Confronting and Controlling Thoughts: According to the Fathers of the Philokalia

by Anthony M. Coniaris

Orthodox spirituality places great emphasis on thoughts (logismoi) since everything we do begins in the mind. The Fathers of the Philokalia have much to teach about confronting and controlling thoughts. Since the average person experiences 4000 thoughts each day, the experiences of these Fathers over a period of over 1000 years can help us resist the evil thoughts that seek to pollute "the springs of life," i.e. our minds and hearts.

112 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2004

Reviews

[Skai Sheline · Rating 1 out of 5]

I recommend reading the Philokalia, but I do not recommend reading Confronting & Controlling Thoughts by Anthony M. Coniaris. It was page 87 that helped me understand this book’s fatal flaw and my foolish mistake. I did not keep an eye out for that most important and hospitable formalities of nonfiction texts: the citations. It was page 87 that held up a red flag, and made me wonder if Anthony Coniaris has either used a bad/unknown source or is making a bogus claim.

I quote:
“The thought of death combined with the remembrance of Jesus concentrates the scattered mind, says Philotheos. One person does this by practicing what he calls the “death pose.” He explains that this is a Yoga pose the simulates death” (87).

Nowhere in the Philokalia is this true. The teachings of Saint Philotheos can be found in The Philokalia Vol. 3 on pages 16-31 under “Texts on Watchfulness”, and nowhere is there a “death pose” mentioned. Because of this, I feel the credibility of this book’s teachings to be under question.

I know a lot of Orthodox brothers and sisters will be up at arms with the Yoga thing, but let us not undermine the real tragedy of this book, bad scholarship.

I know that the Philokalia can be overwhelming, but if you enjoy this book but wish to have a more honest source, I recommend you read ‘Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica’. Compiled by his spiritual children, Elder Thaddeus’s teachings are simple to read and understand while also striking at the same issue of mindfulness, attentiveness, and controlling our thoughts.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read--I would also highly recommend reading "Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives".

[Rebekah Sturgill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This began really well, but the second half felt a bit like sitting in some Greek's kitchen as he just tells you all the stories he knows that are vaguely related to the question you asked. Still some great gems there, but not very organized. Overall, a quick read and some great information concisely explained so would still recommend.

[Kanella Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Martín Prozapas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and excellent, to the point.

[Vasilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I second the reviewer who suggested to read Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives. There were a couple of very moving stories here and I particularly liked the 'counter-talk' segment.