I, [John], baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Matthew 3:11

Module One: Hidden Depths

Study:

In preparation for this week's material, please read First Dwelling, Chapters 1 and 2 (pp 35–52 in the Mirabai Starr translation). The Introductory material is beautiful, and I would encourage you to read it, but the study materials deal mainly with the pages above.

Please read the Wisdom for the Way essay titled, “Hidden Depths,” found here. Available after March 2, 2022.

After you have completed the above, choose one or more of the the following:

• “Turning to Teresa of Avila” from the Turning to the Mystics Podcast

• “Dialogue: The First Mansion” from the Turning to the Mystics Podcast

• “Teresa of Avila: Session 1” a meditation from the Turning to the Mystics Podcast

• Psalm 1

• Crystal from Britannica.com

• “Carmelites” from Wikipedia

Discussion Questions:

• How do you begin? Whether it be a physical or spiritual journey, how do you get ready?

• Teresa claims that there are many ways to be in a place (p 38). What are some ways you inhabit the “castle” of your soul?

• According to Britannica.com, a crystal’s surface reflects its inner symmetry. Teresa says, “The soul is innately as capable of sharing this divine light as a crystal is in reflecting the radiance of the sun.” (p 41) What does this say about the soul?

• How does one become self-aware? What is the role of community in self-awareness?