- Spiritual growth is like growing a garden, you gotta fertilize and weed out resentment, distractions, and anger.
- Prayer has three stages: illumination, perfection, and transformation of the mind.
- The Eucharist is a deep experience of entering God's presence.
- Prayer moves from reading to reciting to silence, leading to communion with God.
- The old man in us is resurrected in inner conflict, but through purification, we can commune with God.
Introduction: The Philokalia, Part 3: The Ascent 
Table of Contents
The Ascent is an important phase in spiritual growth that involves entering into noetic realms by overcoming distractions and resentments. This phase is not limited to monastics but is applicable to anyone seeking spiritual transformation.
Key Takeaways 
Point | Description |
---|---|
The Ascent involves overcoming distractions and resentments | Important phase in spiritual growth |
This phase is for everyone, not just monastics | It can be experienced by anyone seeking change |
Silence is a prerequisite for prayer | Stillness of mind is important for spiritual growth |
The Three Phases of Spiritual Transformation 
Illumination 
Entering into the noetic realms requires silence of the rational mind and a deep spiritual experience that allows the cleansing of the soul and renunciation of worldly thoughts and desires.
Phase | Description |
---|---|
Stillness precedes prayer and is a prerequisite for spiritual growth | Cleansing of the soul and renouncing worldly thoughts is important |
Three Stages of Illumination 
Prayer has different levels, with reading the prayers being the most basic form. Moving from reading to reciting prayers touches the consciousness and shows deeper spiritual growth.
Different Levels of Prayer | Description |
---|---|
Reading prayers is the first level of prayer | Reciting prayers is a more advanced level that touches the consciousness |
The Deeper Meaning of Prayer and Communion with God 
The process of deification involves entering into union and communion with God. This transforms human beings and allows them to partake in the mystery of Christ, unifying themselves with the divine presence.
Deeper and Deeper 
Reciting prayers and listening to hymns can slowly move a person from rational prayer to silence. This deep prayer experience can lead you to experience the presence of the divine.
Deepening Prayer | Description |
---|---|
Moving from rational to silent prayer | Listening to hymns to experience the presence of the divine |
The Evolution of Spirituality 
The Battle Within 
The transformation process requires the renunciation of ego and passions to experience a deeper connection with God. This involves letting go of old self-concepts and purifying the soul.
Battle with the Ego | Description |
---|---|
Letting go of old self-concepts and purifying the soul | Imprisonment from thoughts should be released |
The Journey of Faith and Spiritual Growth 
Faith is not just a matter of belief in doctrinal teachings, but a deeper understanding of spiritual communion and entering into the experience of God's presence.
The Quest for Spiritual Communion 
Spiritual growth is a continuous journey towards a deeper experience of communion with God, achieved through contemplation and deep prayer.
Spiritual Communion | Description |
---|---|
Communion with God requires deep contemplation and prayer | Faith is a continuous quest for spiritual growth |
This article covers the significance of The Ascent, the three phases of spiritual transformation, the deeper meaning of prayer and communion with God, the battle within, and the journey of faith and spiritual growth. Embracing the noetic realms and deepening the spiritual experience is essential for spiritual growth and inner transformation.