On the Prayer of Jesus : from the ascetic essays of Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov

by Ignatius Brianchaninov

Paperback, 1965

Publication

Imprint: London : John M Watkins, 1965. Context: Originally published John M. Watkins, 1952. Responsibility: Ignatius Brianchaninov. Translated from the Russian by Father Lazarus, with an introduction by Alexander d'Aggapeyeff. Physical Text : 1 volume : 114 pages ; 20 cm.

Call number

Meditation / Brain

Barcode

BK-04247

ISBN

0722400152 / 9780722400159

Original publication date

1952

Collections

Your library, Adult Materials, Contemplative Practices

CSS Library Notes

Description: In this exceptional translation of Bishop Brianchaninov's essay on the Jesus Prayer, we are introduced to a spiritual exercise known as Hesychasm. Hesychasm gives expression to the method of enlightenment that has been in use in Christian monasteries in the East almost from Apostolic times. The practice of Hesychasm falls into three parts: the prayer is repeated aloud to condition the body/ then it is prayed silently in order to condition the mind. Finally, when complete concentration has been attained, the prayer is carried down into the heart using the rhythm of the heart beat. Bishop Brianchaninov not only explains how the prayer works and how to prepare for the practice but puts forth several teachings from Greek and Russian mystics on the Jesus Prayer. Among these are St. Barsanouphius, Dorotheus the Russian, and St. Seraphim/ St John of the Ladder/ St. Nile Sorsky, St. Gregory the Sinaite/ St. Nicephorus of Mouth Athos/ and St. Kallistus and Ignatius Xanthopoulos. Brianchaninov also discusses the pitfalls that can be encountered along the way and how to avoid them, as well as "material aids," such as the rosary and posture, for the practice.

Table of Contents: Introduction / Alexander d'Agapeyeff --
Preface / Father Lazarus --
On the prayer of Jesus --
Open to all --
Power to expel demons --
Greek and Russian guides --
Preparation for the art of arts --
The safe way for beginners --
Teaching of St. Barsanouphius, Dorotheus the Russian, and St. Seraphim --
The method of St. John of the Ladder [ John Climacus ] --
Higher levels of prayer --
Teaching of St. Nile Sorsky --
St. Gregory the Sinaite --
St. Nicephorus of Mount Athos --
Sts Kallistus and Ignatius Xanthopoulos --
Material aids --
The danger of delusion --
Human opposition --
Prayer and life.

FY2012 /

Physical description

114 p.; 20 cm

Description

Thousands have fallen in love with the anonymously authored book The Way of a Pilgrim--the account of an ordinary man's encounter with the Eastern Orthodox Christian practice of the Jesus Prayer, which consists of the constant repetition of the short phrase, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me." Here is the perfect introduction to this life-changing practice, as it was taught by one of the great spiritual lights of Russia. Bishop Ignatius Brianchaniov (1807-1867) provides wise instruction and advice covering all aspects of the practice, from how to get started, to approaching difficulties that arise, to dealing with friends and family who don't get what you're doing, to making this prayer (also called the Prayer of the Heart) the foundation of your life.… (more)