The Philokalia Volume 2 - Paperback

The second volume of Eastern Orthodoxy's greatest spiritual treasury—continuing the profound teachings of the Desert Fathers and early Christian mystics on prayer, virtue, and the ascent to God.

Building on the foundations laid in Volume 1, this second volume of The Philokalia deepens our understanding of the contemplative life through the writings of saints and spiritual masters from the 4th through 7th centuries. These texts offer practical wisdom on battling passions, cultivating virtues, and advancing in prayer from beginners to those seeking deeper union with God.

What you'll discover in Volume 2:

• St. Isaiah the Solitary on guarding the intellect and spiritual warfare
• St. Hesychios the Priest on watchfulness and holiness
• St. Neilos the Ascetic on prayer and the monastic life
• St. Diadochos of Photiki on spiritual knowledge and discernment
• St. John of Karpathos on active and contemplative life
• Teachings on nepsis (watchfulness) and inner vigilance
• The relationship between ascetic practice and contemplative prayer
• Guidance on discerning thoughts and spiritual consolations

The masters in this volume address the challenges faced by those progressing in the spiritual life—how to maintain vigilance, how to distinguish true from false spiritual experiences, and how to persevere through trials and temptations. Their wisdom is both psychologically astute and deeply grounded in the experience of prayer.

Translated by G.E.H. Palmer, Philip Sherrard, and Bishop Kallistos Ware, this volume continues the acclaimed English edition that has made these treasures of Orthodox spirituality accessible to contemporary seekers. The translators' notes illuminate the theological and historical context of each text.

About the collection: The Philokalia was compiled in 1782 by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St. Makarios of Corinth. This five-volume English translation is the definitive edition for English-speaking readers, completed in 2020 after decades of scholarly work.

Perfect for: Readers continuing their journey through The Philokalia, students of Eastern Orthodox spirituality and hesychasm, practitioners of contemplative prayer and the Jesus Prayer, those interested in patristic theology and spiritual warfare, and anyone seeking deeper understanding of the Orthodox contemplative tradition.

This paperback edition includes 432 pages of transformative spiritual wisdom—the essential second volume of Orthodox Christianity's contemplative treasury.