The Spiritual Guide Compiled by Saint Ignatius Bryanchaninov

A wise and kind book compiled by the Russian saint Ignatius Bryanchaninov. He gathered useful sayings and phrases, tales and teachings of the ancient ascetics. Using his knowledge and experience, Bryanchaninov continued the tradition of the didactic genre of Christian literature. The patristic heritage combined intellect, patience, chastity, humility, and love. Reading the «Spiritual Guide» of Ignatius Bryanchaninov brings the «fragrance of holy simplicity» to the reader, Divine grace. Every time it is read, it feels like the first time. Although the ascetic aspirations of the ancient saints were meant for monks, laypeople can find much instructive on the Christian path of God-pleasing with a reasonable approach to reading. However, Saint Bryanchaninov recommends reading this useful book only after prior spiritual preparation, considering premature enjoyment of Divine grace dangerous. The talented translation from Greek and Latin in the «Spiritual Guide» of Saint Ignatius Bryanchaninov did not alter the original meaning of the texts but brought the sayings closer to Russian reality. He himself was deeply moved by the truths presented to us by the great monks and hermits.