The Greek term hesychia (ἡσυχία, Greek pronunciation: [isiˈçia]) is a concept that can be translated as "stillness, rest, quiet, silence".
[1] In the Eastern Orthodox Christian mystical tradition of hesychasm, hesychia refers to a state of stillness and peace that is obtained through extreme ascetical struggle, prayer, and the constant contemplation of God.
The attainment of hesychia is a central theme discussed in hesychast literature.
Chapter 2 of the Systematic Sayings of the Desert Fathers is dedicated to the topic of hesychia.
[3] Equivalent terms in other languages include Syriac shelya (šelya).