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The Spiritual Life and How to be Attuned to it
St. Theophan the Recluse, possessing a rare degree of patristic scholarship, combined with a thorough understanding of the soul of his native Russia and of contemporary people in general, was enabled to carve out a genuine understanding of spirituality for modern man. He made this understanding accessible to the average person, for he knew that each "average person" is the possessor of an immortal soul, and each soul is to be attuned here upon earth to live eternally with God in Paradise.
THE SPIRITUAL LIFE AND HOW TO BE ATTUNED TO IT was the result of a correspondence between a young lady of the upper middle class and St. Theophan the Recluse. In the compilation of his letters of spiritual direction to her, it can be seen that St. Theophan strove to make sure that this young soul would not only be familiar with the principles of spiritual life, but first of all be able to keenly hear the right "tone" of spiritual life.
This tuning of the soul is necessary so that the soul will be in harmony with the voice of God's Providence echoing in the instrument of the heart. In that light, THE SPIRITUAL LIFE AND HOW TO BE ATTUNED TO IT could rightly be called a primer to be used before embarking into the realm of spiritual life.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1896
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About the author
Theophan the Recluse
63 books51 followersSt. Theophan the Recluse, also known as Theophan Zatvornik or Theophanes the Recluse (Russian: Феофан Затворник), is a well-known saint in the Russian Orthodox Church. He was born George Vasilievich Govorov, in the village of Chernavsk. His father was a Russian Orthodox priest. He was educated in the seminaries at Livny, Orel and Kiev. In 1841 he was ordained, became a monk, and adopted the name Theophan. He later became the Bishop of Tambov.
He is especially well-known today through the many books he wrote concerning the spiritual life, especially on the subjects of the Christian life and the training of youth in the faith. He also played an important role in translating the Philokalia from Church Slavonic into Russian. The Philokalia is a classic of orthodox spirituality, composed of the collected works of a number of church fathers which were edited and placed in a four volume set in the 17th and 18th centuries. A persistent theme is developing an interior life of continuous prayer, learning to "pray without ceasing" as St. Paul teaches in his first letter to the Thessalonians.
Russian profile: Феофан Затворник
He is especially well-known today through the many books he wrote concerning the spiritual life, especially on the subjects of the Christian life and the training of youth in the faith. He also played an important role in translating the Philokalia from Church Slavonic into Russian. The Philokalia is a classic of orthodox spirituality, composed of the collected works of a number of church fathers which were edited and placed in a four volume set in the 17th and 18th centuries. A persistent theme is developing an interior life of continuous prayer, learning to "pray without ceasing" as St. Paul teaches in his first letter to the Thessalonians.
Russian profile: Феофан Затворник
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 11, 2022
The book is a collected series of letters that St Theophan wrote to a young woman after he had retired from his bishopric into solitude.
This means that the book is not intended to be systematic or all-encompassing in its scope or treatment of the issues. St Theophan responds directly to those things that the woman writes to him. And clearly he was helpful to her since by the end of the correspondence she has determined to take up the monastic life and overcame some passions. (Monastic life is not on its own the measure of success, but by this we can simply see that the woman was helped).
I found this pastoral approach very enlightening. He was strict in some places, gentle and merciful in others.
I found the beginning chapters detailing the life of the body, soul/mind, and spirit particularly helpful. This three-fold makeup of man is an idea expressed in several places in Orthodox writings, but he lays it all out very succinctly. It gives a clearer understanding of mankind's motivations and hunger for certain things. I highlighted many more passages for myself throughout the book as well.
As always, each Orthodox saint should be read alongside other writings to find the balance and consensus, and with the help of one's own spiritual father. For instance, I have had things strike my conscience that my confessor told me were not actually sins. I think generally that St Theophan's approach is correct and that one should live according to his conscience - but you must hone this sense with prayer and instruction.
This means that the book is not intended to be systematic or all-encompassing in its scope or treatment of the issues. St Theophan responds directly to those things that the woman writes to him. And clearly he was helpful to her since by the end of the correspondence she has determined to take up the monastic life and overcame some passions. (Monastic life is not on its own the measure of success, but by this we can simply see that the woman was helped).
I found this pastoral approach very enlightening. He was strict in some places, gentle and merciful in others.
I found the beginning chapters detailing the life of the body, soul/mind, and spirit particularly helpful. This three-fold makeup of man is an idea expressed in several places in Orthodox writings, but he lays it all out very succinctly. It gives a clearer understanding of mankind's motivations and hunger for certain things. I highlighted many more passages for myself throughout the book as well.
As always, each Orthodox saint should be read alongside other writings to find the balance and consensus, and with the help of one's own spiritual father. For instance, I have had things strike my conscience that my confessor told me were not actually sins. I think generally that St Theophan's approach is correct and that one should live according to his conscience - but you must hone this sense with prayer and instruction.
March 12, 2016
Out of Teophan the Recluse's books, this is the first one that I read. Needless to say, I can hardly wait to read every little thing that he ever wrote. This book had a fantastic influence on me and I read it passionately in about three days. It wasn't a difficult read at all (the Romanian translation reads quite well). It's one of the books to which I will surely keep returning - one of those books that one should keep at all times by his bed and read at least a couple of pages per day. That's the same thing I have to say about Silouan the Athonite's teachings. If anyone has recommendations for similar books, please do not hesistate to comment.
October 3, 2021
This book is written by Teophan the Recluse. This particular monk was inspired by Tikhon of Zadonsk and comes from the same monastical tradition. Tikhon of Zadonsk is of course the main inspiration behind Dostoyevsky's character Father Zosima. I believe that this book is one of the better descriptions of the doctrines that inspired Dostoyevsky's thinking.
On the one hand, I feel that people who are fanatics will hate this book. And this means fanatics in both senses. People who really hate Christianity and people who really love their own understanding of Christianity.
The strong points of the book is that it describes somewhat coherently Christianity (Orthodox Christianity) as a coherent system of self development, rather similar to other systems out there, but with its own specific twist and flavour. This particular view can be easily traced to the very early Christian fathers and up to our days. Teophan the Recluse is probably one of the easier to understand in this tradition. Thus, Orthodox Christianity is not depicted as a stale and ritualistic religion but rather as rather difficult work of self transformation.
The description is rather logical and systematical. In places, one can see the influence of ancient Greek philosphical schools like platonism and stoicism. In other places there is a clear relationship with some of the schools of Advaita Vedanta for example, but obviously with a completely different flavour. Also, St. Teophan seems a little bit less bigot than the common garden variety orthodox priest.
There are however some weak points in the book. The main weak point is that it doesn't really address the issues that are bothering the 19th century man (and 20th, and 21st century). The world of the 19th century was shook by various issues (the age of the earth, the size of the universe, the political and social crisis, the origin of man). These fundamentally undermined the trust in the actual description of the Universe given by the church. The book doesn't sufficiently address how one can understand the notion of God, or various other issues like salvation, sin and so on, in the modern context.
Rather, what it does, is this: It assumes that the reader doesn't have these issues and questions, and thus, it provides a rather systematic way to proceed to self-realization. As such, it cannot be said that it is a missionary book, but rather a how to book. I feel this is rather normal, since it is a collection of letters sent by the St. Teophan to one of his disciples. As such, there is not a lot of metaphysical discussion.
Normally I would probably rate it 3 stars, or 3 and a half. However, given that a lot of people believe that Christianity is solely ritualistic, I feel that this book is a rather important one, and sufficiently short and accessible to provide an alternative view.
Also, I need to say that I don't agree entirely with the views expressed in this book. I find that some of the discussions regarding how prayer and saints work is rather wrong (common, but wrong). On the other hand, I am not "in the business" so to speak, so it might be the case that I am completely wrong, and I have no clue what I am talking about. It is however the way it was generally thought at that point in time, so I guess that it is "standard fare".
Another point in which I disagree with him is regarding the problem of conscience. While I do agree that a person has in his/her conscience a direct guiding path to the right or wrong, I feel that this particular "sense" might be distorted in most people. This would be just like saying that "everyone has eyes to see", but someone might have some eye defect which prevents him from seeing clearly. As such, I feel that there is some danger when relying strictly on conscience, without stricter rules or education, to become fanatic. Such a person believes intensely in his own (damaged) sense of right or wrong. I feel that this happened a few times in history, and not only in Christianity. For example, in my opinion, in the Islamic world Ibn Taymiyyah is one who fell into such a trap.
So there needs to be some external confirmation of sorts. I feel that these are not really small issues and it would be sufficient to demote this book to 3 stars, but I feel that the shortcomings are not necessarily a shortcoming of the method presented, but rather of the rather limited scope of the book.
On the one hand, I feel that people who are fanatics will hate this book. And this means fanatics in both senses. People who really hate Christianity and people who really love their own understanding of Christianity.
The strong points of the book is that it describes somewhat coherently Christianity (Orthodox Christianity) as a coherent system of self development, rather similar to other systems out there, but with its own specific twist and flavour. This particular view can be easily traced to the very early Christian fathers and up to our days. Teophan the Recluse is probably one of the easier to understand in this tradition. Thus, Orthodox Christianity is not depicted as a stale and ritualistic religion but rather as rather difficult work of self transformation.
The description is rather logical and systematical. In places, one can see the influence of ancient Greek philosphical schools like platonism and stoicism. In other places there is a clear relationship with some of the schools of Advaita Vedanta for example, but obviously with a completely different flavour. Also, St. Teophan seems a little bit less bigot than the common garden variety orthodox priest.
There are however some weak points in the book. The main weak point is that it doesn't really address the issues that are bothering the 19th century man (and 20th, and 21st century). The world of the 19th century was shook by various issues (the age of the earth, the size of the universe, the political and social crisis, the origin of man). These fundamentally undermined the trust in the actual description of the Universe given by the church. The book doesn't sufficiently address how one can understand the notion of God, or various other issues like salvation, sin and so on, in the modern context.
Rather, what it does, is this: It assumes that the reader doesn't have these issues and questions, and thus, it provides a rather systematic way to proceed to self-realization. As such, it cannot be said that it is a missionary book, but rather a how to book. I feel this is rather normal, since it is a collection of letters sent by the St. Teophan to one of his disciples. As such, there is not a lot of metaphysical discussion.
Normally I would probably rate it 3 stars, or 3 and a half. However, given that a lot of people believe that Christianity is solely ritualistic, I feel that this book is a rather important one, and sufficiently short and accessible to provide an alternative view.
Also, I need to say that I don't agree entirely with the views expressed in this book. I find that some of the discussions regarding how prayer and saints work is rather wrong (common, but wrong). On the other hand, I am not "in the business" so to speak, so it might be the case that I am completely wrong, and I have no clue what I am talking about. It is however the way it was generally thought at that point in time, so I guess that it is "standard fare".
Another point in which I disagree with him is regarding the problem of conscience. While I do agree that a person has in his/her conscience a direct guiding path to the right or wrong, I feel that this particular "sense" might be distorted in most people. This would be just like saying that "everyone has eyes to see", but someone might have some eye defect which prevents him from seeing clearly. As such, I feel that there is some danger when relying strictly on conscience, without stricter rules or education, to become fanatic. Such a person believes intensely in his own (damaged) sense of right or wrong. I feel that this happened a few times in history, and not only in Christianity. For example, in my opinion, in the Islamic world Ibn Taymiyyah is one who fell into such a trap.
So there needs to be some external confirmation of sorts. I feel that these are not really small issues and it would be sufficient to demote this book to 3 stars, but I feel that the shortcomings are not necessarily a shortcoming of the method presented, but rather of the rather limited scope of the book.
March 19, 2016
I guess it depends on the whole background of a reader when it comes about reading spiritual literature. I read loads of religious books before because I was raised in a Christian family. The books were different, mostly by Protestant authors, some of them even compelling. But I can definitely say that my real spiritual journey has began when I opened this book. I really have hard time to find the right words to describe the experience I had. I have to say that it is not only this book but together with yet another book by the same author "The Path of Prayer" that opened an entirely new realm of prayer to me. It was about tears, soaring, love, admiration, insights, joy, gratefulness, sweet sadness and many other feelings. I felt Spirit moving me deep into my bosom. And it all started from following Theophan's simple recommendations on how to approach prayer and how to FIND it within. I have to say that I don't follow everything he recommends(for instance, I have different view on demons and don't want to engage myself into battling with evil spirits) but when it comes about most of other things including prayer he truly has become my Spiritual Father.
November 29, 2016
What an amazing book that I was so blessed to have read! The Spiritual Life and How to be Attuned to it is basically the guidebook to an Orthodox Christian on anything that you can imagine. You open up the book and are welcomed by the loving words of Saint Theophan the Recluse. I felt like I had a conversation with him rather than just reading a book. I loved it and I have absolutely have no critiques about it.
It definitely isn't an ordinary book that you could pick up at the library. It is arranged not like a novel, but more like a spiritual recipe. He tells you the "ingredients" to put together with your own spiritual labor that together will create a better you! It is definitely quite a mouthful to digest, so read this book slowly with great care and soak up all of the knowledge.
I rate this book infinity out of 10! I became good friends with Saint Theophan, and after you read this book, I'm sure you will too!
It definitely isn't an ordinary book that you could pick up at the library. It is arranged not like a novel, but more like a spiritual recipe. He tells you the "ingredients" to put together with your own spiritual labor that together will create a better you! It is definitely quite a mouthful to digest, so read this book slowly with great care and soak up all of the knowledge.
I rate this book infinity out of 10! I became good friends with Saint Theophan, and after you read this book, I'm sure you will too!
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February 16, 2011Dang.
July 29, 2023
If there was any book that changed my life this year, it would certainly be this one. I will never look at the world through the same eyes ever again.
I picked this book up for the first time a few years ago when I was seeking to begin my self-imposed journey into spirituality. I read the first few chapters, and the book didn’t fully click with me. I left it alone and told myself I’d revisit it later on.
Since then, I’ve gradually become more spiritually healthy. I picked the book back up again this year, and once I did, I couldn’t it put it down. It was like a sudden spring of infinite water rushed over me, quenching my spiritual thirst.
I committed to reading one of St. Theophan’s letters each night. And each day, I looked forward to getting to read his words. There was so much wisdom that I could not contain myself from sharing screenshots of the pages with friends. In the coming days, all of my conversations seemed to mirror the book’s upcoming chapters. It truly felt like a divine experience.
The Spiritual Life is a collection of letters from Orthodox Christian monk & Saint, Theophan the Recluse. I must add that I did grow up in an Orthodox upbringing, so I will preface the rest of this review by saying that my background knowledge likely made the read smoother for me in terms of concepts and terminology. Yet, I did stray from my upbringing for a few years during this spiritual quest, but came back towards it as a newborn baby, eager to learn of my own accord, so the read was still a learning process for me. However, you do not have to be Orthodox Christian, or even Christian at all, to read this book. If you have come upon it, I urge you to read it as soon as you are able. You will finish the book a stronger person, as the wisdom you gain from it will be a transformative experience.
St. Theophan’s words command the reader to be introspective, to love and care for our own souls, to look ourselves in the mirror and confront our fears, to remain humble and seek God, and to transfer value from the material to the spiritual.
This collection of letters is unlike many other mainstream spiritual, religious, or self development books in the sense that it is dense with wisdom. It is not a watered down pep talk, or a to-do list, or a barrage of common quotes or concepts, it will not affirm your ego or your personal opinions, or reword the same things you’ve read before in other places. It will challenge you and command your attention. It is truly a journey that will require active thinking and spiritual participation; your mind will open your mind as you go along.
I feel that my heart has been made new since reading this book and I will never forget how much closer it has made me to both myself and to God. I am not a fan of rereading books, but I see this as a book I will reread for generations, and it will always be a default recommendation I share with others who are looking to grow spiritually.
**Note: the book I read is an English translation from the original letters which were written in the Russian language. I noticed at certain points there were some adjectives used that didn’t make as much sense in the English context as they do in Slavic languages. For example, the word “small” is used as a descriptor in some of St. Theophan’s letters, whereas English speakers use small for size, Slavic languages use it as a term of endearment. Just something to note as you read along, as certain descriptors may come off a bit cold considering they are slightly lost in translation. This is not a product of the writing itself, but the cultural difference between languages. It will not hinder the message at all, but it will help you understand why a few lines here and there seem rigid.
**Note 2: it is also important to recognize the context in which these letters were written while reading! The young woman writes to St. Theophan with spiritual questions, which he answers abundantly. It is important to remember he is a monk and not a layperson, which will obviously reflect in his answers.
I picked this book up for the first time a few years ago when I was seeking to begin my self-imposed journey into spirituality. I read the first few chapters, and the book didn’t fully click with me. I left it alone and told myself I’d revisit it later on.
Since then, I’ve gradually become more spiritually healthy. I picked the book back up again this year, and once I did, I couldn’t it put it down. It was like a sudden spring of infinite water rushed over me, quenching my spiritual thirst.
I committed to reading one of St. Theophan’s letters each night. And each day, I looked forward to getting to read his words. There was so much wisdom that I could not contain myself from sharing screenshots of the pages with friends. In the coming days, all of my conversations seemed to mirror the book’s upcoming chapters. It truly felt like a divine experience.
The Spiritual Life is a collection of letters from Orthodox Christian monk & Saint, Theophan the Recluse. I must add that I did grow up in an Orthodox upbringing, so I will preface the rest of this review by saying that my background knowledge likely made the read smoother for me in terms of concepts and terminology. Yet, I did stray from my upbringing for a few years during this spiritual quest, but came back towards it as a newborn baby, eager to learn of my own accord, so the read was still a learning process for me. However, you do not have to be Orthodox Christian, or even Christian at all, to read this book. If you have come upon it, I urge you to read it as soon as you are able. You will finish the book a stronger person, as the wisdom you gain from it will be a transformative experience.
St. Theophan’s words command the reader to be introspective, to love and care for our own souls, to look ourselves in the mirror and confront our fears, to remain humble and seek God, and to transfer value from the material to the spiritual.
This collection of letters is unlike many other mainstream spiritual, religious, or self development books in the sense that it is dense with wisdom. It is not a watered down pep talk, or a to-do list, or a barrage of common quotes or concepts, it will not affirm your ego or your personal opinions, or reword the same things you’ve read before in other places. It will challenge you and command your attention. It is truly a journey that will require active thinking and spiritual participation; your mind will open your mind as you go along.
I feel that my heart has been made new since reading this book and I will never forget how much closer it has made me to both myself and to God. I am not a fan of rereading books, but I see this as a book I will reread for generations, and it will always be a default recommendation I share with others who are looking to grow spiritually.
**Note: the book I read is an English translation from the original letters which were written in the Russian language. I noticed at certain points there were some adjectives used that didn’t make as much sense in the English context as they do in Slavic languages. For example, the word “small” is used as a descriptor in some of St. Theophan’s letters, whereas English speakers use small for size, Slavic languages use it as a term of endearment. Just something to note as you read along, as certain descriptors may come off a bit cold considering they are slightly lost in translation. This is not a product of the writing itself, but the cultural difference between languages. It will not hinder the message at all, but it will help you understand why a few lines here and there seem rigid.
**Note 2: it is also important to recognize the context in which these letters were written while reading! The young woman writes to St. Theophan with spiritual questions, which he answers abundantly. It is important to remember he is a monk and not a layperson, which will obviously reflect in his answers.
May 12, 2020
Хорошая книга, но, к сожалению, со времён 19 века многое изменилось в образе жизни подвизающихся мирян и в арсенале препятствий на пути духовной жизни...
May 27, 2023
Good devotional. 80 letters for 80 days.
July 25, 2023
Feels too radical and opinionated, but still interesting.
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January 8, 2024The advice given here is formulated in a nineteenth - century psychological style of language, which can seem rather directive to times. Nonetheless, it is profound and very helpful.
November 6, 2024
Simply edifying!!
May 1, 2025
I admit, at first I was unsure about this, The first hundred pages made me think I'd made a mistake reading this. But I made the right decision to keep reading. Honestly, this came at the perfect time for me.
Does this contain some great, earth shattering wisdom? No, but Theophan's advice is sage and simple, and he never tries to overwhelm the woman to whom he's writing with dense theological treatises. Instead, he address her questions simply and from the heart.
I would definitely read it again. There's so many little things that stood out, that have stuck with me for days after reading it.
I will say, I wish we had the letters she sent to him included. Sometimes, especially in the first hundred pages, it wasn't clear to me what was being discussed because it's entirely one sided without her letters. But it gets better.
Does this contain some great, earth shattering wisdom? No, but Theophan's advice is sage and simple, and he never tries to overwhelm the woman to whom he's writing with dense theological treatises. Instead, he address her questions simply and from the heart.
I would definitely read it again. There's so many little things that stood out, that have stuck with me for days after reading it.
I will say, I wish we had the letters she sent to him included. Sometimes, especially in the first hundred pages, it wasn't clear to me what was being discussed because it's entirely one sided without her letters. But it gets better.
December 18, 2016
One thing we know for sure: this book has saved the life of a young Russian om. Un wanted to commit suicide readings being Influenced Nietzsche. Went home secretly gone on His family and estate, preparing and death. However, a relative of his, year elderly nun, cams and left to him, as by chance, the book with the letters of St. Teophan. Young was so struck by what you read, That chose not only stay alive, but Chose the path ...
Reading the letters present, we know the heart of a latch, the heart of a saint - the that of the parent - the world tries to Give spiritual advice. St. Teophan not mean forgetting latching of the world, the denial of the world, but the world denial passions.
Reading the letters present, we know the heart of a latch, the heart of a saint - the that of the parent - the world tries to Give spiritual advice. St. Teophan not mean forgetting latching of the world, the denial of the world, but the world denial passions.
August 30, 2020
Invaluable handbook for beginners in the spiritual life. St. Theophan guides the young woman with whom he is corresponding to a life full of grace in the Spirit.
One of my favorite parts is when he describes man consisting of spiritual, intellectual, and carnal faculties. He argues that none of these faculties are evil in themselves (man being created good), but the spiritual was created to have dominion over the intellectual and carnal, and only then is man a true, balanced human being.
In addition to these more conceptual sections, there is plenty of practical advice on growing closer to God through prayer, good works, and contrition of heart. Highly, highly recommend. Glory to God.
One of my favorite parts is when he describes man consisting of spiritual, intellectual, and carnal faculties. He argues that none of these faculties are evil in themselves (man being created good), but the spiritual was created to have dominion over the intellectual and carnal, and only then is man a true, balanced human being.
In addition to these more conceptual sections, there is plenty of practical advice on growing closer to God through prayer, good works, and contrition of heart. Highly, highly recommend. Glory to God.
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February 8, 2015BX382 .F465 1995
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