|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation by Luke Dysinger, O.S.B. (translation in public domain). References to the Sentences of Sextus, Clitarchus and Pythagoras taken from Sinkewicz (Evagrius Ponticus, the Greek Ascetic Corpus, pp. 230-231
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPIRITALES
SENTENTIĆ |
ΕΤΕΡΑΙ ΓΝΩΜΑΙ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. It is peculiar for one who seeks honors to flee from the labors by which the honors come. |
1. [25] Ἄτοπόν ἐστιν τὸ διώκοντα τὰς τιμὰς φεύγειν τοὺς πόνους, δι' ὧν αἱ τιμαί. |
|
|
|
|
2. You wish to know God – first of all know yourself. |
2. [26] Βούλει γνῶναι θεόν, προλαβὼν γνῶθι σεαυτόν. |
|
Cf. Sextus 394, 577 |
|
|
|
|
|
3. Truly a friend is one who shares in critical times. |
3. [27] Γνήσιος φίλων ὁ τὰς περιστάσεις κοινούμενος. |
|
Cf. Pythagoras 34; Clitarchus 92 |
|
|
|
|
|
4. It is strange to have grand intentions while accomplishing little. |
4. [28] Δεινόν ἐστι μέγα φρονεῖν μικρὰ πράττοντα. |
|
Cf. Clitarchus 61 |
|
|
|
|
|
5. Constantly supposing is an impediment to understanding. |
5. [29] Ἐν παντὶ τὸ οἴεσθαι εἰς τὸ εἰδέναι ἐμποδίζει. |
|
|
|
|
6. Of the irrational life a demon is the guide. |
6. [30] Ζωῆς ἀλόγου δαίμων ἡγεμών. |
|
Sextus 305 and Pythagoras 49 |
|
|
|
|
|
7. The soul’s noble birth shines forth in [its] vigor. |
7. [31] Ἡ τῆς ψυχῆς εὐγένεια ἐκ τῆς εὐτονίας ἀναφαίνεται. |
|
|
|
|
8. Devout is the one who does not speak of himself. |
8. [32] Θεοσεβὴς ἐκεῖνος ὁ μὴ καθ' ἑαυτοῦ φθεγγόμενος. |
|
|
|
|
9. Temple of God is a blameless person. |
9. [33] Ἱερὸν θεοῦ ανθρωπος ἀνεπίληπτος. |
|
|
|
|
10. The very worst possession is a reprobate life. |
10. [34] Κάκιστον κτῆμα βίος ἀδόκιμος. |
|
|
|
|
11.
Say what is appropriate, |
11.
[35] Λάλει ἃ δεῖ |
|
11. Cf. Sextus 171a; Clitarchus 44 |
|
|
|
|
|
12. The very greatest possession is an infallible friend.. |
12. [36] Μέγιστον κτῆμα φίλος ἀδιάπτωτος. |
|
|
|
|
13. A disposition attached to esteem is a sickness of the soul. |
13. [37] Νόσημα ψυχῆς γνώμη φιλόδοξος. |
|
|
|
|
14. The stranger and the poor are the eye-salve of God. (cf. Rev. 3: 18) |
14. [38] Ξένος καὶ πένης θεοῦ κολλούριον– |
|
|
|
|
15. The one who receives them will quickly have his vision restored (cf. Rev. 3: 18). |
15. [39] Ὁ δεχόμενος αὐτὸν ταχέως ἀναβλέψει. |
|
|
|
|
16. It is good to show beneficence to all, but more so to those unable to return the favour. |
16. [40] Πάντας μὲν εὐεργετεῖν καλόν, μᾶλλον δὲ τοὺς μὴ δυναμένους ἀμείβεσθαι. |
|
|
|
|
17. One who makes just speeches is a drinking-cup of cold water (cf. Mt10,42). |
17. [41] Ῥήτωρ ἐν δικαιότητι ποτήριον ψυχροῦ ὕδατος. |
|
|
|
|
18. Temperance and gentleness of soul are the cherubim (cf. Ex 25. 18–22) |
18. [42] Σωφροσύνη καὶ πραΰτης ψυχῆς Χερουβίμ. |
|
|
|
|
19. To be honored in old age is evidence of one’s diligence before becoming old; seriousness in youth is a pledge of honor in old age. |
19. [43] Τὸ εντιμον ἐν γήρᾳ εἶναι ἀπόδειξις τοῦ φιλόπονον πρὸ γήρως γεγονέναι· τὸ σπουδαῖον ἐν νέῳ ἐχέγγυον τοῦ εντιμον ἐν γήρᾳ εσεσθαι. |
|
|
|
|
20. Pinnacle of the soul − true contemplation. |
20. [44] Ὑπερῷον ψυχῆς θεωρία ἀληθής. |
|
|
|
|
21. Loving what is improper you will not love what is proper. |
21. [45] Φιλῶν ἃ μὴ δεῖ οὐ φιλήσεις ἃ δεῖ. |
|
Sextus 141; Clitarchus 25 |
|
|
|
|
|
22. Unrefined gold is better than a friend as a possession. |
22. [46] Χρυσὸν κίβδηλον ἄμεινον ἢ φίλον κεκτῆσθαι. |
|
|
|
|
23. A pure soul − God after God. |
23. [47] Ψυχὴ καθαρὰ μετὰ θεὸν θεός. |
|
See On Prayer 122: Blessed the monk who regards every human being as God after God. Μακάριός ἐστι μοναχὸς, ὁ πάντας ἀνθρώπους ὡς Θεὸν μετὰ Θεὸν λογιζόμενος. |
|
|
|
|
|
24. O, what comes from the self-love that hates everything! |
24. [48] Ὢ ἀπὸ τῆς φιλαυτίας τῆς πάντα μισούσης. |
|
Cf. Sextus 138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This Webpage was created for a workshop held at Saint Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, California in 1990
