Ambrose of Optina

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

1. Live like a wheel: one point on the earth, the rest reaching up.

   A turning wheel keeps moving because it barely touches the ground. Ambrose asks us to deal with earthly things lightly, at a single point, while the rest of us aims higher. Do your work in the world, but do not let it pin you down.

   Some General Instructions of Elder Ambrose (appended to his Letters to Monastics), our translation from the Russian

2. Talk less, keep quiet more, judge no one, respect to all.

   This is Ambrose's whole rule for living with people in four short clauses. Less commentary, more silence, no verdicts on others, and courtesy to everyone. Try it for one day and notice how much quieter your head becomes.

   Some General Instructions of Elder Ambrose (appended to his Letters to Monastics), our translation from the Russian

3. Patience is the soul's house. Humility is its bread.

   Patience is where the soul lives; humility is what keeps it fed. Run out of humility and you will soon be thrown out of your patience too. Feed the one and the other holds.

   Some General Instructions of Elder Ambrose (appended to his Letters to Monastics), our translation from the Russian

4. Better to foresee and keep quiet than to speak and regret.

   Most regretted words were obvious mistakes a second before they left your mouth. Look one step ahead and the urge to say them fades. Silence costs nothing; an apology costs a lot.

   Some General Instructions of Elder Ambrose (appended to his Letters to Monastics), our translation from the Russian

5. An unkept promise is a good tree with no fruit.

   A promise looks good when it is made, like a healthy tree. But a tree is judged by its fruit and a promise by its keeping. Promise less and deliver everything you said.

   Some General Instructions of Elder Ambrose (appended to his Letters to Monastics), our translation from the Russian

6. Teaching is tossing pebbles from the bell tower. Doing is hauling boulders up it.

   Giving advice is easy and light; living by it is heavy and uphill. Ambrose, who gave advice all day, knew the difference. Before you tell anyone how to live, carry a few stones up yourself.

   Some General Instructions of Elder Ambrose (appended to his Letters to Monastics), our translation from the Russian

7. To stay clear of anger, don't hurry.

   Most irritation is a symptom of rushing. When you are late and pressed, every small obstacle feels like an insult. Leave earlier, move slower, and much of your anger simply never arrives.

   Some General Instructions of Elder Ambrose (appended to his Letters to Monastics), our translation from the Russian

8. The wood of your cross grows in the soil of your own heart.

   Ambrose says God does not manufacture our crosses; the burden we carry is cut from what grows inside us. That is hard news and good news: the source is within reach. Tend the heart and the weight changes.

   Some General Instructions of Elder Ambrose (appended to his Letters to Monastics), our translation from the Russian