‘Prayer is nothing but an intimate sharing between friends’: so St Teresa of Avila describes the ... more ‘Prayer is nothing but an intimate sharing between friends’: so St Teresa of Avila describes the nature of Christian prayer from the perspective of the Western tradition of mystical theology. In this chapter two key aspects of this tradition are explored: the Neoplatonic and the Augustinian. The first, Neoplatonic tradition derives from the Platonic tradition of theosis which although never officially endorsed by the early church (and explicitly condemned in the writings of Origen) manages to survive in the Dionysian and Evagrian/monastic traditions. The second, deriving from St Augustine, develops the scriptural notion of the vision of the fallen soul in a broken world, subject to and entirely dependent upon God’s grace. These perspectives are mapped onto later developments in the tradition, in particular in the work of Teresa of Avila. The chapter finishes with some brief reflections on twentieth-century developments of the tradition as exemplified in the work of Edith Stein (St Teresa Benedicta a Cruce) and Thomas Merton that bring the key aspects of mystical prayer up to our present time.
To centre or not to centre: Ss Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross and the 'Centre of the Soul
Ashgate eBooks, 2013
This chapter arises from a reflection on the current trend to talk about 'centring' or &#... more This chapter arises from a reflection on the current trend to talk about 'centring' or 'focusing' prayer. Recently, whilst leading a seminar on the writings of St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), the question arose as to what is meant by 'the centre of the soul' in Teresa's writings. Having spent some time studying Teresa's writings and trying to elucidate her psychological concept of the self in my recently published The Return to the Mystical (2011), my immediate response was to say 'But there is no centre in Teresa's soul!' Having said this both myself, and the seminar, were struck by the oddness of this statement. The consequence was that I had to return to Teresa's writings to see exactly what she meant by 'the centre of the soul'. The result was this chapter.
Picturing the soul: revisioning psychotherapy and spiritual direction
In this accessible yet penetrating analysis Dr Peter Tyler takes us on a journey from the earlies... more In this accessible yet penetrating analysis Dr Peter Tyler takes us on a journey from the earliest Christian beginnings of spiritual direction to contemporary practice in therapy and counselling. On the way we will encounter the counter-cultural insights of the Desert Fathers and Mothers and the late medieval understanding of desire within the Spanish mystics. Throughout Dr Tyler weaves the analysis of Ludwig Wittgenstein as he sees all three 'talking cures' as a choreography between what is said and what is shown. Of equal interest to practitioners, academics and lay people, this book presents a fresh approach to therapy and spiritual direction that allows a critical engagement with both whilst respecting their competing claims as legitimate pathways to the healing of the psyche.
Following the success of 'John of the Cross' (Continuum 2010) and 'Return to the Myst... more Following the success of 'John of the Cross' (Continuum 2010) and 'Return to the Mystical' (Continuum 2011), Dr Peter Tyler completes his 'mystical trilogy' with a penetrating analysis of the life, work and context of St Teresa of Avila - this most popular and influential of all saints. To coincide with her anniversary year in 2015 he presents an accessible volume on the saint including the background to her life and times, her mystical theology, instructions on prayer and relevance for today. The book consists of three parts - the context of Teresa's life; an examination of the texts themselves and finally an exploration of Teresa's relevance to our 'postmodern world' including chapters on Teresa and psychology, mindfulness, meditation and personal development. This book is a major contribution to Teresian scholarship and a welcome addition to her anniversary celebrations. -- Publisher's summary
The Return to the Mystical: Ludwig Wittgenstein, Teresa of Avila and the Christian Mystical Tradition
Page 1. PETER TYLER THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRIS... more Page 1. PETER TYLER THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRISTIAN MYSTICAL TRADITION ... THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRISTIAN MYSTICAL TRADITION ...
This paper explores St Ignatius Loyola’s relationship to the medieval tradition of theologia myst... more This paper explores St Ignatius Loyola’s relationship to the medieval tradition of theologia mystica, especially in the Spiritual Exercises. Although the evidence is scanty, it is clear that the young Iñigo was acquainted with the methods and structures of Abbot García de Cisneros’ Exercitatorio de La Vida Espiritual during his extended stay at Montserrat and Manresa after his conversion of life. Commentators have disagreed over the extent of the influence of these writings on Ignatius’ later spirituality; however, this paper will explore the ‘family resemblances’ between the type of spirituality developed by Ignatius after his stay in Catalonia and the later medieval spirituality expressed in the Abbot’s work. In particular, the paper concentrates on one aspect of that work that has not received much attention: namely, the strand in Cisneros’ work that explores the late medieval tradition of theologia mystica, particularly as reworked from the writings of Jean Gerson (1363–1429), s...
‘Prayer is nothing but an intimate sharing between friends’: so St Teresa of Avila describes the ... more ‘Prayer is nothing but an intimate sharing between friends’: so St Teresa of Avila describes the nature of Christian prayer from the perspective of the Western tradition of mystical theology. In this chapter two key aspects of this tradition are explored: the Neoplatonic and the Augustinian. The first, Neoplatonic tradition derives from the Platonic tradition of theosis which although never officially endorsed by the early church (and explicitly condemned in the writings of Origen) manages to survive in the Dionysian and Evagrian/monastic traditions. The second, deriving from St Augustine, develops the scriptural notion of the vision of the fallen soul in a broken world, subject to and entirely dependent upon God’s grace. These perspectives are mapped onto later developments in the tradition, in particular in the work of Teresa of Avila. The chapter finishes with some brief reflections on twentieth-century developments of the tradition as exemplified in the work of Edith Stein (St Teresa Benedicta a Cruce) and Thomas Merton that bring the key aspects of mystical prayer up to our present time.
Page 1. StJOHN OF THE CROSS Page 2. St JOHN OF THE CROSS Page 3. StJohn of the Cross Page 4. This... more Page 1. StJOHN OF THE CROSS Page 2. St JOHN OF THE CROSS Page 3. StJohn of the Cross Page 4. This page intentionally left blank Page 5. St John of the Cross Peter M Tyler Page 6. Front Cover: Ikon of St John of ...
Acknowledgements 7 Chapter One. Introduction: A Change of Aspect? 9 1.1 Why Teresa and Wittgenste... more Acknowledgements 7 Chapter One. Introduction: A Change of Aspect? 9 1.1 Why Teresa and Wittgenstein? Structure and Aims 11 1.2 Teresa and Wittgenstein-Changing Aspects 15 1.3 Methodologies and Background 21 1.4 A Note on Sources, Translation and Terminology. 22 1.5 Structure 23 Part One: Establishing a Wittgensteinian Approach to The Mystical 27 Chapter Two: The Creation of Modern Mysticism and its Critics 28 2.1 The Making of Modern Mysticism 28 2.2 The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries: The Psychologisation of Modern Mysticism-William James 30 2.3 Vaughan, Inge and Underhill: The British Orientalisation of Modern Mysticism 38 2.4 The Contemporary Academic Critique of Modern Mysticism 58
To centre or not to centre: Ss Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross and the 'Centre of the Soul
This chapter arises from a reflection on the current trend to talk about 'centring' or &#... more This chapter arises from a reflection on the current trend to talk about 'centring' or 'focusing' prayer. Recently, whilst leading a seminar on the writings of St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), the question arose as to what is meant by 'the centre of the soul' in Teresa's writings. Having spent some time studying Teresa's writings and trying to elucidate her psychological concept of the self in my recently published The Return to the Mystical (2011), my immediate response was to say 'But there is no centre in Teresa's soul!' Having said this both myself, and the seminar, were struck by the oddness of this statement. The consequence was that I had to return to Teresa's writings to see exactly what she meant by 'the centre of the soul'. The result was this chapter.
The Catholic mystical tradition as a guide to contemporary pastoral care
Keeping Faith in Practice is an addition to SCM's growing Practical and Pastoral Theology lis... more Keeping Faith in Practice is an addition to SCM's growing Practical and Pastoral Theology list. Most books in this field are written by authors from various Protestant backgrounds. Catholic teachers in this field are frequently asked by colleagues for suggestions of Catholic resources, and find themselves at a loss. The central subject of this book is an exploration of how theology engages with the dimension of practice in the life of the Church and contemporary society and culture. The book covers the main focal points of a Catholic view of pastoral/practical theology - its foundations and different fields.
Following the success of 'John of the Cross' (Continuum 2010) and 'Return to the Myst... more Following the success of 'John of the Cross' (Continuum 2010) and 'Return to the Mystical' (Continuum 2011), Dr Peter Tyler completes his 'mystical trilogy' with a penetrating analysis of the life, work and context of St Teresa of Avila - this most popular and influential of all saints. To coincide with her anniversary year in 2015 he presents an accessible volume on the saint including the background to her life and times, her mystical theology, instructions on prayer and relevance for today. The book consists of three parts - the context of Teresa's life; an examination of the texts themselves and finally an exploration of Teresa's relevance to our 'postmodern world' including chapters on Teresa and psychology, mindfulness, meditation and personal development. This book is a major contribution to Teresian scholarship and a welcome addition to her anniversary celebrations. -- Publisher's summary
The author makes a case for the continued relevance of a study of the writings of the Desert Fath... more The author makes a case for the continued relevance of a study of the writings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers for contemporary pastoral care.
Return to the Mystical: Ludwig Wittgenstein, Teresa Of Avila and the Christian Mystical Tradition
Page 1. PETER TYLER THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRIS... more Page 1. PETER TYLER THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRISTIAN MYSTICAL TRADITION ... THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRISTIAN MYSTICAL TRADITION ...
‘Prayer is nothing but an intimate sharing between friends’: so St Teresa of Avila describes the ... more ‘Prayer is nothing but an intimate sharing between friends’: so St Teresa of Avila describes the nature of Christian prayer from the perspective of the Western tradition of mystical theology. In this chapter two key aspects of this tradition are explored: the Neoplatonic and the Augustinian. The first, Neoplatonic tradition derives from the Platonic tradition of theosis which although never officially endorsed by the early church (and explicitly condemned in the writings of Origen) manages to survive in the Dionysian and Evagrian/monastic traditions. The second, deriving from St Augustine, develops the scriptural notion of the vision of the fallen soul in a broken world, subject to and entirely dependent upon God’s grace. These perspectives are mapped onto later developments in the tradition, in particular in the work of Teresa of Avila. The chapter finishes with some brief reflections on twentieth-century developments of the tradition as exemplified in the work of Edith Stein (St Teresa Benedicta a Cruce) and Thomas Merton that bring the key aspects of mystical prayer up to our present time.
To centre or not to centre: Ss Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross and the 'Centre of the Soul
Ashgate eBooks, 2013
This chapter arises from a reflection on the current trend to talk about 'centring' or &#... more This chapter arises from a reflection on the current trend to talk about 'centring' or 'focusing' prayer. Recently, whilst leading a seminar on the writings of St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), the question arose as to what is meant by 'the centre of the soul' in Teresa's writings. Having spent some time studying Teresa's writings and trying to elucidate her psychological concept of the self in my recently published The Return to the Mystical (2011), my immediate response was to say 'But there is no centre in Teresa's soul!' Having said this both myself, and the seminar, were struck by the oddness of this statement. The consequence was that I had to return to Teresa's writings to see exactly what she meant by 'the centre of the soul'. The result was this chapter.
Picturing the soul: revisioning psychotherapy and spiritual direction
In this accessible yet penetrating analysis Dr Peter Tyler takes us on a journey from the earlies... more In this accessible yet penetrating analysis Dr Peter Tyler takes us on a journey from the earliest Christian beginnings of spiritual direction to contemporary practice in therapy and counselling. On the way we will encounter the counter-cultural insights of the Desert Fathers and Mothers and the late medieval understanding of desire within the Spanish mystics. Throughout Dr Tyler weaves the analysis of Ludwig Wittgenstein as he sees all three 'talking cures' as a choreography between what is said and what is shown. Of equal interest to practitioners, academics and lay people, this book presents a fresh approach to therapy and spiritual direction that allows a critical engagement with both whilst respecting their competing claims as legitimate pathways to the healing of the psyche.
Following the success of 'John of the Cross' (Continuum 2010) and 'Return to the Myst... more Following the success of 'John of the Cross' (Continuum 2010) and 'Return to the Mystical' (Continuum 2011), Dr Peter Tyler completes his 'mystical trilogy' with a penetrating analysis of the life, work and context of St Teresa of Avila - this most popular and influential of all saints. To coincide with her anniversary year in 2015 he presents an accessible volume on the saint including the background to her life and times, her mystical theology, instructions on prayer and relevance for today. The book consists of three parts - the context of Teresa's life; an examination of the texts themselves and finally an exploration of Teresa's relevance to our 'postmodern world' including chapters on Teresa and psychology, mindfulness, meditation and personal development. This book is a major contribution to Teresian scholarship and a welcome addition to her anniversary celebrations. -- Publisher's summary
The Return to the Mystical: Ludwig Wittgenstein, Teresa of Avila and the Christian Mystical Tradition
Page 1. PETER TYLER THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRIS... more Page 1. PETER TYLER THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRISTIAN MYSTICAL TRADITION ... THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRISTIAN MYSTICAL TRADITION ...
This paper explores St Ignatius Loyola’s relationship to the medieval tradition of theologia myst... more This paper explores St Ignatius Loyola’s relationship to the medieval tradition of theologia mystica, especially in the Spiritual Exercises. Although the evidence is scanty, it is clear that the young Iñigo was acquainted with the methods and structures of Abbot García de Cisneros’ Exercitatorio de La Vida Espiritual during his extended stay at Montserrat and Manresa after his conversion of life. Commentators have disagreed over the extent of the influence of these writings on Ignatius’ later spirituality; however, this paper will explore the ‘family resemblances’ between the type of spirituality developed by Ignatius after his stay in Catalonia and the later medieval spirituality expressed in the Abbot’s work. In particular, the paper concentrates on one aspect of that work that has not received much attention: namely, the strand in Cisneros’ work that explores the late medieval tradition of theologia mystica, particularly as reworked from the writings of Jean Gerson (1363–1429), s...
‘Prayer is nothing but an intimate sharing between friends’: so St Teresa of Avila describes the ... more ‘Prayer is nothing but an intimate sharing between friends’: so St Teresa of Avila describes the nature of Christian prayer from the perspective of the Western tradition of mystical theology. In this chapter two key aspects of this tradition are explored: the Neoplatonic and the Augustinian. The first, Neoplatonic tradition derives from the Platonic tradition of theosis which although never officially endorsed by the early church (and explicitly condemned in the writings of Origen) manages to survive in the Dionysian and Evagrian/monastic traditions. The second, deriving from St Augustine, develops the scriptural notion of the vision of the fallen soul in a broken world, subject to and entirely dependent upon God’s grace. These perspectives are mapped onto later developments in the tradition, in particular in the work of Teresa of Avila. The chapter finishes with some brief reflections on twentieth-century developments of the tradition as exemplified in the work of Edith Stein (St Teresa Benedicta a Cruce) and Thomas Merton that bring the key aspects of mystical prayer up to our present time.
Page 1. StJOHN OF THE CROSS Page 2. St JOHN OF THE CROSS Page 3. StJohn of the Cross Page 4. This... more Page 1. StJOHN OF THE CROSS Page 2. St JOHN OF THE CROSS Page 3. StJohn of the Cross Page 4. This page intentionally left blank Page 5. St John of the Cross Peter M Tyler Page 6. Front Cover: Ikon of St John of ...
Acknowledgements 7 Chapter One. Introduction: A Change of Aspect? 9 1.1 Why Teresa and Wittgenste... more Acknowledgements 7 Chapter One. Introduction: A Change of Aspect? 9 1.1 Why Teresa and Wittgenstein? Structure and Aims 11 1.2 Teresa and Wittgenstein-Changing Aspects 15 1.3 Methodologies and Background 21 1.4 A Note on Sources, Translation and Terminology. 22 1.5 Structure 23 Part One: Establishing a Wittgensteinian Approach to The Mystical 27 Chapter Two: The Creation of Modern Mysticism and its Critics 28 2.1 The Making of Modern Mysticism 28 2.2 The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries: The Psychologisation of Modern Mysticism-William James 30 2.3 Vaughan, Inge and Underhill: The British Orientalisation of Modern Mysticism 38 2.4 The Contemporary Academic Critique of Modern Mysticism 58
To centre or not to centre: Ss Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross and the 'Centre of the Soul
This chapter arises from a reflection on the current trend to talk about 'centring' or &#... more This chapter arises from a reflection on the current trend to talk about 'centring' or 'focusing' prayer. Recently, whilst leading a seminar on the writings of St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), the question arose as to what is meant by 'the centre of the soul' in Teresa's writings. Having spent some time studying Teresa's writings and trying to elucidate her psychological concept of the self in my recently published The Return to the Mystical (2011), my immediate response was to say 'But there is no centre in Teresa's soul!' Having said this both myself, and the seminar, were struck by the oddness of this statement. The consequence was that I had to return to Teresa's writings to see exactly what she meant by 'the centre of the soul'. The result was this chapter.
The Catholic mystical tradition as a guide to contemporary pastoral care
Keeping Faith in Practice is an addition to SCM's growing Practical and Pastoral Theology lis... more Keeping Faith in Practice is an addition to SCM's growing Practical and Pastoral Theology list. Most books in this field are written by authors from various Protestant backgrounds. Catholic teachers in this field are frequently asked by colleagues for suggestions of Catholic resources, and find themselves at a loss. The central subject of this book is an exploration of how theology engages with the dimension of practice in the life of the Church and contemporary society and culture. The book covers the main focal points of a Catholic view of pastoral/practical theology - its foundations and different fields.
Following the success of 'John of the Cross' (Continuum 2010) and 'Return to the Myst... more Following the success of 'John of the Cross' (Continuum 2010) and 'Return to the Mystical' (Continuum 2011), Dr Peter Tyler completes his 'mystical trilogy' with a penetrating analysis of the life, work and context of St Teresa of Avila - this most popular and influential of all saints. To coincide with her anniversary year in 2015 he presents an accessible volume on the saint including the background to her life and times, her mystical theology, instructions on prayer and relevance for today. The book consists of three parts - the context of Teresa's life; an examination of the texts themselves and finally an exploration of Teresa's relevance to our 'postmodern world' including chapters on Teresa and psychology, mindfulness, meditation and personal development. This book is a major contribution to Teresian scholarship and a welcome addition to her anniversary celebrations. -- Publisher's summary
The author makes a case for the continued relevance of a study of the writings of the Desert Fath... more The author makes a case for the continued relevance of a study of the writings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers for contemporary pastoral care.
Return to the Mystical: Ludwig Wittgenstein, Teresa Of Avila and the Christian Mystical Tradition
Page 1. PETER TYLER THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRIS... more Page 1. PETER TYLER THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRISTIAN MYSTICAL TRADITION ... THE RETURN TO THE MYSTICAL LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN, TERESA OF AVILA and the CHRISTIAN MYSTICAL TRADITION ...
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