I know a man who, when he saw a woman of striking beauty, praised the Creator for her. The sight of her lit within him the love of God.
John ClimacusRead
The first stage of this tranquility consists in silencing the lips when the heart is excited. The second, in silencing the mind when the soul is still excited. The goal is a perfect peacefulness even in the middle of the raging storm.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of inner peace amidst external chaos through self-control and mindfulness.
John Climacus highlights a twofold approach to achieving tranquility: first, by controlling one's speech and emotions when agitated, and secondly, by calming the mind when stirred by deeper feelings. The ultimate goal is to attain a state of serene peace, even when faced with turmoil, suggesting that true tranquility comes from within and requires conscious effort.
Themes
TranquilityPeaceMindfulnessSelf-ControlStorms
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a meditation workshop to inspire participants to find inner peace.
More from John Climacus
All quotes βSomeone who is elated with wine speaks the truth on all subjects, even without meaning to. In the same way, anyone who is inebriated with the spirit of penitence will never be able to tell lies.
John ClimacusRead
God belongs to all free beings. He is the life of all, the salvation of all ~faithful and unfaithful, just and unjust, pious and impious, passionate and dispassionate, monks and laymen, wise and simple, healthy and sick, young and old just as the effusion of light, the sight of the sun, and the changes of the seasons are for all alike; 'for there is no respect of persons with God.'
John ClimacusRead
Obedience is the burial of the will and the resurrection of humility.
John ClimacusRead
The slave of the belly ponders the menu with which to celebrate the feast. The servant of God, however, thinks of the graces that may enrich him.
John ClimacusRead
Ascend, my brothers, ascend eagerly. Let your hearts' resolve be to climb. Listen to the voice of the one who says: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of our God' (Isa. 2:3), Who makes our feet to be like the feet of the deer, 'Who sets us on the high places, that we may be triumphant on His road' (Hab. 3:19).
John ClimacusRead
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...it is proper that the duty of helping the poor and unfortunate should especially stir Catholics, since they are members of the Mystical Body of Christ. In this we have come to know the love of God, said John the Apostle, that He laid down His life for us, and we likewise ought to lay down our life for the brethren. He who has the goods of this world and sees his brother in need and closes his heart to him, how does the love of God abide in him? (1Jn 3:16 17)
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The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.
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