The Way of Perfection
Caution. This article/definition is in draft form and at this time may constitute no more than rough notes, reminders for required content, or absolutely nothing at all. Content is subject to revision.
The book The Way of Perfection[1] by St. Teresa of Avila is a Connection Manual in the Medieval mystical tradition. The book provides guidance on establishing Right Environment, Right Thought, and Right Action with a view towards leading Sisters to concentrated and consistent "Contemplative" states.
Notes
Teresa provides extended guidance on
Right Environment, which includes guidance on creating calm, peaceful, non-violent environments, and admonitions to be helpful, avoid drama and other negativity, remain non-attached to things and people (because non-attachment avoids drama), and so on. She also advises those interested in achieving contemplation to "shun relatives" if the relationships are unhealthy (ch 9),
Right Thought, which includes advice on avoiding stress and worry, not spreading negativity by complaining too much, not focussing too much on negative things, not getting caught in spirals of descending toxicity, mental discipline, and so on.
Right Action, which includes kindness, humility, love for others, compassion, avoidance of conflict, not letting ego get out of control (ch12) getting advice from healthy, knowledgeable people (ch 5), helping each otehr and meeting each others need (ch11), being discerning about who you let into your life (ch14), taking responsibility (ch15), etc.
She also says you have to have a healthy ego (ch 10), and she speaks, in a very sophisticated fashion, about the difference between needy love that enables, and love that supports and challenges (ch 7)
She says that mental prayer (reciting prayers in mind or vocally) is not enough (ch16) and that in order to achieve perfect contemplation (i.e. persistent and consistent connection), to achieve Divine Union, you have to be aligned to be able to make a connection(ch 16). We must "gain the greatest virtues." Makes comments about the need for Accountability. Emphasises humility as a virtue (ch 17).
She discusses the outcomes of connection using the example of the properties of water (cooling, cleansing, and quenching) (ch 19)
St. Teresa of Avila speaks of the importance of staying focussed (when praying and meditating) and of the importance of Intent to Connect, but in a Christian context, using the concept of a Christian God as a focal point for intent. "When you approach God, then, try30 to think and realize Whom you are about to address and continue to do so while you are addressing Him.[2]
She speaks of the importance of understanding what it is you are doing, and being clear about the meaning and the intent: "When I say the Creed, it seems to me right, and indeed obligatory, that I should understand and10 know what it is that I believe; and, when I repeat the “Our Father”, my love should make me want to understand Who this Father of ours is and Who the Master is that taught us this prayer[3]
Footnotes
- ↑ St. Teresa of Avila. The Way of Perfection. New York: Dover Publications, 2012. https://amzn.to/2Id75es.
- ↑ St. Teresa of Avila. The Way of Perfection. New York: Dover Publications, 2012. https://amzn.to/2Id75es. p. 78.
- ↑ St. Teresa of Avila. The Way of Perfection. New York: Dover Publications, 2012. https://amzn.to/2Id75es. p. 81
