Person and Heart: the two central parameters of Orthodox anthropology

COURSE DESCRIPTION 

The true goal of humanity, defined before all time, is achieved by observation of the commandments of the Creator. Fulfilling them, however, requires that the mind should return to the heart and that our original integrity be restored. Because it is only then that we are able to love God with all our being and love our neighbor as ourselves, in accordance with the twofold commandment of love. This was the state of humankind in Paradise: there was no division or inner struggle in the soul. Our natural, God-given power of the mind was constantly turned to the Face of God and its jubilation within the glory of God knew no bounds. Now, however,
humankind is fallen and the mind is diffused throughout creation. It, therefore, has to return to the heart and to discover its unity anew… When the mind returns to the heart, God watches over it. It is plunged into the furnace of the heart and is cleansed by the baptism of the fire which the Lord came to start on earth (cf. Luke 3, 16; 12, 29). When the mind is completely purified, it becomes lightning and is ready to enter the deep heart (The hidden person of the heart).