Philokalia

[Hubbabubba]

Does anyone know anything about the Philokalia.

Which texts are included? Translations? Usage? Would it be worth my while?

Tnx,

/HB

 

[Mary of Bethany]

You probably should come and ask that in TAW.

Mary

 

[buzuxi02]

The Philokalia is a compilation of writings dating from 300 a.d. to 1400 a.d..

Encompassing about 30 Fathers( mostly monks with emphasis on the desert fathers). There instruction is primarily in prayer, (eastern christian) spirituality and ascetism.

But like Mary says in post #2, you should go to TAW to ask more. Usually its not something recommended to novices or people unaware of eastern christian practises.

 

[BrendanMark]

The first four volumes have been translated into English, but not volume 5 as yet (as far as I know). These volumes cover the time before the Schism, when the Church was one, so are the common heritage of all Christians as far as I am concerned.

For instance, Volume 2 is mostly Maximus the Confessor, who united the Eastern and Western Churches' theology. It may be unfamilar to Western folk, but as far as I am concerned a full English translation is well overdue. Why has it taken all these centuries?

 

[ArnautDaniel]

The first four volumes have been translated into English, but not volume 5 as yet (as far as I know). These volumes cover the time before the Schism, when the Church was one, so are the common heritage of all Christians as far as I am concerned.

For instance, Volume 2 is mostly Maximus the Confessor, who united the Eastern and Western Churches' theology. It may be unfamilar to Western folk, but as far as I am concerned a full English translation is well overdue. Why has it taken all these centuries?

I believe if you have access to a good university library there should be an older (probably a century or so old) complete translation of the Philokalia into English, although I have no idea as to the quality.

Anyway, does anyone out there know what is continuing to cause the (long) delay of the promised 5th volume of the more recent translation?

 

[E.C.]

How do I put this...

The Philokalia is not to be taken lightly. I have never read it, nor have any intention to at this point, but if I were to read it, would not do so without the instruction of my Spiritual Father.

 

[katherine2001]

How do I put this...

The Philokalia is not to be taken lightly. I have never read it, nor have any intention to at this point, but if I were to read it, would not do so without the instruction of my Spiritual Father.

I have not read it either. A monastic/Spiritual Father that I knew from the internet stressed that nobody should read it without their Spiritual Father's blessing. I asked an abbess of a woman's monastery the same thing, and she agreed. They both said that even a lot of monastics are never given a blessing to read it. The problem with it is that it can tempt us to try spiritual disciplines that are way above our level and do a lot of damage. I have the 4 volumes, but there's no way I'll ever read it without Father's blessing to do so, because he knows what level I'm at.

 

[JamesBellisario]

The Philokalia is a wonderful compilation of Spiritual reading from the Eastern Church. They are more geared to monasticism but have a great wealth of wisdom in them for daily spiritual reading. There is a good book that is written by Anthony Coniaris called Philokalia, the Bible of Orthodox Spirituality. It is a great primer. Although Orthodox, it is a great read for Catholics as well. Enjoy!

James Bellisario
catholicchampion.com

 

[Chocolatesa]

Wow, I had never heard that about having a priest/spiritual father's blessing before reading it, but it makes a lot of sense. My mom lent me a copy a while back, and I think I started reading it but got tired of it after the first few pages and put it down, and have been meaning to start it again sometime soon, but I think I'll wait now

I had previously read The Way of a Pilgrim and A Pilgrim's Progress, which is the 2-part story of an ascetic pilgrim's life travelling and reading the Philokalia in the early 1900's I think. I'm pretty sure the editors said somewhere in the foreword or introduction that it was uncertain whether it was a fictional work or not, but if it was, it's still very useful because it contains many truths about living the ascetic lifestyle, or something to that effect. I liked it a lot, it was a great story as well as very inspiring and humbling. The Way of a Pilgrim and A Pilgrim's Progress is commonly recommended for reading before the Philokalia to understand it better from what I gather.

 

[BrendanMark]

Many of the texts contained in The Philokalia can be found elsewhere, including many compilations of Christian thought and prayer such as James Cutsinger's Not of This World. There is nothing to be found therein (at least so far) that is any more strange, secret or for the initiated few than St John of the Cross' Ascent of Mount Carmel and Dark Night of the Soul, or the works of Jeremy Taylor, Thomas a Kempis or William Law.

That we are so unfamiliar with basic contemplation and monastic prayer that we need special guidance from an approved source seems most strange to me, I must confess. I find The Philokalia inspiring and humbling, and some of the most deeply Christian thought I have encountered.