The Wandering Demon in Evagrius of Pontus and Joseph Hazzaya

Abstract

The aim of this work is to analyze a particular aspect of the Alexandrian and Syriac demonology from the so-called δαίμων πλάνος (daímon planos) or wandering demon, who is presented by Evagrius of Pontus in his treatise On thoughts. This demon has the mission of distract the monk from the purpose that is his own and to dispose him to the attack of more dangerous and harmful demons. The wandering demon is inaugurated by Evagrius and taken up a few centuries later by Syriac authors in some of their works. I will study, in addition to the evagrian text, the work of his most recognized commentators:
Joseph Hazzaya. In these texts it can be observed that the treatment of the fact of wandering, whether physical or mental, causes in these authors a series of reflections that impact on their ascetic or spiritual systems, Universidad Pontificia  and in the caution with which they warn the monks about the importance of stability –or hesykhía–, and the dangers of leaving the cell. Therefore, in addition to the conclusions directly related to spiritual theology, this analysis also allows us to enter into considerations of a psychological nature, namely, the importance and necessity of living with full awareness of the present, avoiding the dispersion that is produced by the disordered thoughts.