Советы подвижникам

The beginning of monastic renunciation is to fear the Lord; the fearless monk will settle outside the gates of God's Kingdom. The beginning of a good life for a monk is knowledge of God; ignorance of God darkens the monk’s soul. A good heritage for a monk is chastity and holiness; a monk who does not have them is deprived of the inheritance of his fathers. A feat for a monk is studying the Scriptures and fulfilling the commandments of God, but a monk who does not do this is not an ascetic. A monk’s food is to do the will of God. Sensual food will not put a monk before Christ, but “it is placed in the belly and comes out through the aphedrone” (Matthew 15:17). Let the monk’s foot, moving ceremoniously, erase the church steps beneath it; but let not the disorderly footsteps of a monk wander from house to house. Let the life of a monk not be denigrated and not serve as a laughing stock for “women” burdened with sins (2 Tim. 3:6), because the arrow of temptation in the heart of a monk is the harlot wife in the house. Let the monk's advice be with the wise, and let the advice of the unreasonable not dwell in the heart of the monk. A monk who stays awake in psalms, songs and spiritual chants will drive away night dreams. A monk who is puffed up by his good deeds and sleeps weaves a web. The courageous monk uses the Cross of Christ to avoid the devil's snares. A monk, earthed and with his mind bent towards the earth, acts in everything like Satan. Let a monk’s mind always be occupied with good deeds. Exercise for a monk - harmonious thoughts. The vigilance of a faithful monk tames impure thoughts. The cultivation of a monk is a good soul, bearing fruit in the Gospel. The monk who cultivates it eats its fruit. Sweet fruit in the mouth is reward for property. The immortal power in a monk is non-covetousness, bearing the cross. Monks are afraid of the love of money, which blocks the Kingdom of Heaven for them. “Direct,” monk, “your heart on the right path” (Jer. 31:21), so that both in thought and in deeds you can drive away the enemy from yourself. A good gift to a monk is virginity, which, with Elijah on the chariot, takes him to heaven. Therefore, monk, having become a lover of virginity, ascend on a fiery chariot, watered by two streams. Tears shed from the eyes are a tree of life, growing into the height of humility. He who acquires this will reap good fruits. The power of virginity is abstinence in food; A monk who gets drunk defiles his flesh. A monk who divulges his gift to everyone will arouse disgust and hear from Christ: “they will accept their reward” (Matthew 6:2). And whoever is ashamed to tell will receive a reward from Christ, who knows the secret. When rendering “God's Gods,” do not be arrogant, monk; Praying to God, say: “I bring Yours from Yours to You, Master, and from You I only seek the deliverance of my soul.” A monk who performs night prayers with a pure heart will be heard by the Lord; in the days God will make it bright and will reveal it daily as day. A merciful monk will be a brotherly lover and inherit the good land. The Lord does not rest in a monk’s pride, but in his humility the Holy Spirit rests. Let the monk’s thoughts constantly be about the Kingdom of Heaven, and he will soon inherit it. Let the monk's chiton (not woven, but spiritual) be unblackened at all times; such a monk will ascend to the palace with the Bridegroom at midnight. At the meeting of the Bridegroom, let the monk bring oil; for the monk who does not add oil to his lamp so that it burns clearly will remain outside the palace with the foolish five virgins. Let the life of a monk, in imitation of the Angels, burn away sins, because life is the fruitfulness of those who repent. Let the life of a monk set its seal on his members, mortified to lust, because the example for monks is the life of John. Let the demonic storm flee from the monks; Let angelic silence rejoice among the monks. When a demonic storm strikes, let a monk control his irritability, because the life of a monk is known in meekness and patience. A monk who is burning in spirit drives away the devil, and a monk who unlawfully competes with his brother unlawfully attracts the devil to himself. Let the leaven of sin not be named among the monks; May sincere love possess monks. Let the sun not set on the monk's anger. A silent monk does not outrage the brethren, but the cry of a monk corrupts the monastery. Do not refuse to hear psalmody, monk, because this is angelic hymnology. Avoid the noise of the devil's spectacles, monk, because this is demonic delight. On your forehead, monk, may the Cross of Christ always be on your forehead; in your heart, ascetic, may there always be the fear of God. The silence of a monk with a pure heart appeases the Holy Spirit. The good character of a monk produces brotherly love and drives away quarrels. A monk, having united with the Lord, should not give himself over to the devil, so as not to be ashamed in the bridal chamber. The monk’s invincible shield is the angelic singing in his mouth; For a monk, death is a dream beloved more than singing. The monk's treasure is voluntary non-covetousness; the monk who undertakes it is divine. In heaven, gather up treasure for yourself, monk, because the centuries of pleasure are endless. Let the monk's meditation be occupied with the Holy Scriptures. Let the monk's door not be closed with iron bars, but supported by a cornerstone. Let the piety of a monk be recognized in his love of hobbies and may he prosper in joy. The face of a monk in prayer becomes wonderful and is recognized in almsgiving. A monk, not gloomy in appearance, will be a rest for ascetics and will dispel evil thoughts. Let John, clothed in a robe made of camel's hair, be a model for you, monk, so that Elijah, covered with a mantle, will take you to heaven. James, teaching patience, advises you to rejoice in the adversity that befalls you. John refers you to the Word, which “was in the beginning” (John 1:1). Traces of former spiritual joy on the brow of a monk bring joy to the entire multitude of monks. A shameless monk disperses a meeting of brothers. Equality between monks drives out pride and instills humility. A monk who neglects his stomach and does not like drunkenness becomes equal to the angels. Indescribable beauty is virginity shining in the soul of a monk; The most vile face of a monk is that of desecration of virginity. A monk who has trampled the world becomes an interlocutor with Christ, and one who is confused by worldly affairs will not be pleasing to the commander - Christ. A monk who does not love money is the most faithful preacher of the Kingdom of Heaven, and one who suffers from the love of money is an unfortunate lost man. The decoration for a young monk is chastity, possessing unclouded virginity. The treasure for a monk is obedience: whoever acquires it will be heard by the Lord. Let vice not enter the heart of a monk; let goodness multiply in his deeds. Let the monk regurgitate the word of goodness, and with his lips let him speak the words of the Almighty. Let the monk take upon himself voluntary hunger in order to humble the earthly body and elevate the celestial being - the soul. Let the monk speak the word of truth, and let lies be driven out of his mouth. If a monk hears a cruel word, let him not become passionate, but let him submit, because, having become a mediator of peace, he will receive a sure reward for peace and will be called the son of the Most High. A monk who speaks touchingly in humility will bring tears from a stony heart. The lion is afraid of wild donkeys, and so is the monk of lustful thoughts. A monk who allows fasting at the wrong time is the same as someone who undermines the foundation of a pillar. Like a whirlwind raising dust on the plain, so is a proud monk stirring up passionate movements in the monastery. Like a storm-proof harbor for ships, let the monk be in the monastery. Imitation of Angels on earth - a good monk who is not wounded by the arrows of voluptuousness. Do not rush, monk, in pride, so as not to fall into a terrible fall. Be, monk, an imitator of Paul’s humility, so as to become a joint heir of the saints. Imitate, monk, the publican, so as not to fall into condemnation with the Pharisee. Choose for yourself, monk, the meekness of Moses, so that God will transform your stony heart into lakes of water. After a person who has experienced it, you will say: how beautiful is meekness! “On calm waters I should be raised” (Ps. 22:2). Don’t seem harsh, monk, remember that none of those who became harsh could resist. Having left Abel, do not, monk, attach yourself to the proud Cain, so as not to share his punishments with him. Know how wonderful humility is, and choose it for yourself, because it leads you to heaven. A good reward has been offered to you, monk, for your humility - the Kingdom of Heaven; don't worry about him. Let the young monk, despising vanity, establish himself in chastity. A monk imbued with chastity is a new planting sanctified by God. Fasting is a rein for a monk; whoever throws off this bridle becomes like a “horse of a womanizer” (Jer. 5:8). The young unbridled monk sins mercilessly. A monk who washes the feet of saints makes his heart bright and will have treasure in heaven. A monk who indifferently washes the feet of sinners incurs the blessing of the lost. The vigilant monk does this day and night, diligently remaining in prayer. The monk, striking his heart, sheds tears and brings down oil from heaven. The divine stream in the mouth of a monk is a psalm of confession; whoever purchased it is perfect. The tree of life on earth is a monk who is not devoted to passions; the tree of eternal life in heaven is a monk who does not wander. A wondrous sight in heaven - a monk on earth who has taken on the angelic life. The sharpest sword against the devil is a psalm in the mouth of a monk. Elisha's dry tree brought out iron from the depths; the monk’s body, which has become dry from fasting, draws out the soul from the depths. The fast of a monk dries up the currents of voluptuousness. The sword on passion is the monk’s vigil in prayer. Potions lovingly offered by a monk as a treat are better than the fat of a burnt offering. Gifts and offerings deceive the wise; whoever accepts them with offense for others is not an ascetic. The limit of fasting for a monk is death; before his death let him not leave him. The limit of prayer for a monk is not assigned; because it is good to bless the Lord at all times. An ascetic who reproaches monks does not deserve approval and is vile in the eyes of people. It is not easy for a monk who does not hold his tongue on the day of wrath to control his passions. An angry monk kills his soul and stings his neighbor with sharp arrows. Woe to the monk who justifies himself before people, because he is abominable before God. A lazy monk will come up with vain words, and his conversation will be deceptive. A rash monk falls into temptation, but a meek one calms his anger. The monk who trusts in his strength falls, but the one who trusts in grace will stand. He who destroys his neighbor as a sinner is pitiful, but he who prefers his neighbor will be exalted. A monk who practices physical struggle will arouse disgust for himself and will humiliate himself in the eyes of the worthy. Arm yourself, monk, before temptation; this will help you in the temptation to be good-natured. Do not acquire for yourself, monk, wealth and rank; the path is narrow and cramped and requires putting aside everything that is not useful on it. Having become a disciple of Paul, speak with Paul: “I count all the skill of my life, that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8). The fire burning in the monk is voluptuousness kindled by drunkenness. Christ is the ever-flowing source; Drawing from Him, monk, extinguish the stinking fire. The wealth that we have in our hands, and the fatness of the body acquired by frequent intoxication, will not be allowed into the gates of heaven. Therefore, monk, rely not on wealth and fatness of the body, but on non-covetousness and abstinence, and you will not stand outside the gates. A monk who hopes for the superiority of his family and physical nobility will be humiliated, but the humble one for the sake of Christ will be exalted. Do not utter, monk, evil words, otherwise you will become a vineyard that grows thorns. Use the most pleasant words, monk, in conversation with your neighbor, because honey has no bitterness in it. Let the defender of the causes of truth not be careless, because the bee is always in action. The streams of the Jordan cleanse from sins; they were sanctified by Christ. A stream of tears from a monk brings remission of sins; Christ said: “Blessed are those who weep now: for you will laugh” (Luke 6:21). A frivolous monk is agitated by a storm of thoughts; he who controls himself reinforces himself with the gospel verbs. Without reproach, as much as you have the strength, monk, deliver your neighbor from sin, because God does not reject those who convert. Do not hold in your heart, monk, an evil and crafty word against your brother, so that you can say to you: “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). A careless monk will be crushed by thoughts, like wheat by thorns. The crown of praise for a monk is peace and holiness; whoever purchases them will see the Lord. The chastity of a monk will elevate his head and glorify him among many. Let the wisdom of a monk not consist in knowledge of what kind of work should be carried out, but rather be famous for constancy and meekness. Such a monk will be wise and will prove to be a faithful leader among many brethren, because he is truly wise who not only teaches in words, but also instructs in deeds. A prudent monk, fighting against a horde of demons, is not wounded by their arrows. A monk who strengthens himself with the Cross of Christ will crush the head of the serpent. Let the monk’s mouth be open to the word of God, and let his heart be taught the words of the Lord without distraction. A monk’s precious asset is virginity, illuminated by the light of almsgiving. Having preserved it, the monk will undoubtedly ascend to the bridal chamber. Keep the commandments of the Most High, monk; try, ascetic, to preserve the rule of the fathers; By doing this, you will be an heir to the Kingdom of Heaven. The brave monk falls into temptation and into the snare of the devil, but the meek one will be met with peace and the crown of holiness. The luxurious monk falls into seduction and night dreams; A fasting monk has an undefiled bed and sleep without dreams. A monk who fears God will not encounter anything evil, because the Lord protects him, and on the day of death he will have a peace offering. The obedience of a monk is not learned through great feats, but is tested through temptation. The patience of a monk in sorrows, observed faithfully, gives him shameless hope. A monk must have patience until his last breath. For “he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). Let the monk’s chanting be incessant, because the Seraphim sing praises incessantly. In your mouth, monk, let there be a spiritual song, lightening the burden of befalling temptations for you. Be patient, monk, because the time of patience is short, but the centuries of pleasure are endless. An obedient monk will stand at the cross with good boldness, because on the cross is the Lord, obedient to death, death on the cross. Let not the monk's voice rise above his brother in the sorrow of his soul. Let the monk's voice, in prayerful meekness, sincerely ascend to God from motionless lips. The true light on earth is a monk who did not crawl with his tongue. He who is such and has not desecrated his body with sins is a friend of Christ. If the fear of God embraces a monk, then it is like an insurmountable pillar. A monk who has not acquired the fear of God will conveniently be captured by his opponents. The pure light on earth is a monk who has nothing, because the love of money, being the root of “all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10), does not bear good fruit. It is better for a monk to eat meat and drink wine than to eat the flesh of his brother in gossip. Eat, monk, your bread with honey, abstaining from bitterness, and drink your wine with milk, being infant in spirit, because there is no bitterness in honey and milk is unknown to vice. Gold is tested in a fiery furnace, and the monk is recognized among the multitude of monastics. Let the monk’s hands be reverently stretched out to God, because Moses, using his hands to represent the cross, overcame Amalek. Abundant grace on the monk crucified and dying daily; The Angels rejoice over him, accepting him into the Heavenly Kingdom. A monk's curb on passions is fasting, and the mortification of passions is prayer and alms. Hail is destructive to the vine when it sends forth lashes; such are the hands of a monk, who do not have a good job in a monastery that is barely established. Whiter than snow is a monk who is above carnal lusts, because, having desired Christ instead of gold, he will see how Christ will crown him on the day of goodness. A whispering monk will disperse many monks and scatter friends. A monk who sings intelligently will cement spiritual friendship. The serpent, by whispering, expelled Eve from paradise, and the monk-whisperer will become like him, because he destroys his neighbor’s soul and will not save his own. He who sings intelligently in his heart will be heard by God. Let a monk’s soul look to God with an undistracted eye, because a monk’s soul, having renounced the world and become engaged to Christ, neglects earthly things. A monk clothed in good deeds will bend the head of the serpent into a ring. The monk’s soul, spiritually fragrant, sacredly blocks its sense of smell from the serpent, so as not to smell the filth of voluptuousness in it. How wonderful, brethren, to overcome voluptuousness and to be above carnal lusts! Whoever has the fear of God in his heart will not be touched by the filth of voluptuousness. Beautiful is the praise in the mouth of a monk, given to God from a pure heart. The Lord will accept his request like fragrant incense. Oh, what sadness the Angels have when a monk is deprived of the Kingdom for inattention! Oh, how painful it is for the saints when an ascetic for pride does not enter the holy chamber with the Bridegroom! Oh, what joy for the saints when a sinner enters the Heavenly Kingdom through repentance! Oh, what joy the saints have when a sinner turns from the path of his error! Imitating the faith of the saints, fill them with joy with joy. O blessed children of God, monks, who were not overcome by the lust of the flesh! The earth will not cover you, but heaven and Angels will receive you! Glory to God Himself forever! Amen. Hear and keep this, you who have become sons of light; this teaching will lead you to the Kingdom of Heaven. Listen carefully to these words and you will find peace for your souls. Recover from weakness, strengthened by the fear of God. Let your prayer to God be pure. But I ask you to pray for me too. You will be heirs of eternal life if you do not neglect these teachings. According to the Gospel commandment, let your word be “to her, to her: neither, nor” (Matthew 5:37). Death does not possess you, because you have passed from death to life! Jesus is your life; if you cling to him, you will not die. For He is the Lord of life and death and gives life to those who approach Him; He resolves sins, cleanses the iniquities of those who call on His name, heals those who repent, and sanctifies those who are converted. Therefore, understand the power of repentance, and let those who have sinned hasten to it. For you, friends of God, every type of sin is strange. Sin does not possess your spiritual flesh, because you have returned to yourself incorruptibility. You stand outside temptation, brothers, because you have freed yourself from bitterness by believing the words of God; they neglected earthly things, taking the cross on their foreheads; presenting a spectacle terrible for the devil, honoring the truth and maintaining purity, you have already become inside paradise. You might be interested in: