Solitude and Silence: Evagrius on Stillness (Hesychia)

Evagrius Ponticus (d. 399) was the first systematic theologian of the contemplative life. He taught that hesychia -- stillness or inner quiet -- is the goal of all ascetic practice. "Sit in your cell, collecting your thoughts. Remember the day of your death. See then what the death of your body will be; let your spirit be heavy, take pains, condemn the vanity of the world."…