The Singing Heart: A Book of Quiet Reflections

by Alexandra Weber (Translator), Ivan Ilyin

The Singing Heart: A Book of Quiet Reflections is a collection of reflections on human nature and morality; the beauty of nature and its relationship with man as created being and God as creator; man's duties, responsibilities, and destiny in life; and the interplay of heart, mind, and soul. These reflections from a "singing heart" are beautifully written in a language steeped in love for Russia and the Orthodox faith and provide a glimpse into the soul of a man who refused to be beaten by the cruelty of his time but found beauty in the darkest of days.

Genres: Philosophy, Christianity, Russia, Theology

190 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Katie Newberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over years of faith, a person collects their own set of heart lessons that they revisit again and again over the years; thoughts and reminders and patterns that bring comfort and courage. This book is a collection of Ivan Ilyin’s heart lessons, and the words have a time-worn, time-tested, time-proved quality that ring of Truth and Beauty. Like following a wonderfully worn set of stairs that show years of homey travel in front of you. I resonated with his habit of finding deep Kingdom moments in everyday things; the small, simple, consistent choices that lead to a contemplative life and a “singing heart.” But not in a trivial, vague, abstract way! In a fully present, fully loving way that connects you deeply with God and with the people around you.

[Seraf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very introspective observations about Christian life from a master Russian philosopher. It's nothing too heavy, but it does give a window in the mind of someone exiled from their homeland, trying to gain some semblance of normalcy in a world gone mad.

[Yuri Yurq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Это именно то произведение которое так давно искал. Станет ли настольной книгой покажет время, но сейчас под огромным впечатлением. Как много созвучного нашёл! С благодарностью.

[w gall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A philosopher's vision of wholeness of life. Medium sized devotions by a scholar. Imbued with Russian cultural ways of sizing up life. The chapters are fairly short, yet challenging.