This book is the first approachable introduction to the wisdom of the Philokalia, the classic text of Eastern Christian spirituality. In this thoughtful selection by Allyne Smith of significant sections of the five-volume work, which was written by monks from the fourth to the fifteenth centuries, the texts are clearly explained and set in historical and spiritual context in the readable commentary on each facing page. The Philokalia until now has been somewhat intimidating to the general reader in its scholarly translations from Greek and Russian, yet there is great spiritual wisdom in this beloved writing for readers of all faiths who are interested in prayer, contemplation and living a life closer to God.
These selections from the Philokalia take the reader on a journey through 'the love of the beautiful,' a simple translation of the title. Readers will explore themes in the Eastern Christian text that have relevance to today’s seekers, including:
Repentance
Prayer
The Heart
The Jesus Prayer
The Passions
Hesychia: Stillness
In the End: Theosis