The Three Methods of Prayer

An important and controversial text describing three approaches to prayer, attributed to Symeon the New Theologian though the attribution is debated. The first two methods are described as inadequate or dangerous; the third method — descending with the mind into the heart — is presented as the authentic way. This text became central to the hesychast controversy and to the transmission of the Jesus Prayer tradition. Notable for its practical description of the psychosomatic technique of prayer involving posture and breathing.