John Cassian (360-435)

Conferences of John Cassian offer the modern Christian a glimpse into the lives of second and third century Christian monastics. It documents the thoughts, wisdom  and practices of  the Desert Fathers and Mothers who took Jesus' instructions to take up our own cross, and renounce possessions literally. The Conferences of John Cassian is a template of the monastic way of life where the theology of denying self and practicing presence is implemented in to daily living. Cassian's work was highly respected by his contemporaries, as well as those who went on to have enormous influence on the monastic movement. St. Benedict referenced Cassian's work while writing The Rule of St. Benedict, which went on to be the rule of life for countless Benedictine monks.


Link to an on line Copy of John Cassian's "Conferences"