More than four centuries have passed since Teresa of Avila's birth in Spain, and she is still celebrated as one of the world's great spiritual teachers. Her endearing human qualities, mystical insights, love for God, and refreshing candor all contribute to her legacy as a cartographer of the soul and a master of contemplative prayer. Her mystical writings are well known in religious circles and have nourished the souls of the most advanced in the spiritual life. They also touch the hearts of people everywhere who may never have heard of contemplation, but who long to grow closer to God. In her texts, she creates a body of mystical literature astounding in its depth and wisdom and comforting in its humanness and common sense.