The concept
The International Teresian Sanjuanist Center Foundation (CITeS) is an organization whose aims include the promotion of studies on the works of Saint Teresa of Avila and providing support for the activities of the University of Mysticism in Avila, Spain.
The CITeS Foundation and the University of Mysticism believe that in order to promote greater harmonious coexistence and solidarity among people, religions, and cultures, mutual encounters and understanding concerning the existential dimension of religious faith is much needed. We are convinced that the experiential dimension of the life of Saint Teresa provides a good starting point when approaching a mutual understanding among people who live and profess different creeds and religious traditions. The aim of the award is to foster and contribute to the coming together and motivation of all religions to move forward with works that help our mutual paths converge.
For this reason, and made possible by private sponsorship, a decision was made to convene this Third International Award in the context of the Second World Encounter on Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue: Chan/Zen Buddhism and Carmelite Spirituality, which will take place in Avila from 22–26 July 2020.
The first awards, which focused on Teresa of Avila in dialogue with other religious traditions, were conferred in 2015 during the fifth centenary of the birth and life of Teresa of Avila, Heritage of Humanity World Congress. The second call also had a specific theme, which was limited to one of the objectives of the First World Encounter on Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue: Theravada Buddhism and Teresian Mysticism. In this third call, possible research topics have been extended, as explained below.
Themes
Awards will be given to the works in which there is a comparative study or other approach that involves any of the Carmelite mystics (Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Therese of the Child Jesus, Elizabeth of Trinity, Teresa de los Andes, Edith Stein, and so on), from the perspective of interreligious dialogue. Here are some examples:
– A comparative study between any of the Carmelites’ mystical experiences and the religious or mystical experience of a person or persons from another religion or tradition, or one that uses the sacred texts of the other religion.
– A comparative study between any of the Carmelites’ works and the writings of authors of another religion, or their own sacred texts.
– A study on the mystical symbolism in the works of any Carmelite and the symbolism of authors from other religions or the sacred texts of that religion.
Guidelines
The works must be presented in the form of an article, essay, or research-based study. The works must have a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 40 pages (sheet size A4, 1.5 line spacing, font Times New Roman 12). The work presented must be original, meaning that it cannot have been published in either traditional or digital media.
Submissions
The deadline for the submission of the works is 1 April 2020. Further contributions will not be accepted after that date. Works may be presented in Spanish, English, French, Italian, Portuguese or German. The works must be sent on a digital format (Word or PDF), along with a short resumé about the author, which must contain the following information:
– Name and surname
– Pseudonym
– Date and place of birth
– Postal address and e-mail address
– A brief summary in English and Spanish of the submitted work (not more than 10 lines)
Works should be sent to: [email protected]
To ensure the impartiality of the jury, papers will be presented under the pseudonym. Authorship and other personal data will be recorded by the escretariat and will only be known once the jury has conferred the award.
Criteria
The jury will be composed of the following members:
– The president of the CITeS Foundation
– The promoter of the award, who is an expert in all aspects of Teresian spirituality and Eastern religions
– An expert in Carmelite mysticism
– An expert in religious studies and interreligious dialogue
– A representative from each tradition or religion represented in the papers presented
Terms of award
The jury will select a maximum of five finalists from among all the submitted works, who will be promptly notified.
The finalists will give a presentation of their works at the holding of the Second World Encounter on Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue: Chan/Zen Buddhism and Carmelite Spirituality, which will take place in Ávila from 22–26 July 2020.
– The first-prize winner will receive an award of €6,000
– In addition, the four other finalists will receive an award of €1,000 each
The works will be published in the Encounter’s proceedings. If the jury considers that other works submitted are also worth considering because of their high quality and originality, the authors will be notified of the decision to publish their works in the Encounter’s proceedings.
If the works are not of a sufficient standard, the jury may also decide to not grant any prizes, or they may decide to divide the first prize between a maximum of two finalists whose works are considered of equal value because of their excellent standard.
Further information and contact
Conference registration form
CITeS “Universidad de la Mística,” Calle Arroyo Vacas 3, 05005 Ávila, España.
Tel: (00 34) 920 352240
Website: www.mistica.es
Email: [email protected]
See more
On Love and Compassion: 2nd World Encounter Teresian Mysticism and Interreligious Dialogue: Chan/Zen Buddhism and Carmelite Spirituality (Conference registration form)
