# St. Thomas Aquinas — Practical Mysticism character guide

> St. Thomas Aquinas in Practical Mysticism by Evelyn Underhill.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Thomas

**First appearance:** 0009-vi-love-and-will

## Who they are

Medieval theologian and philosopher, referenced for his views on contemplation.

## In the story

### [III: The Preparation of the Mystic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/chapters/iii-the-preparation-of-the-mystic)

Cited for the teaching that contemplation is proper to all men and the characteristic human activity.

### [VIII: The Second Form of Contemplation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/chapters/viii-the-second-form-of-contemplation)

Referenced regarding the necessity of turning to bodily images and the hindrance to the vision of the Divine Essence.

### [IX: The Third Form of Contemplation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/chapters/ix-the-third-form-of-contemplation)

Quoted for his description of the soul seizing and being seized, devouring and being devoured in the knot of love with God.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters/thomas_aquinas
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/practical_mysticism_se/characters