First Carmelite Reflections on Teresa of Avila’s Works

The focal point of this paper is the question of Teresa of Avila’s influence on the first generations of the reformed (discalced) Carmelites, especially on the intellectual and spiritual level. This question has not been sufficiently explored in the secondary sources. The paper follows two lines. The first part introduces selected Carmelite authors and the character of the relevant works in order to indicate the influence and respect Teresa enjoyed. The latter is underlined by the words of praise and epitomes found in the studied texts. The second part focuses on several selected topics (contemplation, mystical knowledge and inchoate beatitude) which uncover Teresa’s inspiration as a crucial input for formulation of original theories of mystical knowledge and mystical marriage. These are explored especially in the work of Philip of the Blessed Trinity, Joseph of the Holy Spirit and John of Jesus Maria. To provide a full account of these topics would, however, exceed the scope of a single paper.

Keywords: Beatific Vision; Carmelites; Mystical Knowledge; Joseph of the Holy Spirit; Second Scholasticism; Teresa of Ávila