The collection of writings known as the Philokalia is often considered the second most important spiritual text for the Eastern Church after the Bible. Yet, the Philokalia is not just for the East – indeed it can be enriching for all Christians.
Links:
File of the Philokalia in .pdf format – link found at the bottom of the page
Several books offering a good introduction to the Philokalia can be found at Light & Life Publishing
Volume 1 of the English translation of the Philokalia can be found at Amazon.com as can the Writings from the Philokalia: On the Prayer of the Heart
Catholic:Under The Hood on the Jesus Prayer
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2 Comments
Hi Fr. Seraphim,
Yet another home-run podcast!
Any thoughts on what is called the “Little Russian Philokalia”?
Is this a Philokalia of Russian sages only, after the Canon of he Greek Pilokalia was “closed?”
I’m sure I’m using the wrong terminology.
God bless,
PMG
When I was a catecheumen in the Eastern Orthodox Church I picked up a copy of Volume 1 of the Philokalia. It nearly drove me crazy! I didn’t read it without consulting my spiritual father and, as a result, was overwhelmed. The result is like a megadose of vitamins. Yes, they may be healthy, but taking them all at once overwhelms the system and can cause you to pass out!
After becoming overwhelmed I consulted my spiritual father and was set right. “Only read a paragraph at a time and meditate on it for a week or a month,” he said.
Your podcast helped me understand the use of the Philokalia even more.