Conferences of John Cassian

Conferences of John Cassian is a theological work written by Christian monk and theologian John Cassian, also known as John the Ascetic. The Conferences summarize important conversations that Cassian had with elders from the monastery at Scetis about principles of the spiritual and ascetic life. This book addresses specific problems of spiritual theology and the ascetic life. First Set: I. The goal and end of the monk II. Discernment III. The three renunciations IV. Desires of the flesh V. The eight principle vices VI. The murder of saintly people VII. Evil spirits and the soul's changeability VIII. The principalities IX. Prayer (disposition, types) X. Prayer (unceasing, method) Second Set : XI. Perfection XII. Chastity XIII. Grace and free will XIV. Spiritual knowledge, biblical interpretation XV. Charisms XVI. Friendship XVII. Oaths and promises Third Set : XVIII. Three types of monks XIX. Cenobites and anchorites XX. Penitence and reparation XXI. Relaxing during Pentecost XXII. Dreams and nocturnal emissions XXIII. Sinlessness XXIV. Mortification, renunciation

John Cassian (c. AD 360-c. 435) was a Christian monk and theologian celebrated in both the Western and Eastern churches for his mystical writings. Cassian is noted for his role in bringing the ideas and practices of early Christian monasticism to the medieval West.