Hesychia


The Greek term hesychia is a concept that can be translated as "stillness, rest, quiet, silence".

In Christianity

In the Eastern Orthodox Christian mystical tradition of hesychasm, hesychia refers to a state of stillness and peace that is obtained through extreme ascetical struggle, prayer, and the constant contemplation of God. The attainment of hesychia is a central theme discussed in hesychast literature.
Chapter 2 of the Sayings of [the Desert Fathers#Systematic Sayings|Systematic Sayings of the Desert Fathers] is dedicated to the topic of hesychia.

In Neoplatonism

The term is also used in Neoplatonic texts such as the Enneads.

Other languages

Equivalent terms in other languages include Syriac shelya.