The Spiritual Life: And How to Be Attuned to It [Illustrated] [Paperback]

St. Theophan the Recluse (Author), Alexandra Dockham (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1996

St. Theophan the Recluse, possessing a rare degree of patristic scholarship, combined with a thorough understanding of the soul of his native Russia and of contemporary people in general, was enabled to carve out a genuine understanding of spirituality for modern man. He made this understanding accessible to the average person, for he knew that each "average person" is the possessor of an immortal soul, and each soul is to be attuned here upon earth to live eternally with God in Paradise.

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE AND HOW TO BE ATTUNED TO IT was the result of a correspondence between a young lady of the upper middle class and St. Theophan the Recluse. In the compilation of his letters of spiritual direction to her, it can be seen that St. Theophan strove to make sure that this young soul would not only be familiar with the principles of spiritual life, but first of all be able to keenly hear the right "tone" of spiritual life.

This tuning of the soul is necessary so that the soul will be in harmony with the voice of God's Providence echoing in the instrument of the heart. In that light, THE SPIRITUAL LIFE AND HOW TO BE ATTUNED TO IT could rightly be called a primer to be used before embarking into the realm of spiritual life.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Russian

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The spirit--as a force which has come from God--knows God, seeks God and in Him alone finds rest."

Our inner lives never get put into the proper order all of a sudden. What is always required and what lies ahead is intensified labor over oneself, over one's inner self, by the assimilation of good intention and the enabling of grace through the Mysteries. This labor is directed toward destroying the disorder that reigns inside; in its place it establishes order and harmony, after which follows inner peace and a continual joyful mood of the heart.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Saint Herman Pr; illustrated edition edition (March 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938635360
• ISBN-13: 978-0938635369
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #978,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent guide for guarding the heart, July 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spiritual Life: And How to Be Attuned to It (Paperback)

St. Theophan's letters offer spiritual direction concerning the use of the Jesus prayer, the appropriate way to prepare for and make a healing confession, for directing one's mind toward God, and for ways of battling spiritual 'cooling off.' The first part also provides a very interesting, patristically inspired discussion of the soul. Another advantage is the fact that the publisher has placed in bold print those passages Fr. Seraphim Rose believed to be of special importance. While far from distracting, this only underscores important themes and points of advice. Additionally, some consider this book to be a sort of introduction to St. Theophan's other inspiring work, 'The Path to Salvation.' For converts or those looking for an example of an Orthodox piety of the Heart, this book provides a wonderful example of an older, less 'modern' form of piety. Furthermore, while St. Theophan is able to discuss things on an informed intelletual level, his is not an Orthodoxy of the mind, of definitions and philosophical distinctions. Rather, he emphasizes the ascetic and spiritual disciplines that, through the Grace of God, the Church, and personal effort, help one to struggle to grow in the likeness of Christ. This is all the more interesting since many consider St. Theophan to be perhaps the most educated Russian saint of the last century; yet, like Blessed Ignaty Brianchaninov and St. John of Kronstadt, this does not get in the way of a true Orthodox heart.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable primer for all Christians, December 13, 1999

By 

P Jerome (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spiritual Life: And How to Be Attuned to It (Paperback)

Although written to and by Russian Orthodox individuals, this book is an indispensable primer on leading the Christian life, no matter your denomination. It is a gentle, yet firm, goad for keeping on the narrow way to which we are called, but also puts life and all that it can bring in a light that stresses hope, forgiveness, and mercy. Many of the questions bedeviling society in St. Theophan's time and today are always discussed (and often answered) in a open and unique fashion, providing much grist for our inner mills.

In short, this book can be praised only with superlatives. It changes lives, as few books written today can do. Though written over a century ago, its teachings are strikingly contemporary. It is ideal for those Christians, new to their faith or not, who are searching for a fruitful and inspiring means of (re)vitalizing their faith and worship. One letter read each morning is a rejuvenating tonic for the soul not to be missed!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Written with love, February 3, 2001

By 

Lisa O (San Juan, Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spiritual Life: And How to Be Attuned to It (Paperback)

St. Theophan's correspondence with the young woman is permeated with pastoral love. Not only is he highly organized in his writing and the flow of ideas, but he is thorough in every point he makes. Some readings may be a bit overwhelming -but the sections (each letter) are no more than 4-5 pages each, making it easier to digest. He addresses issues that I'm going through in my life and brings consolement, inspiration, direction and (very importantly) a call to action. I feel as if he is praying for me as I read his words.