Carmelite Book Studies ~ The Interior Castle or The Mansions: Discussion: Mansion 6 - Ch 3 - The Interior Castle - The Mansions - St. Teresa of Avila

The Interior Castle or The Mansions

S. Teresa of Jesus

of the Order of our Lady of Carmel

St. Teresa of Avila

Discussion of Mansion 6 - Chapter 3

Discussion

PART 1

█ INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTER 3

The Editor explains the various kinds

of Vision and Locution:

Corporal, Imaginary, and Intellectual

▀ CORPOREAL

The senses function normally

while the object is supernatural:

"only apparant"; an apparition

[ Introductory Note To Chapter 3: # I ]

■ Corporal Vision

■ Corporal Locution

___________________

▀ IMAGINARY

The senses are bypassed. (eyes, ears, etc.)

The object is presented directly

to the Imagination supernaturally.

Normally, "The Imagination

stands half-way

between the senses and the intellect".

The Imagination

"receiv(es) impressions from the senses

and

transmit(s) them to the intellect."

[ Introductory Note To Chapter 3: # II ]

Here, 'Imaginary' does not mean 'pretend'

or 'make-believe'

■ An Imaginary Vision

■ An Imaginary Locution

■ Imaginary Visions and Locutions

are dangerous

■ Imaginary Visions and Locutions

are not Hallucinations

_______________________

▀ INTELLECTUAL

The senses are bypassed. (eyes, ears, etc.)

The Imagination and memory are bypassed.

The object is presented directly

to the Intellect supernaturally.

■ An Intellectual Vision

■ An Intellectual Locution

■ Why they are far less dangerous

than Corporal or Imaginary

Visions and Locutions

░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░

PART 2

DISCUSSION OF MANSION 6 - CHAPTER 3

█ Continuation from the previous chapter

on the 'Operations of Love'

which God may bestow on those

whom He leads to the Sixth Mansions

( How "God arouses the soul" to Love )

"...that it may be some guide to those

who may experience such favours."

█ Locutions received by the Faculty

of the Imagination

█ The Signs Distinguishing:

• the Source of Locutions

and

• When these Locutions are Dangerous

▀ Genuine Locutions: Their Signs

▀ Locutions derived from one's self

▀ Locutions derived from the devil

█ St. Teresa's Advice regarding Locutions

▀ St. Teresa's General Recommendations

Regarding Locutions

▀ Particular Advice regarding locutions

that disagree with Holy Scripture

▀ Particular Advice

for those receiving helpful locutions

▀ Particular Advice for those whose locutions

were discerned to be Genuine

░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░

█ Interior ( Intellectual) Locutions

█ The Signs of Genuine Interior Locutions

▀ The First Sign of Genuine Interior Locutions

▀ The Second Sign of Genuine Interior Locutions

▀ The Third Sign of Genuine Interior Locutions

▀ The Fourth Sign of Genuine Interior Locutions

▀ The Fifth Sign of Genuine Interior Locutions

▀ Additional Proof:

The Fruits of Genuine Locutions

■ Humility

■ Detachment from self: Attachment to God

■ Conformity with the Will of God

▀ Additional Characteristics

of Genuine Locutions

■ The soul can not avoid listening

■ The soul can not distract its attention

away from the locutions

▀ Discernment regarding Interior Locutions:

■ Self-deception: One's Imagination

■ Deception by the devil

█ INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTER 3

The Editor explains the various kinds

of Vision and Locution:

Corporal, Imaginary, and Intellectual

▀ CORPOREAL

The senses function normally

while the object is supernatural:

"only apparant"; an apparition

[ Introductory Note To Chapter 3: # I ]

■ Corporal Vision

Corporal Vision	Normal vision
When one sees a bodily object.	e.g. one sees a person
The eyes are exercising their normal function,	Eyes are exercising their normal function,
The object seen is either only apparent or is not such as it seems to be.	The person seen is real
e.g. Tobias' companion, Azarias, was not a real human being, but an archangel in human form. Tobias did really see and hear him, the archangel made himself visible by means of an assumed body, or perhaps an apparent body It would be more correct to describe such a phenomenon as an APPARITION than as a Vision,
"Introductory Note To Chapter 3 By The Editor": #I: Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3

■ Corporal Locution

Corporal Locution	Normal vision
When one hears words uttered	e.g. one hears words spoken by another
The ears are exercising their normal function,	Ears are exercising their normal function,
The object heard is either only apparent or is not such as it seems to be.	"The words perceived come from a real tongue"
e.g. Tobias' companion, Azarias, was not a real human being, but an archangel in human form. Tobias did really see and hear him, the archangel made himself audible by means of an assumed body, or perhaps an apparent body It would be more correct to describe such a phenomenon as an APPARITION than as a Vision or locution
"Introductory Note To Chapter 3 By The Editor": #I: Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3

▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

▀ IMAGINARY

The senses are bypassed. (eyes, ears, etc.)

The object is presented directly

to the Imagination supernaturally.

Normally, "The Imagination stands half-way

between the senses and the intellect"

The Imagination

"receiv(es) impressions from the senses

and

transmit(s) them to the intellect."

[ Introductory Note To Chapter 3:#II ]

Here, 'Imaginary' does not mean 'pretend'

or 'make-believe'.

■ An Imaginary Vision

Imaginary Vision	Normal Vision
Nothing is seen by the sense of seeing	An object seen by the eyes, the sense of seeing
The imagination receives the impression "from an extraneous power (good or evil)" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "The impression received is the same that would be produced upon the imagination by the senses if some real object were perceived by the senses."	The imagination receives the impression from the senses
The imagination transmits them to the intellect	The imagination transmits them to the intellect
The object is something " which the memory neither has nor ever has had cognizance." But "the Imagination is closely connected with the Memory, so that it is frequently impossible to ascertain whether a Vision is not perhaps a semi-conscious or unconscious reproduction of scenes witnessed"
e.g. Imaginary Visions "St. Stephen, who saw the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God"
These Visions are not hallucinations. Hallucinations are due to physical disorder which - affects the memory and - causes it to represent impressions formerly received by it, in a disorderly and often grotesque manner.
"Introductory Note To Chapter 3 By The Editor": # II: Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3 ]

Imaginary Vision

Any image, form, figure and species.

Represented to the imagination supernaturally

Without any assistance of the outward senses.

thus present(ed)...to the understanding,

whereupon the understanding

considers them and judges them.

[ Ascent of Mt Carmel: Bk2:

Ch. 16: #2

St. John of the Cross

Translation: E.A. Peers ]

■ An Imaginary Locution

Imaginary Locution	Normal (natural) Hearing
Nothing is heard by the senses of hearing	A sound heard by the ears, the sense of hearing
The imagination receives the impression "from an extraneous power (good or evil)" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "The impression received is the same that would be produced upon the imagination by the senses if some real object were perceived by the senses."	The imagination receives the sound impression from the senses
The imagination transmits them to the intellect	The imagination transmits them to the intellect
The object is something " which the memory neither has nor ever has had cognizance." But "the Imagination is closely connected with the Memory, so that it is frequently impossible to ascertain whether a Vision is not perhaps a semi-conscious or unconscious reproduction of scenes witnessed"
e.g. Imaginary Locutions "St. Peter, who saw the heaven opened... and there came a voice to him: 'Arise, Peter...' (Acts, vii. 55; X. 11-13)"
These Locutions are not hallucinations. Hallucinations are due to physical disorder which - affects the memory and - causes it to represent impressions formerly received by it, in a disorderly and often grotesque manner.
"Introductory Note To Chapter 3 By The Editor": # II: Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3 ]

■ Imaginary Visions and Locutions

are dangerous

"...the reason

why Imaginary Visions and Locutions

are so dangerous" is because

there is a great risk of being deceived:

Frequently one can not distinguish their source;

whether it is
an Imaginary Vision from God

or
a deception

from the devil

from one's own self .

"Deception ...is to be feared."

◦ "self-deception: willful or unwillful"

"the Imagination is closely connected

with the Memory,

so that it is frequently impossible to ascertain
whether a Vision, etc.,

is not perhaps

a semi-conscious or unconscious

reproduction of scenes witnessed. "

◦ "deception by a higher agency" ( the devil)

[ "Introductory Note To Chapter 3

By The Editor": # II:

Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3 ]

▪ Not to be trusted or sought

"Hence, the general rule (is)

that such Visions or Locutions

should only be trusted

upon the strongest grounds."

"...according to

St. Teresa, St. John of the Cross,

and other spiritual writers,

they should

not only never be sought for,

but, as much as possible, shunned

and under all circumstances

discountenanced."

[ Introductory Note To Chapter 3

By The Editor": # II:

Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3 ]

■ Imaginary Visions and Locutions

are not Hallucinations

"These Visions, Locutions, etc.,

are not hallucinations.

Hallucinations

"are due to physical disorder which

- affects the memory

and

- causes it to represent impressions

formerly received by it,

in a disorderly and often grotesque manner.

▪ An Imaginary Vision is not the product

of illness, stored memories, or active thought.

The Imaginary Vision

- "takes place independently

of a morbid state,

- is caused by an extraneous power,

good or evil,

and

- has for its object,

things of which the memory

neither has

nor ever has

had cognizance."

[ "Introductory Note To Chapter 3

By The Editor": # II:

Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3 ]

▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

▀ INTELLECTUAL

The senses are bypassed. (eyes, ears, etc.)

The Imagination and memory are bypassed.

The object is presented directly

to the Intellect supernaturally.

■ An Intellectual Vision

INTELLECTUAL VISION	A Natural Vision
Nothing is seen or heard by the eyes or ears	is seen by the eyes, by the sense of sight
No sensation is received by the imagination.	The visual Sensation is received by the imagination (from the senses) ( treasured up in the memory, ...available at demand )
The impression is directly imprinted upon the intellect	The impression...delivered by the imagination to the intellect,
(without co-operation on the part of the senses, the imagination, or the memory )	The senses, imagination, and memory are all involved.
The impression is too exalted for the memory to receive it, so that such Visions are frequently only imperfectly remembered and sometimes altogether forgotten
An instance of such a vision is mentioned by St. Paul: "I know a man in Christ (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body I know not…) such an one rapt even to the third heaven... he was caught up into paradise (2 Cor. xii. 2-4)."
"Introductory Note To Chapter 3 By The Editor": # III: Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3 ]

■ An Intellectual Locution

INTELLECTUAL Locution	A Natural Sound
Nothing is seen or heard by the eyes or ears	is heard by the ears, by the sense of hearing
No sensation is received by the imagination.	The audible sensation is received by the imagination (from the senses) ( treasured up in the memory, ...available at demand )
The impression is directly imprinted upon the intellect	The impression...delivered by the imagination to the intellect,
(without co-operation on the part of the senses, the imagination, or the memory )	The senses, imagination, and memory are all involved.
The impression is too exalted for the memory to receive it, so that such impressions are frequently only imperfectly remembered and sometimes altogether forgotten
An instance of such a locution is mentioned by St. Paul: '...he was caught up into paradise, and heard secret words, which it is not granted to man to utter' (2 Cor. xii. 2-4)."
"Introductory Note To Chapter 3 By The Editor": # III: Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3 ]

■ Why Intellectual Visions or Locutions

are far less dangerous

than Corporal or Imaginary Visions

and Locutions,

"they are far less dangerous

than Corporal or Imaginary

Visions and Locutions,

because

- the senses and imagination

have nothing to do with them,

- whilst evil spirits are unable

to act directly upon the mind,

and

- self-deception is altogether excluded

for the reasons stated by St. Teresa.

(See Mansion 6: Ch. 3 )

[ Introductory Note To Chapter 3

By The Editor": # III:

Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3 ]

_______________________________

PART 2

DISCUSSION OF MANSION 6 - CHAPTER 3

█ Continuation from the previous chapter

on the 'Operations of Love'

which may God may bestow on those

whom He leads to the Sixth Mansions

( How "God arouses the soul" to Love )

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #1]

"...that it may be some guide to those

who may experience such favours."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #27]

█ Locutions Received by the Faculty

of the Imagination

▪ are "...another manner" in which

God arouses the soul"

▪ "by means of words addressed to the soul

in many different ways"

▪ Location or Direction of the sound

"Sometimes (speech/ words) appear to come

from without;

At other times

from the inner depths of the soul;

or again,

from its superior part;

while other speeches are

so exterior

as to be heard by the ears

like a real voice."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #1]

▪ "apparently a greater favour

than the above mentioned"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #1]

(In the previous chapter, St. Teresa described

The Call of the Bridegroom and

The Wound of Love. - Mansion 6: Ch. 2)

▪ "yet may prove more dangerous"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #1]

▪ Source of the Locutions

"may come either from:

◦ God"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #4]

"They say that communications...

in this mansion,

are not uttered directly by God

but are transmitted by an angel.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #10]

◦ "the devil,

◦ the imagination."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #4]

█ The Signs Distinguishing:

• the Source of Locutions

and

• When these Locutions are Dangerous

▀ Signs of Genuine Locutions

▪ Location source of the sound

is not important

"whether these communications come

from the inferior or the superior part

of the soul,

from without,

does not affect their originating from God."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #6]

"...these are the most certain signs

of their being divine.

■ The first and truest is

the power and authority

they carry with them,

for these words are operative. [241]

For example:

a soul is suffering...sorrow and disquiet...

but it is

set at peace...and filled with light

merely by hearing the words:

'Be not troubled.'

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #7]

■ The Second sign of Genuine Locutions

( of their being divine)

"The second sign is

- a great calm

and

- a devout and peaceful recollection

which dwell in the soul

together with

- a desire to praise God.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #10]

■ The Third sign of Genuine Locutions

( of their being divine)

"The third proof is

that these words

do not pass from the memory

but remain there for a very long time;

Sometimes they are never forgotten."

While "what men may utter...

is not thus impressed on our memory."

"if they prophesy of things to come...

these divine locutions...

leave us so convinced of their truth

that, although their fulfilment

sometimes seems utterly impossible

and

we vacillate and doubt about them,

there still remains in the soul

a certainty of their verity

which cannot be destroyed.

Perhaps everything may seem to militate

against what was heard and years pass by,

yet the spirit never loses its belief

- that God will make use

of means unknown to men

for the purpose

and

- that finally what was foretold

must surely happen;

as indeed it does."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #11]

"The words, their effects, and the assurance

they carry with them,

convinced the soul at the moment

that they came from God."

▪ But the devil sows doubt

"Afterwards, however, doubts arise

as to whether the locutions came

from the devil

from the imagination...

these misgivings must be suggested

by the evil one

to afflict and intimidate her,

especially

if by carrying out a command thus given

great good will result

to souls

and ...

to the honour and service of God...

At (the very) least,

he weakens faith,

and

it is a terrible evil to doubt

that God has power to work in a way

far beyond our understanding.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #12]

"yet there remains so lively

a spark of certainty in the mind...

that...it cannot...quench

this ardent spark of confidence.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #13]

▪ Joy at seeing God's words verified

"...the soul is so satisfied and joyful

that it can do nothing

but praise His Majesty

more because it sees

His words prove true

than on account of the thing itself,

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #13]

Although this success may entail

great suffering on herself,

she prefers it to the nonfulfilment

of what she knows

our Lord most certainly foretold.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #15]

▀ Locutions derived from one's self

Deception can occur by one's self,

illness, or the weakness of human nature.

"very often, this may be only a fancy"

Occurring often in those

- "of a lively imagination

- who are afflicted with melancholy

to any marked extent."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #2]

"in some cases...on account of

◦ a very weak constitution

◦ vivid imagination...

while absorbed in...prayer...

they....in a sort of dream,

fancy they

are spoken to

see things

they imagine come from God"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #16]

"Again, one who very lovingly

asks something of our Lord

may fancy
that an answer comes from Him"

"but...no one accustomed

to receive divine communications

could be deceived on this point

by the imagination."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #17]

▪ Without fruits

"If these locutions proceed

from the imagination...

they show no such signs,

( The above 3 signs of Genuine Locutions )

bringing

neither conviction, peace,

nor interior joy

with them."

"but which leave no more effect

than dreams"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #16]

▀ Locutions derived from the devil

"The devil has deceived many Christians thus"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #2]

"The devil makes use of these weak souls

to injure others,

even if they, themselves, escape unhurt."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #3]

"The devil's deceptions are more dangerous;

Even if "we may feel fairly confident

that these locutions are from God,

though not so certain

but that,

if they refer to some weighty matter

we should consult some confessor

who is both learned and a servant of God,

before attempting or thinking

of acting on them..."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #18]

█ St. Teresa's Advice regarding Locutions

▀ St. Teresa's General Recommendations

Regarding Locutions

▪ Seek Counsel from the Confessor

or Spiritual Director

▪ Resist and Take Caution

until the source of the locution is acertained.

"There is need for caution

both with feeble and strong souls at first,

until it is certain

from what spirit these things proceed."

"in the beginning,

it is always wiser

to resist these communications;

If they come from God,

this is the best way to receive more,

for they increase when discouraged.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #3]

▪ To take no notice of the locutions

"Let the prioress or confessor...

bid them think no more of it"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #2]

"persuade them, as far as possible,

to take no notice of their fancies"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #3]

"no attention should be paid

to either class of people

(those "of a lively imagination

or ...afflicted with melancholy")

when they say they see, hear, or learn

anything supernaturally."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #2]

"Do not disturb them by saying

that it comes from the devil,

but listen to them

as if they were sick persons."

"If we tell them their fancies

proceed from melancholia,

there will be no end to the matter,

for they will persist in maintaining

they have seen and heard these things,

for so it seems to them."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #2]

▪ Locutions are Not required for Salvation

or even for advancement in prayer

"such matters are not essential

in the service of God"

"they need not trouble themselves about it."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #2]

"you must not esteem yourself more highly"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #5]

▪ Limit the duration of prayer time

"they occur to many persons

who...(practice) prayer."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #4]

"The truth is,

care should be taken

to keep such people from too much prayer"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #3]

"At the same time the soul should not be

too strictly controlled or disquieted,

for it cannot help itself in the matter.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #3]

▀ Particular Advice regarding locutions

that disagree with Holy Scripture

"Take no more notice

of any speeches you hear

which disagree with the Holy Scriptures

than if you heard them from Satan himself

Though they may only rise

from your vivid imagination,

look upon them as a temptation

against the faith.

Always resist them;

then they will leave you, and cease"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #5]

▀ Particular Advice

for those receiving helpful locutions

"When they only

console you,

warn you of your faults,

it matters not

whence they come

whether they are only fancies.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #4]

"...although they may come from God,

all the good consists

in profiting by His words."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #5]

▀ Particular Advice for those whose locutions

were discerned to be Genuine:

▪ Consultation and Obedience

to their Confessor

"If the foregoing signs (of genuine locutions)

are present,

we may feel fairly confident

that these locutions are from God,

though not so certain

but that,

- if they refer to some weighty matter

in which we are called upon to act

- if they concern a third person,

we should consult some confessor...

before attempting or thinking

of acting on them,

although we...are convinced

of their truth and divine origin.

His Majesty wishes us to take this course;

It is not disobedience to His commands,

for He has bidden us

(to) hold our confessor as His representative

even where there is no doubt

that the communications come from Him...

...it would be very dangerous

to act against our confessor's advice

and

to prefer our own opinions

in such a matter.

Our Lord will reassure our confessor,

whom,

when He so chooses,

He will inspire with faith

that these locutions are from the Holy Ghost.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #18]

▪ Humility

"you must not esteem yourself more highly

for He often spoke to the Pharisees"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #5]

▪ Trust in God

Here, St. Teresa seems to be referring

to a prophetic locution

which has been ascertained to come

from God.

"In fact,

as these words come from the Spirit of God,

it is right thus

to trust them

and

to desire

that He Who is supreme truth

should not be thought a deceiver."

"Justly, therefore,

does their hearer rejoice

when, after a thousand

delays and enormous difficulties,

they are accomplished."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #15]

____________________________________

█ Interior ( Intellectual ) locutions

"God speaks to the soul

in another way

by a certain intellectual vision

which...proceeds from Him"

it will be described later on.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #19]

(See Mansion 6: Chapter 4 and Chapter 8 )

▪ Location of the speech

"It takes place

far within the innermost depths of the soul

which appears to hear distinctly...the words...

in a most mysterious manner,

with its spiritual hearing"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #19]

▪ Source

"spoken to it

by our Lord Himself."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #19]

▪ That God is the source

is shown by their fruits

"The way

in which the spirit perceives these words

and

the results produced by them,

convince us

that they cannot in any way come

from the devil.

Their powerful aftereffects

force us to admit this

and

plainly show

they do not spring from the imagination."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #19]

█ The Signs of Genuine Interior Locutions

▀ The First Sign of Genuine Interior Locutions.

"Firstly,

the clearness of the language varies

in the different kinds of locutions.

Those that are divine

are so distinct

that the hearer remembers

- if there were a syllable missing,

and

- what words were made use of

even though a whole sentence was spoken.

But if the speech were only a freak of fancy,

it would

not be so audible

nor would the words be so distinct

but would be only half articulated.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #20]

▀ The Second Sign
of Genuine Interior Locutions

"The second reason is

that often the person was not thinking of

what is heard;

Sometimes the locution

even comes unexpectedly during conversation,

though at times it refers

to some thought that passed quickly

through the mind

to a subject, it was before engaged upon.

Frequently it concerns things

of whose existence the hearer

knew nothing

nor even imagined such events

could ever come to pass;

Therefore it is impossible

for the imagination to have

framed such speeches

and

deceived the mind by fancies

about what it had

never wished,

nor sought for,

nor even thought about."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #21]

▀ The Third Sign of Genuine Interior Locutions

"The third reason is

that in a genuine case

the soul seems to listen to the words,

whereas when the imagination is at work,

little by little,

it composes

what the person wishes to hear."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #22]

▀ The Fourth Sign
of Genuine Interior Locutions

"The fourth reason is

because divine locutions

differ immensely from others,

a single word comprises a depth of meaning

which our understanding could not thus

quickly condense into one phrase.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #23]

▀ The Fifth Sign
of Genuine Interior Locutions

"Fifthly

because...these communications,

without any further explanations,

frequently give us

to understand far more

than is implied by the words themselves."

"...this way of understanding hidden things...is

very subtle

and

a favour for which we should thank God.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #24]

▀ Additional Proof:

The Fruits of Genuine Locutions

"When these results follow,

no graces or gifts received during prayer

need alarm the soul..."

"...the soul...should rather

trust in the mercy of God,

Who is faithful

and

will not allow the devil to deceive it;

but it is always well

to be on one's guard.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #26]

■ Humility

"If the soul receives favours and caresses

from our Lord,

let it examine carefully

whether it rates itself

more highly in consequence;

Unless self-abasement increases

with God's expressions of love,

they do not come from the Holy Spirit.

Inevitably, when they are divine,

the greater the favours,

the less the soul esteems itself

and

the more keenly it remembers its sins."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #25]

"It...feels a keener conviction that

instead of meriting such favours,

it deserves hell."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #25]

■ Detachment from self: Attachment to God

It becomes more oblivious of self-interest:

The will and memory grow more fervent

in seeking solely God's honour

with no thought of self.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #25]

■ Conformity with the Will of God

"It also becomes unceasingly careful

not to deviate deliberately

from the will of God"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #25]

▀ Additional Characteristics

of Genuine Locutions

■ The soul can not avoid listening

"This cannot be done...

"...avoid listening to these locutions"

■ The soul can not distract its attention

away from the locutions

"even if they are interior,

it is (not)...possible

to distract the attention from them

so as not to hear them"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #27]

"This is not feasible

when these communications come

from the Holy Ghost

Who,

when He speaks,

stops all other thoughts

and

compels the mind to listen.

Mark this:

...it would be easier

for a person with very keen ears

to avoid hearing a loud voice,

for he could occupy his thoughts and mind

in other things.

Not so here;

The soul can do nothing,

nor has it ears to stop,

nor power to think of aught

but what is said to it.

For He Who could stay the sun on its course...

can so quiet

the faculties and

the interior of the spirit

as to make it perceive

that another and a stronger Lord than itself

governs this castle;

It is thus affected

with profound devotion and humility,

seeing that it cannot but listen.

May the divine Majesty vouchsafe

that,

forgetting ourselves,

our only aim may be to please Him"

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #27]

▀ Discernment regarding Interior Locutions:

■ Self-deception: One's Imagination

The "...principal difficulty

was to discover

whether the locutions were merely fancied.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #24]

"those (words) coming

from the imagination

leave us uncertain

whether we heard the words or not."

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #24]

"...freaks of fancy...may be prevented

by ceasing to desire certain things

by paying no attention to its inventions.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #27]

■ Deception by the devil

"It is easier to know

when they come from the devil

although being so wily,

he can with facility,

imitate the spirit of light.

...he would do this in a form of words

pronounced so distinctly

that there would be no more doubt

as to their reality

than if they came from the spirit of truth"

But Satan could never counterfeit

the effects...

he leaves

neither peace

nor light

in the soul,

only anxiety and confusion.

In any case,

he can do little or no harm to one

who is humble

and

who...does not act on what is heard.

[Interior Castle: Mansion 6: Ch. 3: #24]

End of the Discussion of

Mansion 6 Chapter 3

The Interior Castle

The Mansions

S. Teresa of Jesus

of the Order of our Lady of Carmel

St. Teresa of Avila

Note:

Attempt was made to display the quotes

of the other books being cited

by the editor's foot notes.

But, they may not be the actual intended passages

that were cited by the editor

since the editions/translations used by the editor

may have different paragraph numbering
than those available to this blog.

Carmelite Book Studies ~ The Interior Castle or The Mansions

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Discussion: Mansion 6 - Ch 3 - The Interior Castle - The Mansions - St. Teresa of Avila - Teresa of Jesus