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Hesychasm
Hesychasm (from Gk., hesychia, ‘quietness’). Tradition of contemplative prayer associated above all with the monks of Mount Athos. Many antecedents can be found in the early Fathers, but its full expression is found in the 14th cent. in Gregory of Sinai, Nicephorus of Mount Athos, and especially Gregory Palamas. Its central feature is constant recitation of the Jesus Prayer, combined with optional physical techniques of a crouched posture and synchronization of such recitation with breathing, so that the mind is united with the heart, and the whole person is drawn into ‘prayer of the heart’. This leads to a vision by the bodily eyes of the Uncreated Light of the Godhead, the light that surrounded Jesus at the Transfiguration, none other than the uncreated energies of the Godhead.
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JOHN BOWKER. "Hesychasm." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN BOWKER. "Hesychasm." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Hesychasm.html JOHN BOWKER. "Hesychasm." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Hesychasm.html |
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Hesychasm
Hesychasm. In the E. Church, the tradition of inner, mystical prayer, associated particularly with the monks of Mt Athos. The Hesychasts attached special importance to unceasing recitation of the Jesus Prayer. They recommended a particular bodily posture, with breathing controlled to keep time with the recitation of the prayer. Their immediate aim was to secure what they termed ‘the union of the mind with the heart’, so that their prayer became ‘prayer of the heart’. This leads, in those chosen by God, to the vision of the Divine Light, which, it was believed, can be seen with the material eyes of the body.
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E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Hesychasm." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Hesychasm." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-Hesychasm.html E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Hesychasm." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-Hesychasm.html |
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