Coming to Peace of Mind

Dorotheus of Gaza’s First Instruction to Monks

Peace of mind may be seen as a precious gift. It is certainly very advantageous in all our daily life and work and accompanied by joyfulness. Yet, we often experience how easily our peace of mind and joy can be lost. For St. Dorotheus, peace of mind is not merely a gift to be hoped for, it is the fruit of work on oneself. The fathers and spiritual guides of the monks taught this through their way of living the quest of union with God. In conclusion to this teaching on the renunciation that leads back to union with God through Christ and to peace of mind, St. Dorotheus gives very concrete indications on how to begin on this road and shows with three true stories how its final outcome is holiness.