Giancarlo A. Miranda SMITH Rev. Fr.

Anthony Raymund Apostol

September 10, 2023

THE CONFLUENCE OF DIVINE AND HUMAN RELATIONS IN TERESA OF

AVILA'S 'INTERIOR CASTLE': A PHILOSOPHICAL EXAMINATION
THROUGH MARTIN BUBER'S I-THOU FRAMEWORK

Introduction

Teresa Ahumada Y Cepeda, commonly known as Saint Teresa of Jesus or of

Avila, is celebrated for her extensive work on prayer and spirituality. Among her

writings, "Moradas del Castillo Interior," popularized as "The Interior Castle," stands

as the pinnacle of her expertise, offering invaluable insights into contemplative

prayer for both the Carmelite Order and the Universal Church. However, to fully

appreciate Teresa of Avila's doctrine in today's context, it necessitates a fresh

perspective. This paper aims to undertake a philosophical exploration of her work,

"The Interior Castle," which portrays contemplation as a connection with the Divine

as well as with other individuals. In this endeavor, we will employ Martin Buber's I-

Thou Theory, which focuses on the Divine as the Great Thou, the source of all

relations that enable human connection.

Objectives

In general, this study aims to explore and analyze the confluence of divine

and human relations in Teresa of Avila's "Interior Castle" through the philosophical

lens of Martin Buber's I-Thou framework, with the aim of deepening our
understanding of the transformative potential of contemplative spirituality and its

relevance in contemporary society.

Specifically, this study aims to:

1. reinterpret Teresa of Avila's "Interior Castle" by employing Martin Buber's

I-Thou theory as a philosophical lens for understanding divine and human

encounters;

2. elucidate the symbiotic relationship between divine encounters and

human relationships within the spiritual architecture of Teresa of Avila's

"Interior Castle," guided by Martin Buber's I-Thou framework; and

3. assess the philosophical implications and limitations of integrating Buber's

I-Thou theory in the context of mystical experiences as described in

"Interior Castle."

Significance

This philosophical inquiry holds great potential for the faithful, as it seeks to

bridge the gap between the 16th-century opus, often considered too esoteric for

common understanding, and contemporary spiritual seekers. By leveraging Martin

Buber's I-Thou Theory, this research aims to render Teresa of Avila's profound

insights more accessible. If approved, this proposed thesis topic can significantly
contribute to the field of philosophy of religion, shedding light on the encounter

with the Divine and enriching Martin Buber's Theory.

Methodology

To embark on this intellectual journey, the researcher will utilize the available

resources to pursue wisdom. This will involve extensive data collection, including

hard and soft copies of books from the library, in-depth examination of primary

sources, and the exploration of various online media. Through a rigorous process of

sifting, sorting, and analyzing these resources, the researcher aims to reach a

meaningful and insightful conclusion in this philosophical exploration of Teresa of

Avila's "Interior Castle" through the lens of Martin Buber's I-Thou framework.

Summary

The confluence of Teresa of Avila's "Interior Castle" and Martin Buber's I-

Thou Theory holds immense potential for shedding light on the profound

connections between divine and human relations. This philosophical exploration

will not only enrich our understanding of these two thinkers but also provide

valuable insights for contemporary spiritual seekers. By employing rigorous

research methods and drawing upon a deep well of literature, this study aims to
contribute meaningfully to the fields of religious philosophy and contemplative

practice.