And the burning of the spirit is the strength and sight which constitute the true spirit of zeal, and which is composed of them. Therefore, it should be said: only be inward, and you will not cease to be jealous.

Takto is significantly inside! This means that one must labor in order to acquire it, for it does not appear suddenly, but in time and much searching. It is placed in the first place because it is a condition of spiritual life. Its perfection depends on the perfection of the three spiritual and three bodily deeds that produce it, namely, the attention of the mind with the inward turning of the eyes, the alertness of the will with the tension of the body, and the sobriety of the heart with the beating off of the pleasure and peace of the flesh. It will appear in full light when the purity of the mind is stripped of thoughts, the purity of the will from desires, the purity of the heart from attachments and passions. But even up to that time it is still an indwelling, although imperfect, immature, not continuous.

From this it is self-evident what means of non-initial indwelling, or better the only remedy: remove everything that can disturb the three deeds shown in their double combination, or everything that can distract outside the power of the soul, with the corresponding functions of the body: mind and feelings, will and muscles, heart and flesh. The senses are amused by external impressions, the mind by thoughts, the muscles are relaxed by the licentiousness of the limbs, the will by wishes, the flesh by rest, the heart by captivity or clinging to something. Therefore, keep the mind without thoughts, the feelings without distraction, the will without desire, the muscles without weakness, the heart without captivity, the flesh without pleasure and rest. And so, the condition and at the same time the means to inward abode: in the soul – the struggle with thoughts, desires and captivities of the heart; in the body there is its binding, and after them there is a change in the external order. Judging by this, all subsequent asceticisms, which will be directed towards the mortification of egoism, are at the same time means to inward abode.

That is why in the teachings of the Holy Fathers (the teaching on sobriety, watching over the mind), the inner life is always placed in an inseparable connection with ascetic warfare. However, the meeting is not the same as swearing. This is a special spiritual activity, the most primary. It is the place where everything spiritual is done – warfare, reading, contemplation of God, and prayer. Whatever the ascetic does, first always go within and act from there.

There is no doubt that it is difficult for the mind to remain within oneself and to keep the impetuosity of one's soul within itself... And is it not because of this that there are so few people who would understand this great cause and seek it? But be that as it may, it is impossible to replace it with anything, and everyone needs their own work in this kind, that is, in order to have an inner work according to God, which consists in holding one's powers of mind, will, and feeling before the Face of God within one's heart.

This is true life, fully befitting our spirit and quenching its immortal thirst. It is a great mistake when they want to replace this exercise with bodily labor. Of course, you can't do without them. But why not suggest that every earthly deed should be permeated and covered with the spirit of prayer – the heavenly element, and this would happen necessarily, when during the work the Jesus Prayer would be read reverently, as far as it is possible for everyone, at least orally, because of the impossibility of a better – the inner one; And the word of wise men would come to pass: "Work is in the hands, and prayer is in the mouth."

After all, it would be something amazing; without practicing in business, to have knowledge, success and experience in it. Our strength is developed in the matter in which we exercise it. It is clear that if we do not work in the matter of our inner education, that is, if we do not take care of the guarding of the mind, the guarding of the heart, and inward unceasing prayer, we cannot have these excellent qualities in ourselves, as we are completely unfamiliar with these things.