10- ESPIRTU TEMPLARIO. "NOSOTROS" Palestra ascética para hombres. Padre Antonio Gómez Mir

Historical Insights on the Templar Spirit

In this section, the speaker delves into historical themes related to masculinity, Catholicism, and the Templar spirit, drawing connections between historical figures like San Bernardo de Claraval and the Templars.

San Bernardo de Claraval and the Templar Spirit

• San Bernardo was a key figure inspiring Christian chivalry, particularly influencing the Order of the Temple.

• San Bernardo's involvement in Cistercian reform laid foundations for later knightly orders from the 12th to 14th centuries.

• The speaker recommends exploring San Bernardo's role in Cistercian reform through literary works like "Los tres monjes Rebeldes."

• Hugo de Payens' request led to San Bernardo shaping the statutes and guiding principles of the Templar order.

The Templar Order Establishment

• Hugo de Payens played a crucial role as the first Grand Master in establishing fundamental statutes for the Knights Templar.

• Texts like "De Laude Novae Militiae" outlined Templars' mission, serving as a model for Christian knights' conduct.

San Bernardo's Concept of Monastic Knighthood

This segment explores San Bernardo's vision of combining monastic discipline with knighthood within orders like the Knights Templar.

Influence on Knightly Orders

• San Bernardo's influence extended beyond Templars to other knightly orders such as Calatrava, Alcántara, and Santiago in Spain.

The Legacy of San Bernardo

• Various knightly orders adopted aspects of Templar organization modeled after Cistercian monasteries.

The Monk-Knight Duality According to San Bernardo

Delving into San Bernardo's writings on monk-knights, this part highlights his views on spiritual warfare and dual battles faced by these individuals.

Spiritual Warfare Concept

• Numerous manuscripts from medieval times preserve works by San Bernardo that influenced spiritual ideals among knights.

Dual Battles Faced by Monk-Knights

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of the new militia and its role in fighting evil both externally and internally. The importance of faith as protection is highlighted.

The New Militia Concept

• The new militia is described as fighting against evil, oppression, sin, passions, and vices both externally and internally.

• Emphasis is placed on being doubly armed with faith internally while physically protected by armor externally to fear neither demons nor men.

• Attributes such as rectitude of intention and nobility of heart are essential for the Templar knights who practice discipline, poverty, chastity, hospitality, and charity.

The Role of Military Activity in Christianity

This part delves into the debate surrounding whether engaging in warfare can be a path to sanctity for Christians. It contrasts medieval views with contemporary perspectives on pacifism.

Sanctity Through Warfare

• Questioning if military activity can lead to sanctification for Christians in a society where monks were primarily seen as models of holiness.

• Discussing the necessity of a "holy war" against evil and injustice within and outside oneself, challenging the modern notion that Christians should only be peaceful individuals.

Justification of War in Christian Doctrine

Exploring the theological underpinnings that justify military action within Christian doctrine through concepts like just war theory.

Just War Theory

• The birth of warrior monks like the Templars is justified by their mission to fight a holy war against enemies of faith.

• Conditions for a just war are outlined by Catholic tradition emphasizing defense without hatred or personal gain, aligning with historical views on legitimate self-defense.

Ethics and Intentions in Combat

Delving into ethical considerations during combat situations focusing on intentions behind actions and outcomes based on motivations.

Ethics in Combat

• Actions in combat are judged not solely by outcomes but also by intentions; victory achieved through selfish motives leads to moral downfall rather than merit.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of Christianizing the customs of the emerging knightly class, emphasizing the dual military and spiritual front that knights must engage with to become Christian knights. The discussion delves into the program applied by Bernard de Clairvaux to both Templar knights and warrior monks, highlighting a metaphorical and literal interpretation of their roles in combat.

Cristianizing Knightly Customs

• Bernard de Clairvaux emphasizes that knights must combat on two fronts: militarily and spiritually.

• The program applied by Bernard extends to Templar knights, warrior monks, and even monks from monasteries he founded.

• There is a duality between metaphorical and literal interpretations in combat for Templars and all Christians.

• Two paths are outlined for victory: one through monastic life and another through holy war against spiritual and temporal enemies.

• Bernard draws parallels between traditional chivalry and this new warrior elite, contrasting negative traits of secular knighthood with positive aspects of the Templars' lifestyle.

New Section

This section explores how Bernard de Clairvaux contrasts traditional chivalry with the lifestyle of Templar knights. It highlights the negative attributes associated with secular knighthood compared to the positive characteristics exhibited by these new warrior elites.

Contrasting Chivalric Traditions

• Traditional chivalry is depicted negatively while Templar lifestyle is portrayed positively due to adherence to Cistercian ideals.

• Secular knights are often focused on worldly success, fame, and material possessions rather than faith.

• The difference between those who fight solely for God versus those who have mixed motivations is emphasized by Bernard.

• Templar warriors are described as valiant, prudent, disciplined, contrasting them with impulsive heroes like Roldan from epic poetry.

New Section

This section delves into the specific lifestyle practices of Templar knights as outlined by Bernard de Clairvaux. It emphasizes their austere living conditions, communal existence devoid of personal possessions, discipline in daily activities, and strict adherence to moral codes.

Lifestyle Practices of Templar Knights

• Templars embrace austerity, simplicity, celibacy, manual labor, communal living without personal belongings.

• They focus on essential needs only while maintaining sobriety in all aspects of life.

• Avoiding frivolous activities like gambling or entertainment shows their commitment to a disciplined life.

• Physical appearance reflects humility; they shave heads due to biblical teachings on hair length & avoid excessive grooming practices.

New Section

This section elaborates on how the austere lifestyle adopted by Templar knights underpins their effectiveness as formidable soldiers. Their dedication to discipline, sacrifice, fortitude in battle preparation distinguishes them from secular cavalry forces.

Effectiveness Through Austerity

• The ascetic lifestyle enhances their prowess in battle making them more fearsome than secular cavalry units.

• Their commitment to suffering internally before external conflict prepares them for warfare effectively.

Thinking of Combat, Not Luxury

The discussion revolves around prioritizing victory over glory in combat and the distinction between victory for Christ and seeking admiration over fear.

Combat vs. Glory

• Warriors desire victory, not glory.

• Victory for Christ is emphasized over seeking admiration.

• Participation in Crusades seen as a path to redemption through sacrifice and martyrdom.

The Concept of Redemption Through Crusades

Exploring how Crusades were viewed as opportunities for redemption and penitence, open to sinners seeking remission of sins through sacrifice.

Path to Redemption

• Crusades were a penitential liturgy inviting sinners to redeem themselves.

• Participation in Crusades symbolized recognition of servitude to God and regeneration from sins.

Crusade as a Journey of Penitence

Understanding the Crusade as a form of pilgrimage, penance, purification, and potential martyrdom for sinners seeking redemption.

Pilgrimage and Penance

• The Crusade was a pilgrimage involving sacrifice and life transformation.

• Expedition to the Holy Land offered redemption opportunities for nobles and common people alike.

Salvation Through Radical Conversion

Discussing how participation in the Crusade led to radical conversion towards salvation, especially for those with sinful pasts.

Radical Transformation

• Participants underwent radical conversion from sinful lives through the Crusade.

Spiritual Warfare Imagery in Christianity

Exploring the use of military imagery in spiritual contexts within Christianity, emphasizing the concept of spiritual combat against evil forces.

Spiritual Combat

• Military imagery used by San Bernardo reflects spiritual warfare against temptations.

• Historical figures like St. Paul employed battle terminology regarding spiritual struggles.

Monastic Life as Spiritual Battle

Viewing monastic life as a continuous spiritual battle against internal and external threats to salvation, akin to warriors fighting for Christ.

Monastic Warfare

• Monks depicted as warriors battling vices for salvation.

Armor of God in Spiritual Combat

Describing divine protection akin to armor provided during spiritual combat against evil forces according to San Bernardo's teachings.

Divine Protection

Spiritual Warfare and the Battle Within

The speaker discusses the importance of understanding where the enemy attacks most fiercely to resist effectively in spiritual battles, emphasizing the constant struggle in life between ignominy and triumph.

Understanding Spiritual Battles

• Life presents two options: ignominious captivity for the defeated or glorious triumph for the victors.

• Life is depicted as a constant battle, with references to spiritual warfare using vivid military terms.

• Despite facing numerous challenges and enemies, individuals often neglect spiritual growth and fail to prepare for victory.

The Struggle Between Good and Evil

The speaker delves into the ongoing conflict between good (Jerusalem) and evil (Babylon), highlighting the need for persistent resistance against seduction by malevolent forces.

Battle of Good vs. Evil

• Jerusalem symbolizes Christ's reign of justice, while Babylon represents malice and temptation.

• The metaphor of defending a fortress portrays the necessity of protecting oneself from sin and evil influences.

Defending Body and Soul

San Bernardo's analogy of guarding one's body as defending a castle is explored, emphasizing the importance of fortifying both body and soul against demonic influence.

Guarding Body and Soul

• Protecting one's body and soul is likened to safeguarding a fortress against Satan's tyranny.