Dear reader, here is the famous book of words by the “great teacher of inner life” of St. Isaac the Syrian, translated by the holy elder Paisius of Velichkovsky, edited and with notes by St. Macarius of Optina. This publication became evidence of the revival of the spirit of true monasticism and spiritual life in Russia in the mid-19th century. The beginning of this revival is inextricably linked with the activities of St. Paisius Velichkovsky, who found the spirit of ancient monasticism in the patristic writings and on Mount Athos and passed it on through his disciples to the pious Russian people. The spiritual feat of the Monk Paisius consisted of translating the “active” works of the Holy Fathers from Greek and implementing the ancient ascetic instructions into the lives of himself and his disciples.