Summary
When Visions Come: Truth from Illusion
The Interior Castle by Saint Teresa of Ávila
In the Sixth Mansions, Teresa shifts focus to imaginary visions—those inner experiences where someone 'sees' Christ or divine figures in their mind's eye. She uses the metaphor of a precious jewel in a locked locket: God holds the key and opens it when He chooses, revealing glimpses of divine beauty that leave lasting impressions on the soul. These visions are lightning-quick but unforgettable, filling the person with both awe and terror at Christ's majesty. Teresa warns that many people fool themselves, mistaking their own imagination for divine visions. True visions leave specific effects: they come unexpectedly, produce lasting peace after initial shock, and inspire genuine humility and virtue. False ones fade quickly like dreams and leave no real spiritual fruit. She strongly advises against seeking such experiences, giving six reasons: it shows lack of humility, opens doors to deception, feeds the imagination's tricks, presumes to choose our own spiritual path, ignores the suffering that accompanies real visions, and might actually harm rather than help our souls. The chapter emphasizes that ordinary virtue practiced with love is more valuable than extraordinary experiences. Teresa advocates for complete honesty with spiritual directors and warns against those who would tell people to disrespect even potentially false visions of Christ. Her underlying message: trust God's timing and methods rather than seeking spiritual fireworks.
Coming Up in Chapter 21
Teresa will explore an even more intimate form of divine communication—when God speaks directly to the soul through words that bypass the ears entirely, revealing how to recognize His voice among the many voices that speak within us.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
THIS CHAPTER SPEAKS OF THE MANNER IN WHICH GOD COMMUNICATES WITH THE SOUL BY IMAGINARY VISIONS. STRONG REASONS ARE GIVEN FOR NOT DESIRING TO BE LED IN THIS WAY; THIS IS VERY PROFITABLE READING. 1. The jewel in the locket. 2. The simile explained. 3. The apparition explained. 4. Awe produced by this vision. 5. False and genuine visions. 6. Illusive visions. 7. Effects of a genuine vision. 8. Conviction left by a genuine vision. 9. Its effects upon the after conduct. 10. A confessor should be consulted. 11. How to treat visions. 12. Effects of seeing the face of Christ. 13. Reasons why visions are not to be sought. 14. The second reason. 15. Third reason. 16. Fourth reason. 17. Fifth reason. 18. Sixth reason. 19. Additional reasons. 20. The virtues more meritorious than consolations. 21. Fervent souls desire to serve God for Himself alone. 1. Now we come to treat of imaginary visions, whereby it is held that the devil is more liable to deceive people than by the other visions I have already described. This is probably true. Yet when imaginary visions are divine, they seem, in a certain manner, more profitable for us than the others, as being more suited to our nature--with the exception of the visions sent by our Lord in the seventh mansion which far surpass all others. The presence of our Lord described in the last chapter may thus be symbolized. Let us suppose that we have in our possession a gold locket containing a precious stone of the highest value and powers, which, though we have not seen it, we are certain is in the case, and its virtues benefit us when we wear the pendant. Although we have never gazed on it we value it highly, knowing by experience that it has cured us of maladies for which it is remedial. However, we dare not look at it nor open the locket nor could we do so even if we wished, for the owner of the jewel alone knows the secret of unfastening its casket. Although he lent it us for our use, yet he kept the key for himself; he will open the trinket when he chooses to show us its contents and close it again when he sees fit to do so. 2. Our Lord treats us here in this way. Now, suppose the owner of this locket suddenly opened it at times for the benefit of the person to whom he has entrusted it; doubtless the latter would value the diamond more highly through remembering its wonderful lustre. This may be compared to what happens when our Lord is pleased to caress the soul. He shows it in vision His most sacred Humanity under whatever form He chooses; either as He was during His life on earth [357] or after His resurrection. [358] The vision passes as quickly as a flash of lightning, yet this most glorious picture makes an impression on the imagination that I believe...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Spiritual Materialism
The tendency to corrupt authentic growth experiences by using them to feed the ego's need to feel special or chosen.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to distinguish between authentic growth and ego-driven performance disguised as spirituality.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when your 'insights' or 'breakthroughs' make you feel superior to others—that's usually the ego talking, not genuine wisdom.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Imaginary visions
Inner spiritual experiences where someone 'sees' divine figures in their mind's eye, not with physical sight. Teresa distinguishes these from intellectual visions (pure understanding) and corporeal visions (physical appearances). These mental images can be genuine divine communications or products of imagination.
Modern Usage:
We see this in how people describe 'feeling God's presence' during prayer or meditation, or having vivid spiritual dreams they believe are meaningful.
Spiritual director
A trained religious guide who helps others navigate their spiritual experiences and growth. In Teresa's time, these were usually priests or experienced religious persons who could distinguish between genuine divine experiences and self-deception.
Modern Usage:
Today's equivalent might be a therapist, life coach, or trusted mentor who helps us sort through our experiences and make sense of major life decisions.
Discernment of spirits
The ability to distinguish between experiences that come from God, from evil forces, or from one's own imagination. This was a crucial skill in medieval and Renaissance spirituality, involving careful observation of the fruits and effects of spiritual experiences.
Modern Usage:
We use this when we try to figure out whether an opportunity, relationship, or major decision feels genuinely right or if something seems 'off' about it.
Mystical experience
Direct, personal encounter with the divine that goes beyond ordinary religious practice. These experiences often involve altered states of consciousness and leave lasting impacts on the person's spiritual life and behavior.
Modern Usage:
This appears in near-death experiences, profound moments in nature, or times when people feel deeply connected to something greater than themselves.
Spiritual consolation
Feelings of peace, joy, or divine presence that come during prayer or spiritual practice. Teresa warns that people can become addicted to seeking these good feelings rather than focusing on genuine spiritual growth through service and virtue.
Modern Usage:
We see this in people who chase emotional highs through religion, self-help seminars, or meditation retreats but don't change their daily behavior.
Presumption
In spiritual terms, the arrogance of trying to direct God's actions or assuming we know what spiritual experiences we should have. Teresa sees this as a major obstacle to genuine spiritual growth because it puts our will above divine wisdom.
Modern Usage:
This shows up when we demand that life unfold according to our timeline and preferences, rather than staying open to unexpected opportunities and lessons.
Characters in This Chapter
Teresa
Spiritual teacher and guide
She serves as the experienced mentor warning readers about the dangers of seeking extraordinary spiritual experiences. She draws from her own encounters with visions to teach discernment and emphasize that ordinary virtue is more valuable than mystical phenomena.
Modern Equivalent:
The wise supervisor who's seen it all and warns new employees about common workplace traps
Our Lord
Divine presence in visions
Appears in the imaginary visions Teresa describes, particularly his face which she says produces both terror and love. His presence in these visions serves as the standard for what genuine divine communication looks like versus false experiences.
Modern Equivalent:
The ultimate authority figure whose approval everyone seeks but who appears on his own terms, not when summoned
The devil
Spiritual deceiver
Teresa presents him as particularly skilled at creating false imaginary visions that can mislead sincere spiritual seekers. His role highlights the need for careful discernment and spiritual direction in evaluating extraordinary experiences.
Modern Equivalent:
The smooth-talking scammer who preys on people's deepest hopes and desires
Key Quotes & Analysis
"When imaginary visions are divine, they seem, in a certain manner, more profitable for us than the others, as being more suited to our nature"
Context: She's explaining why God sometimes uses mental images rather than pure spiritual understanding
Teresa acknowledges that humans are visual creatures who often understand better through images than abstract concepts. This shows her practical understanding of human psychology and God's accommodation to our limitations.
In Today's Words:
Sometimes we need to see a picture of something before we really get it - and God knows that about us.
"The vision passes as quickly as a flash of lightning, yet this most glorious picture makes an impression on the imagination that I believe can never be effaced"
Context: She's describing the lasting impact of genuine divine visions despite their brief duration
This captures how truly significant experiences, though brief, can change us permanently. Teresa uses this as evidence that genuine visions have lasting spiritual fruit, unlike false ones that fade like dreams.
In Today's Words:
Some moments last only seconds but change you forever - you know the difference between the real deal and something you just imagined.
"It shows want of humility for us to wish to choose our own path"
Context: She's giving reasons why people shouldn't seek visions or extraordinary spiritual experiences
Teresa argues that demanding specific spiritual experiences is like telling God how to do his job. This reflects her belief that spiritual maturity involves trusting divine wisdom rather than our own preferences.
In Today's Words:
You can't control how life teaches you its lessons - trying to pick and choose just shows you think you know better than you do.
Thematic Threads
Self-Deception
In This Chapter
Teresa shows how people mistake imagination for divine vision, fooling themselves about spiritual experiences
Development
Deepens from earlier discussions of false mystical states to show the psychology behind spiritual self-deception
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself exaggerating the significance of positive experiences to feel more special or chosen than you actually are.
Humility
In This Chapter
True visions produce genuine humility while false ones feed pride and the need to feel exceptional
Development
Continues Teresa's emphasis on humility as the test of authentic spiritual progress versus ego inflation
In Your Life:
You might notice whether your achievements make you more humble and grateful or more convinced of your own superiority.
Discernment
In This Chapter
Teresa provides practical tests to distinguish between authentic experiences and ego-driven fantasies
Development
Builds on earlier chapters about recognizing genuine versus false spiritual states through their fruits
In Your Life:
You might apply these same tests to evaluate whether your insights and breakthroughs are producing lasting positive change.
Trust
In This Chapter
Teresa advocates trusting God's timing rather than seeking extraordinary experiences on our own terms
Development
Reinforces the theme of surrendering control and accepting the pace of authentic growth
In Your Life:
You might recognize when you're trying to force breakthrough moments instead of trusting the natural process of development.
Ordinary Virtue
In This Chapter
Teresa emphasizes that consistent practice of basic virtues is more valuable than dramatic spiritual experiences
Development
Continues the thread of valuing steady progress over flashy achievements throughout the spiritual journey
In Your Life:
You might focus more on daily consistency in small things rather than chasing peak experiences or dramatic transformations.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Teresa describes how people mistake their own imagination for divine visions. What warning signs does she give for spotting fake spiritual experiences?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Teresa argue that seeking extraordinary spiritual experiences actually shows a lack of humility?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see people today mistaking their own desires or imagination for some higher truth or calling?
application • medium - 4
When you feel drawn to chase extraordinary experiences or recognition, how can you tell if it's genuine growth or ego seeking attention?
application • deep - 5
What does Teresa's emphasis on 'ordinary virtue practiced with love' reveal about what actually creates lasting change in people?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Track Your 'Special' Moments
Think of a recent time when you felt chosen, enlightened, or exceptional about something. Write down what happened, how it made you feel, and what you did with that feeling. Then apply Teresa's test: Did it produce lasting peace and genuine humility, or did it fade quickly and leave you wanting more validation?
Consider:
- •Notice whether you immediately wanted to share the experience with others
- •Ask if the experience made you feel superior to people who hadn't had it
- •Check whether it led to consistent daily actions or just good feelings
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you caught yourself performing your own goodness or wisdom for others. What were you really trying to prove, and how did it feel when the performance was over?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 21: Living in Truth's Palace
As the story unfolds, you'll explore to recognize authentic spiritual experiences versus imagination, while uncovering living truthfully is the foundation of genuine relationships. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.