Hesychia

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The Greek term hesychia (ἡσυχία, Greek pronunciation: [isiˈçia]) is a concept that can be translated as "stillness, rest, quiet, silence".^[1]

In Christianity

In the Eastern Orthodox Christian mystical tradition of hesychasm, hesychia refers to a state of stillness and peace that is obtained through extreme ascetical struggle, prayer, and the constant contemplation of God. The attainment of hesychia is a central theme discussed in hesychast literature.

Chapter 2 of the Systematic Sayings of the Desert Fathers is dedicated to the topic of hesychia.^[2]

In Neoplatonism

The term is also used in Neoplatonic texts such as the Enneads.^[3]

Other languages

Equivalent terms in other languages include Syriac shelya (šelya).^[4]

See also

Wikiquote has quotations related to hesychia.