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Writings from 

THE PHILOKALIA

on the Prayer of the Heart

Translated by E KADLOUBOVSKY and G.E.H. PALMER

Faber and Faber Limited, London, 1951

 

St Gregory of Sinai

Texts on the commandments and dogmas, warnings and promises;
also on thoughts, passions and virtues; as well as on silence and prayer
 

18. Those who struggle, regain their original state by keeping two commandments--obedience and fasting; for all evil entered into the generation of mortals through practices opposed to them. Moreover, those who keep the commandments through obedience ascend to God more quickly, and those who keep them through fasting--more slowly. Besides, obedience is more suitable for beginners, and fasting for those on the way, who possess courage and vision of mind. But in fulfilling the commandments it is given to very few always to obey God undeceived, and even for the most valiant this achievement is very difficult.