Lady Gregory (1852-1932) was an Irish playwright and leading figure of the early 20th Century Celtic Renaissance. She was a friend and mentor to William Butler Yeats among other Irish literary lights. Today she is probably best known for her colorful retelling of Gaelic myths and legends. Indeed, today’s quotation comes from her book Gods and Fighting Men: The Story of the Tuatha de Danaan and of the Fianna of Ireland.
Here’s what she has told say on the subject of virtue:
“The four essential virtues are to be generous among the weak, and truthful among one’s friends, and brave among one’s enemies and courteous at all times.”
— Lady Augusta Gregory
It’s easy to forget that mysticism is built on a solid foundation of virtuous living. Especially those of us who are Americans are so used to living in a society geared toward convenience and instant gratification. If we become interested in mysticism, it’s because we want a mystical experience, for heaven’s sake! How easy it is to forget that the mystics saw divine union as the culminating grace of a long process and deep inner transformation, that in times of old was often described using language that today we might find intimidating: purgation, purification, mortification, asceticism.
Such language can evoke frightening images of austere monks whipping themselves while drops of blood drip form their tight cilices. But that image represents the abusive extreme of mystical purgation — and while it is wise and healthy to reject such compulsive self-punishment, it is also important to remember that a balanced and moderate practice of inner purification is something different — and something consistently recommended by the mystics.
What, then, is a healthy path of inner transformation? I believe Lady Gregory gives us a great starting point. Don’t approach purgation merely in terms of what you want to let go of; but rather consider the kind of virtuous life you wish to cultivate as a foundation for your contemplative practice. She offers us four excellent invitations: to cultivate generosity, authenticity, courage, and civility. I suspect if most of us are frankly honest with ourselves, we know that we could stand to grow in at least one of these virtues (if not all four)!
The mystical life is not about shame or judgment. If you have difficulty being generous with those in need, or standing up to bullies, or being kind to your political or professional rivals, try to gently set aside any temptation of treat yourself harshly. The mystical life is about love, after all, and part of that love is the necessary work of compassion toward one’s own self. We forgive ourselves when we fail to live up to our own ideals — and we love ourselves to keep striving toward the virtues that we see as befitting a contemplative life. This, too, is a spiritual practice.
I am currently traveling to speak with contemplative communities in Virginia and Maryland. While I am on the road, I am reposting articles the AnamChara archive. Today’s article was first published on March 23, 2025. I’m reposting it especially to share with new readers, while trusting that longtime subscribers will enjoy revisiting it.
