Elder Joseph of Vatopaidi Monastery [Mount Athos] talks about two methods of guarding our mind.
WMA (Wisdom from Mount Athos) Series
Subtitles: Arabic, Hungarian, English, adapted after Romanian translation: [ Ссылка ]
Elder Joseph:
"Let's be attentive, guarding our mind!
An irrational thought comes to our mind. We try to chase it away but it won't leave.
Then we make use of the resistance, opposition, as the Fathers say...
Resistance has two forms:
We say: "O, you devil, run away! I'm a Christian!" He won't leave, he's wicked...
Then we make use of the second method and we humble ourselves saying: "You idiot, you are not ashamed? Are you a human or a devil? What are these that you think about?"
This thing crushes the devil and he runs away immediately.
And then comes the divine grace and comforts us...
Therefore, guard your mind!
Do not waste your time in vain!
Do not listen to useless things!
Do not spread rumors about each other!
Keep your schedule tight!
Do you have too much time?
Run to your room and open a book!
The words of the Fathers are words of the Holy Spirit.
That is why they feed our souls, wake us up, guide us, challenge us, teach us...
Therefore Fathers, be attentive, we have to win this battle."
