Doc,
Turn 
into 
because I am one that hears the call to lead such a life. Thanks for the monastic pictures.
Here is a site of a Greek Orthodox Monestary in Florence, AZ. It is quite beautiful. Also attached is a small photo gallery and a list of other related monasteries in the United States.
http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/
http://www.pbase.com/tconelly/greek_orthodox_monastery
http://www.holytransfigurationmonastery.com/
http://www.stanthonysmonastery.org/Map.htm
A little info about Mt. Athos…
http://www.monachos.net/monasticism/athos/
Hi Doc,
What are your thoughts on the works of Kyriacos C. Markides…specifically The Mountain of Silence and Gifts of the Desert?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/002-4192215-6765636?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=markides
Topic moved for better placement.
Sorry this is being done so late in the discussion. This is a very informative topic on the Christian meditation tradition. Please keep going. Thank you.
The guru is in you.
PS – Welcome aboard Doc!
Doc: what a delight to read your introductory post… some years ago I was in the Greek part of Cyprus, and after following a nature trail we ended op the top of some beautiful hill where there was a tiny little church … inside there were icons and a few chairs. I meditated on on of them and never in my life have I had such “ecstatic conductivty” from the feet to the crown and backwards like clockwork and in great gulps of energy, in/from any sacred spot on earth, as I had in that little church in the middle of nowhere. I went out, and came back later, and sat down again, it immediately started again. I looked at the icons and saw that the saints were all depicted with their hands in various mudra positions and I was sure there was a relation between the East and the Greek Orthodox Church. I’ve never learned the meanings of mudra’s yet so far but your post is confirming exactly what I thought. I’m not sure whether this post will not be mved to where it belongs as it is not about the jesus prayer, just sharing my enthusiasm after reading your intro!
Best!
Wow! Thanks to you all for such a warm welcome here, and for being so open to discussion of a topic that probably wouldn’t find alot of acceptance on many internet forums out there. Very cool indeed! 
http://www.balamandmonastery.org.lb/Mercy.jpg
Hari Om! Namaste, yogani ~
Kudos to you for a wonderful website and discussion forum, virtually filled to overflowing with really solid content and great teaching from you. 
Thank you for allowing me to participate here. 
Yoda ~ Check these sites for more on the Jesus Prayer:
http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article7104.asp
http://www.balamandmonastery.org.lb/jesus_prayer.htm#art
http://www.monachos.net/monasticism/jesus_prayer.shtml
http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/Jprayer.html
Scott ~ I, too, have heard the inner call to lead a monastic life. As a younger man, I responded to such a calling twice, once entering a Christian Monastery, and once as a Sannyasin at a Yoga Ashram, with many spiritual/meditation retreats at every conceivable type of spiritual/religious community. In the end, however, I always felt in my heart that God calls me to teach and to heal in this life, so that is what I have done for more than 30 years to date. Follow what your heart tells you whenever it is quiet and you are alone, especially when praying or meditating, for this is when God speaks to us most easily. 
This one’s especially for you!
http://www.vic.com/~tscon/pelagia/htm/b16.en.saint_gregory_palamas_as_a_hagiorite.05.htm
billeejak ~ Thanks for the great links! The writing of Kyriacos C. Markides often resonates with my own perpsective on the subjects he writes about. I like his writing generally speaking. Here’s one of my favorites for those who are unfamiliar with his written works:
http://elevated.freeyellow.com/page10.html
Yogini ~ What a wonderful experience, and a great story! Thanks for sharing that with all of us. Your story and comments are most welcome and appropriate in this thread, IMO, because much of what you felt in that church was undoutedly due to the residual, ecstatic spiritual energy accumulated over time by those who regularly practice the Jesus Prayer and other personal devotions there, as well as the residual spiritual energy resulting from the celebration of ‘The Divine Liturgy’ and other liturgical ritual services performed there. Perhaps you will find this article of interest:
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/187/story_18752_1.html
Peace, Light and Love to All ~
Doc
Central to the practice of the ‘Jesus Prayer’ for all Orthodox Christians is the use of a ‘Prayer Rope’. These are used in much the same way as are the various kinds of japa malas, rosaries, and so-called prayer beads found in other Religious Traditions. Here are a few links regarding the history and use of the Prayer Rope:
http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/comboschini.aspx
http://www.chotkis.com/history.htm
http://www.rosaryworkshop.com/HISTORY-AlexRoman.html#ANCIENT%20PRAYER%20ROPES
One is All and All are One!
Doc