The Greek term hesychia (ἡσυχία, Greek pronunciation: [isiˈçia]) is a concept that can be translated as "stillness, rest, quiet, silence".
In Christianity
In the Eastern Orthodox Christian mystical tradition of hesychasm, hesychia refers to a state of stillness and peace that is obtained through extreme ascetical struggle, prayer, and the constant contemplation of God. The attainment of hesychia is a central theme discussed in hesychast literature.
Chapter 2 of the Systematic Sayings of the Desert Fathers is dedicated to the topic of hesychia.
In Neoplatonism
The term is also used in Neoplatonic texts such as the Enneads.
Other languages
Equivalent terms in other languages include Syriac shelya (šelya).
See also
- Monastic silence
- Apatheia
- Inner peace
- Tranquility
- Centering prayer
- Quietism (Christian philosophy)
- Christianity and Hellenistic philosophy
- Neoplatonism and Christianity
- Mauna (silence) in Hinduism
References
