The Ladder of Divine Ascent

THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT St. John Climacus Translated by Archimandrite Lazarus Moore (Harper & Brothers, 1959)

The whole monastic state consists of three specific kinds of establishment: either the retirement and solitude of a spiritual athlete, or living in silence with one or two others, or settling patiently in a community. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left (Proverbs 4:25-4:28), but follow the King’s highway. Of the three ways of life stated above, the second is suitable for many people, for it is said: ‘Woe unto him who is alone when he falleth’ into despondency or lethargy or laziness or despair, ‘and hath not another among men to lift him up’ (Ecclesiastes 4:10). ‘For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them,’ said the Lord. (Matthew 18:20)

So who is a faithful and wise monk? He who has kept his fervour unabated, and to the end of his life has not ceased daily to add fire to fire, fervour to fervour, zeal to zeal, love to love. This is the first step. Let him who has set foot on it not turn back.