Hesychia and other Byzantine Spiritual Methods

[Little_Boy_Lost]

Hesychia seems to be synonymous with Byzantine spiritual life, but I was wondering if there are other lesser known “ways” or “paths” that existed before, or after either in the middle east, the slavic lands or even in the empire that were similar to hesychia.

I was intrigued by this quote from an article on eastern orthodoxy and buddhism I posted in another thread.

The author says

“Eastern Orthodoxy – especially the hesychasm (contemplative) tradition”

He seems to view hesychia as one way within orthodoxy. This seems similar to how you would view western religious life with it’s many orders that stress different elements.

Thanks!

 

[Wesley7]

Heyschia ~ praying in the Spirit + Contemplation + Focus

 

[Vico]

Hesychia seems to be synonymous with Byzantine spiritual life, but I was wondering if there are other lesser known “ways” or “paths” that existed before, or after either in the middle east, the slavic lands or even in the empire that were similar to hesychia.

I was intrigued by this quote from an article on eastern orthodoxy and buddhism I posted in another thread.

The author says

He seems to view hesychia as one way within orthodoxy. This seems similar to how you would view western religious life with it’s many orders that stress different elements.

Thanks!

Prayer in various religions has the common element of bringing the mind to focus. And some use focusing techinques like the whirling dervishes, constant rememberance and, vocal or mental, of a prayer. Christians have been observed in various devotional states with inward focus. Brother Lawrence (Latin Church) spoke of practicing the presence of God. Saint Antony of the Desert had visions which put him into a trance (#82 Athanasius: Life of Antony):

fordham.edu/halsall/basis/vita-antony.asp

“Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” Matthew 26:40