Невидимая брань

by Никодим Святогорец

Этот труд преподобного Никодима Святогорца, переведенный и адаптированный святителем Феофаном Затворником, давно стал излюбленным чтением православных. Книга повествует о той невидимой битве, которую каждый христианин ведет со врагами своего спасения. В книге обозревается поле этой битвы, излагаются методы ведения борьбы, раскрываются способы использования духовного оружия, которое есть в нашем распоряжении. Желающий достигнуть Небесного Царства должен вести мысленную брань против страстей врагов рода человеческого, день и ночь не перестающих воевать против него. Своеобразную тактику и стратегию этой брани Господней предлагает нам преподобный отец.
Книга адресована читателю, желающему правильно проходить путь духовной жизни.

Genres: Christianity, Spirituality, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Faith

400 pages

First published January 1, 1796

Reviews

[Sea of Tranquility · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I sit in my cell and see evil thoughts rise up against me; since I am not strong enough to resist them, I run to God by means of prayer, and so save myself from the enemy.”

[Navel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hear what St. John Chrysostom says: "Prayer is a great blessing if practised in a right inner state and if we teach ourselves to give thanks to God, both when we receive what we ask and when we do not receive it. For when He gives, and when He does not give, He does it for your good. Thus when you receive what you ask, it is quite clear that you have received it; but when you do not receive it, you also receive, because you thus do not receive what is undoubtedly harmful for you; and not to receive what is harmful means to be granted what is useful. So, whether you receive what you ask or not, give thanks to God in the belief that God would have always given us what we ask were it not often better for us to receive it.""
pg. 204

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great spiritual work, many hard writings to accept, but very spiritual useful carefully with prayer

[SilverReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for every Christian

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book, written for monks, about the internal struggles of ascetic practice in the Christian context.

[Konstantin Zahariev · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Невидимата бран” (съвр. “война/борба/воюване”) е удивителна книга за това как да се справяме със себе си и побеждаваме злото.

Писана през XVII век от католик и редактирана началото на XVIII век от св. Никодим Светогорец за православния свят, това е най-добрата психологическа книга, която някога съм чел. Разбира се, тя няма нищо общо със съвременната наука “психология” и това е хубавото в нея, защото се основава на традиция, която в много отношения е много по-стара, наблюдателна и дълбока от модерните изследвания по психология.

Съвременният човек лесно може да се зачуди и дори възпротиви на някои от изказванията в книгата, но всъщност, ако продължи да чете, ще разбере, че книгата определено го превъзпитава и е благ лек за душата. Не случайно до колкото разбрах, се използва в някои места за обучение на монаси. Както се изрази един приятел: “учи те да ставаш джедай”.


Задължителна за всеки християнин, а и човек .

[JonM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of so many spiritually nourishing works by the English Puritans which I studied in my early twenties. I felt at home from cover to cover. In so many ways this book is nourishing because it’s very practical and very pastoral, which is (not so surprisingly) uncommon among so-called “Orthodox” books. Instead of being bored, as is often the case with me familiarizing myself with officially “Orthodox” literature, this work recharged my spiritual batteries.

[Cliff Sowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

The introduction was more potent than the book itself. The chapters are repetitive; each chapter is a rewording of the first chapter.

I have heard wonderful praise for this Orthodox classic, but I found it to be hollow, vacuous, and depressing.

The main message of the book is that we should view ourselves as nothing. We should not seek the love of other people; we should not desire to improve ourselves; we should turn away from education and other forms of information or enlightenment.

The book repeatedly insists that our singular focus in life should be Jesus Christ, and I understand that point, but the self-hating, masochistic methods suggested in this book have left me feeling hopeless, guilty, and inadequate.

But perhaps making the reader feel such disparaging emotions is exactly the goal of the book?

I know it is important for common parishioners to heed the wisdom and advice of Orthodox saints and church elders, but the idea that our lives should be devoid of all joy is a hard lesson to swallow. I shouldn’t enjoy a beautiful sunset, or a spirited meal with friends and family, or simply taking a walk through the forest to enjoy nature? I have read the Bible twice, and I have found no evidence that Jesus intended for us to live in such a stark, bitter, and barren manner - the irony being that it was the church who compiled the Bible, yet many Orthodox beliefs, prayers, and rituals lack Biblical support.

[Judith Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of our human weaknesses, a better understanding of God and what should be done in our work for salvation. It was a great read also to understand the relentless temptations laid out by the ennemy. My fav part was definitely on the preparation for battle with the enemies in the hour of death and greatly made me think of this unceasing warfare we are in, against the ennemy. I also appreciated the practical advice in being watchful and observant upon oneself in order to acquire virtues by undertaking training in any of them, preferably one at a time.
"The arena, the field of battle, the site where the fight actually takes place is our heart...". "The time of battle is our whole life".

[Robert Nicodemo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scuopoli, by itself is more than enough recommendation, particularly considering some of the greatest saints of more recent centuries, who read it with great benefits. Now, what I am tackling at this moment is the same book, as reviewed-rewritten by Nicodemus the Hagiorite, and Theophan the Recluse, both Oriental saints, giving this review the Byzantine slant that would be necessary for that Christian mentality. Excellent the original, and excellent the review. One will benefit reading either book, but more beneficial reading both.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took quite awhile for me to read this. Although the chapters are short, each chapter is filled with deep theology and teachings to ponder. Many of these are difficult to accept with our modern sensibilities. Very Convicting! A book that needs to be read multiple times and with prayer.

[Gregory Korbut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Too much to even think about in the first pass. Need to go back to basics and then come at this work again with a better foundation.

[Ben Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I certainly found myself unsure of what I think of much of this book, but I feel like I learned some valuable lessons from it. I am unsure how to feel about the apophatic nature of the text. It places a major emphasis on the emptying of the mind for the sake of inviting God. The author believes we must empty the mind, separate ourselves from all things, and then can we best experience God. It also emphasizes extreme self-denial. However, what I really appreciated is that it was always very kind. He encouraged the reader to have healthy approaches to their self-denial, not falling into despair or becoming unhelpfully emotionally harmed.
I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on the heart being involved in self-denial. The author had a very experiential faith. He desired to completely marry ritual and feeling if possible. He didn't want to manufacture emotions, he wanted to arrive at a place where prayer always brings him to God and stirs his heart.
Speaking of the heart, one of the most helpful lessons I learned was the importance of keeping a balanced heart. I have to sit and evaluate the nature of my heart, seeking to think carefully about its posture, then take corrective measures to balance it in God.
Furthermore, I need to make plans every day. This book makes it clear that I am part of a war, and I must draw up war plans daily to make against the Enemy. Never letting my guard down, and always doing everything as if he could strike at any time.
Perhaps my favorite lesson was his incarnational approach to life. Everything declares God's glory and can remind me of the incarnation. The author provides beautiful prayers and guidance to make every aspect of human life a meditative tool.
This book was a truly remarkable tool.

[Silouan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Never delay in undertaking any work you have to do, for the first brief delay will lead to a second, more prolonged one, and the second to a third, still longer, and so on. Thus work begins too late and is not done in its proper time, or else is abandoned altogether, as something too burdensome. Having once tasted the pleasure of inaction, you begin to like and prefer it to action.
In satisfying this desire, you will little by little form a habit of inaction and laziness, in which the passion for doing nothing will possess you to such an extent that you will cease even to see how incongruous and criminal it is; except perhaps when you weary of this laziness, and are again eager to take up your work. Then you will see with shame how negligent you have been and how many necessary works you have neglected, for the sake of the empty and useless ‘doing what you like.’”

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"the arena, the field of the battle, the site where the fight actually takes place is our own heart and all our inner man. The time of battle is our whole life"

This is a spiritual guide book for all Christians seeking the Kingdom of God. It was initially written by Lorenzo Scupoli, a catholic priest and a western, in the 16th Cent. Then, it was picked up and edited by Nicodemus of the Holy mountain, an Eastern monk. Finally, was edited again by St. Theophan the Recluse, another Eastern Christian.

I felt that God send me this book to help me. I thought I was alone, but I am not. As when we accepted Christ and renounced the devil, we declared war on the kingdom of darkness. We cannot fight this war alone, we need our Lord to fight for us, His grace, and heavenly hosts will be on our side in the battle.

[Aaron Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent manual that really gets into detail and meditates deeply within its short but numerous chapters.
It's target audience is most certainly those who are dedicated to fighting the unseen warfare as a Christian (as opposed to being an introduction to Orthodox spirituality or a catechesis). Come to this work willing to learn and be challenged.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, one I will have to return to again and again. I put it up there with Wounded by Love by Saint Porphyrios. Every page has so much wisdom and helpful guidance in the spiritual life. I recommend reading it slowly and absorbing as much as you can as you go through it. Definitely worth the read, and the re-read.

[Caden Cramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for Lent 2023. Amazing book to read for the season. Interesting blend of Greek and Latin spirituality but mostly Greek.

Really hits on battling the passions and building virtue. A lot of gold that I will have to go back to gather.

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutally honest book about the reality of spiritual warfare as a Christian, the inner life, and active repentance. Particularly I am fascinated by his ability to explain replacing vices by cultivating virtues

[Catalin Damir · Rating 5 out of 5]

The War that dwarfs all wars of all times. The war for our souls. This is a very known and appreciated work among Orthodox Christians.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be a book I return to for years to come.

[Aleksandar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I write to present this book and it's importance for every serious Christian?

I don't even want to try, so I don't somehow diminish the importance and profoundity of it.

It is a must read for anyone serious about understanding Christianity.

It's written in such a loving, personal manner, that it's like sitting with an Elder who's explaining what to do for your Salvation.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

every single Orthodox Christian should read this book at least once in their lifetime.

[William Tu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most helpful book, with a lots of good spiritual advice and information. Very helpful to any Orthodox Christian, or to any believers in Jesus Christ.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The classic Lenten read for the Orthodox Christian. Not lightweight, but essential.

[Davoud Taghavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...how great is God's desire to enter your heart, to gain there a final victory over your enemies, who are His enemies also, you cannot help feeling an ardent desire to receive Him into yourself, in order that He should accomplish in you such a deed in actual fact." -pg 227

"It happens sometimes that while the soul languishes in this state of coolness and absence of taste for anything spiritual, the enemy attacks with greater vigour, inciting evil thoughts, shameful impulses and seductive dreams. His aim is to provoke hopelessness from the sense of being abandoned by God and to make a man give up struggle, and incline towards something passionate, in order to lead him back with ease into the vortex of sinful life. Being aware of this, stand firm. Let waves of sin roar away from the heart; as long as your heart is filled with aversion to sin and with desire to be faithful to God...So stand firm, inspired by the certainty that this storm will soon be over and with it your dryness will leave you...if you endure this time of trial and temptation, you will come out of it with greater knowledge of your own weakness, greater humility, and a stronger conviction that God's help is always ready at hand." -pg 246


This version of Unseen Warfare, the classic by the catholic mystic Lorenzo Scupoli, is really a resynthesizing by Nicodemus of Mount Athos upon its translation into Greek from Latin and was again refashioned by St.Theophan the Recluse when it was translated into Russian from Nicodemus's greek edition. As such, each of the two significantly changed Scupoli's work adding their own insights and intuitions. St.Theophan's version of the work, perhaps the latest and most popular, is filled with references and quotes from the Philokalia and is essentially an eastern orthodox instruction manual on the spiritual life. A must have!

[Chuck Rosencrans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tell friends and family that this book is not a book of theology, self-help, nor philosophy—I tell them it is a first-aid kit of the heart. I mean this quite literally. It is a referential text that I return to time and time again, and I flip through it on behalf of helping others as well as myself. Absolutely indispensably useful. Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

[W.J. Caywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I found it remarkable for the insights and helpful observations on what is involved in walking with integrity with God through the many trials one faces. This is one of those gems that most Christians do not know about but is worth the time to meditatively read and reflect upon.

[Isabel Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful and a good read. The author provides a well-observed perspective on human nature and our battles with temptation and sin.

Each chapter holds a lot of information, making it a slower, more reflective read for me. Worth it.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep going back to this book!!