Episode 1514: The Ladder of Divine Ascent - Renunciation Part 5

The Ladder of Divine Ascent, also known as "The Ladder of Paradise," is a spiritual treatise written by Saint John Climacus (also known as John of the Ladder) in the seventh century. It is one of the most influential works in Eastern Orthodox Christian spirituality.
Like the The Evergetinos the Ladder of Divine ascent is a book I must do more episodes from because it really gets your spiritual life recharged. Like an electric shock when working on electric it makes you pause and pay attention.

The book takes the form of a guide or manual for spiritual progress, outlining the steps or rungs that individuals must climb in their ascent toward union with God. It draws inspiration from the biblical story of Jacob's Ladder, where Jacob saw a ladder reaching up to heaven with angels ascending and descending.

The Ladder consists of 30 chapters, each dealing with a specific spiritual virtue or vice. It begins with renunciation of the world and ends with the highest state of spiritual perfection, which is the love of God. The various steps include detachment from worldly possessions, obedience, repentance, humility, and overcoming vices such as anger, gluttony, and pride.

The book emphasizes the importance of a disciplined and ascetic lifestyle, urging readers to engage in practices such as fasting, prayer, solitude, and self-control. It provides practical advice on combating spiritual struggles, dealing with temptations, and cultivating virtues.

The Ladder of Divine Ascent has been highly regarded and widely read throughout the centuries. It has had a significant influence on monasticism and has been embraced as a guide for spiritual growth by many individuals seeking a deeper relationship with God. The teachings presented in the book emphasize the transformative power of grace and the continuous striving for spiritual perfection.