Entering the Castle: Finding the Inner Path to God and Your Soul's Purpose

Mystical Writing

'Entering the Castle' is intended as a guide into mysticism. The idea presented in the book is to become mystics without monastaries. This requires answering three key questions: (1) Why was I born? (2) What is my greater purpose in my life? (3) How can I be of service? The Castle spoken of in this book is our inner center - a place where can find sanctuary, peace and guidance. Through contemplation we can access this Castle within. The ideas in this book are based on St. Theresa of Avila's THE INTERIOR CASTLE, where she mentions seven mansions i.e. stages through which the soul passes in its mystical journey to union with the Divine. 'Entering the Castle' gives an inner dimension to our spiritual work that is at times lacking in current spiritual literature, which is more concerned with achievement and prosperity as end goals rather than inner development of the self. So I am glad to come across this book.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Myss goes too far

There is a specific context for Teresa's teaching and writing. Also, Myss fails to qualify key elements of Mystical Theology with reference to Theresa of Avila. One must first die a spiritual death, and commit themselves to a spiritual community like the DC Carmelites. Given this pre-condition, Theresa instructed them on purification (which was not pleasant btw) to rid all human-ness from ones entire being. It is a practice, a way of life that when followed¿there is divine union, love, and suffering in Christ. Academics and theologians might take a year to understand the nature of Mystical Theology in a specific context. It¿s not about you and feeling good for you¿not about finding your purpose. Far too general definition on contemplation. Completely lacks thorough study on the senses, the mind, the appetites, attachments, and reason. Mystics w/out monasteries can contact a local secular community, commit to the way of life, or live amongst the community. These communities have preserved/lived a specific way for centuries. If you must borrow from their doctrine, at least give back to their community.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Enter...discover yourself

Entering the Castle has showed me where my treasure is... within. I experienced entering my own castle and it continues to be quite a journey. Caroline's passion is so embedded into this work, that it is hard for me to read accusations of her being too 'preachy' or 'condescending'. Rather, I see a woman who has experienced the Divine and who demands of herself and the listener the utmost reverence and gratitude for the journey itself. She has judgments like we all do, but please realize that this journey is not about what you can create or get, but instead, it is about going into yourself and dialoguing with the GOD presence within to find out how you can be of service to yourself, the people around you and the world, by becoming a channel for grace!!! Manifestation is awesome, but this work's purpose is not to teach you or help you manifest. If that's what you're looking for then watch 'The Secret' or read ' The Science of Getting Rich' . If you are aching for a deeper communion with your soul and God, then look no further. A direct connection with your soul is beyond words! Blessings to all.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Oh I Am So Excited...

...to be the first one to say just what I thought of this book. Caroline Myss, author of such books as Anatomy of Spirit and Why People Don't Heal, brings us a very different part of the metaphysical world. For this book, she discusses the work of Theresa of Avila, with whom she alleges she communicated with while she was writing the book. Dubious as it may sound, it is all the rage within the New Age community right now with Esther and Jerry Hicks' Abraham making communicating with the nonphysical all the more popular (though do not be mistaken. Myss does not endorse the Hicks' work). Yes, once an authority of Chakras and touting a PhD in Energy Medicine (which has surprisingly disappeared since the unaccredited nature of her doctorate program was discovered). There is enough spiritual work in this book to last you a lifetime, but do not be so eager to hop on board. Myss makes it clear that even if you do all this material, you still may not feel the grace of God. In fact, you may not even receive that healing you so desire. She makes it clear that the world of healing is irrational and asks you to leave behind critical thinking and to exchange it with irrational thought. And even if you surrender completely to this irrational thought, God may very well not bestow his grace upon you. So what's the perk of following this? Beats me. You can have Myss acting higher than thou for hundreds of pages and preaching to you about all the things you are doing wrong in your life. Watch this woman and it is clear that there is nothing enlightened about her, so be wary of her words and do not be so willing to throw yourself down this rabbit hole.

A Good Effort

The author, Caroline Myss has done a good job of taking on the very difficult task of interpretting Saint Teresa of Ávila's spiritual work "The Interior Castle". Ms Myss has taken a document orinally written by Saint Theresa in 16th-century Spain, and used her own interpretations and experiences to bring these writings into the 21st century.

While I never could last long with a translation of Saint Theresa's original writing, I found the author's version very readable and engaging.
However I would have to say that absorbing the subject matter of this book, which is basically getting in touch with one's soul by dividing it into rooms and studying each room before moving on to the next, is not a simple matter to accomplish.
The author herself is a Theology teacher and author of several spiritual books, and yet it took her many years of study and soul developement before she was at a spiritual point in her life when she could fully absorb the message of Saint Teresa.
So the question is should you as a person, interested in expanding their spiritual growth, buy this book?
If you are at all interested in Saint Teresa or have had some experience with spiritual study, then you may be interested in purchasing this book. I doubt many people will be able to quickly master the Saint's methodology, however if you are patient and refer back to the book from time to time, you may also realize a greater understanding of your soul and God.

Anonymous Caroline a spiritual teacher now turn into a political partisan sharp tongue columnist says it all. How can you spew such rhetoric and hate and be a spiritual teacher. I could not recommend this book.

How can I put my faith and trust into this book after reading that post. It literally sickened my stomach that I used my hard earned money to help pave the way for her to do more of her bidding. She should be ashamed of herself but her ego will never allow it.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A compassionate, wise view of the mystical tradition

Carolyn shares a thoughtful, modern examination of St Teresa of Avila's claasic text.

Enter...discover yourself

Entering the Castle has showed me where my treasure is... within. I experienced entering my own castle and it continues to be quite a journey. Caroline's passion is so embedded into this work, that it is hard for me to read accusations of her being too 'preachy' or 'condescending'. Rather, I see a woman who has experienced the Divine and who demands of herself and the listener the utmost reverence and gratitude for the journey itself. She has judgments like we all do, but please realize that this journey is not about what you can create or get, but instead, it is about going into yourself and dialoguing with the GOD presence within to find out how you can be of service to yourself, the people around you and the world, by becoming a channel for grace!!! Manifestation is awesome, but this work's purpose is not to teach you or help you manifest. If that's what you're looking for then watch 'The Secret' or read ' The Science of Getting Rich' . If you are aching for a deeper communion with your soul and God, then look no further. A direct connection with your soul is beyond words! Blessings to all.

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