Hierarchy Observed in Living the Spiritual Attainment

link to post in Russian:
(source)

Соблюдаемая иерархия в опыте духовного постижения.

(a true voice)

[CELESTIAL GATES]                                                 От Velikden 2008

 Translation from Russian

The Hierarchy Observed in Living the Spiritual Attainment.

There are several stages of ascent in spiritual life relating to the contemplative (as opposed to the praxis) path. Further one could call these levels: they are as it were in various degrees of remoteness from the source of Light, but still the same they do have Him (the Light) in themselves – and the Light is invariably felt, present in each one of them. These stages, or levels, are the following:

1) prayer

2) the Gospel

3) spiritual-and-moral literature (and)

4) reflection and discursive experiences of the previous three. {See Note 1}

Most probably, a strict division of these into four components would be too “quick”(,) a thing that seems odd, however, without man neither prayer, nor even reflections about it is possible; and the Gospel and the spiritual-and-moral literature would lie (remain) a useless burden unless there be understanding (a meaning is given to them) and empathy for what is written there. It is no coincidence, therefore the righteous Fathers (used to) say that prayer (the permanent one) is a constant remembrance of God. Which is also reflected in the reflection about Him.

However, prayer as such still is a specific way of thinking, rather a forced one – and not a free one bound with an apparent necessity; and not by accident, and the arbitrariness of intuition. Actually, prayer is not even thinking (reflecting), but it is action – thinking does presuppose it. Prayer one may call pro-active meditation, and not one that presupposes activeness. Not a theory of practice but the very practice albeit mixed (up) with theory. And trough it this practice has been vouchsafed to become (evolve into) – often stemming out of fruitless, painful, agonizing, seemingly endlessly long, but so much necessary for the creatures acts of attainment of the Truth – “theoretical” states. This is why part 4 is also a necessary and central content part of the perfection in Christ; it, too, is illuminated by His light as long it leads to a right prayerful state.

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Now we must remember that all four components are by no accident placed in a definite order. But let me reiterate: this (order) is not that specific as, perhaps, it looks like here, and not that distinct as it now seems, for example, but we must remember that the hierarchy, of course, must exist as otherwise chaos and weakening of the prayerful life is possible. There must be a system, albeit conditional, and one that not always looks the same, but (a system) anyway. Hence it is clear that prayer as such stands in the first place, be it as it may, as without it communion with God is impossible in its direct form, therefore if while at prayer reflections of whatever kind pop up that seem important and not devoid of moral content, but (ones that are) too personal (as it later turns out – it is well-worth to even immediately strain oneself and chase away what has come “not by the text”) then it is worth it to immediately put them for later, “in its place (of merit)”. The same may is also valid for the Gospel (indeed, examples (for one) when reading prayers to suddenly want to read the Gospel, too, are difficult to give.)

That same disorder can be also referred to spiritual-and-moral literature: when (one’s) thoughts prove so much “significant” that they obscure both what is being read and has been read in the moral source. – Then it is worth, coming to one’s senses, to immediately abandon them for a corresponding convenience – e.g. spiritual experience of a certain spiritual man, recognizing his worth, and, conversely, the condition – most likely – of a spectator for oneself, and not of a participant in the events: (of) a disciple, not (of) the teacher, or (of one) equal in the experience of knowledge (and understanding).

And so, may none (component) be above the other, and (may) each one contributes to strengthening one another. To the glory of God!

Note:
1 Lower than stage 4 there is nothing of Godly inclination [[darkness all around]], and due to pride and spiritual blindness lying there is, in my conviction, an abyss of decay and a wilderness of unbelief, Satanism, and all kinds of [devouring] lies.

marginalt