The book consistently introduces the reader into the content and essence of Orthodox asceticism - an ancient hesychast tradition that has existed from the 4th century. to the present day, which has become the basis of Russian religiosity and culture. The Hesychast doctrine of man is superimposed in the form of a dictionary of anthropological concepts. This statement is supplemented by a detailed analysis of the entire structure of hesychast experience, its methodology and hermeneutics. The experience of austerity is revealed in a double perspective: from the standpoint of hesychast consciousness itself (reconstructed according to the texts of the Tradition) and from the standpoint of modern fat consciousness (which does not oppose itself to the Tradition, but seeks to understand it on the ways of participation). Philosophical problems associated with the understanding of hesychast practice are revealed: the need for a new interpretation of energy, new hermeneutic approaches, etc. The whole theme of the study of hesychasm is outlined as a vast field of knowledge, giving rise to new perspectives for many human sciences. The texts included in the book have been revised and expanded, compared with the first publications. The book is addressed to everyone who wants to understand the spiritual tradition of Russia and the spiritual practice of Orthodoxy.