This introduction to the wisdom of the Philokalia illuminates a text that until now has intimidated the general reader in its scholarly translations from Greek and Russian. Allyne Smith focuses his thoughtful selection on seven themes that recur throughout the five-volume work - repentance, the heart, prayer, the Jesus Prayer, the passions, stillness and theosis. He provides an enlightening accessible facing-page commentary filling in the historical and spiritual context, clarifying core teachings, and including the Eastern understanding of salvation.