PhilokaliaKnowledge Map

Spiritual Life & Practices

Hesychasm

Hesychasm, by Unknown author, before 1900
Grigorij Palama Unknown author, before 1900 Public domain

The contemplative tradition of inner stillness (hesychia) and unceasing prayer, especially the Jesus Prayer. Involves guarding the mind from wandering thoughts (nepsis), bringing the mind into the heart, and praying continuously. Hesychasm is not a technique but a way of life ordered toward direct experience of God's uncreated light.

Sources

Connections

Find on the map