Spiritual Pilgrims: Carl Jung and Teresa of Avila

In the second half of life (which can occur at different ages or even never) the spiritual path toward realizing the inner divine child is stressful. I was doing it alone. Welch says join a support group. I don't think it matters whether it's 12 Step meetings or the sangha of Buddhism. I already had a background about Jung/(James Hillman). But reading about St. Teresa, translated from Italian, takes quite a bit of time and effort to extract the salient points she is making. I found this book practically spiritually useful. I wouldn't call it New Age, which I've explored. I came across this book when I'm making small progress into surrendering my will to the guidance of a higher power; this also means doing more service work. I do get the impression that Welch has worked his way through steps in the path still stretching ahead of me. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." (Lao Tsu) He is less flashy than most of these Western gurus with the exception of Jack Kornfield. Spiritual Sunlight is rewarding but requires working through the shadow which is not all that glamorous or pleasant. I feel that Welch has gone on before me and is reporting that spiritual progress is real, which matters, because I still have some agnostic doubts which arise. Prayer is very important.

Not bad on the universal symbols on the spiritual life. Teresa of Avila keeps me grounded on a deep view of the Presence of Jesus in the soul to be pressed into for true transformation. Jung is just a psychological supplement along the way. Lean heavy in Jesus. Use the metaphor of Teresa's Interior Castle. Give casual glimpses of Jung. Use the Myers-Briggs temperament analysis to understand why you do what you do, and how. Seek transformation in Jesus alone.

This book is amazing...John Welch presents in a very well organized book an analysis and comparison of the philosophies and writings of these two facinating people Carl Jung and Teresa of Avila. He describes the technical features of each writer in a way that a lay person can begin to grasp the abstract in a concrete way using examples from his own discoveries and experiences. But most importantly, I found confirmation in my own life's walk while reading this book. I'm so glad I "accidentally" saw this book while visiting Amazon.com. While coming to knowing oneself is a lifelong journey this book has helped me "tune-up" my understanding of life's mysteries. By the way, have you ever heard of a Healthy Ego...well, it is in the book. No more feeling diminished by people who think that the ego is evil...having a healthy one is necessary to keep moving along life's path.

I have known about this book for twenty years and everytime I read it again, it says something new to me.For anyone who wants to understand more about the spiritual life, this is the book. It is based on Carl Jung and Teresa of Avila. It clearly explains, through the eyes of Carl Jung, why Teresa is known as the psychological saint which is shown in her concept of the crystal castle.This is in no way a trendy book but based on the classical spiritual tradition of christianity. It is easy to read.I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to understand the many spiritual phases we go through, inner and outer,on our search for unity with God. The events in Teresa's life, mirror her journey.

This book, Spiritual Pilgrims: Carl Jung and Teresa of Avila, was highly recommended to me. I have read other books written by Fr. Welch, and find his writing to be very accessible and contains so much on which to reflect. Although I have only just begun reading this book, I am confident I will not be disappointed.

I felt that I really got to know what Carl Jung was about. A lot of mysteries cleared up.

VERY interesting book about Jung and Teresa...I was only required to read the first three chapters, but couldn't put it down until I had read it all!

Excellent, excellent book!!! A real and interesting study of Teresa's experiences and Jung's individuation process. A MUST read!

This is an interesting comparison between two great thinkers: Carl Jung and Teresa of Avila. The author provides an accessible introduction to the thought of Jung which considering the extraordinary breadth of Jung's life work is wisely limited to his thoughts on personal transformation and religious symbolism. John Welch as a Carmelite of the Ancient Observance does not claim to be a Jungian expert and the spirituality of Teresa's Discalced Carmelite reform is equally not his home territory. What therefore may appear at first glance to be a weakness is actually one of the books strengths as it makes it accessible to anyone new to thinking about the crossover between the 'languages' of the mystical tradition and depth psychology. The subject is well set out and clearly invites further reflection.

on time and in the condition describedI have had many hours of pleasure with this buy.I am very happymany thanks

Different front cover but good condition

this book is interesting for both: for spiritual seekers and for Jungian therapists. It shows how modern people can have a benefit from Teresas work although "she" is 500 years old.