The Conferences - Paperback

A cornerstone of Christian monastic spirituality—John Cassian's profound dialogues with the Desert Fathers of Egypt, offering timeless wisdom on prayer, virtue, and the contemplative life that has guided monks and seekers for sixteen centuries.

Written in the early 5th century, The Conferences records John Cassian's conversations with the great hermits and abbots of the Egyptian desert—spiritual masters who had devoted their lives to prayer, solitude, and union with God. Through twenty-four conferences, Cassian presents their teachings on the essential practices and principles of the monastic life, creating a systematic guide to Christian contemplation that remains unmatched in its depth and practicality.

What you'll discover:

• The goal of the monastic life and the path to purity of heart
• The eight principal vices and how to overcome them (the foundation for the seven deadly sins)
• Teachings on prayer, including the famous Conference on Prayer with Abba Isaac
• The practice of unceasing prayer and contemplation
• Discernment of spirits and thoughts
• The relationship between grace and free will
• Practical wisdom on fasting, vigils, and ascetic discipline
• The stages of spiritual progress from beginner to contemplative

Cassian's genius lies in his ability to translate the radical wisdom of the Egyptian desert into a form accessible to Western monasticism. His teachings profoundly influenced St. Benedict's Rule and shaped the entire Western monastic tradition. The Conferences are also featured in The Philokalia Volume 1, testifying to their enduring importance in Eastern Christian spirituality as well.

This work is essential reading for understanding the foundations of Christian contemplative practice. Cassian's insights into the psychology of temptation, the nature of prayer, and the path to purity of heart remain as relevant today as they were in the 5th century. His teaching on contemplative prayer has influenced mystics from Evagrius to Thomas Merton.

About the author: John Cassian (c. 360-435) was a Christian monk and theologian who spent years studying with the Desert Fathers in Egypt before bringing their wisdom to the West. He founded monasteries in Marseilles and wrote The Institutes and The Conferences, which became foundational texts for Western monasticism. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Perfect for: Students of Christian monasticism and Desert Fathers spirituality, practitioners of contemplative prayer, readers of The Philokalia seeking deeper context, those interested in the history of Christian spirituality, monks and contemplatives, scholars of patristic theology, and anyone seeking ancient wisdom on prayer, virtue, and the transformation of the heart.

This paperback edition includes the complete twenty-four conferences—a comprehensive guide to the contemplative life from one of Christianity's greatest spiritual masters.