On Stillness

Saint John Climacos
The Ladder of Divine Ascent

Obviously St John is writing to those who have chosen a path geared for the ascetical level of renunciation of the disfigured passions. Nevertheless, we who have not chosen the monastic life must carefully adjust the directives St John gives. If you find it difficult to do so, do not neglect asking. 

Our Savior requires renunciation of all mankind, whatever mode of life one chooses, if he or she is to qualify and be granted the prize of Eternal Life in Paradise.

In the previous chapter of the Ladder, St. John wrote concisely on just how hazardous it is to be judgmental, and how this sin sneaks into the hearts of people that appear to be very spiritual. We also wrote how it is blessed to put oneself under the rebuke and reproof of the tongue. Here we must demonstrate the root cause of this sin, and give a report on the mode of entry, or rather, exit.

Gregariousness is the throne of pride, which delights itself in showing off. To do so is a mark of ignorance, a gateway to slander, a slave of untruth, the destruction of remorse, the author of depression, the forerunner of sleep, the dissolution of memory, the ruin of vigil, the cooling of zeal, the dimming of prayer.

Intentional stillness is the mother of prayer, a calling back from imprisonment, a preserving of fire, a director of the mind, a vigil against enemies, a jail of sorrow, a companion of teardrops, a powerful remembrance of death, an artist of correction, a busybody with judgment, an assistant to distress, an enemy of liberty of speaking, a friend of quietness, an enemy of the desire to instruction, an increase of understanding, an author of meditation, secret progress, unseen rising.

The one who has become mindful of his vices has mastered his tongue, but a gregarious person has not yet understood himself as he should. The companion of stillness draws close to God, and by speaking with Him privately, he is enlightened by God. Jesus' silence made a disgrace of Pilate, and by a man's silence, pride is overcome. When Peter spoke a word, he grieved bitterly, because he forgot the one who said, "I said, I will be mindful of my ways that with my tongue I do not sin." Also the other who said, "A fall from on high to the earth is better than a trip of the tongue."

I have no desire to write many things on this topic, even though the trickery of the passion would like me to do so. But once, I heard from someone who questioned me about stillness. I told him that chattiness is certainly the offspring of either a poor, lazy setting and habit (because the tongue requires discipline like the rest of the body), or, especially in the case of ascetics, chattiness is rooted in pride, and at times gluttony. This is the reason why many who check the stomach through violence are able to easily bridle the tongue and its loose lips. The one who is concerned with his own death, reduces his use of words. And the one who has received spiritual grief, avoids chattiness like fire. The one who has fallen in love with stillness keeps his mouth shut, but the one that enjoys roaming about is pushed out of his cell by this passion. The one who understands the aroma of fire from up high, flees from conversation with men like a honeybee from smoke. For the bee is driven back by smoke, while a man is delayed by company. There are few who can hold water without a bucket and still fewer who can control an unrestrained tongue. Step eleven. The one who has conquered it has smitten a variety of evils.