The Philokalia, Volume 2: The Complete Text; Compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain & St. Markarios of Corinth

I can't read too much at one time because the Philokalia is not simply an intellectual exercise. It requires prayer and reflection and time. If you're tired of the current trendy "spirituality" turn to this ancient source of Christian insight.

Little can be said in review of a work which comprises the very essence and heart of Orthodox spirituality. Contained in these four volumes are the writings of two millennia; the wisdom of the faithful throughout the ages on the spiritual journey that is the life of man. And the message is practical: it is not a spirituality restricted to any time or place, but one that is evident and applicable today and tomorrow in the life of every Christian. All who with a whole heart desire a true depth of spiritual well being are doing themselves a great hurt by not reading this book.

The four volumes of the Philokalia represent the Essence of Christian spirituality from those who expereinced it firsthand. As the Church became embraced by the Empire in the 4th century, monastics, following the example of St Anthony, withdrew to the deserts of Egypt and Palestine. The Philokalia is the uncompromising witness to the experience of the desert - and the heart that finds God in the silence of prayer and repentance. The four volumes now in print should be read by every Christian - Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant - if they are truly interested in their salvation and eternal life! And the path they prescribe is one that can be lived today - though not without struggle - even as we enter the 21st century.

All Christians should read this book, as well as the rest of the Philokalia. The Christian has always struggled to live in a Christ-like manner, and this book will certainly be a great help to him in overcoming his passions.

This book is for those who love God's wisdom in His saints and wish to practice it in their lives. It is a compilation of the works of great theologians and ascetics of the Early Church , not specifically concerning theology, but concerning the struggle to live the Faith. Time and again these writers reveal the primary temptations which all persons are heir to. They show how open we are to Satan's attacks when we fail to allow God's Spirit to prepare us to fight. They show how we can strive to prepare ourselves to best receive God's help. They also proclaim God's mercy in helping us even when we have been lax in our appreciation of Him. And finally, they live the joy of knowing God is with them and show His Glory reflected in their lives. Many of these writers died for their Faith. All suffered for it, because none were compromisers. Read their writings slowly and with prayer as they are not presenting intellectual puzzles for the satisfaction of the mind. Instead, they are offering clear, cold draughts of the Holy Spirit's work in the lives of those who would count the cost and still give their lives to God.