Living Without Hypocrisy: Spiritual Counsels of the Holy Elders of Optina Hardcover – Illustrated, January 1, 2005

They layout is kind of like the sayings of the Desert Fathers, except that the sayings are arranged by subject, such as "Prayer, Humility, Pride, Temptations" rather than being arranged my name. One can just open up any page, read a few sayings and be edified."How does a person become bad? by forgetting God is over him." -St. Ambrose of Optina"You should not be afraid of Cholera, but of serious sins, for the Scythe of Death mows a person down like grass even without Cholera. Therefore, place all your hope in the Lord God, without Whose will even the birds do not die, much less a person." -St Anthony of Optina

Here in one compact book are the teachings of the Optina Elders, gleaned from their writings and conversations with people who knew them and came to them for spiritual counsel. The book is arranged according to topic, and the sayings of each of the wise Elders are presented in short paragraphs. The book is durable, with a sturdy hard cover, so it will last for many years.

Inspiring and true wisdom! Glory to God.

Even more helpful than the Philokalia!

This book is full of beautiful quotes from the Optina Elders, St. Ambrose, St. Nikon, St. Leo, St. Anatoly, St. Moses, St. Barsanuphius, St. Nektary, and St. Macarius. The quotes are organized by topics, and there are a few quotes to each topic. The only con I can think of is that there is no table of contents to help you navigate through this treasury, but the beauty contained within this collection is not marred for me in any way by this.This is my go-to book, for quickly finding a spiritual truth I can "chew on" for a few hours in the day. I find it easier to navigate than the Desert Fathers because of the topical organization. In the Desert Fathers, since most of the selections take the form of a story, you have to work a little harder to glean the underlying spiritual truth. Since these elders were staretsy, the selctions read more like advice from a spiritual father... it is more direct counsel.I can definitely see getting much use out of this book for many years to come- definitely one to own rather than borrow- and keep by your bedside collection or study bookshelf. Although it is a product of the Orthodox tradition of which I am an adherent, it's a wonderful tool for deepening any faithful Christian's life in Christ.

I love this book I read portions of it at the end of the day. It helps keep my mind ordered.Update:I'm taking a star off because I found the book lacks a table of contents navigation in the Kindle version. To find specific quotes by topic you have to scroll through the book to try to find it.

I am a Muslim but this book has been of tremendous help for my spiritual life in all regards. The book is especially good for night readings in bed when you are too tired to read anything else. I am shocked that this book isn't a top seller in orthodox Christianity.

Best advices

Spiritual life gets enriched by such companions

Deep insights from very smart people

Excellent spiritual guidance. Optina was/is an extraordinary centre for Orthodox Christian thinking. Dip in at times of trouble...or on a daily basis. There will be words to give you comfort.