The Philokalia: The Complete Text (Vol. 1); Compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St. Markarios of Corinth

Takes me to heaven.The Philokalia- the writings of the Way of Christ...no more need be said.

The Philokalia is EXTRAORDINARY! Now, I will make an unusual assertion for a Western Christian… The Philokalia of the Eastern Church, compiled by Nicodimos and Makarios, is the most comprehensive, thorough, and integrated legacy of Christian mystical writings available today (East or West). If we can make sense of these writings we can plumb the depths of Christian Mysticism.The English translation of The Philokalia published by Faber & Faber comes in four volumes (about 1,500 pages), so I think it’s important to identify key authors within the text, most noted for their mystical insights and clarity. For me the key Philokalia authors are Evagrius the Solitary, Hesychios The Priest, Didachos of Photiki (Volume 1)/ Maximos The Confessor (Volume 2)/ Peter of Damaskos, Makarios of Egypt (Volume 3)/ Nikitas Stithatos, Gregory of Sinai, and Gregory Palamas (Volume 4). (An aside here… I wish The Philokalia was available during the time of Thomas Merton. He would have devoured it, relished it, and publicized it in the West!)There are many other root texts of Christian Mysticism, but in my estimation and the estimation of my organization, RCMR (Recover Christianity's Mystic Roots), these noted Philokalia writers are the place to start for a thorough and cohesive overview of texts of Christian Mysticism.For the student of Christian Mysticism who has gotten an introductory taste, the Philokalia writers noted above will provide a wonderful foundation for an integrated study of Christian Mysticism.-Amos Smith (author of Healing The Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots)

The Philokalia is a precious gem hidden away from Western eyes for too long. In reading it, I've discovered a world of Christian spiritual wisdom that can't be matched, and which has been largely lost in the tradition I have been raised in. The ascetic and monastic writers in the Orthodox tradition show an unwavering desire to achieve true union with God and the transformation of their lives. This is hard stuff, it will inspire you or make you despair of yourself (maybe both), but if it does, there is always grace from Christ to lift you up. The Philokalia is a guide along the way to salvation. There cannot be a high enough recommendation for a work of this astounding quality and richness. My favourite contributor is Diadochos of Photiki, who provides a good introduction to this way of life.

This volume shares the period in history when the Catholics and the Greek Orthodox church were one, before the Schism.It has always been a companion to the Bible by these Christians.This is the book that was referred to often in the book "The Way of the Pilgrim".Most practicing Catholics and Greek Orthodox Christians are familiar with this book.I would recommend it to all Christians and everyone else.Even though it is a guide for Monks in their journey for stillness it is also useful for everyone who seeks holiness.Other volumes were later added, but this one is my favorite. This replaces my old worn-out book.Philokalia means:"love of the beautiful".

This collection of writings from the Desert Fathers of the Holy Church is indispensable for those who want grow into the likeness of Christ. The Christianity presented by the Philokalia will seem quite alien to an average American Christian, with it's condemnation of virtually everything that American culture holds dear, but make no mistake, the gospel of the Cross is no different for us than it was for them.I must disagree with another reviewer who said that the entire creed of the Philokalia is "know thyself". By far the central theme and issue is prayer. Not just any prayer per se, but prayer with a purified mind and heart, and so the other crucial theme is the need to purify ourselves and crucify our passions in order to make progress in the Christian life. The Fathers teach not to "know thyself", but to "purify thyself".I have found Philokalia to be extremely helpful, and cannot recommend it highly enough.

Once you read this, you will think twice about complaining about much of anything. Some of it required me to think a lot about what was being said. Perhaps the translation could be better done, I don't know, or it may just be my poor reading comprehension.

So much wisdom in this book. If you want to have the best compilation of church fathers since the bible was written, buy this book.

I read The way of a pilgrim.this book was mentioned throughout.both are must reads for anyone interested in prayer.

Ignore the comments about this being a pdf. Amazon have allowed reviews from different editions to mix up. This kindle version has chaptes that can be clicked and lead you straight to the sections you want to read. No formatting problems - no issues of any kind.Having got that out of the way - it's hard to believe that all those expensive volumes can be downloaded for such a small price. If you are familiar with The Philokalia you need no explanation, if you don't you're probably not Orthodox so it may not be what you're looking - what we have here is the meat of Christian spirituality from those who have reached the heights.One word of warning - some of this material is intended for aescetics and if every Tom Dick and Harry tries to apply these teachings to themselves without proper spiritual direction it may lead to mishaps.

An excellent book/series on Christian Prayer, coming from a non Orthodox background there are some amazing instructions on how to pray almost a road map with instructions and advice on how to get to know God. For a lay person the key is to find the balance between advice for monks and persons living in an non monastic environment. There are many guide books on Eastern non Christian Prayer/meditation practice ie Zen etc that are available, however for the Christian seeking God through Jesus Christ this is the series that I have been waiting for for almost 15 years.Thank you

If you know about this book it needs no review, for those who do not it is a collection of stories and letters with lessons to be learnt from deep meaningful reflection on ones life compared to those mentioned. It is not a light read and should be taken in small stages. you cant read this cover to cover and not ever use it again.

A great companion to the Bible. Insightful and thought provoking. Easily read in small parts - you do not need to set aside loads of time. In fact it is better to read and think about small portions at a time. If you want to improve your walk with God this is a real find!

I feel this book.. (albeit brilliant in content) was WAY overpriced considering the less than optimal condition. I will endeavour not to order from this seller again !