What is Hesychasm?

[Mysterium_Fidei]

Could someone explain what Hesychasm is? I've seen this term used a lot, and all I know is that it involves the Jesus Prayer and something called the Uncreated Light. I'm not very familiar with Orthodox theology, so hopefully someone could summarize it for me in an easy to understand way.

Thanks!

Pax vobiscum!

 

[Silouan]

All i can offer here is an unworthy and simplified explanation:
Hesychasm is basically a practice of "inner stillness" where a person, through prayer, enters the depths of their heart to commune with God in unceasing prayer. Through this communion, a person is purified of the effects of sin which has caused man to become spiritually blind and unable to perceive God. Once man reaches such a state a purification, it has been known for them to behold the uncreated light...

The uncreated light that is beheld by the hesychast is the same light that Peter, James and John beheld on Mt. Tabor when Christ was transfigured. The church has taught that the light the apostles saw on Mt. Tabor was not a created light that is seen with the eyes alone. Instead, it was at that point that they were allowed to see Christ's glory. This is also related to the beatitude "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

This is an extremely basic and unworthy explanation, so forgive me. And I am sure that if I have erred on anything, it will be corrected!

Christ be with you!

 

[Philothei]

All i can offer here is an unworthy and simplified explanation:
Hesychasm is basically a practice of "inner stillness" where a person, through prayer, enters the depths of their heart to commune with God in unceasing prayer. Through this communion, a person is purified of the effects of sin which has caused man to become spiritually blind and unable to perceive God. Once man reaches such a state a purification, it has been known for them to behold the uncreated light...

The uncreated light that is beheld by the hesychast is the same light that Peter, James and John beheld on Mt. Tabor when Christ was transfigured. The church has taught that the light the apostles saw on Mt. Tabor was not a created light that is seen with the eyes alone. Instead, it was at that point that they were allowed to see Christ's glory. This is also related to the beatitude "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

This is an extremely basic and unworthy explanation, so forgive me. And I am sure that if I have erred on anything, it will be corrected!

Christ be with you!

I also would like to add the following link:

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Hesychasm

Hesychasm is a movement that flourished with St. Gregory Palamas. It emphasizes the Jesus Prayer as the prayer of the heart :"Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me the sinner" .

The idea is that you are saying this prayer over and over (praying continiously) and at the same time breathing in and out. Inhaling with the first part of the prayer and exhalling with the second. It is called the prayer of the heart because when the monks or nuns pray this prayer over time their hearts that is they pray in sinch with their heart beat. This is the explanation I remember from my readings.

Also about the "uncreated" light. St. Symeon the New Theologian talks about it and St. Gregory of Nyssa. In oder for a nun or monk to be in that spiritual level to see actually the uncreated light one has to go through purification.
look also in that link:

http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8157.asp

It is a very imformative article on Jesus prayer
Hope that helps.

God bless,
Philothei

 

[Michael G]

The idea of hesychasm is to form the inner prayer of the heart. By praying the Jesus prayer repeatedly you slowly teach your soul to always pray, even when you are not actively praying. This takes much work and can often take a lifetime to achieve.

 

[SaintGeorge]

A great book on this is "The Way of a Pilgrim."

 

[buzuxi02]

Hesychism literally greek for quietness or quietude. Its a form of meditation, even a form of mysticism, using the prayer of the heart (The Jesus Prayer).

Hesychasm is properly done using noetic prayer. Another words prayer of the "NOUS" (greek for mind). Not something a novice can attain in a matter of a few weeks. It requires proper breathing techniques as Philothei wrote in her post. And if i remember correct posture as well. The head should be bowed towards the heart.
Should only be practised under an experienced Spiritual Father, or it can backfire on you.

Below is an Orthodox website with an excellent glossary
describing what these things mean.

Look up the definition for:

Hesychasm
Logismoi (thoughts)
Theosis
Noetic prayer
Heart

Youll get a basic idea of what it is, but it will take alot more than reading about it to experience it. Especially for us, unworthy secularlized sinners.

A NIGHT IN THE DESERT OF THE HOLY MOUNTAIN - EPILOGUE - GLOSSARY