The Church Fathers on Orthodox Contemplation

Orthodox contemplation is a deep and abiding state of prayer in which the mind and heart are focused on God. It is not a passive activity, but rather a dynamic and active engagement of the whole person in the search of God.

The Church Fathers teach that contemplation is the highest form of prayer and is an important phase of the Christian life. They also teach that contemplation is a gift from God, but it is also something that we can cultivate through practice.

Here are some of the Church Fathers' teachings or sayings on Orthodox contemplation:

• St. Augustine (354-430 AD): "Contemplation is the lifting of the mind to the things that are above and beyond itself."

• St. Gregory of Nyssa (335-395 AD): "Contemplation is the ascent (rise) of the mind to God, in which it is immersed in the light of divine knowledge."

• St. John Climacus (579-649 AD): "Contemplation is the unceasing prayer of the mind."

• St. Dionysius the Areopagite (5th-6th century AD): "Contemplation is the union of the mind with God, in which the mind is transformed into the likeness of God."

• St. Isaac of Syria (7th century AD): "Contemplation is the state of being in which the mind is completely still and at rest in God."

• St. Evagrius Ponticus (345-399 AD): "Contemplation is the knowledge of God acquired through prayer."

• St. John of Damascus (676-749 AD): "Contemplation is the union of the mind with God, in which the mind is transformed into the likeness of God."

• St. Gregory Palamas (1296-1359 AD): "Contemplation is the vision of the uncreated light of God, which is the essence of God."

• St. Symeon the New Theologian (949-1022 AD): "Contemplation is the state of being in which the mind is completely still and at rest in God."

These sayings teach us that contemplation is a state of deep union with God, in which the mind is completely focused on him. Contemplation is not a passive activity, but rather an active engagement of the mind and heart in the search for God.

Contemplation is also described as a "vision of God." The Church Fathers teach that when we contemplate God, we are not seeing him with our physical eyes, but rather with the eyes of our heart. This vision of God is a gift from God, and it is a source of great joy and peace.

The Church Fathers also teach that contemplation is a way to experience the kingdom of God. When we contemplate God, we are entering into his presence and tasting the foretaste of the eternal life that he has promised us. Contemplation is not just a mental activity, but rather a whole-person encounter with God.

Contemplation is an important part of the spiritual life of the Orthodox Church. It is a way to grow in our knowledge and love of God, and it is a way to experience the peace and joy of his presence.