267. Советы относительно монашеского жительства

Cell servants must listen to their elders in everything, but if they force you to do what is not permitted by the Mother Superior, then you should not. If something is extreme for the old lady, then let them ask if it is possible to change it. It’s good to help poor sisters, but secretly. And if you don’t know how to do it secretly, then don’t. Give only when asked, and to the sick. It’s even necessary for patients. You can keep your letters to L. and use them for the benefit of others. In case of death, transfer everything to Optina. Treat the worldly with discretion, when the case requires it. If necessary, you can talk, but it is better to remain silent. It is necessary to teach the cell all good things and prayer. If she is illiterate, let her perform 300 Jesus prayers instead of evening and morning prayers, as stated in the Psalter for the illiterate. To train yourself not to get distracted during the service, go through the rosary with prayer according to the count, how many rosary beads for which service. I am embarrassed when you sin in something - do not think how, where and from what, but rather with repentance and self-reproach - to the Lord. How can you avoid judging your neighbors? When temptation occurs in a dream, read the 50th Psalm three times and make 50 prostrations. And don’t be embarrassed anymore, and be at peace. During confession, the confessor must be told everything, but not go into details, that is, say: such and such thoughts came, but in what form and what kind of person, if any, is not necessary, especially if it was on a spiritual person or on the confessor himself. You might be interested in: