26 Introduction Hesychia is a form of Christian spirituality with roots tracing back to the 4th century. It is referenced in the Apophthegmata Patrum (Sayings of the Desert Fathers), a collection of more than a thousand brief stories and sayings attributed to the early desert monks. Traditionally, those who practiced hesychia sought isolated places to escape from the distractions of the world and seek God’s peace. Many individuals today are always in a hurry, often using busyness as an excuse to neglect prayer. While it is true that prayer often requires time and space, this does not mean that people do not long for peace in their hearts. Many work tirelessly to fulfill their desires, believing, whether consciously or unconsciously, that achieving these desires will bring them peace. In the 21st century, Hesychasm offers another way to shape Christian spirituality. Hesychia’s simple, practical, and flexible mode allows individuals to cultivate a sense of peace with God anywhere and at any time, to recognise that the sacred is not confined to specific places or times. It is accessible whenever one is open to Hesychia as inner prayer. As a spiritual practice, it draws insights from the desert monks while remaining relevant to 21st century practitioners. I will focus on three key aspects: building self-awareness, being conscious of God’s presence, and rebuilding a relationship with God. Each of these aspects plays a vital role in understanding hesychastic spirituality. What is Hesychia? Hesychia (ἡσυχία) a Greek word means stillness and silence. This sought-after silence is not simply the absence of noise; rather, it is a silence filled with the divine presence. Hesychia began with the desert monks, later spreading as an early Eastern monastic practice. It also gained popularity among virgins, celibates, and devoted followers living in cities, evolving into what we now call hesychasm. Kallistos Ware, a scholar of Eastern Orthodox theology, explains that ‘hesychasm’ has five distinct meanings. A solitary, hermit-like lifestyle practiced since the 4th century, became a practice of inner prayer aimed at achieving a deep, wordless union with God. This spiritual journey often involves the Jesus Prayer, a key element in seeking this divine connection. Additionally, hesychasm includes a specific technique combining physical and mental focus alongside the Jesus Prayer, with roots tracing back to the 13th century. It is associated with the theological teachings of St. Gregory How Hesychia Shapes, or Could Shape Spirituality in the 21st Century Bhumbodin (Christopher) Hiranrattanajinda SVD
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