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Hesychia

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The Greek term hesychia (ἡσυχία, Greek pronunciation: [isiˈçia]) is a concept that can be translated as "stillness, rest, quiet, silence".^[1]

In Christianity[edit]

In the Eastern Orthodox Christian mystical tradition of hesychasm, hesychia refers to a state of stillness and peace that is obtained through extreme ascetical struggle, prayer, and the constant contemplation of God. The attainment of hesychia is a central theme discussed in hesychast literature.

Chapter 2 of the Systematic Sayings of the Desert Fathers is dedicated to the topic of hesychia.^[2]

In Neoplatonism[edit]

The term is also used in Neoplatonic texts such as the Enneads.^[3]

Other languages[edit]

Equivalent terms in other languages include Syriac shelya (šelya).^[4]

See also[edit]

Wikiquote has quotations related to hesychia.

• Monastic silence
• Apatheia
• Inner peace
• Tranquility
• Centering prayer
• Quietism (Christian philosophy)
• Christianity and Hellenistic philosophy
• Neoplatonism and Christianity
• Mauna (silence) in Hinduism

References[edit]

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