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

Rating:
Summary: Good for all Christians
Review: All Christians should read this book, as well as the rest of the Philokalia. The Christian has always struggled to live in a Christ-like manner, and this book will certainly be a great help to him in overcoming his passions.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Work for All Christians
Review: Although I am not an Orthodox Christian, I cherish the four volumes of the "Philokalia". Although these writings present certain challenges to the modern reader (a knowledge of Greek philosophy would be helpful for a deeper understanding of many of these writings), the reader is profoundly rewarded with a work that informs and inspires. Like the writings of St. Francis, Theresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Luther, and Calvin, the "Philokalia" deserves a careful reading by anyone who wishes to understand the breadth and depth of the Christian tradition.

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Summary: Second only to the Bible
Review: First, let me start off by saying that this is an absolutely wonderful book. However, what far too many people do not understand is that this book should only be read by those in advanced stages of spiritual development AND ONLY under the guidance of a spiritual father. Also, without sounding condescending or arrogant, this should only be read by Orthodox christians who are well versed in Orthodox theology. This book should be generally be reserved only for those in study to enter the Orthodox priesthood, and even many seminarians find this book difficult to fully grasp. Delving into this without being fully prepared and under spiritual guidance from a priest could be quite literally dangerous to one's spiritual well-being. It is very easy for one to become misguided by this book if he or she does not follow my advice. So please understand, this book is NOT light reading.

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Summary: The Philokalia: The Complete Text (Philokalia)
Review: Let the fingers speak, G.E.H. Palmer has outdone himself this time. Whoo-wee. A frightening experience the first parts of the book is, but once you get going you had better grasp the seat of your pants. I highly recommend this book.

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Summary: Be Very Careful if you decide to enter this Gate
Review: Of Course this book ranks at the very Top of all Mystical Religious Books ever written on Christian prayer and the Path to God.

But before you choose to purchase and study its content, it is very important to read the review of this book by Bob Burcheck first.

What he says is a very real warning for all who seek hidden knowledge through the study of ancient Kabbalistic and Mystical Texts.

If you were born of Christian faith and have left that path to embrace the study of mystical thought and teachings of other Wisdom Traditions and religions in the world, this Book may just shake the very foundation of your Soul and Spiritual Being.

It is not to be entered into lightly.

It was meant to be a gate for very spiritual, advanced and devotional Orthodox Christians to enter and to contemplate.
It was always meant to be just that.

It is not a book meant for students of Comparative Religion.

It is very much like the Zohar is for the Mystical Orthodox Jew.

These texts were meant to be read by Priests and Hermits of the Orthodox tradition and the few Lay faithful who had reached a very contemplative and devotional place in their life.

Who were struggling with their soul to obtain the aquisition of the Holy Ghost by the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God.

The dualistic struggle of the soul between the forces of Light and the darkness that is described within it's pages is deep and profound.

Demons and Angels battle for the soul of those who seek to enter the path and return to the Garden of the One True Light.

This is the Fourth Volume in the series, in the second chapter "One Hundred and Fifty Three Practical Theological Texts", begins an unfolding of it's teaching.

Deep and Terrifying can be the road that leads to it's essential teaching!

Do not enter this Gate lightly as you would not enter the Gate of Kabbalah through the Zohar lightly.

May the Angels of God guide you well on your decision and Spiritual journey.

dasa

Rating:
Summary: Enter the Gate and trust
Review: Please embrace this book and enter it with all your Heart. And please ignore the fearmongers below that tell you that you will require the services of a holy father to guide you in a reading of these holy books. There is only One Holy Father, and He resides in your Heart, and is always available for guidance and counsel. Read the Philokalia, live in the Philokalia, and trust to the guidance of the Holy Father and His Holy Mother to open the Gates of our Heart. Follow your heart, and never fear, or feel compelled to seek the guidance of those who would seek to control you.

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Summary: The Philokalia: The Complete Text (Philokalia)
Review: The book pictured is actually Volume 4 of The Philokalia: The Complete Text. Volumes 1, 2, and 3 have already been published; and the final volume, which would be Volume 5, would finalize the complete text. However, when Volume 5 would be translated and published is anybody's guess.

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Summary: the essence of Christian spirituality
Review: The four volumes of the Philokalia represent the Essence of Christian spirituality from those who expereinced it firsthand. As the Church became embraced by the Empire in the 4th century, monastics, following the example of St Anthony, withdrew to the deserts of Egypt and Palestine. The Philokalia is the uncompromising witness to the experience of the desert - and the heart that finds God in the silence of prayer and repentance. The four volumes now in print should be read by every Christian - Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant - if they are truly interested in their salvation and eternal life! And the path they prescribe is one that can be lived today - though not without struggle - even as we enter the 21st century.

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Summary: A Treatise on Authentic Christianity
Review: The Philokalia can simply be regarded as the one treatise that captures the true spirit of Christianity. I have explored many Christian books from different "denominational" perspectives but none of them come near to the maturity, substance and integrity of the Philokalia treatice. The bible refers to the ONE body of Christ meaning the ONE church that fully embraces ALL the principles of Christianity. The Philokalia contains a plethora of evidence on how sincere and unadulterated Christianity can enrich every person. The Philokalia, in this English translation, can help break down denominational barriers for it only reveals the unity that once existed in the early church. As such, it must be read by all Christians and non-Christians seaking a true spiritual foundation. The disunity that exists in the Christian church through the meriad of "denominations", the aura of expediency and convenieance that permeates today's Christian interpretations and approaches, the lack of conviction on issues of faith and morality, all for the sake of "embracing diversity" has only served to alienate people from each other, to creat a culture of fear and mistrust in today's society and families. The Philokalia, in its honest and comprehensive adherence to an intrinsically true moral code which lies in Christianity, makes it possible to provide guidance and direction on matters of faith and spirituality for ALL people regardless of cultural, ethnic and religious background. Of all the post-biblical Christian books, the Philokalia may very well be the one treatise that gives justice the meaning of the one true body of Jesus Christ which is the Orthodox Church.

Rating:
Summary: love of the beautiful
Review: The Philokalia is the supreme ascetical text of two thousand years of Christian history. The Greek title means love of the beautiful, the exalted, the good. Its subject is an interpretation of life IN the Divine Christ. St Philotheos' 'Forty Texts on Watchfulness' especially, and Theophanis the Monk's 'Ladder of Divine Graces' (both in vol. 3) sing like a burning bush! This is ancient Christianity, supple and free. &It's interesting that Peter of Damaskos, in the pivotal texts on the Eight Stages of Contemplation, seems to borrow the language, and gestures, even, of Buddhist thought, Zen in particular. John of the Cross shook of a kindred understanding of emptiness, but Desert spirituality, the Greek Fathers are something else again, something more striking, more pungent than even the Discalced mystic. The Philokalia's entire creed is 'know thyself.' Constantly the text presents both a belief system and a system of ascetic philosophy and practice that curse the whimpering centuries as they pass now, make no mistake. The disciple's world isn't pretty, and these men from the centuries of the early Church after the Declaration of Constantine preach a honeyed death in order to live, as do the Psalms.. These priests and hermits roamed Egypt and Palestine living the lessons, injunctions and bliss even as they were composing the Philokalia. The Greek texts first translated into Slavonic became grafted to Russian spirituality, and are the richer for that; however, the real treasure of the Philokalia reveals itself disinterestedly to any reader who behind the primitive gestures of antique exegesis sees only That which Is, and thereof understands himself whole, like Gregory of Sinai, Callistus and Ignatius. The Philokalia is unbuttered Christianity you won't find in churches. Therefore, highest recommendation to you of right intention.