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The monk and ascetic, and teacher of the esteemed John Cassian, Evagrius Ponticus (345-399), wrote in Practike: The proof of apatheia [detachment] is that the nous [mind] begins to behold its (own) proper gentle radiance; that it remains tranquil in the presence of visions during sleep; and that it looks at matters calmly.
The contemplative practice is to nurture emotional detachment, or emotional nonreliance, that the Fathers and Mothers of the Desert called apatheia. This term was used among the early patristic Fathers and, thereafter, by contemplative theologians.
Of great import is Evagrius' optimism regarding the natural state of the person. A comparison is a stream of water. The stream, let us envision, is clear and pure. When something stirs it up, the water becomes muddy, until the muddiness settles. Then, again, the stream is clear and pure. Or, take the Sunlight. The air is clear; the radiance of the Sun shines through it. But, then, the air is polluted by smoke, blocking the radiance, until the air clears. So, the natural state of the mind is, in the theology of Evagrius, a "gentle radiance" characterized by tranquility and calm. We should not consider the natural state of persons to be muddy or clouded by pollution; rather, true Prayer is a means of restoring our natural state, and that state is one of blissful and contented peace and being, thereby, a peacemaker.
Ephesians 4.1-3 (NLT)
1Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. 3Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.
*Translation of Evagrius is by Luke Dysinger; www.ldysinger.com .
**OneLife writings are offered by Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist pastor serving in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He writes in the spirit of John Wesley's focus on the priority of inner experience of the Triune God; scriptural holiness; ongoing sanctification; the goal of Christian perfection (or, wholeness). Brian lives a vowed contemplative life with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis, in North Florida. OneLife writings are for anyone seeking to live and share love, joy, and peace in the world and in devotion to God as she or he best understands God.
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