Duhovni boj s osam glavnih strasti

by John Cassian, Ivan Kasijan, Brigita Peček (editor)

Ivan Kasijan veliki je sveti redovnik kojega časti i istočna i zapadna Crkva. Kasijana preporučuje u svom Pravilu i sv. Benedikt, a često ga i sam sv. Toma Akvinski navodi kao autoritet. Kasijan je kroz stoljeća bio učitelj nutarnjeg života. U njegovom je duhovnom nauku vrlo naglašeno "razlikovanje duhova", tj. sposobnost da se otkrije koja misao i poticaj dolaze od Boga, a koja od zloduha. Ta je vrlina za nj majka, čuvarica i voditeljica svih kreposti. Nju će kasnije u klasičnom obliku iznijeti sv. Ignacije Lojola u Pravilima za raspoznavanje dubina.

Osam glavnih strasti:
1. ugađanje nepca ili proždrljivost
2. blud
3. srebroljublje
4. gnjev
5. tuga
6. duhovna tromost ili acedia
7. taština
8. oholost

102 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 700

About the author

Saint John Cassian was a monk and theologian. Born in the region of Scythia Minor (today's Romania and Bulgaria). As a member of wealthy family he received a good classical education (he was bilingual, knew Latin and Greek). Died in Marseille in 435. Celebrated in both the Western and Eastern Churches for his mystical writings. Cassian is noted for bringing the ideas and practices of Egyptian monasticism to the early medieval West. Influenced St. Benedict, who included many of Cassian's principles into his monastic rule.

Reviews

[Matt Reser · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This was read from The Philokalia Vol.1 this is part of The Institutes)
Cassian’s short essays do an excellent job of diagnosing and giving remedy to 8 vices. Cassian’s explanations are deeply rooted in scripture and has many practical applications. This is a difficult, but rich read. My basic summary is that Cassian is strong advocate for intentional Godly community and for God’s grace and mercy that empowers our climb to holiness. There are a few things that I might disagree with Cassian on, but overall a great work that more people should read.

(Also if you decide to read this remember that it is written for Monks)