On Guarding the Mind and the Heart - St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite

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  • Опубликовано: 12 сен 2022
  • This foundational text comes from “A Handbook of Spiritual Counsel” by St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite. This particular chapter is a summary of the principles and practices found in the Philokalia. According to Fr. Maximos Constas, this should be read before beginning the Philokalia. St. Nikodemos, the great man of prayer and illumined teacher of Athos, guides the faithful in the method of spiritual healing and noetic progress.
    Especially key in seeking to apply the teaching of St. Nikodemos is to be under the guidance of a true spiritual father. He can help you take the next steps based on who you are and your current stage of spiritual progress. If you do not have a spiritual father, ask God for the grace to find the one meant for you.
    This is the first recording of the newest contributer to Orthodox Wisdom: Timothy D. He cam into the Church in 2018 and lives in Alabama. Please pray for Timothy and give thanks to God for another co-laborer with Orthodox Wisdom!
    A word about the nous:
    The English word that best conveys the meaning of the Greek word "νοῦς" is the word "mind." The Fathers use this term with several other meanings, too. They mainly refer to the nous as the soul (the "spiritual nature" of a man-St. Isaac the Syrian) and the heart (or "the essence of the soul"-vid. Philokalia, Vol. I, p. 109, 73). More specifically, it constitutes the innermost aspect of the heart (St. Diadochos §§79, 88). However, they also refer to it as the "eye of the soul" (St. John of Damascus, The Orthodox Faith, FC Vol. 37, p. 236) or "the organ of theoria" (Makarian Homilies) which "is engaged in pure prayer" (St. Isaac the Syrian). They call the energy of the nous "a power of the soul" (St. Gregory Palamas, On the Holy Spirit, 2, 9) "consisting of thoughts and conceptual images" (St. Gregory Palamas, On the Hesychasts, p. 410, 3). However, the nous is more commonly known as the energy of the soul, whereas the heart is known as the essence of the soul. (From the glossary of “Counsels from the Holy Mountain” by Elder Ephraim of Philotheou and Arizona)
    From “On Guarding the Mind of the Heart”:
    "In guarding the heart and keeping it pure, one can also keep all the divine commandments of Christ. For in truth this is how it is. The guarding of the mind and the heart and the spiritual prayer of the heart that is thus made possible has as its subject matter the commandment to love God. But by virtue of the power of this one commandment all of the other commandments are also included and fulfilled. This is why the Lord said: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15)."
    “The memory of God is a pain to the heart [that is done] for the sake of piety; everyone who forgets God experiences sweetness by remains unhealed.” -St. Mark the Ascetic
    "When the mind of a person becomes accustomed to entering the heart, to converse with his inner consciousness and to find his will and to contemplate upon himself and all his activities, it does not remain without joy and gladness. Thus, as when a person who has been away from home rejoices to return and to see his wife and his children, so also the mind rejoices to return to the heart."
    "By rising up through this spiritual work and by removing the dirt and the ashes of evil passions and thoughts and superstitions from your heart, which contains within itself the covered spark of the supernatural grace of God, you will also find this very spark which Christ came to light upon the earth of the heart. And when you do discover this most precious spark in your heart you will experience an ineffable joy and this joy will cause you to shed tears of great sweetness. Afterward, by placing over this spark as kindling the work of the life-giving commandments of the Lord and the various other acquired virtues, and by blowing upon them with fervent willingness and love, you will light up a strange and supernatural fire in your heart. Rather it will be Jesus whom you remember who will light this fire, and who will burn up with His warmth the evil passions and the demons that attack you, banish the insults of evil thoughts, and sweeten the whole inner disposition of your heart-granting you joy, peace, love for God, and love for your neighbor."
    Download “A Handbook of Spiritual Counsel” here: drive.google.com/file/d/1_zym...
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Комментарии • 77

  • @Angelina6518
    @Angelina6518 Год назад +69

    I pray daily; “Come Holy Spirit, Come! Guard my heart, mind, mouth and tongue. Give me the Words of The Holy One.” It’s very edifying l

    • @maryhowsrd3381
      @maryhowsrd3381 Год назад +6

      Come holy spirit guard my heart mind mouth and tongue
      Abba father give me the words actions of holy One God help me see the Angels with grace .

    • @lichberserker
      @lichberserker Год назад +1

      Aren't you righteous!?

    • @deborahmariegonzales2245
      @deborahmariegonzales2245 11 месяцев назад +1

      Praying these very words could have the potential of leading you well yourself.

    • @SaltAndVinegarFlavour
      @SaltAndVinegarFlavour 13 дней назад

      ​@@lichberserkerAs you are sarcastic.

  • @mh7008
    @mh7008 Год назад +16

    Thank you brother, the Orthodox way is truth in action, it is food for the soul, the Orthodox Church is heaven on earth, narrow is the way few who find it.

  • @veilofreality
    @veilofreality Год назад +24

    Thanks for another inestimable upload. These words particularly struck me for their depth and truth: "While the mind is easily cleansed, it can also be easily polluted. The heart however, as it is cleansed with great difficulty, it is also difficult to be polluted." Saint Isaac the Syrian

    • @junesilvermanb2979
      @junesilvermanb2979 Год назад

      Isaac of Nineveh
      en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_of_Nineveh

  • @riapresley5446
    @riapresley5446 Год назад +7

    Wow! Very intense... esoteric...heavy... profound....deep... guidance in engaging with the mysteries

  • @orthodoxboomergrandma3561
    @orthodoxboomergrandma3561 Год назад +8

    The True Psychology of the Heart!

    • @lunacielo5705
      @lunacielo5705 11 месяцев назад +1

      The true psycology of the soul

  • @Tiffanka
    @Tiffanka Год назад +9

    I came here today for refuge to cope with the man made deception in the sky on innocent humans who are many, that cannot see what they are doing. And there it is again, just beyond the cross, on the cover of this video. Please lord grant me respite, please speak to my mind, heart and soul through this teaching. My heart feels like it is growing weary and dry. Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

    • @OrthodoxWisdom
      @OrthodoxWisdom  Год назад +3

      You’re right, the modern phenomena in the sky is tragic. I see it in my town too. We can’t stop the spirit if the age but we can help preserve ourselves and those close to us from its harmful effects. Be courageous in the sight wickedness.

    • @Tiffanka
      @Tiffanka Год назад +2

      @@OrthodoxWisdom Thank you so much for your wisdom!
      I appreciate so much your validation and ability to see the situation with grace. I’ve brought the topic up one other time (I deleted the comment as to not draw attention to myself) and you suggested reading the teachings of the elders and specifically mentioned Elder Thaddious, this helped me tremendously as well as this video today that I was listening to today.
      I appreciate you and this channel so much, some days things are so isolating, and I am here for solace and glean much more.
      Many many thanks. You’re awesome and you make such a positive difference more than you know. 🙏🏼♥️ May God grant you many blessings always.

    • @OrthodoxWisdom
      @OrthodoxWisdom  Год назад +2

      Glory to God. The grace of God is God Himself, and we call Him in our daily prayer to the Holy Spirit “the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth”

    • @Tiffanka
      @Tiffanka Год назад +1

      @@OrthodoxWisdom ♥️

    • @laurasimmons7098
      @laurasimmons7098 Год назад +4

      Even though the sky alteration is in plain site for all to see, many will get angry and dismiss it. There is a spiritual veil that causes many people to deny what is overtly being done. Alternately the people who do see it have Grace from God to recognize this evil intent. Lord we pray to keep our minds on you in this spiritual battle. God bless my brothers and sisters in Christ, knit our hearts together through your Love, Amen

  • @Poqanics
    @Poqanics Месяц назад

    I procure my tears for my loved ones, and I contemplate my heart..God bless you guys, thanks

  • @maryhowsrd3381
    @maryhowsrd3381 Год назад +4

    Come holy spirit guard my heart mind mouth and tongue
    Abba father give me the words actions of holy One God help me see the Angels with grace . Go away Satan

  • @fellowgames8245
    @fellowgames8245 Месяц назад

    This video came to me as a grace from God

  • @tallmikbcroft6937
    @tallmikbcroft6937 Год назад +2

    Truly a Man of God

  • @Snaut1
    @Snaut1 Год назад +11

    Excellent content, brother. Keep up the good work. ☦

  • @anthonyladas9113
    @anthonyladas9113 Год назад +28

    Thank you. I appreciate your recordings very much. While I understand the virtue and necessity of recording works that are more polemical in nature and address contemporary issues within the Church, I find the most value in pieces such as this one, as well as in your patristic recordings, that are more tuned to one’s personal spiritual life. The kind of things you might hear read in a refectory. Just a little user feedback.

    • @OrthodoxWisdom
      @OrthodoxWisdom  Год назад +11

      Absolutely. I agree. I’m constantly trying to offer a variety of things and not simply record what I’m am quickly drawn to and that which will get a reaction. Thank you.

    • @jacob6088
      @jacob6088 Год назад +5

      All of the contemporary issues are the result of us not guarding our hearts

    • @maryhowsrd3381
      @maryhowsrd3381 Год назад +3

      I do agree we need guidance spirit of person .. you are very wise

  • @DominicJai
    @DominicJai 11 месяцев назад +2

    God bless. 🙏🕊☦️

  • @boyar3033
    @boyar3033 Год назад +5

    You are doing god's work here.

  • @EO-John9540
    @EO-John9540 Год назад +23

    Thank you! May I recommend the reader slow down just a LITTLE bit in the future! Not much, just a little.

    • @DjigitDaniel
      @DjigitDaniel Год назад +13

      Change the playback speed to your liking.

    • @MarkG80615
      @MarkG80615 Год назад +3

      You can control play back speed by selecting the “gear” icon. I also sometimes wish for a slower speed.

    • @hokulani8
      @hokulani8 Год назад +1

      Whoa, never knew about playback speed. Thanks!

    • @KingdomIsNow
      @KingdomIsNow 19 дней назад

      I agree. This topic cannot be digested in a rush.

  • @richardsherman9963
    @richardsherman9963 4 месяца назад +2

    Great job of narration.

  • @si-zelotes
    @si-zelotes Год назад +5

    Another wonderful presentation thanks so much. Tim did a fantastic job. Also thanks for sharing the link to the book. What a treasure! God bless you all! 🙏

  • @chops4986
    @chops4986 Год назад +3

    Great wisdom.

  • @allenbauman2202
    @allenbauman2202 2 месяца назад

    This is profound. I will take the time to listen to this another time!

  • @kathleankeesler1639
    @kathleankeesler1639 Год назад +1

    Thank you.

  • @orthodoxboomergrandma3561
    @orthodoxboomergrandma3561 Год назад +5

    Great narration, if a tiny bit fast? 🙏🏻☦️🙏🏻🥰 thank you for this important ministry!

  • @nunucee8403
    @nunucee8403 Год назад +2

    This is deep

  • @user-ox9rg9is3r
    @user-ox9rg9is3r 4 месяца назад

    Amen! Brilliant ❤

  • @BTGBatonRouge
    @BTGBatonRouge Год назад +3

    I felt my thoughts flow within my heart through the filter of Christs blood

  • @HammertownWins
    @HammertownWins Год назад +1

    Thank you

  • @DRIIIV3R
    @DRIIIV3R Год назад +6

    Upload to Spotify ASAP! 🙏🏻☦️

    • @OrthodoxWisdom
      @OrthodoxWisdom  Год назад +4

      Sorry for the delay. Here you go: open.spotify.com/episode/4ADRolDXU9LWbBz0vKD9MU?si=7g7yUzYiRNOt65xZeLIWKQ

    • @DRIIIV3R
      @DRIIIV3R Год назад +2

      @@OrthodoxWisdom thank you God bless!

  • @riapresley5446
    @riapresley5446 Год назад +3

    Maybe " esoteric" is a wrong word...since secret knowledge is attached to it...and Orthodox is transparent....so I will trade it in for....what a divine revelation...for me

    • @lunacielo5705
      @lunacielo5705 11 месяцев назад +2

      Esoteric is a double blade word.. Right in the right conscience.. Wrong from the dark souls

  • @Hoodinator17
    @Hoodinator17 Год назад +8

    Chemtrails in the thumbnail …

  • @Theoretically-ko6lr
    @Theoretically-ko6lr 10 месяцев назад +1

    Glory to God ❤

  • @Blueyes7786
    @Blueyes7786 11 месяцев назад +1

    AMEN 🙏🏻 ♥️ 🎚

  • @jaymistry2585
    @jaymistry2585 5 месяцев назад +1

    This is great , I have listened to this many times . Will there be other sections of this counsel by st Nicodemus that will be created in audio form like this .

    • @OrthodoxWisdom
      @OrthodoxWisdom  5 месяцев назад +1

      God willing. I’d love to record more from St. Nikodemos

    • @jaymistry2585
      @jaymistry2585 5 месяцев назад

      I have bought the book now hope you record some more. Thank you for replying to me . I am
      Also currently reading the Triads , also translated by fr Peter.

  • @hokulani8
    @hokulani8 Год назад +1

    Thank you so much for the download of this book! 🕊🙏🏼❤🥰
    So helpful! I would like to ask if you have time to answer, where can I purchase this actual book. Cannot find it searching through google. Again, thanks so much I relisten and grasp stuff so much better 2nd and 3rd time around hear and notice new things. So helpful!

  • @Unknown86483
    @Unknown86483 Год назад +4

    Hey, what do you think about the Western Rite Orthodox Church?

    • @susanlacy5225
      @susanlacy5225 Год назад +1

      I'm Western Rite.
      Do you have a question?

    • @Unknown86483
      @Unknown86483 Год назад

      @@susanlacy5225 Is the Western Rite Orthodox Church accepted by the Eastern Orthodox Church.

    • @susanlacy5225
      @susanlacy5225 Год назад

      @@Unknown86483 yes it is fully canonical

    • @seraphim3TN
      @seraphim3TN Год назад +1

      western rite is a distraction and unnecessary. St John Maximovitch speaks out against it and compares the WR to baby's milk for those who cannot handle real, adult food. The WR is yet another way the evil one divides the true Church and was never meant to be a permanent solution.

  • @diegobarragan4904
    @diegobarragan4904 Год назад +1

    So would the mind be the activity of the nous?

    • @OrthodoxWisdom
      @OrthodoxWisdom  Год назад +10

      The nous can engage with the mind, but the activity of the nous goes beyond the mind and all words and human concepts because it’s this part of us that is the core of our being and our communion with the uncreated energies of God.

    • @diegobarragan4904
      @diegobarragan4904 Год назад +2

      @@OrthodoxWisdom I think what makes it confusing is that nous is translated as mind but yet is not the mind as we know it In the west

    • @OrthodoxWisdom
      @OrthodoxWisdom  Год назад +5

      Exactly. Be patient and prayerfully press into the deeper experience and awareness of this.

    • @dp34576
      @dp34576 Год назад +2

      @@diegobarragan4904 Mind as used in philosophy - metaphysical substance; not mind as in thoughts, etc.

  • @lunacielo5705
    @lunacielo5705 11 месяцев назад +1

    Its so unfamiliar for me to pray.. You dont tell God of all eternity of all grace wht to do.. Im
    44 and i don't know how to pray.. Whatever u do do with all ur heart.. Im terrified unable to distinguish true from untrue

    • @riapresley5446
      @riapresley5446 10 месяцев назад

      lunacielo5705...there are Orthodox prayer books...with a variety of prayers for a variety of topics....to begin is right where you are....saying what you have just said to the Lord....that you do not know how to pray....teach me!
      This is also what saying "The Prayer of the Heart "...also called the "Jesus Prayer" is all about."Lord...Jesus Christ...Son and Word of God...have mercy on me...a sinner." It can also be shortened.
      Many Saints speak on this prayer...The power of it!
      I love the simplicity of it...and I am not praying for my will to be done...even if it wonderful things for others.
      It connects our mind and heart...and we are calling on Jesus...we are confessing him as Lord....and for me it was important to confess myself as a sinner.
      "Lord...Jesus Christ...have mercy on me...a sinner"

    • @kg-vo1il
      @kg-vo1il 4 месяца назад +1

      your prayer can be thank you

    • @miyaiun4723
      @miyaiun4723 4 месяца назад

      Hi. Begin with saying Glory to the Holy Trinity. Give thanks fir everything you have ever received and still continue to receive from God. And ask for forgiveness of your sins. I dont like reading the prayers from a book because it feels not real to me. So I use my own words. And when I feel I am done, I say this is everything for today and prostrate again. But I continue to ask for forgiveness even afterwards. I pray for forgiveness more than anything, for mine and everyone elses. May it be so. Maybe this can help you. May God bless you.

  • @kyleortiz1446
    @kyleortiz1446 Год назад

    🤗 p̴r̴o̴m̴o̴s̴m̴

  • @d0g_0f_Christ0s
    @d0g_0f_Christ0s Год назад +2

    Thank you.