Hesychia
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The Greek term hesychia (ἡσυχία, Greek pronunciation: [isiˈçia]) is a concept that can be translated as "stillness, rest, quiet, silence".[1]
In Christianity
In the Eastern Orthodox Christian mystical tradition of hesychasm, hesychia refers to a state of stillness and peace that is obtained through extreme ascetical struggle, prayer, and the constant contemplation of God. The attainment of hesychia is a central theme discussed in hesychast literature.
Chapter 2 of the Systematic Sayings of the Desert Fathers is dedicated to the topic of hesychia.[2]
In Neoplatonism
The term is also used in Neoplatonic texts such as the Enneads.[3]
Other languages
Equivalent terms in other languages include Syriac shelya (šelya).[4]
See also
- Monastic silence
- Apatheia
- Inner peace
- Tranquility
- Centering prayer
- Quietism (Christian philosophy)
- Christianity and Hellenistic philosophy
- Neoplatonism and Christianity
- Mauna (silence) in Hinduism
References
- ^ Parry, Ken (1999). The Blackwell Dictionary of Eastern Christianity. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing. p. 230. ISBN 0-631-23203-6.
- ^ Wortley, John (2012). The Book of the Elders – sayings of the Desert Fathers: the systematic collection. Trappist, KY; Collegeville, MN: Cistercian Publications Liturgical Press. ISBN 978-0-87907-201-8.
- ^ Gerson, Lloyd P., ed. (2018). The Enneads. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-107-00177-0. OCLC 993492241.
- ^ Brock, Sebastian (2020). "Stages in the Spiritual Life According to Isaac the Syrian and Syriac Tradition". Orthodox Theology in Dialogue. 6 (6). Mitropolia Olteniei: 85–95. ISSN 2668-5353. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
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