Abba Poemen the Great was a Christian monk and early Desert Father who is the most quoted Abba in the Apophthegmata Patrum . Abba Poemen was quoted most often for his gift as a spiritual guide, reflected in the name "Poemen" , rather than for his asceticism. He is considered a saint in Eastern Christianity. His feast day is August 27 in the Julian calendar . Wikipedia
“We have not been taught to kill our bodies, but to kill our passions.”
Saying 184
Context: Abba Isaac came to see Abba Poemen and found him washing his feet. As he enjoyed freedom of speech with him he said, "How is it that others practice austerity and treat their bodies hardly?" Abba Poemen said to him, "We have not been taught to kill our bodies, but to kill our passions."
“There are some who receive ten and give one.”
Saying 88
Context: A brother asked Abba Poemen, "Can a man keep all his thoughts in control, and not surrender one to the enemy?" And the old man said to him, "There are some who receive ten and give one."
Saying 53
Context: A brother asked Abba Poemen, "How should a man behave?". The old man said to him, "Look at Daniel: no-one found anything in him to complain about except for his prayers to the Lord his God."
