An Alternative to the Psychosomatic Method in the Teaching of St. Theophan the Recluse

Abstract

This article examines St. Theophan the Recluse’s attitude toward the so‑called psychosomatic method employed in the practice of the Jesus Prayer within the Hesychast tradition. The study proceeds from the well‑known fact of the saint’s critical stance toward external techniques of prayer involving the regulation of bodily posture and breathing. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate that St. Theophan’s position was not limited to criticism of the psychosomatic method but also included a positive indication of an alternative approach to noetic prayer. Based on an analysis of St. Theophan’s correspondence with Venerable Herman (Gomzin) and his ascetic instructions, the study reconstructs the method he proposed — one of kindling spiritual feelings, understood as an internal way of gathering attention and ordering the heart in prayer. Particular attention is given to St. Theophan’s understanding of the «heart» as the center of human spiritual life, which explains his prioritization of inner spiritual work over external techniques. It is shown that his critique of the psychosomatic method does not imply a rejection of the bodily dimension of prayer, but rather reflects an effort to avoid the substitution of spiritual experience with psychophysiological states. The study clarifies the balanced character of St. Theophan’s approach to the practice of the Jesus Prayer and outlines further perspectives for examining the relationship between inner prayer and the sacramental life of the Church.