The shelf life of spiritual classics is measured in centuries. These works have a certain quality to them, a combination of depth and simplicity, authority and humility. The authors, though many are called ​“mystics,” didn’t float above the world in a kind of aloof enlightenment. They had instead a firm grasp on reality that made them more present and useful to this world.

These classic works can be intimidating to many readers (including this one). But a careful engagement with the text finds it often to be surprisingly lucid. Even when the author is hard to understand, there is a sense of being invited to something deeper.

Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle is one of these spiritual classics. It had a profound effect on Dallas Willard who remarks, ​“The book provided instruction on a living relationship with God that I had found nowhere else. I think it very likely that you will experience the same refreshing shock as I did when you read this book.”

Notably, he calls chapter three, ​“the best treatment ever written of what it is like for God to speak to his children.”

Miriam (Mimi) Dixon has spent a lot of time studying and living into Interior Castle. Nathan Foster talked with her about it this week on the Renovaré Podcast. 

spWhether Interior Castle or another classic, we encourage you to make the effort and dive in. As Willard puts it, ​“It is not a model of easy reading, judged by today’s standards, and must be approached as if you were mining for treasure — which you are… Call upon ​“His Majesty” to assist you as he assisted Teresa. And the diamond castle which is your soul will increasingly glow with the divine presence.”