Asceticism · Atlas

in the texts

Kitāb al-Safīnah al-Nūḥīyah fī al-sakīnah al-rūḥīyahMedieval · Arabic

The ascetic condition reached by disciplining the soul and severing it from accustomed appetites, the first of the attainments above the reproaching soul.

Then, when its owner disciplines it and cuts it off from what it is accustomed to and removes the hindrance, it is the soul of an ascetic;

ch. 7 ¶ · printed page 33

then to strive to abandon the good things of this world by looking to their outcomes, so that he becomes an ascetic in regard to them;

ch. 8 ¶ · printed page 38

Barlaam and JosaphatMedieval · Greek

The rigorous discipline of fasting, prayer, and self-denial practiced by both hermits.

And, to speak simply, so great was his contest of asceticism that even Barlaam, who had passed many years in it, marvelled, and was outdone by his steadfast firmness.

chapter 38 ¶

be so disposed as to expect your departure hence each day, and as though the same day were for you both the beginning of asceticism and its end.

chapter 39 ¶

348. And so, rising to prayer, they performed the customary offices. Then, calling food to mind, Barlaam set forth a costly table, full of spiritual seasoning, but having very little of bodily comfort. For there were raw vegetables, of which the old man was himself the worker and husbandman, and a few dates found in that same desert, and wild herbs. Having given thanks, then, and partaken of what …

chapter 38 ¶