/lit/ - Literature

BECOME
E
C
O
M
E

>>9995866
>picture
That's not God, it's a hesychast monk. God and his energies in orthodox Christianity are best described under "apothatic" doctrine - which the church uses. It's to speak of what God is not, to obliterate misconceptions and help prepare the mind for divine perception.

>>9996254
>uncreated lights
Also known as Tabor lights. They're a very large aspect of the orthodox faith, and furthered the schism between east and west. Orthodoxy continued the practise of the desert fathers unlike the west and it culminated in the "hesychast controversy." To this day many hesychast monks still follow the inward practice.

The mysticsm behind it has been in development since Plato who talked of experiencing the atemporal and aspatial underlying realities - in the church this is the concept of entering eternity, or the 8th day. The experience is beyond conceptual knowledge, and sadly has to be experienced first hand, though guidance is needed to prevent spiritual delusion or ecstasy.

For some people they may experience aspects of divine illumination unexpectedly early on in their faith, which becomes a huge guide - having the experience of the energy which guided the church. However dedication is needed to remain close to this grace.

>>9995695
>Good reads
After you've done a little Wikipedia hopping I suggest you read

"The Orthodox Church" and
"The orthodox way" by bishop Kallistos ware for good background.

Afterwards read the saying and teaching of the desert fathers, particularly St. macarius. Afterwards try reading the philokalia and the ladder of divine ascent.

"The heart itself is but a small vessel, yet there also are dragons and there are lions; there are poisonous beasts and all the treasures of evil. And there are rough and uneven roads; there are precipices. But there is also God, also the angels, the life and the kingdom, the light and the Apostles, the treasures of grace – there are all things."