Customer Reviews

Monastic Wisdom: The Letters of Elder Joseph the Hesychast

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Excellent translation of the Greek version. This book demonstrates what an incredible saint Elder Joseph the Hesychast is. His writings will inspire you to practice the Jesus Prayer without ceasing. His ascetic struggle and love for Christ and the Virgin Mary will bring tears to your eyes. I am truly amazed that we have had such a saint in our century. This book is definitely one of the best Orthodox Christian books out there.

Elder Joseph's letters are awe-inspiring as well as action inspiring. This collection of letters comes from several sources (they don't all have the same recipient.) He addresses clergy, monastics, laity (both in Greece and abroad.)

The level of asceticism he practiced he never pushed on anyone else. He expected much out of people, but made them want to be that way of their own will. He wasn't interested in having a bunch of puppets. He was a true spiritual father, not a spiritual dictator.

Many of his ideas, sayings, etc will seem "radical" to most English speakers. After a while though, you realize Elder Joseph isn't the radical one, he is living the God-inspired life, while the rest of us aren't quite hitting the mark.

More than anything though, you realize how his love of God has caused him to have extreme love for all of creation...even those that didn't like him. Elder Joseph was a man of incredible discipline, humility and love. He was always strict with himself, willing to admit when he was wrong. He was kind, generous, and loving to others.

I can't say enough good things about this book. The Elder's words just melt you with joy and challenge you to become like Christ. I also want to comment on the literal book itself. The hardcover edition is beautifully put together. Embossed cover, multicolor printing, nice art, quality paper, binding etc. If taken care of, this book should exist for generations.

Buy this book, and challenge yourself.

The wisdom and sweetness of the Elder's words make this book a true treasure. He epitomizes the very essence of spiritual fatherhood. It comes as no surprise to learn that Elder Joseph's spiritual children and grandchildren ( if you will ), number in the thousands, and that his blessed memory lives on in all of their hearts.

This is a collection of letters written by an illumined Eastern Orthtodox holy man who lived in the 20th century on the holy mountain of Athos in caves and huts. It is a book for those who want to go more deeply into the interior life of Christ, girded by the written instructions of an experienced guide and elder, without having to go outside the Christian tradition to do so. I am finding it an invaluable tool and motivation. One must understand however that it is a book by a monk and ascetic. Not all of what he instructs is practical or even possible for those of us who live in the world. But in the same way that one might read a book by Lance Armstrong on bicycle racing, without having any hope or possibility of achieving his level of accomplishment, this book will motivate and challenge you!

There's not much I can add to these reviews. I would just say that Elder Joseph's letters are eminently readable and that, although it is true he maintened a standard of asceticism far beyond that which most people are capable of, there are many practical aspects of this book that the ordinary individual can use and apply in his own spiritual journey.
Ditto on the beautiful appearance of the book. It is a joy to handle and look at.