Topic: The Philokalia

[Sir Sundae]

Greetings in Christ,

Okay, I have heard it said that one should not read the Philokalia without a spiritual guide. Well, I'm not Orthodox, I don't have a spiritual guide/father, but I do own and read a copy of Volume I of the Philokalia. Am I in serious error here? I find the writings contained in the Philokalia to be very edifying. It provides practical insights that I can integrate into my day-to-day living... But I don't want to be getting into something that's too spiritually deep for someone.

Thanks,

Chuck

[Justin Kissel]

I think the major problem is in trying to go beyond your limits. People warn not to read the Philokalia, but the same could just as easily be said about the Sayings of the Desert Fathers, or even the Scripture. The point is that there is tough stuff in there, and left to our own devices we might misunderstand or misapply these things. What you could try is to talk to some Orthodox people you know online, and try to locate a priest that you can contact and ask advice from. If you're interested I can PM you the name of a priest or two that I have a lot of respect for, pastorally speaking.

[Sir Sundae]

I think the major problem is in trying to go beyond your limits. People warn not to read the Philokalia, but the same could just as easily be said about the Sayings of the Desert Fathers, or even the Scripture. The point is that there is tough stuff in there, and left to our own devices we might misunderstand or misapply these things.

That makes alot of sense. We need humility when we read this stuff. That definitely clears up the issue a bit.

If you're interested I can PM you the name of a priest or two that I have a lot of respect for, pastorally speaking.

That would be a great help Paradosis. Feel free to PM me anytime.