July 5, 1998
A
Holy Conversation --
The Meaning of Solitude (Part VI)
BROTHER: What is remoteness from the world?
OLD MAN: The thought (or mind) which overcomes the love of the body; for if the body be
not trampled upon by the feeling of patient endurance a man cannot conquer in his strife.
BROTHER: Who is the mighty man, he who is remote from the world, or he who dwelleth
therein?
OLD MAN: The mighty man conquers in every place, whether he be in the world or without.
Nevertheless, the fathers departed to the wilderness, the place which is preserved from
the uproar of those who are afraid that as long as they dwell in the body the passions
which trouble will cleave to them. Now, for those who have ended the great strife of their
conflict in the world, Divine Grace has worked with its power, and it still works for the
remembrance and benefit of the community, and truly great is the crown of those whose
spiritual ship has not sunk to the bottom of the tossed and troubled sea of this world,
and has not ceased its course heavenwards by the straight road which is full of fear.
BROTHER: Is it helpful to the soul to make oneself a stranger?
OLD MAN: With perfect thanksgiving it does help, provided that the soul bears chastely
afflictions, and rejoices in our Lord who gives pleasure; but if it does not, its good
seed is made of no effect because it does not give fruit beloved of God, and if it endures
and utters blessing it has a reward, but if it lack these things, it becomes a mere
wandering of the mind and a sight which is without profit. The best thing of all is the
quietness of the mind which is akin to God.
from E. A. Wallis Budge, "The Paradise of the Holy Fathers," (Seattle:
St. Nectarios Press, 1984), pp. 268-269
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