The Institutes

About this book

The Institutes by St John Cassian is a classic of early Christian monastic writing and essential reading for anyone who wants to grow spiritually in overcoming weaknesses and temptations.In the fourth century, known as the golden age of Christian monasticism in the East, St John Cassian travelled to Egypt and lived among the monks of the desert. He later wrote two books for those who wanted to learn about the monastic life, and this is one of them.The Institutes first describes the dress of the monks and their life of prayer. It then turns to the "eight vices" against which every monk must struggle, and teaches how each can be recognised and overcome.Everything in this book is drawn from the lives and the counsels of the holy monks whom St John met in Egypt. For that reason it has guided monks, nuns and lay Christians in East and West for centuries, and remains a practical handbook for the inner struggle against the passions.For monks and nuns, clergy, students of the Church Fathers and early monasticism, and every Christian who wants to learn from the wisdom of the Desert Fathers in their own daily struggle.