Eastern Christian Spirituality: The Jesus Prayer and the Philokalia

This course centres on the reading of texts which represent the heart of the Hesychastic tradition (Jesus Prayer) and the i role of the Philokalia and other related ascetical texts in this mystical tradition. Readings are used with an eye toward the whole tradition and its most essential aspects. Moreover, the course is presented to show that the Hesychastic way is a modern and contemporary phenomenon that has vitality and practical relevance to modern people. The history of hesychastic ascetical texts, particularly the "Philokalia" will be examined in some depth. The underlying assumptions of ascetical theology and anthropology will be covered and put into the context of the praxis of the Jesus Prayer, and the eschatological and teleological aims will be explored. This course will also embrace a practical approach to the tradition of the Jesus Prayer, with each student committing to a regular daily time for practice of the prayer, and weekly journal reflection.