scarcity: Stop Holding Your Breath and Start Living Your Life (BK Life)

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Embodying the change we want to see in the world
An invitation to come out of the trance
The Trance of Scarcity
very good
gear shift from 'magical thinking'

The Trance of Scarcity: Stop Holding Your Breath and Start Living Your Life (BK Life)
Victoria Castle
Manufacturer: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1576754391

Book Description

?I am not enough! Not smart enough, rich enough, successful enough, or good enough!? This is the trance of scarcity?a self-inflicted premise of ?not-enough-ness? that successfully cripples the lives of people who would otherwise be buoyant and passionate. Here, Victoria Castle offers a prescription for realizing abundance and empowerment.

Customer Reviews:

Embodying the change we want to see in the world.......2007-06-26

This book is a life-changer. After working on it as an editor, I have recommended The Trance of Scarcity to a number of people, all of whom later made a point of thanking me personally for the rich wisdom they found here. Victoria Castle's Somatics-based guide to breaking out of the trance of "Not Enough" by adopting a greater attitude, both mentally and physically, is embodied brilliance. Her sassy wit, together with hilarious illustrations by Obadinah, make the book a real joy to read. Read The Trance of Scarcity and you'll surely experience greater ease and wisdom around the big money, prosperity and generosity questions. Oh yes, and joy is allowed. Buy this book for everyone you know!

An invitation to come out of the trance.......2007-05-23

This book is a MUST for anyone who wants to connect with the SOURCE and the TRUTH of abundance and prosperity!

The Trance of Scarcity.......2007-02-24

An inspiring yet practical book. The author has a humorous self-deprecating style as she shares her own journey of moving from scarcity to abundance. This book made me aware - again - that I am surrounded by abundance but, in my busyness, am so often blind to it. The book flows beautifully making the ideas easy to comprehend and to apply immediately. I am buying a copy for each of my five children.
David McNally - Author - Even Eagles Need A Push

very good.......2007-02-23

Good book on changing one's perspective.
I especiallyl liked the reminder about expectations.

gear shift from 'magical thinking'.......2007-02-21

Victoria Castle's book is an elegant and educated exposition of the Universal Law of Flow, but she's too grounded to call it that!.It is extremely readable,filled with robust contagious optimism and wisdom- from her own life and 20 years of coaching others. Whilst none of these ideas are new, she puts into a working framework the over-hyped messages of The Secret, and The Law of Attraction, and shows us the somatic ('in-the-body') practices that allow us to connect to our own real lives and play our part in the dance. Such a relief from all the 'magical thinking' that abounds out there - you know the kind of stuff - write your wish list and affirm it daily, and if it doesnt show up it must be your unconscious beliefs holding you back...sorry to be cynical,but it takes more insight than that! Victoria's book brings that insight. It is practical and inspiring, and gave me a great framework to understand where I get blocked, and how to shift my own body and thinking, to unblock and return to my natural generative state - a state of curiosity and connection that we can all experience, a state in which we feel naturally abundant and connected to life and our fellow beings. I urge you to go out and get this book - it will get you out of the trance and into the dance!
PS I was lucky enough to get to one of her workshops, just one week after finishing the book, and she is as wise and approachable in person as she is in the book - nice to see people who walk their talk...

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Mr. Carrigan, Leave it Alone, Please.
Good introduction to this Doctor of the Church
Saintly Holiness & Its Application to Us
Teresa's Personal Revelation on Prayer
A Timeless Masterpiece and Guide for the Spiritual Journey

The Way of Perfection
Teresa Of Avila
Manufacturer: Image
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385065396
Release Date: 1991-06-15

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.

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Amazing....
Introduction to Medieval Fortifications
The best place to start to learn about castle life
A Great Resource
just the facts m'lady

Life in a Medieval Castle
Joseph Gies , and Frances Gies
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 006090674X

Book Description

"The authors allow medieval man and woman to speak for themselves through selections from past journals, songs, even account books."--Time

Customer Reviews:

Amazing...........2006-11-27

I know that some people like to say that the works of the Gies are dry. Try reading 500 pages of Peter Brown. Now THAT'S dry. It's hard to make history terribly informative and yet accurrate and interesting. The Gies are very clear and personally I found it extremely interesting. It was the only book (out of 7) that I was required to ready for my class on Medieval Europe that I found interesting (and actually read all of!). It is not a novel, so be forwarned. If that's what you want, you WILL be dissappointed, but it is an excellent HISTORY book.

Introduction to Medieval Fortifications.......2006-08-17

I have enjoyed reading other books by Frances & Joseph Gies, this one in particular is one of my favorites. For those seeking an introduction to the military, economic, and cultural signifigance of the castle in Medieval Europe, this is your best choice. Inside you will find a description of a castle's typical staff & personnel, the living conditions of those residing there (better than most would assume), the daily and yearly routine of business in the castle and its lands (mainly agricultural), and the most vital role as a military post for regional defense. The training of the Knight is covered well (Read "The Knight in History" by the same authors). In general, the focus is on castles in Britain, probably the most heavily fortified nation in Europe, after Germany, or maybe France, in terms of quantity of castles. Within you will also find many interesting illustrations: photos of historic sites, and Medieval illumination.

The best place to start to learn about castle life.......2005-05-29

This book is absolutely the best place to start if you want to learn about medieval castles. It explains in very accessable prose how medieval castles came to be, how they evolved, the roles they served in medieval society, what they were like at their zenith, how military strategy through the middle ages centered around the castle, and how their relevance declined with the changes in technology and the political scene that came with the late medieval period. The Gieses give the reader a very clear picture of what life was like for the people whose lives centered in or around the castle, from the nobility at the top down through the staff needed to keep the castle running to the villagers at the bottom. In particular, it shows the various functions that the castle staff needed to serve in order to keep things running smoothly, and the duties of those responsible for those functions, from chamberlains, chaplains, seneschals and stewards down to pantlers, haywards and reeves. In many cases, the best things are the historical anecdotes used to show a particular aspect of castle life, from the manner in which meals were served to the ways provisions were acquired in an era where money was by no means a common exchange, and how matters of jurisdiction often overlapped in problematic ways (a lord might have jurisdiction over a castle but not over the forest surrounding it which belonged to the king). This is not what I would call the definitive text on all aspects of castle lore, but it is probably the single best place to start to get a clear and detailed education on, as the title indicates, "life in a medieval castle."

A Great Resource.......2005-03-31

Life in a Medieval Castle takes a broad look at all aspects of castle life and their role in the Western European social system between the 11th and 16th centuries. Most of the examples are English and Norman Castles. Overall I'd give this book 3.5 stars and recommend it to anyone interested in a easy general overview of castles and their structural and social evolution throughout the middle ages. For someone more interested in the military and siege aspects of castles this book may not contain as much info as you'd like. I'm keeping this one for my personal collection.

just the facts m'lady.......2003-12-19

The authors do an excellent job describing, in great detail, the ins and outs of of life in a midieval castle. So, it would be of great use to someone doing a research report for some odd reason on the subject. Otherwise, I found the book unfit for casual reading because its nothing but factoid after factoid, presented without a hint of personality. Basically reads like an owners manual. I was expecting more with a subject this fascinating.

My Father's Glory & My Mother's Castle: Marcel Pagnol's Memories of Childhood

Average customer rating:

childhood revisited
5 star book, 1 star delivery
Masterpiece
Delightful story of an idealic childhood
A fond remembrance of childhood in Provence

My Father's Glory & My Mother's Castle: Marcel Pagnol's Memories of Childhood
Marcel Pagnol
Manufacturer: North Point Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0865472572

Book Description

Bathed in the warm clarity of the summer sun in Provence, Marcel Pagnol's childhood memories celebrate a time of rare beauty and delight.Called by Jean Renoir "the leading film artist of his age," Pagnol is best known for such films as The Baker's Wife, Harvest, Fanny, and Topaze, as well as the screen adaptations of his novels Jean de Florette and Manon of the Springs (North Point, 1988). But he never forgot the magic of his Provencal childhood, and when he set his memories to paper late in life the result was a great new success. My Father's Glory and My Mother's Castle appeared on the scene like a fresh breeze, captivating readers with its sweet enchantments. Pagnol recalls his days hunting and fishing in the hill country, his jaunts about Marseilles, his schoolboy diversions, and above all his family: his anticlerical father and sanctimonious uncle, his mild and beautiful mother, and many others. This bright and lively book sparkles with the charm and magic that were Marcel Pagnol's own.

Customer Reviews:

childhood revisited.......2007-07-06

I bought this book for my son who is now a father of three. It seems that he read the book as a child and challenged me to find a copy of it for him.I asked him why the book was important to him. He said that the book was a wonderful journey of childhood,and that it reminded him of his own journey. Intrigued, I read the book too. Written from a childs viewpoint In privincial France, it is full of adventure, wonder, humour and the intricacies of family life in a beautiful setting. Written from the heart, immensely readable by children and adults.

5 star book, 1 star delivery.......2005-05-26

This is a delightful book that I had read many years ago in French, and I was very excited to read it in translation. Unfortunately, I found out after I ordered it that this book is out of print and is considered a "rare, print on demand" book. It took over 6 weeks to arrive, and I almost cancelled my order.

Amazon states that this book ships in 24 hours, but it took more like 1000 hours. If you have the patience to wait for it, the book will not disappoint you, but the slow delivery will. In the meantime, rent or buy the excellent movie version while you're waiting.

Masterpiece.......2003-07-15

This is quite simply one of the most enjoyable, moving and humane books I have ever read.

Delightful story of an idealic childhood.......2000-11-02

Marcel Pagnol narrates the story of his family living in Marseilles at the turn of the century, as they travel back and forth to their vacation home in the hills of Provence. The sweetness and loving attitude of his family is truely heartwarming, especially as described through the eyes of young Marcel. I had already seen the movie versions of both My Father's Glory and My Mother's Castle, which actually followed the book quite closely. I highly recommend them. Marcel gives the reader the pleasure of discovering, with him, the joys and mysteries of life, including exploring the hills of Provence, animals and nature, the pleasures of friendship, and the pride and love of family.

A fond remembrance of childhood in Provence.......2000-05-20

A wonderful autobiography by Marcel Pagnol telling of his early childhood with his family in the hills of Provence. Of school, his schoolteacher father, his delicate mother and his rambunctious brother. Of eventful journeys by rail, by foot and by cart from home to their vacation house. Of a joyful time spent exploring a countryside fragrant with wild herbs, full of insects to dissect, birds to hunt and caves to discover. Written in a prose that evokes the simplicity and seriousness of an inquisitive ten year old. And with a bittersweet ending that makes us immediately want to go back to previous pages where we were with him, his family, friends and the hills, tucked safely in summertime warmth and innocence.

Average customer rating:

Translation? No, re-write.
An authentic modern voice
The Interior Castle, translation by Mirabai Starr
Universal guidance from a medieval Catholic
A Gift From God

The Interior Castle
Teresa of Avila
Manufacturer: Riverhead Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1594480052

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:

Translation? No, re-write........2007-10-15

If you want to know what St. Theresa wrote, DON'T GET THIS VERSION. I ended up throwing it away it was that bad.

This "translation" is horrendous and has a clear agenda - it really represents a re-write rather than a translation. The "translator" tries to change what Theresa says by divorcing her writings from her beliefs. It removes concepts that are central to St. Theresa's spirituality - the teachings of the Church, obedience to one's superior, struggles with Satan, sin and evil.

DO read a faithful version. I recommend the E. Allison Peers translation (published by Image). It is far superior and points out difference in past translations. The Peers translation is also available on Amazon.

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.

Average customer rating:

This RCIA team member loves it!
a good prayerbook for beginners
A contemplative Praying Companion
One of the best Catholic prayerbooks available...
Great devotional resource

The Catholic Prayer Book

Manufacturer: Servant Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0892832835

Book Description

In a day when Catholics have less time and yet a greater need than ever for personal prayer, The Catholic Prayer Book is a much-needed resource. Filled with a wide range of prayer from the rich tradition of the church-including personal, family, and liturgical prayer, and prayer for special occasions-The Catholic Prayer Book serves as a treasury of Catholic worship from ancient times up to the present day.

Customer Reviews:

This RCIA team member loves it!.......2007-03-20

As a member of an RCIA team at my church this little book is loaded with ideas for opening and closing prayer. It touches upon all of the topics that we teach during our sessions. I keep mine tucked into the bag with my notebook and other essentials and always have it with me for any occasion.

a good prayerbook for beginners.......2005-09-17

I think this prayerbook would probably be most useful for mature teens, young adults, and fresh converts. It offers little more than the usual traditional prayers, which is why I find it so disappointing. I do enjoy the short prayers for morning and evening and the obscure devotions such as prayers to the five sacred wounds but I don't think they warrant an entire prayerbook of their own.

A contemplative Praying Companion.......2005-07-15

Breviary or Horologion?
This fine devotional prayer book got many features of the liturgy of the hours for praising The Lord, a Cathedral form of praise known in the West as The 'Divine Office' or breviary. In the East it started as a monastic office, in St. Pachom'ius' cenobitic Agpiya or Horologion, whose Basilica version was preserved in Bishop Serapion Horologion, now in the British Museum.
The Cyrillic rule of prayer, "Pray to The Father, with the name of The Son, in The Holy Spirit" by St. Cyril, the pillar of faith, a Doctor of the Catholic Church, is here expressed in the Trinitarian devotion. It starts rightly with thanksgiving reflecting the ancient Roman Alexandrian fellowship from Athanasius to Cyril. The Christian life is a vocation of continuos unceasing prayer, which this small book intends to inspire you to share in every occasion.

Prayer and prayers:
The Jesus prayer is a strong sign of the ecumenical trend of the Roman Church towards the Catholic or Universal Church, as a friend of mine insists our Lord asked to gather His mystical body, this is his message to be One. The Jesus prayer was the Lords own on the Publicans thought:" Lord have mercy on me a sinner, Kyria Elaison. St. Macarius called it "the arrow prayer", his disciple Evagrius Ponticus carried it with him, same way John Cassian, carried with him the Pachomian tradition into south France, where the Benedectine continued the way.

Introducing, 'The Western Rite':
"Sacraments and the Divine Office preserve a similar, direct, clear-cut outline. In the West as in the East, the sanctification of man's activities has been the subject of a considerable ritual development, with blessings available for all manner of things and occasions. The Western Divine Office (Horologion), like the Eucharist, is adaptable to varying degrees of solemnity from choral performance with chant to private recitation. Tidy groups of psalms together with hymns, brief Scripture lessons, versicles and prayers are assigned to each of the day hours." (the Rt. Rev'd Alexander Turner, SSB)

A Praying Companion:
Msgr. Michael Buckley,SJ Compiled a beatiful praying companion, based on daily needs of the friars of Mendicant Orders whose members carried with them, on their travels that started in the twelve century. Same tradition is diffused in the Roman and their Unite Eastern Churches of a single all purpose salvific aid. This is a life sharing devotional prayer book, being Horologion or Breviary, does not prevent it to be a quiet but forceful way to carry your prayerful longing, Reformed or Orthodox you share in one Holy Catholic Apostolic Church, a praying body.

One of the best Catholic prayerbooks available..........2004-07-21

Twelve years ago, as a new convert to Catholicism, I bought this book as a guide to Catholic prayer. I couldn't have made a better choice. This volume has the perfect blend of contemporary and ancient prayers generously interspersed with religious poetry and quotations. It contains the traditional prayers of the Church mixed with personal prayers of saints and others who are seeking God. It balances these prayers beautifully. One will find all the basics, for sure, plus others that might inspire you in a different prayer direction. I have since gone on to collect prayerbooks, Catholic and non-Catholic, with a collection now totaling over 150 volumes. This prayerbook contains a unique selection of prayers I have never seen in any other volume. Hands down, this is the prayerbook I return to again and again. Whatever mood I find myself in, or especially when I'm not sure what to pray, this is the book I go to first. Were I to select only one from my collection to recommend, this would be it.

Great devotional resource.......2000-04-28

This prayer book is excellent for personal devotion and for a glimpse into the life of the Church. It includes a variety of prayers for many different occasions. The book is divided into three parts:

1) The Christian Vocation: This part includes prayers addressed to the Trinity. It contains the Jesus Psalter, the Litany of the Sacred Heart, the Way of the Cross, and the Devotion to the Five Sacred Wounds, as well as various Psalms and other prayers.

2) The Sacraments: This section has the prayers and liturgy relating to Baptism, the Eucharist, and Reconciliation. The latter is particularly useful in personal devotion since it contains excerpts from the penitential Psalms.

3) Prayer: This is the longest section and has daily prayers (e.g. morning prayers), family prayers (e.g. grace before meals), the Jesus prayer, and prayers for special occasions (e.g. for peace, for the harvest). It also has prayers to Mary and the Saints.

Although Michael Buckley wrote some of the prayers, most have been taken from famous Christian authors. They come from many periods of Church history, ranging from the earliest days until modern times. Prayers by notable Protestants such as T.S. Eliot and William Barclay are included, but most of the writers are Roman Catholic. I would recommend this book to everyone, Catholic or non-Catholic, who wants to enrich his/her prayer life.

Average customer rating:

Bizarre illustrations

Growth

Enjoyable for all

One Of The Best Children's Books I Have Read In Years

Quest for the Crystal Castle
Dan Millman
Manufacturer: HJ Kramer, Starseed Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0915811413

Customer Reviews:

Bizarre illustrations.......2006-11-04

As in my review for the other book in this series, unfortunately the illustrations are bizarre. They remind me of a public health brochure. They just don't seem to match the style of the story. It was a disappointment.

Growth.......2003-12-12

This is a wonderful way for your child to begin a spiritual journey. We read ours over and over again.

Enjoyable for all.......2000-12-19

It's a nice morality tale that doesn't over-preach or hide the story itself underneath the lessons to be learned. The story is also a nice change from the usual kids' morality fare.

One Of The Best Children's Books I Have Read In Years.......2000-04-05

This is one of the best children's books I have read in years. Dan Millman really reaches the heart of his readers with his caring and creativity. It has taught my son to apprecate what he has and teaches me and my son about one of the most important sayings - Kindness begets kindness.

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