The Way of Perfection (Dover Thrift Editions: Religion) Paperback – January 17, 2012

St. Theresa is a great mystic and I truly enjoy reading her essays and thoughts. It's a somewhat complicated read in that it tries to explain the subconscious of the soul and spirit. But ultimately explores the hidden parts of ourselves.

I ORIGINALLY READ THE COMPLETED WORKS OF ST TERESA YEARS AGO. THIS LITTLE BOOK IS A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO ST TERESA'S WAY OF PRAYER FOR THOSE ON THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY AND IN NEED OF HELP IN UNERSTANDING THE LEVELS OF PRAYER AND IN FOLLOWING THE WAY OF OUR LORD AND BEING FAITHFUL TO HIS WISHES.I THINK SO HIGHLY OF THIS VOLUME THAT I PUT IT IN THE BACK OF CHURCHES SO OTHERS WILL GET HELP ALSO.

This book is not to be taken lightly....after all it's St. Teresa of Avila. I took a long time to get through it and mostly because I started reading it at a time when my spirituality was very young. I could not relate to most of what the Saint was speaking of and that which I understood depressed me when I compared sinful self to it.My cousin who's a seminarian said to me not to judge myself to her standards and once I got into this mind set, I began to enjoy the book to the point where I could not put it down.This is an absolute work of genius from a doctor of the church and I highly would recommend it. But as I said, make sure this is not the first book on spiritual growth you read :)

This book provides a deep look into the life and times of the mystic,St. Theresa of Avila.I found her life and the lives of her sisters to be inspiring , Their way of living speaks to us in this present age.and gives important thoughts on prayer, contemplation, and the seperated life.

In my opinion. This translation is everything. How I would imagine she would sound and talk. It reads like a friend chatting away to you, about God, love, sorrow. This is the first translation that i have been pleased with exceptionally. The same translator also translated her complete works. I'm not sure who it is though, but I bet you could find out.

This book is a blessing for those serious about the spiritual life. It is about prayer and how we might pray. But for me, it was difficult at times to understand.

Thank you, Lord, for giving this knowledge to her! I feel as if the Our Father has become a precious jewel to me; a jewel to be deeply considered and treasured. I had never realized it's perfection, nor the layers throughout it. I am so grateful that these writings were brought to my attention.

St. Teresa gives practical examples and struggles of the Spiritual life. This is a must read for anyone wanting to make serious strides in the spiritual life.