Письмо 72
The Path to Interior Peace
The author advises that true interior peace is found by limiting social distractions and the restless desire for constant interaction.
May the Lord bless you as you take on this work; just be sure to do it wisely. The thought that you have to go somewhere and that someone has to come visit you will never leave you in peace. Arrange your life so that you're reluctant to go out to anyone and reluctant to receive anyone at home. The elders write: as long as you still want to give and take, don't expect peace.1 This phrase—'give and take'—covers everything: every kind of interaction with others.2
Beginning the Journey
While spiritual detachment is a gradual process, the reader is encouraged to begin immediately to experience the sweetness of God's presence.
You can't reach this all at once, but you need to make a start right now. May His goodness grant you the sweetness of abiding with the Lord!
Read the original Russian
Благослови вас, Господи, потрудиться; только с умом надо. Помышление, будто надобно где-нибудь бывать вам и будто нужно, чтоб кто-нибудь бывал у вас, не будет давать вам покоя. Потрудитесь так устроиться, чтоб неохотно выходить к кому и неохотно видеть кого у себя. У старцев пишется: пока есть охота давать и брать, не жди покоя. Эта фраза: давать и брать, обнимает все, всякаго рода сношения с другими. Не вдруг-то можно достигнуть сего; но начало надо положить сейчас же. Сладость пребывания с Господом да дарствует вам Его благость!
Notes
Letters on the Christian Life companion
Rule yourself daily, not just on retreat
Chosen Portion turns the mirror into a daily practice — a short reading and examining question each morning before you lead anyone.
Chosen Portion makes the mirror daily: the ruler-formation questions this collection preserves become a two-minute morning examination in the app.
- A daily formation reading drawn from centuries of counsel to those in authority
- One pointed examination question a day — two minutes, before the meetings start
- Track your practice over weeks and watch the examined life become a habit