Theory and Practice of Hesychasm in the Modern Experience of the Formation of Human Personality and Consciousness
Natalia S. Zhirtueva, Alyona B. Rusakova
Voprosy Filosofii April 12, 2026 DOI: 10.21146/0042-8744-2026-4-193-203 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Hesychasm's doctrines of unity, theosis, and prayer-centered spirituality provide a framework for understanding consciousness as actively shaping reality, and proposes its ideal as the pursuit of global unity across all levels of being. |
Abstract
The article analyses ontological, epistemological, anthropological and social ideas of Hesychasm, which are important in the practice of formation of human personality and consciousness. Contemporary scientific thought has given rise to two mutually exclusive approaches to the problem of the nature and essence of consciousness. The first approach posits that human consciousness forms the image of the Universe and exerts a influence on its development by combating chaos. The second approach asserts that consciousness is merely a shadow accompanying nervous processes in the brain and does not exert any influence on the physical Universe. In the context of the initial approach, the doctrine of Hesychasm acquires particular relevance and practical significance at the present stage. At the ontological level, Hesychasm develops the doctrine of the profound unity of being, created by God the Creator. The anthropology of Hesychasm is predicated on the notion of the unity and integrity of the person, with the spiritual dimension occupying a central role in achieving ‘deification’ (theosis), in conjunction with the body. The doctrine of theosis postulates a state of unitive communion with the divine, characterised by the collaborative manifestation of divine creativity, achieved through the transcendence of anti-synergetic emotional inclinations. The doctrine of Hesychasm, a school of thought within Eastern Christianity, emphasises the primacy of intuitive and mystical cognition, regarding prayer as the primary means of spiritual connection. Prayer has been shown to promote the unity of human psychic life around its spiritual centre, the heart, and the overcoming of inner chaos. The social doctrine of Hesychasm seeks to embody the idea of unity of the Orthodox Church, state and people. The importance of the theory and practice of hesychasm is increasing now, in the context of ideological rivalry and information wars. The ideal of Hesychasm is defined as the endeavour to achieve global unity at all levels of being.