Way of a Pilgrim

A spiritual classic translated from Russian, telling the story of an anonymous 19th-century Russian peasant's journey to learn the Jesus Prayer ("Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me"). Through four narratives, the pilgrim describes his encounters with various spiritual teachers, his discovery of The Philokalia (a collection of Orthodox mystical writings), and his gradual mastery of ceaseless interior prayer. The book explores themes of contemplative spirituality, the Orthodox tradition of hesychasm, and the transformative power of continuous prayer. Along the way, the pilgrim meets diverse characters - from nobles to beggars, priests to convicts - sharing his knowledge of prayer and witnessing its effects on others. The work offers both a travelogue through 19th-century Russia and Siberia and a practical guide to mystical prayer, emphasizing that spiritual enlightenment is accessible to all, regardless of social status or education.