Письмо 176

I wish you, after reading the book of St. John Climacus, understand not just the words, but the spirit of his God-inspired teaching, guiding into the eternal life. You will see from his teaching that your current prayer rules are only sowing and preparation; and don’t think that you are collecting fruits. This is arrogance that the enemy instills in you, so that over time he can completely deprive you of it, leading you into his destructive charm. You are still full of passions, and if they subside for a while, then in order to rush towards you with greater ardor; and when you see your shortcomings in everything and humble yourself in everything, then the enemy will not have time to do anything to you. Read step 25 more carefully. John Climacus: there you will see that only humility can destroy our passions and strengthen our virtues, and in St. Isaac the Syrian says in the 46th word that “humility saves a person apart from deeds, but deeds without humility cannot save.” Do not think of acquiring humility simply and without mental labor, “it is a product of reason, and reason is a product of temptations and sorrows,” according to the words of St. Peter of Damascus; therefore, one should not avoid the sorrows sent from God, but accept with humility, and endure with self-reproach, and not at all rely on one’s prayers or on tears, which lead the frivolous to pride and vanity. Beware of frequent and long visits, they will not only bring no benefit, but can damage your mental well-being. What do you have conversations about? If about spiritual objects, then the young one to the young one: “even if he pours out a river of teachings, he does not create, the wallpaper is damaged”; If there is more idle talk and condemnation of others, then what good can come of this? It is enough for you to have interviews with your mothers, and that is enough for you; and that she doesn’t like “walking high - it’s not for her,” I’m not an imam about this stuff, but I know where it comes from. I remain a wisher for your health and salvation, much-sinful I.M. November 24, 1857. You might be interested in: