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Way of the Ascetics

By Tito Colliander

Monastery of Meteora

Monastery of Meteora

Introduction

The "Way of the Ascetics" is an introduction to the narrow way that leads to life. It is a simple yet profound exposition of the spiritual life taught by the Orthodox Church for two thousand years. It is a portal to the vast spiritual experience of the desert fathers, and an insight into the spiritual lives of the saints. Reminiscent of the Ladder of St. John Climacus, "Way of the Ascetics" compells us to again begin the struggle to climb away from the world to the Kingdom of Heaven

In our era of new-age spirituality and homemade religion, the simple patristic style of this work is consoling. In our age of spiritual naivet

Contents

Chapter One: ON A RESOLUTE AND SUSTAINED PURPOSE
Chapter Two: ON THE INSUFFICIENCY OF HUMAN STRENGTH
Chapter Three: ON THE GARDEN OF THE HEART
Chapter Four: ON THE SILENT AND INVISIBLE WARFARE
Chapter Five: ON THE DENIAL OF SELF AND THE CLEANSING OF THE HEART
Chapter Six: ON ERADICATING THE DESIRE FOR ENJOYMENT
Chapter Seven: ON THE TRANSFER OF LOVE FROM THE SELF TO CHRIST
Chapter Eight: ON GUARDING AGAINST THE RE-ENTRY OF VANQUISHED EVIL
Chapter Nine: ON THE CONQUEST OF THE WORLD
Chapter Ten: ON THE SINS OF OTHERS AND ONE'S OWN
Chapter Eleven: ON THE INNER WARFARE AS A MEANS TO AN END
Chapter Twelve: ON OBEDIENCE
Chapter Thirteen: ON PROGRESS IN DEPTH
Chapter Fourteen: ON HUMILITY AND WATCHFULNESS
Chapter Fifteen: ON PRAYER
Chapter Sixteen: ON PRAYER
Chapter Seventeen: ON PRAYER
Chapter Eighteen: ON PRAYER
Chapter Nineteen: ON THE BODILY AND MENTAL ACCOMPANIMENTS OF PRAYER
Chapter Twenty: ON FASTING
Chapter Twenty-One: ON THE AVOIDANCE OF EXTRAVAGANCE
Chapter Twenty-Two: ON THE USE OF MATERIAL THINGS
Chapter Twenty-Three: ON TIMES OF DARKNESS
Chapter Twenty-Four: ON AN INTERPRETATION OF ZACCHAEUS
Chapter Twenty-Six: ON TH E PEARL OF GREAT PRICE

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