Way of the Ascetics, The Ancient Tradition of Discipline and Inner Growth

Written for lay persons living in the world, this is an excellent resource for daily meditation, spiritual guidance and a revitalized religious life. Succinct yet profound extracts from the Fathers, with commentary. Introduction vii 1 On a Resolute and Sustained Purpose i 2 On the Insufficiency of Human Strength 4 3 On the Garden of the Heart 7 4 On the Silent and Invisible Warfare 9 3 On the Denial of Self and the Cleansing of the Heart 12 6 On Eradicating the Desire for Enjoyment 17 7 On the Transfer of Love from the Self to Christ 20 8 On Guarding Against the Re-entry of Vanquished Evil 24 9 On the Conquest of the World 28 10 On the Sins of Others and One’s Own 33 ll On the Inner Warfare as a Means to an End 36 12 On Obedience 42 D On Progress in Depth 46 H On Humility and Watchfulness 48 13 On Prayer 56 16 On Prayer 59 17 On Prayer 63 18 On Prayer 67 19 On the Bodily and Mental Accompaniments of Prayer 7i 20 On Fasting 75 21 On the Avoidance of Extravagance 7$ 22 On the Use of Material Things 81 23 On Times of Darkness 84 24 On an Interpretation of Zacchaeus 86 25 On the Jesus Prayer 92 26 On the Pearl of Great Price 98 List of Fathers and Authors 103 A Note on the Philokalia loy Index log Way of the Ascetics is a rich, compact introduction for modern readers to the Eastern Christian spiritual tradition that has been an inspiration to millions for centuries. These compassionate and insightful reflections on self-control and inner peace are meant to lead the readers to fuller union with God. The author makes a generous selection of succinct yet profound extracts from the spiritual Fathers and provides an illuminating commentary and practical applications for daily devotion. He tempers austerity with common sense, warmth, and even humor, as he urges us on our journey toward God. Written for lay persons living fully in the world as much as for clergy, Way of the Ascetics is an excellent resource for daily meditation, authentic spiritual guidance, and a revitalized religious life. This rich, compact introduction to the Eastern Christian spiritual tradition provides insightful reflections on self-control and inner peace. Colliander includes succinct yet profound extracts from the spiritual Fathers, with illuminating commentary and practical applications for daily devotion. Tempering austerity with common sense, warmth, and even humor, the author writes as much for persons living fully in the world as for monastics. Way of the Ascetics is an excellent resource for daily meditation, authentic spiritual guidance, and a revitalized religious life. *Tito Colliander was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, but lived most of his life in Helsinki, Finland, where he was an Orthodox Layman and the author of several books in both the religious and secular fields.*