Chapter 166

In Order to Avoid Delusion

So, from the very beginning of movement from without to within... it is possible to depart into false mysticism. How can one avoid this misfortune? Among the fathers there is indicated for this one means: do not remain alone, have an experienced counselor and guide. If you don’t have one, let two or three gather and guide each other by the light of the Fathers’ writings. I know no other path to avoiding the errors of mysticism, except perhaps a special grace-given guidance, which has been granted to few chosen ones of God. But these are exceptions, and we speak of the paths of life common to all.