The Way of a Pilgrim
Many American readers first became aware of this little Russian tale by way of J. D. Salinger. Shambhala presents it here in a recent translation by Olga Savin more or less without comment, except for a short introduction by Father Thomas Hopko of St. Vladimir's Seminary and a brief but useful glossary. It is a pilgrimage, but it is also a testimony to the power of the "Jesus Prayer" --endless repetition of the words "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me!" that is at the same time an exercise in disciplined breathing. One could read it as a RussianCandide, countering Voltaire's irreverence with reverence while sharing his delight in moments of surprise created by unexpectedly interconnected actions. This edition is most timely at this moment in history when Russian spirituality is reexerting its influence at home and abroad.Steve Schroeder