Customer Reviews

The Philokalia: The Complete Text, Vol. 1

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I am currently reading this book for the third time. am constantly amazed at how similar the teachings are to the esoteric teachings of Buddhism. in particular the teaching of 'watchfulness', when one is encouraged to be mindful of ones feelings and thoughts.

it seems to have been accepted by the earliest authors represented within the Philocalia that human practical perfection is not possible. the desert fathers often approach impurity of thought with a form of determination to get a grip on it, but with a constant recognition that they will never perfect their thought life. when a negative thought arises in the mind one is encouraged in ones mind to utter the prayer "Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Living God have mercy on me a sinner" (the Jesus Prayer).

the highest goal mentioned for the ascetic of the Egyptian desert is that of attainment of what we now call 'dispassion', where one is beyond making serious errors in ones life.

i just find this book full of wise advice, so much so that i could never do it justice in an amazon review. its not an easy book and on first reading seemed very dry to read... it requires a little work and re-reading. truly an amazing book.

a subject that interests me is how to deal with negative energies, should it be with anger or just observation and correction with analysis. both approaches are encouraged. some of the writers are against any kind of anger, others advocate it.

anyway so very very little said. and rightfully so, i am not qualified to make a commentary on such a great work.

with love from White Lotus. Xxxx

snow falls,
rice cakes bake the heavens.
a truly wierd one!
such is the fool for Christ.