The Philokalia
The Philokalia is one of the most important collections of patristic writings devoted to the spiritual and ascetic life of the Christian. It brings together the counsels of the ancient and Byzantine ascetics on the struggle against the passions, the guarding of the mind, prayer, repentance, and the acquisition of the virtues. A special place in the book belongs to the teaching on attentive prayer and inner work, which leads a person to purification of the heart and communion with God. The writings of the Holy Fathers unfold the centuries-old experience of Orthodox asceticism and show a practical path of spiritual growth. The Philokalia is intended above all for serious and thoughtful reading, and it holds a unique place in the spiritual tradition of the Orthodox Church.