Philosophy:Hesychia

From HandWiki

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]

See also

References

  1. Parry, Ken (1999). The Blackwell Dictionary of Eastern Christianity. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing. pp. 230. ISBN 0-631-23203-6. 
  2. 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. 
  3. Gerson, Lloyd P., ed (2018). The Enneads. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-107-00177-0. OCLC 993492241.