Turning to the Mystics with James Finley Dialogue 3: Mystical Lineage
Oct 20, 2025
In this thought-provoking session, Jim and Kirsten dive into Brother Lawrence's influence within the mystical lineage, emphasizing practical spirituality. They explore Teresa of Ávila's transformative teachings and the concept of prayer that deepens the heart's receptivity. The discussion touches on John of the Cross’s dark night experience and how both enrichment and deprivation lead to unitive awareness. The panel reflects on the importance of humility and daily life in spiritual practice, ultimately illuminating the mystics' journey towards divine transformation.
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Unique Yet Universal Experience Of Love
- Love is both utterly unique in each person and part of a shared unity that lets us recognize it in others.
- James Finley compares poets' uniqueness to participating in the universal stream of love.
Soul As A Castle Of Mansions
- Teresa maps the soul as a castle with mansions representing deeper degrees of union with God.
- The first mansions develop psychological and spiritual maturity; higher mansions open to contemplative union.
Heart Enlarged By Flowing Love
- In Teresa's fourth mansion God's love flows in like water, enlarging the heart without effort.
- The awakening is being inwardly filled so the heart grows to divine proportions.
