Abba Isidore went one day to see Abba Theophilus, archbishop of Alexandria and when he returned to Scetis the brethren asked him, 'What is going on in the city?' But he said to them, 'Truly, brothers, I did not see the face of anyone there, except that of the archbishop.'
Hearing this they were very anxious and said to him, 'Has there been a disaster there, then, Abba?' He said, 'Not at all, but the thought of looking at anyone did not get the better of me.' At these words they were filled with admiration, and strengthened in their intention of guarding the eyes from all distraction."
This sort of focused mindset, this conscious keeping the view to the ground is common in monastic literature. It first appears, I believe, in the Order of Saint Basil. He encourages the brethren to avoid temptation and fleeting/wandering thoughts by focusing on the ground.
This was supposed to keep the eyes from viewing temptation. It was meant to help the mind stayed focused and the heart centered on humility.
Hearing this they were very anxious and said to him, 'Has there been a disaster there, then, Abba?' He said, 'Not at all, but the thought of looking at anyone did not get the better of me.' At these words they were filled with admiration, and strengthened in their intention of guarding the eyes from all distraction."
This sort of focused mindset, this conscious keeping the view to the ground is common in monastic literature. It first appears, I believe, in the Order of Saint Basil. He encourages the brethren to avoid temptation and fleeting/wandering thoughts by focusing on the ground.
This was supposed to keep the eyes from viewing temptation. It was meant to help the mind stayed focused and the heart centered on humility.
Ciao!
+Tom
No comments:
Post a Comment