February
4 weekly readings
Reason
Razum
Part I: Arthur Schopenhauer; Part II: Fyodor Strakhov
A two-part philosophical reading on the nature of reason. Schopenhauer (1788-1860) examines reason's double-edged nature, while Strakhov (1861-1923), Tolstoy's follower and secretary, writes on the un
Buddha
Budda
Retold by L. N. Tolstoy
Tolstoy's own retelling of the life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), written in his characteristic accessible style for general readers. This reflects Tolstoy's deep respect for Buddhist teaching, whic
–8. Self-Renunciation / A Free Man
Samootrechenie / Svobodny chelovek
Part I: Félicité de Lamennais; Part II: L. N. Tolstoy; Part III: L. N. Tolstoy (from *Resurrection*)
A three-part meditation on sacrifice and inner freedom. Lamennais writes on following Christ's example through suffering; Tolstoy reflects on love through sacrifice; then an excerpt from *Resurrection
–10. Archangel Gabriel / Prayer
Arkhangel Gavriil / Molitva
Part I: Persian (Attar); Part II: L. N. Tolstoy
A two-part meditation on prayer and God's will. A Persian tale from Attar shows that God looks at the heart's sincere seeking, not outward forms. Tolstoy's story then explores what prayer truly means