BYZANTINE AESTHETICS OF THE ASCETICISM: TRADITIONS OF STUDY

Abstract

The author of the article makes an attempt to analyse definite approaches of understanding the Byzantine ascetic and aesthetical tradition (the aesthetics of the asceticism) in order to point out the quite adequate methodological principles for the modern historical and aesthetical byzantology. First of all, A. Tsarenok underlines the obvious value of famous philosopher V. By chkov’s exploration of the aesthetical doctrines of Byzantium and of the aesthe tics of the asceticism in particular. At the same time, the author of the study tries to prove that V. Bychkov makes a mistake, conventionally characterizing as the aesthetics of the asceticism only the doctrine accepted by the Byzantine monks. Moreover, according to A. Тsarenok’s oppinion, it is methodologically inc orrect not to identify the Orthodox ascetic and aesthetical tradition with the aesthetics of the patristic doctrine: at least the vast majority of represants of the latter (e. g. st. Vasiliy the Great, st. Grigoriy, bishop of Niss) are the true champions of the asceticism. Besides the author of the article does not agree with the statement that the Christian asceticism turns the Christianity in the principally anti-aesthetical religion (see the study by M. Kagan). Such interpretations are based upon the popular stereotype, according to which Christian ascetics preach the radically negative attitude to the somatic beauty. But the thorough analysis of the main principles of the aesthetics of the asceticism helps to understand that these stereotypical oppinions are not true. Finally, A. Tsarenok draw attention to the historical and aesthetical potential of studies by the famous religious philosophers of XXth century the priests P. Florenskiy and S. Bulgakov, who point out the strong aesthetic aspect of the Orthodox ethics (moral and ascetic theology). The corresponding religious and philosophical paradigm represents the reliable methodological basis for the modern historical and aesthetical byzantology and medievistics.