On the Three Tabernacles
Thomas à Kempis composed this treatise on the three tabernacles during the early fifteenth century as part of his broader program of mystical instruction for the Brethren of the Common Life. Writing within the tradition of the Devotio Moderna, Thomas sought to provide a systematic framework for understanding the soul's journey toward union with God through three distinct but interconnected dwelling places or tabernacles.
The work develops its central metaphor by examining three tabernacles that represent successive stages of spiritual development. The first tabernacle signifies the initial conversion and purification of the soul, where the Christian begins to turn away from worldly attachments and toward God. The second tabernacle represents the illuminative stage, characterized by growing intimacy with Christ through meditation, prayer, and the cultivation of virtue. The third and highest tabernacle symbolizes the unitive stage, where the soul achieves mystical union with the divine through complete self-surrender and contemplative absorption. Throughout these movements, Thomas emphasizes practical disciplines of prayer, self-examination, and imitation of Christ's humility, grounding his mystical theology in concrete spiritual exercises accessible to ordinary believers.
The treatise has endured as a significant work of medieval mysticism because it successfully bridges the gap between high mystical theology and practical devotional life. Unlike more abstract mystical texts, Thomas provides clear guidance for spiritual progress while maintaining theological sophistication about the nature of divine union. The work influenced later Catholic spiritual writers and continues to offer valuable insights into the structured development of contemplative prayer.
Who should read this: Readers interested in medieval Catholic mysticism and those seeking a systematic approach to contemplative spirituality will find this work rewarding. It is not suitable for those looking for contemporary spiritual writing or Protestant perspectives on mystical experience.