St. Teresa of Ávila
Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada
1515-1582 • Spanish
Christian Mysticism
Spanish Carmelite nun and mystic, reformer and writer. Her Interior Castle describes seven mansions of the soul's journey to God.
Key Works
- Interior Castle
- The Way of Perfection
- Life of Teresa
105
quotes in library
Quotes by St. Teresa of Ávila
105 quotes“Let us serve God with steadfastness, in the manner He gives us, and not in the manner we ourselves choose.”
surrenderWay of Perfection
“There is no spiritual progress without humility.”
humilityWay of Perfection
“Humility is truth.”
humilityInterior Castle
“Whoever has true humility will have true peace.”
humilityWay of Perfection
“Be gentle to all and stern with yourself.”
disciplineWay of Perfection
“Yet we may be sure that the Lord makes use of trials in this life as a means to draw us nearer to himself.”
trustWay of Perfection
“For He never sends a trial without giving the strength to bear it.”
trustWay of Perfection
“It is love alone that gives worth to all things.”
loveBook of Her Life
“He who walks in God walks well.”
presenceWay of Perfection
“To pray well is to live well.”
prayerWay of Perfection
“My God, I do not love Thee for the heaven that you can give, nor do I fear hell.”
loveSonnet (attrib.)
“Heaven is your true home.”
homeWay of Perfection
“All the way to heaven is heaven.”
presenceWay of Perfection
“For He has said, 'I am the way.'”
wayWay of Perfection
“True progress is not in great consolations, but in fidelity in trials.”
fidelityFoundations
“In great trials we are unable to think much; we cling to God and say only, 'Help me, Lord.'”
prayerWay of Perfection
“This very saying is real prayer.”
prayerWay of Perfection
“He who prays best is he who prays most simply.”
simplicityWay of Perfection
“He gives Himself to those who give all to Him.”
surrenderWay of Perfection
Explore More Teachers
Discover wisdom from 500+ spiritual teachers across all traditions.
Browse All Teachers