The Philokalia and the Inner Life

Book excerpt: The Philokalia, a collection of spiritual texts by fathers of the Eastern Church spanning the fourth to the fifteenth centuries, was first published in Venice in 1782. Significant in bringing about a renaissance of Orthodox spirituality since then, it shows deep psychological as well as spiritual awareness. The Philokalia and the Inner Life critically examines the nature of mental and spiritual well-being as understood in the Philokalia. It identifies the passions as 'hostile pleasures', with a seductive and addictive quality, which are detrimental to human well-being, and explores the remedies for the passions that the Philokalia prescribes. Like the Philokalia, contemporary psychotherapies seek to interpret human thoughts and restore well-being, although the 'talking cure' of secular psychotherapy contrasts significantly with the 'praying cure' of the Philokalia.This book is for all who are interested in spirituality, theology and the life of prayer, as well as students of the Philokalia. It is also for clinicians, counselors and psychotherapists, especially those who wish to explore the relationship between psychological and spiritual well-being.