The book is one of the most important manuals on practical asceticism. Compiled based on the works of Syrian ascetics of the 5th–6th centuries. St. Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet. One of the authors, Rev. Barsanuphius testified about her this way: “I write all this not of my own will, but at the command of the Holy Spirit, for the correction and benefit of the soul and conscience of the inner man.” Monastics and laypeople, novices and those who had succeeded in spiritual life, elders, the weak and the healthy turned to Saints Barsanuphius and John for advice and guidance. And everyone received answers filled with grace and spiritual reasoning. By reading this book, you can find answers to many completely different questions that we constantly encounter at the very beginning of spiritual work. We will hear the words that we need, filled with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, from a time richly permeated with holiness. We will receive answers directly from people who themselves, having moved to heavenly abodes, brought their neighbors there, who asked for their salvation. For specialists engaged in research in the field of patristics, moral theology, asceticism, hagiology, pastoral theology, for researchers of certain aspects of the Orthodox teaching on salvation and prayer, general church history, the history of Orthodox monasticism. For monastics, as well as for all those interested in Orthodox asceticism, as well as for all those interested in Orthodox asceticism. For students, students and teachers of theological educational institutions, teachers of undergraduate and graduate students of theological universities and faculties.