Philokalia Ministries

Applying St. John's Teaching to Daily Life in the World Detachment: John does not hide the difficulty of the struggle ahead for those who have entered the religious life, and provides little hope for an easier way to progress in virtue.  To give oneself up to God requires a stripping of oneself of all possible attachments, concerns, anxieties, possessions, and even certain loves and friendships.  In short, one must strip oneself of anything and everything and live solely for God.  Only in doing this, John states, can one be truly able to pray as the psalmist, "I will cling close to you" (Ps 62:9). There are many things, John calls them demons, which try to attack a monk after he has renounced the world.  In convincing a monk that he is no better off for the renunciation, the monk either returns to the world, or falls through his grief into despair. The grief, John tells us, comes from the love of things left behind in the world and, therefore, a monk must be diligent in guarding his heart.  Once beginning the difficult journey on the narrow way, John states, it is easy to fall again onto the broad highway that leads to destruction.  When the thoughts of the world threaten to overwhelm, the best weapon is prayer. Exile: With this third step, John concludes the first section of his treatise describing renunciation and the break with the world which is a prerequisite to the spiritual journey of the monk.  As with the two previous steps, exile involves the painful stripping away of  worldly attachments - renouncing all for God.  Exile means leaving all that one finds familiar.  For those in the religious life, it means separation from relations. John is quick to point out that this does not mean hatred of family, but the recognition that even what is good can be used to draw one away from God.  Once a person has renounced the world and entered the monastic life, the strength of his feelings for his family can draw him away from his commitment.

Ladder of Divine Ascent; St. John Climacus; Renunciation; Detachment

Explore the timeless teachings of St. John Climacus and his transformative work on spiritual ascension. Discover how his wisdom remains relevant for modern seekers, emphasizing the importance of cultivating virtues and overcoming personal vices. Delve into the journey of spiritual striving, highlighting humility and authentic living. Uncover the challenges of maintaining spiritual vigilance in today's fast-paced world and the necessity of confronting distractions for deeper connection with God.

Explore the anthropology of Saint Gregory Palamas and its challenge to post-modern individualism. Delve into the Hezekitic ascetic tradition as a transformative response to modern identity issues. Uncover the contrast between authentic selfhood and societal personas. Discover the concept of the 'repulsive mask' and its impact on self-image. Learn about the significance of confession for spiritual growth and the pursuit of divine communion through continuous prayer. Embrace foundational principles to navigate contemporary challenges in faith.

Explore the transformative journey towards divine understanding through asceticism and purification. Discover the significance of the noose in connecting with God, underscoring silence and solitude as essential for spiritual growth. Emphasize discernment and humility in the quest for divine grace while critiquing secular influences in faith. Uncover the essence of unity in Christian belief, advocating for personal conversion and the Holy Spirit's role. Finally, experience the joy and love that blossom from achieving divine likeness through a deeper union with God.

Dive into the intriguing dynamics of temptation and inner battle as experts dissect the strategies employed by demons. Discover the vital role of humility and reliance on God's grace in overcoming spiritual struggles. The discussion also highlights the importance of vigilance in a world full of distractions, with practical insights on maintaining focus through prayer. By examining personal falls and fostering community, the conversation paves a path towards spiritual purity and a deeper connection with the divine.

Explore the profound connection between prayer and the purification of the soul. Delve into the power of asceticism in transforming the heart and mind, focusing on how physical discipline can lead to spiritual clarity. Discover the essential role of constant prayer in overcoming temptation and maintaining inner harmony. Uncover the relationship between spirituality and psychological well-being, revealing how spiritual practices can alleviate emotional struggles. Finally, learn about community devotion and practical prayer practices that enhance collective spiritual experiences.

Delve into the apophatic tradition of prayer, exploring imageless communication with the divine. Discover the essential role of purification for union with God, contrasting Eastern and Western spirituality. Learn how emotional experiences can complement a grounded faith and the significant impact of icons in connecting with the sacred. Uncover the transformative power of genuine prayer, especially amid temptation, emphasizing the urgency of spiritual vigilance. Finally, experience the joy of solitude in deepening one's faith and personal transformation.

The guest, a member of the Philokalia Study Group, delves into the profound connection between prayer and the purification of the soul. They critique centering prayer and discuss the Desert Fathers' insights on demonic influences and spiritual warfare. Highlighting the challenges of modern spirituality, they emphasize discernment and vigilance against subtle temptations. Engaging stories illustrate the importance of prayer, fasting, and asceticism in overcoming spiritual adversities, urging listeners to cultivate a disciplined spiritual life in a secular world.

Explore the impact of modern culture on our perception of reality and identity. Delve into the essential practice of cleansing memories for spiritual growth. Discover how distractions can challenge our prayer life and the significance of navigating these during spiritual practice. Embrace the transformative potential of contemplating mortality, inspired by ancient wisdom. Learn how prayer intertwines with psychological insights to foster a deeper relationship with the divine. Insights from the Desert Fathers add depth to the discussion on life's profound truths.