On Spiritual Tourism

Many come to the Holy Mountain, visit various Fathers, become enthused with what they hear from each, interpret them in their own way, muddle them up in their heads and then say, ‘We had a really good time.’ Whereas, if they visited only one Father, heeded his advice and tried to apply all that he said to their life, they would have some positive help. Now what they are doing is spiritual tourism; they are wasting their time, exhausting themselves without gaining anything. How restful and beneficial it would be if they stayed with one Father and applied what he told them! They could experience the soul’s inner repose, whereas now they wander from place to place, enjoying the Holy Mountain’s beautiful green landscape just like worldly people.

— Elder Paisios the Athonite

Taken from Fr Josiah’s blog.

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