Heaven Begins Within You: Wisdom from the Desert Fathers

by Anselm Gruen O.S.B.

Overview

The Christian hermits, ascetics, and monks of early history had deep insight into the nature and aspirations of humankind. Drawing on their experiences in the cloisters of the desert they became sought after mentors, teachers, and spiritual guides. This book is filled with poignant wisdom stories relating their message to modern daily life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780824518189
Publisher:	The Crossroad Publishing Company
Publication date:	04/01/2000
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.31(h) x 0.40(d)

Read an Excerpt

In the final analysis, behind the insistence on asceticism lies a positive image of humanity. The monks believe that we can work on ourselves. We aren't completely at the mercy of our predispositions or our past upbringing. The monks don't try to find excuses for themselves in an education gone wrong; they don't put the blame for their lives on other people. They don't feel helplessly abandoned to their desires. Instead, they trust the power that God has given us, a power by which we can liberate ourselves from the obstacles that might hold us back from life.

Table of Contents

	Introduction	7
1.	Spirituality from Below	17
2.	Staying by Oneself	28
3.	The Desert and Temptation	36
4.	Asceticism	45
5.	Keeping Silence, Not Passing Judgment	52
6.	Analyzing Our Thoughts and Feelings	60
7.	Dealing with Our Passions	76
8.	Shaping Life Spiritually	95
9.	Keeping Death before Our Eyes Every Day	103
10.	Contemplation as a Path of Healing	111
11.	Gentleness as a Sign of the Spiritual Person	116
	Conclusion	119
	Bibliography	125