Description
First written in 1675 by Miguel de Molinos, The Spiritual Guide still carries advice and information relevant to the art of interior prayer today. In the seventeenth century it provoked sensational reactions, both of approval and controversy. This is the present-day reader’s chance to discover a text, whose promotion of an ‘interior way to contemplation and the rich treasure of inner peace’, induced the praise of notable clerics within Europe, and simultaneously the Inquisition’s condemnation.
What makes Molinos’s teaching so unusual is his appeal to the ordinary layperson and not simply to those in the cloister. A very readable work of traditional mystical teaching, the book distinguishes between the ‘exterior’ method of worship taught by the church and the ‘interior’ method Molinos advocates. Molinos writes not only for those at the beginning of their journey towards mystical prayer, but also for those in the higher reaches of contemplation.
Trevor Boiling’s sympathetic and accurate translation includes an incisive introduction, which provides a historical background to the text, whose ideas brought Molinos inner peace, but also to his own death.
You must realise that your soul is the centre, dwelling place and kingdom of God. But for that mighty king to rest on this throne of your soul, you must endeavour to keep it unblemished, quiet, empty and calm.
From the First Book, The Spiritual Guide
About the Author
Miguel de Molinos, born in 1628, was the founder of Quietism, to which he adhered in its most extreme form. From 1663 he lived principally at Rome, and in 1675 his Guida Spirituale was published. In 1685 Molinos was condemned by the Inquisition and died whilst being imprisoned.
Trevor Boiling took his doctorate at Birmingham University on The Spiritual Guide of Miguel de Molinos. He has spent his working life as a lecturer in languages in various colleges of further and higher education. He is married with a grown-up daughter.
His book Quietism, Dynamic Passivity and the Void, which explores the principle of Quietism with reference to de Molinos’ thought, is available from our sister imprint James Clarke and Co Ltd.
Contents
Introduction
To the Reader
Introduction: First Preface
Second Preface
Third Preface
Fourth Preface
First Book
Second Book
Third Book
Endorsements and Reviews
Trevor Boiling provides the first full, modern translation of de Molinos’ work and gives consideration to this Christian thinker. I had hoped to find an accessible introduction to de Molinos and to be able to consider some of the primary featres that lay at the core of his teachings on spiritual direction alongside other sources. This version of de Molinos’ work successfully met both aims. It makes a very useful contribution to our discipline.
Reviews in Religion & Theology
A very readable work of traditional mystical teaching, the book distinguishes between the ‘exterior’ method of worship taught by the church and the ‘interior’ method Molinos advocates. Trevor Boiling’s translation includes an incisive introduction, which provides a historical background to the text.
Studies in Spirituality
