All things here in this world, every good and every evil, come from our thoughts. Our thoughts determine our lives. If they are calm, gentle, and simple, our lives will be the same, and we will have peace within us; a peace that will radiate from within and influence everything around us - people, animals, even plants.

Such is the 'mechanism of thoughts' that produces thoughts through which we influence all other people. Everyone expects from us peace, comfort, love, and respect. We often encounter many misfortunes; and all are due to the fact that we have not yet humbled ourselves.

When our soul humbles itself and bows before the will of God, our sufferings and misfortunes will cease. For then, misfortunes and sufferings will become somewhat dear to us. We will reach a completely different perception of life. We will no longer think based on the laws of this world. We will see everything through a different light.

No matter what we look at, it will seem to us somehow brighter, full of love. Everything will be good because it is pleasing to God.

The life and teachings of Elder Thaddeus on thoughts, family life, humility, service to others, monasticism, repentance, prayer, love, fallen beings, spiritual struggle, faith, inner peace, the spiritual world.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]