The Field: Cultivating Salvation

by Ignatius Brianchaninov, Nicholas Kotar (Translator)

Overview

Many people today are uncertain about what they believe and how they should live. They seek for a tradition that demonstrates antiquity and possesses authenticity. This newly translated volume of the writings of the Orthodox spiritual teacher Ignatius Brianchaninov offers a vision of a life that flows from following Christ. The field is both a place of spiritual struggle and a garden in which to cultivate virtues. But are we willing to respond to the challenge of a life lived in accordance with the Christian Gospel? St Ignatius' writing is the Christian tradition at its deepest, intensely practical but also transcendent and mystical.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780884653769
Publisher:	Holy Trinity Publications
Publication date:	12/01/2016
Series:	Collected Works of Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov) , #1
Edition description:	None
Pages:	400
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Ignatius Brianchaninov (1807–1867) was a prolific author of Orthodox Christian ascetical works. Published toward the end of his life, his writings continued to grow in popularity long after his death. Along with his contemporary, St. Theophan the Recluse, Ignatius is now considered a foremost authority on Orthodox spirituality. He was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1988. His writings have previously appeared in English as "The Arena" and "On the Prayer of Jesus". Nicholas Kotar is a translator as well as writer of fantasy novels inspired by traditional Russian folk tales.

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

Part I

1 Emulating Our Lord Jesus Christ 11

2 On Reading the Gospels 22

3 On Reading the Holy Fathers 26

4 On Avoiding Books That Contain False Teaching 29

5 On the Commandments of the Gospel 32

6 On the Gospel Beatitudes 43

7 Truth and Spirit 47

8 Faith and Works 51

9 A Scattered Life and an Attentive Life 60

Part II Reflection: The Sea of Life 65

10 On the Snares of the Prince of This World 71

11 The Pharisee 76

12 A Christian and His Passions 92

13 On Habits 101

14 Conscience 106

15 The Eight Chief Passions with Their Subdivisions and Offshoots 109

Part III Reflection: Thoughts on the Shores of the Sea 117

16 On the Virtues That Act Against the Eight Chief Sinful Passions 119

17 On Loving One's Neighbor 122

18 On Loving God 128

19 On Fasting 131

20 On Prayer 137

21 On Faith 161

Part IV Reflection: Dew 165

22 On Repentance 168

23 On Humility: A Conversation Between an Elder and His Disciple 174

24 On True and False Humble-Mindedness 186

25 On Patience 193

26 On Purity 204

27 A Short Rule of Vigilance for Those Who Live in the World 219

Part V Reflection: A Tree in Front of My Cell's Window During Winter 225

28 The Cemetery 227

29 A Voice from Eternity: Thoughts on the Grave 228

30 Thoughts on Death 232

31 Proof of the Resurrection of the Body, Taken from the Effect of the Jesus Prayer 236

Part VI Reflection: The Garden During Winter 239

32 My Cross and the Cross of Christ 241

33 The Cup of Christ 245

34 On Monasticism: A Conversation Between Two Orthodox Christians: a Layman and a Monk 282

35 Words of Consolation for Sorrowing Monks 287

36 On Tears 291

37 Glory to God! 301

38 The Praying Mind Seeks Union with the Heart 309

39 A Vision of Christ 311

Appendix 1 A Short Biography of St Ignatius (Brianchaninov) 315

Appendix 2 My Lament 317

Notes 335

Subject Index 359

Scripture Index 367