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Writings from
THE PHILOKALIA
on the Prayer of the Heart
Translated by E KADLOUBOVSKY and G.E.H. PALMER
Faber and Faber Limited, London, 1951
St Gregory of Sinai
Texts on the commandments and dogmas, warnings and promises;
also on thoughts, passions and virtues; as well as on silence and prayer
18. Those who struggle, regain their original state by keeping two commandments--obedience and fasting; for all evil entered into the generation of mortals through practices opposed to them. Moreover, those who keep the commandments through obedience ascend to God more quickly, and those who keep them through fasting--more slowly. Besides, obedience is more suitable for beginners, and fasting for those on the way, who possess courage and vision of mind. But in fulfilling the commandments it is given to very few always to obey God undeceived, and even for the most valiant this achievement is very difficult.
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