Every once in a while you will hear (likely in hushed tones) about the Philokalia, how it may or may not be “forbidden” reading, how it’s driven people mad, etc. But what is it?! First of all, it’s not quite as scary as the Orthodox interwebz would tend to indicate; that being said, it should still (like so many aspects of our Faith) be approached with caution, guidance from your priest, and with fear of God. The name itself actually means the “love (of) beauty,” and it is a compilation of texts written between the 4th and 15th centuries to instruct monks in the practice of the ascetical life. As a spiritual text, the Philokalia has been extremely influential in the Orthodox Church, as it is the foundational text on hesychasm (quietness/ stillness) which is inseparable from the larger liturgical life of the Church. One of the overarching foci is the need for a spiritual father in the Church to guide you through your spiritual life.
So should you read it? Sure, you can - but not with a mind to become an overnight monastic. The text itself is not intellectually impenetrable, but it is something to be read slowly and with reflection, and then discussed with your spiritual father. It’s certainly not forbidden, is unlikely to drive you mad, and may in fact help you find spiritual fulfillment in union with God.